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Application streaming is a relatively new form of software distribution method using Application Virtualization . By virtualizing the application and streaming blocks of executable code, it can be run on the client side before it is finished downloading. This is in contrast of Terminal Server Computing, where the application is running on the server. HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY The first known forms of application streaming were released by Omnishift and StreamTheory in 2000. A primary difference is that the size of the server required to support a number of clients is significantly lower with Application Streaming, since the server's primary function is to stream executable blocks of code for subsequent execution rather than actually executing the client's session on the host server. Application Streaming is only practical in a broad band environment whereas Terminal Server based protocols can function satisfactorily at ISDN type speeds. The network profiles are also different. Terminal services steadily uses small to medium amounts of bandwidth as long as the session is running, application streaming requires a burst of bandwidth to start the application but then potentially requires little or no bandwidth thereafter. Application Streaming offers a number of advantages over traditional terminal server services. Streaming means that the application is run on the local machine negating the need for larger server farms. Applications run much faster and the user experience is greatly enhanced. User interactivity is greater since the user is interacting with local applications with local computing resources rather than a windows session remotely painting and reading a pseudo screen, aka 'screen scraping'. Performance figures from some vendors (Endeavors Technologies {Link without Title} ) highlight factors of between 100 to 1 and 1000 to 1 in terms of relative server throughput performance. Since most users already have 'fat clients' aka normal PCs the total cost of ownership of 'Thin Client' client computing is typically unrealistically portrayed as a lower cost solution. Application Streaming allows a smaller server to support a larger user population than any form of network computing. There are two distinct models in the Application Streaming market. The first is to package a number of applications together and stream those as one solution (called sandboxing). This has advantages in that they do not communicate with the clients other installed applications nor do they communicate with the Operating System or Registry, therefore they will not cause conflicts with other applications. The disadvantage of this approach is when new versions or updates are required to components that have been streamed, the total package of programs needs to be re-published. Softricity's Technologies {Link without Title} Softgrid personifies this approach. Another method,(available from Endeavors {Link without Title} )is to put a transparent layer between the Operating System and the Registry so individual applications can be streamed on demand and appear to work as if they are installed locally i.e. work with file and printer sharing, interact with existing software (cut and paste for example which is not possible with the Sandboxing method). The advantage of the Endeavors approach is that it offers more flexibility, as they interact with system devices. Application Streaming is often characterized as part of Virtualization, a more generic description for all methods of isolating the interaction of operating systems and applications with basic hardware platforms. |
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