Introduction

VMware App Volumes is a real-time application delivery system that enterprises use to dynamically deliver and manage applications. Applications are bundled in AppStacks and delivered by attaching a standard VMDK file to a virtual machine. Administrators can centrally manage the applications with the App Volumes Manager, a Web-based interface that is integrated with Active Directory (AD) and vSphere. Administrators can assign, update, or remove applications at the next user login or in real time and there is no need to modify the desktops or individual applications. Writable Volumes allow users to access their application data across sessions and devices. Applications delivered using App Volumes look and feel natively installed and you can update or replace the applications in real time.

With App Volumes, applications become VM-independent objects that can be moved easily across data centers or to the cloud and shared with thousands of virtual machines. In a virtual desktop environment, App Volumes provides the following benefits:

Real-Time Application Delivery

  • Delivers and upgrades applications at scale and in seconds
  • Dynamically delivers applications without interrupting users even if they are logged in

Cost-Optimized Infrastructure

  • Optimizes application delivery to drive down compute, network, and storage costs
  • Can reduce storage costs for VDI
  • Works with existing infrastructure with flexible delivery to users, groups, or devices

Seamless End-User Experience

  • Supports fully customizable desktops, with the freedom for end users to install their own applications
  • Creates a persistent user experience with nonpersistent economics

The VMware App Volumes Manager Server is a Windows Server system used as the Web Console for administration and configuration of App Volumes and assignment of AppStacks and writable volumes. App Volumes Manager is also used as a broker for the App Volumes Agents, for automated assignment of applications and writable volumes during desktop startup or user login.

In environments where App Volumes are extensively used, if an AppStack could not be assigned to a user or if the user could not access the applications due to lack of storage space in the volumes, users are forced to wait till the AppStacks are made available or the storage space is increased. To avoid such poor user experience, it is necessary for the administrators to monitor the VMware App Volumes Manager round the clock! eG Enterprise helps administrators in this regard!