InstallFree Bridge Suite a Solid App Virtualization Choice, eWEEK Labs Finds

The InstallFree Management Console is where application deployment policy is set by IT, based on information already available in Active Directory.

Applications in light blue are deployed to the user at the group level (screen left, “ewkedit”). The Microsoft Office Word viewer, in white, was deployed only to user “Cameron Sturdevant.”

After selecting an Active Directory group, I assigned and removed applications.

The InstallFree Bridge uses various components, including the Shell Shadow, to enable virtualized applications to communicate with each other and physical resources when permitted by policy.

I could patch virtual applications by assigning prepared software updates through the InstallFree Management Console.

InstallFree is the kind of small company that accommodates the wishes of its customers when possible. Thus, various versions of the InstallFree Bridge (the component on the desktop) and Engine (which is used on the server) can be used depending on which works best with the virtual application. However, it’s not a practice I’d recommend.

End users will see an InstallFree Bridge icon. This little interface nub is used to communicate about available applications and troubleshooting information.

I was able to quickly use a virtual version Open Office Writer to create a test document on a Windows system. It almost goes without saying that Open Office was not actually installed on this Windows system.

Here you see detailed InstallFree information for user “ddonston” (representing eWEEK Editor Deb Donston).