Microsoft, Citrix Systems and AppStream are among the pack of vendors rushing to gain a foothold in the emerging application virtualization software market. As the focus on virtualization moves beyond the server and operating system to desktop applications, new offerings—including Microsoft"s recently acquired SoftGrid platform and Citrix"s Project Tarpon technology—will hit the streets later this quarter. AppStream"s AppStream 5.0, StreamTheory"s AppExpress, Altiris" Software Virtualization Solution and Ardence Software Streaming Platform are other alternatives that stream desktop applications.
Partners and customers increasingly are eyeing application virtualization and streaming offerings to reduce desktop application conflicts, management and security woes; speed up upgrades to Windows and Office; and stream application bits to the desktop on demand.