Improving Application Compatibility with PSF and appCURE Studio

Improving Application Compatibility with PSF and appCURE Studio

Feb 24, 2023 | Articles

The Package Support Framework (PSF) helps developers and IT admins package applications into the MSIX package format. PSF is designed to help overcome common challenges when packaging and deploying software using MSIX, such as compatibility issues, missing dependencies, incorrect registry entries and issues related to running the application inside an MSIX container.

PSF consists of three core components: the PSF Launcher, Config file and Fixups. The PSF Launcher is a small executable responsible for starting your application. The Fixups are small dynamic-link libraries (DLLs) that the PSF Launcher loads to fix any issues that might prevent your application from running and the config file that you use to configure PSF.

PSF is beneficial for developers and IT Admins who are repackaging and deploying desktop applications. In these cases, the PSF helps to ensure that your application runs on modern versions of Windows and can handle different hardware configurations. For example, suppose your application relies on a specific version of the .NET Framework. In that case, PSF can be configured to ensure that this version is installed before your application starts. However, you may want to handle the required runtime before installing apps.

Another advantage of the PSF is that it helps resolve dependencies between different application components. For example, suppose your application relies on a specific version of a DLL. In that case, the PSF can be configured to ensure that this DLL is included in the installation package and is available when the application starts. Again, this helps ensure your application runs smoothly and is free of compatibility issues.

Finally, PSF is easy to use with the help of appCURE Studio. PSF uses a simple JSON configuration file that developers and IT admins can modify to specify the fixups they want to use and the configuration options they need. This file is part of the installation package and is read by the PSF Launcher when the application starts. appCURE Studio helps simplify the manual creation and customisation of these PSF configuration files, making the process of using the PSF even more accessible for IT admins.

In conclusion, the Package Support Framework (PSF) is a powerful tool for IT admins and developers packaging and deploying desktop applications into the MSIX format. The PSF helps improve application compatibility when using MSIX as a packaging format.

 

Want to learn more, Why not get In touch with our team today!

Find Out More

Introduction to Citrix App Streaming

Introduction to Citrix App Streaming

Feb 21, 2023 | Articles

Citrix App Streaming was a technology designed to help businesses deliver applications to end-users without the need for installations on individual devices. Instead, the applications were installed on a central server and streamed to users when needed. This helped businesses save time and resources while ensuring that all users had access to the same version of the software. Citrix App Streaming used a file streaming technology to deliver the application content on-demand to the end-users.

End-of-Life Status

Citrix App Streaming has reached its end-of-life, and it is no longer receiving updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Citrix. Citrix has recommended that customers migrate to alternative solutions like Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, or Citrix Endpoint Management.

Migrating with appCURE

If you are a business currently using Citrix App Streaming, it is essential to find an alternative solution that meets your needs. One such solution is appCURE, a comprehensive application transformation platform that offers a range of features, including application streaming migration to MSIX and MSI.

AppCURE is designed to help businesses deliver applications seamlessly to their end-users, regardless of their location or device. With appCURE, users can access their applications from a central portal, making it easy to manage and monitor access to applications across your organization.

Get in Touch with appCURE

If you are currently using Citrix App Streaming or looking for an application delivery solution, appCURE can help. Our team of experts can work with you to understand your unique business needs and provide a customized solution that fits your requirements.

To learn more about appCURE and how we can help your business, please visit our website or contact us directly to schedule a consultation. We offer a comprehensive solution that can help streamline your application delivery and management, saving you time, resources, and money.

Want to learn more, Why not get In touch with our team today!

Find Out More
Why You Should Use Azure Key Vault and appCURE Studio for Code Signing MSIX Packages

Why You Should Use Azure Key Vault and appCURE Studio for Code Signing MSIX Packages

Feb 21, 2023 | Articles

Azure Key Vault is a cloud-based solution for securely storing and managing secrets, such as encryption keys, certificates, and connection strings. When it comes to code signing MSIX packages, Azure Key Vault can be a valuable tool for ensuring the security and integrity of your applications.

Code signing is the process of digitally signing an application to prove its authenticity and integrity. This helps to prevent tampering and ensure that the code has not been modified since it was signed. Code signing also helps to establish trust in the application and its publisher, which is especially important for applications distributed outside of an organization’s network.

MSIX is a new package format for Windows applications that was introduced with Windows 10. MSIX packages are intended to replace the older .appx and .msi formats, and provide a more secure and flexible way to distribute and install applications.

Using Azure Key Vault for code signing MSIX packages offers several benefits, including:

Security: Azure Key Vault provides a secure and highly available environment for storing and managing secrets. This means that your code signing certificates and private keys are protected from theft or unauthorized access.

Centralization: By storing your code signing certificates and keys in Azure Key Vault, you can centralize the management of your code signing infrastructure. This makes it easier to enforce security policies and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Automation: Azure Key Vault provides an API that you can use to automate the code signing process. This can help to streamline the packaging and deployment of your applications, and reduce the risk of human error.

Compliance: Azure Key Vault is a fully managed service that is audited and compliant with various industry regulations, such as SOC 1, SOC 2, and ISO 27001. This can help you to meet your compliance requirements and demonstrate your commitment to security.

