The method of delivery will depend on the type of application to be delivered, the user’s requirements and the device they are using. Sometimes there will be a requirement for a user to be able to access applications on different devices at multiple locations.

Web Applications
Many applications can be delivered over the web providing the user has access to the Internet and a browser. The problem with web applications is that they are feature reduced and can be easy to exploit, posing a security risk.

Windows Applications
There are many applications that use Windows, well known examples are Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The traditional approach is to install each application on every end user’s PC, but this is very difficult to manage and maintain. Server-based computing is an advanced network architecture where applications are deployed, managed, supported and executed 100% on the server using Microsoft Terminal Services without comprising performance. There are products on the market that enhance Terminal Services functionality further, Citrix is the most well known.

Windows Desktop delivery
A well-designed application delivery strategy should also incorporate Windows Desktops, as they represent the primary operating environment through which users access their applications. A desktop can be delivered through Microsoft Terminal Services or a new technology called Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). The user experience is exactly the same, but the PC becomes a display device for activity taking place on the server and can in many cases be replaced by simpler, less expensive devices called "thin clients." To find out more about thin clients, click here

Having considered the options for application delivery you will then need to consider your organisation’s level of involvement in delivering the solution. Many companies choose to do everything in house, whilst others require more assistance and sometimes a fully hosted solution.

What level of assistance do you need?