Application Launcher and the NAL Service manage all tasks for applications associated with the logged-in user. However, in addition to associating applications with users, you can associate applications with workstations. This requires that workstations be included in eDirectory as Workstation objects and that Workstation Manager be running on the workstations (see Section III, Automatic Workstation Import and Removal).
When Workstation Manager starts, it loads the Application Launcher Workstation Helper (zenappws.dll). The Workstation Helper authenticates to eDirectory as the workstation (through the Workstation object). The Workstation Helper finds any applications associated with the workstation and performs any preconfigured management tasks associated with the applications. For example, if you've scheduled an application to be pre-installed in the middle of the night (also referred to as a “lights out” distribution), the application is distributed to the workstation by the Workstation Helper. Or, if you've configured an application to be launch immediately, the Workstation Helper launches the application.
The Workstation Helper does not have a user interface. Workstation-associated applications are only displayed when Application Launcher is running. When Application Launcher starts, it receives the list of workstation-associated applications from the Workstation Helper. Application Launcher then displays the workstation-associated applications just as it does the user-associated applications.
The Workstation Helper refreshes—that is, rereads eDirectory for changes to Application objects associated with the workstation—when 1) Application Launcher is started, 2) Application Launcher is manually refreshed, or 3) the Workstation Helper's scheduled refresh time occurs (see Configuring Workstation Settings).