1.0 Overview

Novell ZENworks Application Virtualization lets you convert applications that run on Microsoft Windows into self-contained virtual applications. After being virtualized, an application becomes a single, isolated file that runs instantly from anywhere, including a thumb drive or other removable media. Unlike traditional installation methods, the single virtual application file does not require a separate setup process, and does not rely on external components and runtimes, reboots, or administrative privileges. The application is now isolated from other system applications, preventing DLL conflicts and other deployment nightmares, yet the experience for the application’s user is unchanged.

ZENworks Application Virtualization lets you use the Configuration Wizard to prepare applications for virtualization.

To virtualize applications such as Novell GroupWise or GroupWise Messenger, you have the following options:

  • Use the options in the Configuration Wizard to virtualize these applications. This process is recommended for first-time users. For more information, see Section 1.1, Using the Configuration Wizard to Prepare Applications for Virtualization.

  • Configure these applications manually. This guide provides step-by-step information to help you use Novell ZENworks Application Virtualization to create virtual executable files to run virtual applications and recipes.

    You can use the information in this guide to customize the virtualized files or you can use the information to better understand the virtualization process. For more information, see Section 1.2, Manually Preparing Applications for Virtualization.

  • If you use Novell ZENworks Configuration Management in your environment, you can configure your virtual application so that it checks to ensure that the ZENworks Adaptive Agent is installed on the device and that the device is registered to your ZENworks Management Zone before the application can be launched. You can also use ZENworks Application Virtualization to publish ZENworks bundles that you can distribute by using ZENworks Configuration Management. For more information, see Section 5.0, Using Virtual Applications with ZENworks Configuration Management.