Xenocode releases Virtual Application Studio 2009

Xenocode, the Seattle-based company producing application virtualization technology, has released the latest version of the company’s flagship product originally launched back in May of 2008, Virtual Application Studio. The software is a developer-focused authoring environment that virtualizes existing Windows applications.

“This major update to Virtual Application Studio delivers powerful new application delivery and management capabilities to systems administrators,” said Kenji Obata, Code Systems founder and CEO. “Xenocode virtualization provides an easy, affordable method for IT professionals to reduce application support and maintenance costs while improving their users’ desktop experience and productivity.”

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While server virtualization technology is still the king in the virtualization market, application virtualization is starting to gain a foothold in the industry. Unlike traditional hardware virtualization solutions that duplicate an entire host operating system, application virtualization solutions like Xenocode are lightweight and emulate only the core operating system features that are required for application execution.

The company said that “Xenocoded” applications require no setup, configuration, clients, or device drivers; are insulated from application and component conflicts; and run seamlessly on Windows Vista and locked-down desktops.

And Xenocode-virtualized applications can be deployed over the Internet, intranets, USB devices, and existing desktop management infrastructure. The technology was even licensed by Novell back in September of 2008 and is being leveraged in Novell ZENworks Application Virtualization.

Virtual Application Studio 2009 introduces a couple of new key features:

• Active Directory deployment and Windows shell integration: It can now easily deploy virtual applications to Active Directory user groups, and it offers a fully scriptable shell integration tool that allows virtual application shortcuts and file associations to be registered on user desktops.
• Enhanced sandbox management: This version supports dynamic management of something the company calls virtual “bubbles,” which allow fine-grained control over application linking and communication. And a new sandbox auto reset allows changes made to application settings to be instantly reverted.
• One-click import of MSI setups: Existing MSI setup packages and other configuration formats can be virtualized with a single click, eliminating the need for time-consuming recapture.
• Dozens of new application templates added: Virtual Application Studio’s unique application template wizard allows one-click virtualization of many popular applications, including the latest versions of Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer.

Xenocode is also working on another product, Virtual Desktop, which is currently in beta. Virtual Desktop will help to deploy Xenocode-based virtual desktops and applications within the organization, making this an important addition to gain wider enterprise adoption.

Xenocode Virtual Application Studio 2009 is now available for download.