Traditional methods of deploying applications focus on automating the installation of applications on desktops.  While the process is automated, there are still many management and support issues that arise, including incompatible applications, constant updating and patching of applications, and operating system "bloat".

Virtualizing applications is the concept of separating the application from the operating system or encapsulating the application into a portable, standalone format.  Application virtualization is usually done via two methods.

Hosted Applications

Applications that are hosted are those which run on a central server farm, such as Microsoft® Terminal Services or Citrix® XenApp™.  The software is actually loaded on a central server farm, and is presented or displayed to the user on their screen.

Streamed Applications

Applications that are streamed are created as packages, and then are streamed to the PC over the network in real time.  The application is actually executed on the client PC, but it is encapsulated from the operating system to avoid conflicts with other applications.  Streamed applications can be done with Microsoft® Application Virtualization or Citrix® XenApp™.