Softgrid: Machine vs User Cache on the Client

Using Softgrid, applications are virtualized and packaged in (basically) on file, streamed to the user and launched locally on the client. On the client, these applications run in a 'bubble' so that it is isolated from other virtual applications. One of the nice consequences of virtualization is that some applications that would normally not be server-based computing (SBC) compliant can be made so. This is a consequence of the fact that on the client, a user cache exists.

Let me give the example of an INI file that is used by application X to store user-related data. Normally, on a terminal server, this INI file would be shared by all users and thus only one user would be able to use the application at one time. Using Softricity, this INI file is virtualized and is configured to be 'user configuration' (see also here). This way, changes to this file are stored in a cache specific to the user (in the user's profile). Every user has its own version of the INI file and no conflicts can arise.

Setting the INI file as 'user configuration' is automatically done by the sequencer during the sequencing process and it is because the sequencer has certain rules saying 'This type of file needs to be user-specific'. In my case, the files that need to be user-specific are not yet created at the time of sequencing (they are later created normal usage of it. No broblem you say?! When a file is created inside a virtual directory (a directory that does not exist locally on the client, but comes with the virtual environment) it is stored cache! Yes, but in machine cache, not user cache!

What I would need in this specific case is a possibility to define which types of files need to be cache machine-wide and which user-based, not on the sequencer (see this SeqTypes tool by VirtualApp) but on the client. Or in other words, I would like to have the SeqTypes tool available on the Softgrid client. Has anyone experience or more information on this?

ITWorks Virtualization Seminar

2 days ago, I was speaking at a seminar concerning Virtualization (http://www.eyeon.be/event.php?id=VIRTD1). Together with Wim van Balen, we gave an overview of different virtualization types (from hardware virtualization to application virtualization) and various examples of tools per type. This is a big scope, and perhaps too big for one afternoon.

One thing that I would have liked to do is putting VMware ESX next to Xen (and possibly Virtual Iron) and compare the products on different levels. This, however, is hard because unfortunately I only have theoretical knowledge about the latter two. Ideally, I would like to sit together with some people who know more about Xen and discuss strong and weak points of both. In the end, this is what and IT manager in the field is asking for... Any volunteers?

ScribeFire again

Did I mention I'm using ScribeFire to post these blog entries? The thing that drives me crazy is the following: (.  ). I'll have to spend some time finding out how to get rid of this.

To use the mouse or not?

Some time ago, I installed Enso (http://www.humanized.com) and fell in love with the easy and fast way of working. Tools like this can really give your productivity a boost. There is one disadvantage for poor consultants like me: Enso is not free (little less than 20 dollars). Nevertheless, this company is one to keep an eye on (check their blog as well, when you're at it) as other great ideas are under way.

This morning, I noticed that a plugin for Launchy (open source) has been created that enables to you to open already open windows. Launchy is free and the plugin as well, so this means that there is a free alternative to Enso. Well, not completely but I'll leave it up to you to take a look at both products and find the differences.

Google and Virtualization

Check this post: http://www.virtualization.info/2007/06/google-acquires-application.html



Not much can be found on the website, but from the description, the idea sounds familiar...