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Desktop Virtualization vs. Application Virtualization

Desktop Virtualization vs. Application Virtualization: In this tutorial, we will learn about desktop and application virtualizations, and the difference between desktop virtualization vs. application virtualization. By Rahul Gupta Last updated : June 04, 2023

What is Desktop Virtualization?

To have a robust desktop environment management system, desktop virtualization can be used in combination with application virtualization and user profile management systems, called desktop virtualization. All the components of the desktop are virtualized in this mode, which enables a highly scalable and much more reliable model of desktop delivery. Besides, a more robust desktop recovery plan is enabled by this approach as all components are effectively stored in the data center and backed up by conventional redundant maintenance systems. If the device or hardware of a user is missing, the repair is quick and simple, since the components from another device would be available at login. Moreover, since no data is stored on the computer of the user, if the device is lost, there is far less risk that any sensitive data can be recovered and compromised.

Advantages of Desktop Virtualization

• Security: Desktop virtualization software provides IT administrators with centralized security control over which users can access which data and which applications. If a user's permissions change because they leave the company, desktop virtualization makes it simple for IT to quickly revoke that user's access to their persistent virtual desktop and all its data instead of having to manually uninstall all of that user's computers. And a lost or stolen device does not face the same data danger because, rather than on each machine, all company data lives inside the data centre. If anyone uses desktop virtualization to steal a laptop, there is no real machine company details and thus less chance of a breach.
• Resource Management: Desktop virtualization lets IT departments get the most from their hardware investments by consolidating most of their computing in a data centre. Desktop virtualization then helps companies to issue lower-cost computers and tablets to end users where none of the intensive computing work in the data centre takes place. IT departments can save money by purchasing less costly machines by minimizing how much computation is needed for end-users on the endpoint computers.
• Remote work: Desktop virtualization enables IT, administrators, to support remote employees by giving central IT power over desktop virtual implementation across an organization's devices. Desktop virtualization allows IT, rather than manually setting up a new desktop for each user, to simply install a ready-to-go virtual desktop to that user's laptop. The user can now communicate with the operating system and applications on that desktop from every place, and the experience of the employee would be the same as if they were working locally. Once the user has finished using this virtual desktop, they can log off and return the desktop image to the shared pool.

What is Application Virtualization?

Virtualization of applications is a technology that encapsulates an application on which it is executed from the underlying operating system. It allows an application to be accessed without needing to install it on the target device.

The application works and interacts with its device from the user's perspective. As well as using familiar keyboard and mouse operations, the user can resize, move, or minimize the application window. At times, there may be slight variations, but the consumer has a smooth experience for the most part.

Advantages of Application Virtualization

There are several advantages to application virtualization, some of which are described below:

• Better Portability: Virtualized apps can be used on any endpoint, whether Windows, Android, or IOS, anywhere and anywhere. Furthermore, this added portability enables sensitive data to remain on the server, and if an endpoint is compromised or stolen, there is no need to worry.
• Simplified Support: If there are problems with the operation of the virtual apps, then helpdesk workers can quickly see it from a central location and centrally address the problems.
• Independence from the Operating System: Virtualized apps are independent of the operating system used, making them available for every Microsoft, IOS, or Android endpoint.
• Simple to get rid of applications: To get rid of them, we can easily uninstall virtual applications. Uninstallation is therefore not necessary on each device.
• Reduced conflicts between applications: Installing one application may sometimes lead to problems and the other may crash. Because virtualized apps are virtual versions running on endpoints, this problem is largely reduced.
• Simple Installation: We can install an application once on the server and simply virtualized the application to as many endpoints as we want. The need to install the application on each endpoint is therefore reduced.
• Easy deployment: It's also easy to deploy applications for clients or partners. We can simply send them the already configured executable file, and it becomes easier to deploy these apps.
• Easier Rollback: If an application is not working as expected, it can be centrally reverted or rolled-back to its most stable state easily.
• Improved Security: Because virtualized applications, as well as the operating system, are isolated from each other, malware that appears in one cannot impact the other.
• Easier updates: The virtualized apps can be updated once, from a central location, and these updates do not have to be done on all desktops individually.

Differences Between Desktop Virtualization and Application Virtualization

1	Desktop Virtualization	Application Virtualization
1	Provides greater virtual infrastructure versatility.	The smaller degree of versatility by contrast.
2	Richer and clear experience with desktops.	Desktop experience varies between software and applications.
3	It is difficult to manage applications because simple adjustments enable the "golden image" to be redeployed in all VDI instances.	Enables faster programmer maintenance, allowing improvements to take place without even knowing that changes have taken place by the user.
4	Depending on the use situation, the cost may be a concern.	Cost-effective cure.
5	In the underlying OS, applications are still related to.	Isolates the programmer entirely from the underlying OS.
6	Provides users with the experience of a full desktop.	Provides consumers with the individualized experience to render it application-specific.