In order to use Azure Key Vault for code signing MSIX packages, you’ll need to have a code signing certificate and a private key that are stored in Azure Key Vault. You can use an existing code signing certificate, or you can generate a new one using the Azure Key Vault Certificates service.

However, managing Azure Key Vault secrets and automating the code signing process can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you’re not familiar with the Key Vault API. That’s where appCURE Studio comes in.

appCURE Studio is an application transformation toolkit that simplifies the use of Azure Key Vault for code signing MSIX packages. With appCURE Studio, you can manage your code signing certificates and private keys in Azure Key Vault, and use the platform to automate the code signing process. This can help to simplify the management of your code signing infrastructure and reduce the risk of human error. By using appCURE Studio, you can take advantage of the security and reliability of Azure Key Vault, while simplifying the process of code signing MSIX packages.

In conclusion, if you’re packaging or deploying MSIX packages, you should consider using Azure Key Vault for code signing. With its secure and highly available environment, centralized management, automation capabilities, and compliance with industry regulations, Azure Key Vault provides a valuable solution for ensuring the security and integrity of your applications. And with appCURE Studio, you can simplify the process of managing Azure Key Vault secrets and automating the code signing process.

 

Want to learn more, Why not get In touch with our team today!

Find Out More
Understanding the Difference between Runtime and Applications

Understanding the Difference between Runtime and Applications

Feb 17, 2023 | Articles

One common question in the world of tech is the difference between runtime and applications. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to two distinct but related elements in software development.

Runtime refers to the environment in which a program or application is executed or run. It provides the necessary support for the program to function and interact with the underlying operating system, hardware, and other programs. Examples of runtime environments include the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) for Java applications, the .NET runtime for .NET applications, and the Python interpreter for Python applications. The runtime environment acts as a bridge between the application and the underlying system, ensuring that the application can run smoothly and efficiently.

On the other hand, an application is a program that performs a specific task or set of tasks for the user. Applications can range from simple utilities and games to complex software such as word processors and graphic design tools. Applications are written in programming languages and are compiled or interpreted into machine code that the computer can execute. Applications are what the user interacts with and what they use to complete a task.

It’s important to note that runtime and applications are not mutually exclusive and that one application can have multiple runtime environments. For example, a Java application can run on multiple platforms, such as Windows, Mac, and Linux, because the JVM provides the necessary runtime environment for the application to run on each platform.

It is not mandatory to include runtime in an application installer, and some installer/packaging formats do not support runtime. This means the user may need to manually install the necessary runtime environment for the application to work. However, many applications come bundled with the required runtime environment, making it easier for the user to install and use the application.

In conclusion, runtime and applications are two distinct but closely related components in software development. The runtime environment provides the necessary support for applications to run smoothly and efficiently. In contrast, applications are programs that perform specific tasks for the user. Understanding the difference between runtime and applications is important for IT Pros, as it helps to ensure that applications are packaged, tested, and deployed correctly.

It’s important to note that, while they are distinct components, they are also very interdependent. Without a runtime environment, applications cannot be executed, and without applications, a runtime environment may not have a purpose. Additionally, the choice of runtime environment can have a significant impact on the performance, scalability, and portability of an application. Therefore, it’s crucial for developers and IT Pros to carefully consider both the runtime environment and the application deploying software.

Want to learn more, Why not get In touch with our team today!

Find Out More

Revolutionizing the Application Transformation Process with appCURE and AppVentiX Partnership

Revolutionizing the Application Transformation Process with appCURE and AppVentiX Partnership

Feb 16, 2023 | Events

In today’s fast-paced and rapidly changing technological landscape, organizations are constantly looking for ways to modernize their applications and stay ahead of the competition. This often involves migrating applications to modern, secure digital platforms, such as physical, virtual, or cloud-based systems. However, this process can be time-consuming, complex, and costly, especially for those organizations without in-depth application knowledge and skills.

To help address these challenges, appCURE, the leading provider of application migration solutions, and AppVentiX, a provider of innovative real-time application delivery platforms, have announced their partnership to bring a comprehensive and efficient solution to the application transformation and delivery process.

The partnership leverages the strengths of both companies to provide customers with an end-to-end solution that simplifies the migration of applications to modern, secure digital platforms. With appCURE’s unique “Running capture” capability, there’s no need for install media, extensive “clean” machine builds, or deep application knowledge, making the migration process much easier and more efficient.

The joint solution will allow customers to rapidly deliver applications, reducing time to production from months to days and freeing up IT resources for other projects. It will also improve application compatibility and reduce the risk of application failures and extended project times.

appCURE’s “Running Capture feature and extensive transformation portfolio, combined with AppVentiX’s real-time application delivery platform, will help organizations of all sizes to modernize their applications with ease and confidence in the cloud and\or on-premises. The partnership will also help organizations to improve their overall productivity, reduce costs, and automate their application delivery process.

In conclusion, the partnership between appCURE and AppVentiX represents a major step forward in the simplification and streamlining of the application transformation and delivery process. Organizations will now have access to a comprehensive and efficient solution that will help them to modernize their applications, stay ahead of the competition, and achieve their digital transformation goals.

For more information on appCURE and AppVentiX, and how they can help you with your application transformation and delivery needs get in touch.

For more information:

Want to learn more, Why not get In touch with our team today!

Find Out More