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Softgrid 4.5 Renamed To Microsoft Application Virtualization, Features Added

Tuesday, 13 November 2007 by Michel Roth

Today Microsoft announced the Beta release of Softgrid 4.5. While they were at it, they also renamed SofGrid to Microsoft Application Virtualization. So is the name the only change in 4.5? Heck no!

Softgrid...erhm.... Microsoft Application Virtualization ( Man that names is way to long - MAV from now on) 4.5 incorporates several new features that I think really add value to the product. Here's the top 3 of of the new features I really like

1. Lightweight Streaming Server (LWS)
A "lite" Softgrid server. Perfect for branch office scenarios. It does stream but does not require the database (SQL), Active Directory or the SoftGrid Management Console. This really enhances MAV's Enterprise readiness in my book.

2. Dynamic Suiting
Dynamic Suiting makes it possible for virtual applications to interact with each other. This is typically suited for environments that require some form of client or runtime. Take the Java Runtime for example. Now you could have one virtual front end application use the virtual oracle client.

3. Enhanched Preloading
This might seem small but I love it. In desktop environment (especially de-central environments) preloading applications is a real pain. In MAV 4.5 it's now possible to preload or applications using BITS.

There are a lot more new features and Ruben Spruit has done a great job describing them all on BrianMadden.com.