Software virtualization is a technology that isolates applications running on a computer, from the operating system itself as well as from other applications on that machine.
Although this description sounds pretty technical, several aspects in this description may play a role in your management decision whether or not to go for virtualization technology.
Virtualized applications run in their own “bulb” in memory. This means they do not affect the configuration of the computer or other applications running on that machine.
That makes installation very easy:
1. Create a folder on a server in the network;
2. Copy the software and any additional files into that folder;
3. Assign user rights to that application, this can be done by the IT staff using so-called floating profiles.
Removing that software is equally simple. Delete the software and the folder, adjust the user profiles and you are done. This alone can cut down the cost of delivering software with 30% per machine!
Upgrading this type of software is equally easy.
Put the newest version of the software in the folder created previously.
Older versions of that software can be stored in a different folder. rolling back to previous versions (if necessary) is then a simple job.
Increased productivity by end-users is made possible, since the software they need for their day-to-day jobs is earlier available. This also brings more satisfaction for those end-users. No need to say that this plays a role in their productivity.
Centralizing the control over software packages makes managing licenses a lot easier and therefore less expensive. Over 25% cost reduction is possible on these two aspects.
Since virtualized software runs in its own “box”, the configuration of the computer running this software is not altered. This means that the IT staff has much less work on PC maintenance. One can save more than 20% on PC maintenance.
Testing and software support is a lot easier, all run-time files are included in one file.
Running it for testing immediate brings up a warning if there is a missing file. That issue can then be solved before making the software available for end-users.
Independent operating support departments report that they spend 15% less time on support for virtualized applications.
In terms of money the total cost of ownership are reduced by more than $80 (50+ Euro) PER computer per year, using a solid software virtualization solution.
