AppsAnywhere 2.11: Automatic App Licensing and new UI theme...

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In our latest release of AppsAnywhere 2.11 we've introduced two super-awesome product updates: one which paves the way for a revolution in app packaging, and the other which totally refreshes the look-and-feel of the app store...

We're more excited than ever for our customers to see what we've been working on at AppsanyWhere HQ. This release is centered around two of our key principles: simplicity and innovation.

Firstly, our development and packaging teams have been busy collaborating to engineer a way to introduce automation into the packaging process. And from directly within AppsAnywhere itself. We've never been satisfied that universities across the globe have to repetitively package the same apps over and over... and that's what we've set about changing!

Secondly, we want AppsAnywhere to continue to be the most innovative and inventive way that Higher Ed delivers apps to improve the IT service you give your students. So, in preparation for AppsAnywhere v3 in 2022, we've released an all-new UI theme. We've also made sure the previous UI is still there as a selectable theme, to give customers the choice of when you make the switch.

Keep reading to learn more about all of the updates in AppsAnywhere 2.11...

AppsAnywhere 2.11 live demo/webinar  

AppsAnywhere's COO, Phil Morgan, showcases the new AppsAnywhere release, 2.11. This release features Automatic app licensing, new UI updates, and much more.  

Automatic App Licensing  

A revolution in app packaging that accelerates your deployment time.

With this eagerly-anticipated feature, many widely used Higher Ed apps can now be licensed automatically on launch by entering your license details directly into AppsAnywhere. And we're adding more of these ready-to-deploy apps all the time. We've got 22 ready-to-license apps that are fully tested and compatible with this new feature, including ArcGIS, Maple, NVivo, SPSS and Stata.

To get this new feature you'll need to upgrade to 2.11 and contact our Support Team to enable Automatic App Licensing in your portal.

Related resources:
Full list of compatible AppsAnywhere apps >
Read more about how auto-app licensing works >

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY (oh wait, we're already paying customers). This is an amazing feature, and as a packager, this will make all our lives easier!
Simply select, insert license code, and ready to go! Impressive. Well thought out. Well implemented.

All-new UI updates        

A fresh look and feel for the app store.

We've introduced a new UI theme to update the overall look and feel of AppsAnywhere. The new designs reflect the upcoming v3 user interface, and we've also included a selectable theme so you can revert to the previous UI until you're ready to make the switch. We've built the new UI to make it even easier for students to get the apps they need. And we've got some even bigger plans for our v3 UI, so we'd love customer feedback on this new theme to help guide those plans...

Webinar/Workshop: A demo of the new AppsAnywhere UI >

Added OS support  

Supporting the latest and greatest operating systems.

AppsAnywhere has been future-proofed to support a wider variety of upcoming platforms, so you can continue to support all your BYO users in a consistent way, regardless of their device or OS. This update brings added AppsAnywhere support for:

  • iOS 15
  • MacOS 12 Monterey
  • Android 12

Full changelog and fixes

Get the full AppsAnywhere 2.11 release notes, including all the new features and a full list of fixes, too.

Full 2.11 release notes

AppsAnywhere 2.10 recap

Refresh your memory of what was new in AppsAnywhere 2.10, including Azure Virtual Desktop (formerly WVD) and Canvas integration...

AppsAnywhere 2.10 recap

AppsAnywhere 2.11 Features Brochure

With this eagerly-anticipated feature, many widely used Higher Ed apps can now be licensed automatically on launch by entering your license details directly into AppsAnywhere. And we’re adding more of these ready-to-deploy apps all the time. We’ve got 22 ready-to-license apps that are fully tested and compatible with this new feature, including ArcGIS, Maple, NVivo, SPSS, SolidWorks and Stata.

FAQs

Is there an option to still auto-validate?

Auto validation is still available as an option. We aim to ensure there are as few occasions of attempting to launch but being unable to as possible, and where they occur, explaining why.

Directory path local execution, when does detection occur? During login? During validation?

Detection occurs during validation - the client is given a list of directories to look in and it returns what it finds.

Any CSS options like Dark Mode available for users to customize the look of the portal?

Dark mode wasn't something we were able to do for this version, but it is something that we are looking to include in the future.

Can Download the Client be hidden?

If client download is not available in that instance - such as in labs mode or if client install is suppressed, then the client link will not appear. The client download link will also only appear on platforms which have a client - i.e. Windows and macOS.

When can we get 2.12?

If you would like to upgrade to 2.12 please submit a support request and the team will be touch.

How to implement BYOD in schools

To implement BYOD in a cost-effective and sustainable way, schools will need a clear idea of a number of key data points to understand which technologies are necessary and how many licenses of each technology are required: Number of users/devices Weighting of device type/platform (Windows vs Mac vs Linux) Software titles to deliver Usage data on software titles for licensing User groups requiring specialist software You can read more about implementing BYOD policies in schools in the SecurEdge article, ‘How to successfully implement a BYOD program into your school’ > https://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/how-to-successfully-implement-a-byod-program-into-your-school

How communication is improved in school with BYOD?

With a BYOD policy implemented, schools can begin working to introduce centralized communication points such as Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) or Learning Management Systems (LMSs). Software delivery tools such as AppsAnywhere also provide areas that can be used to communicate with students. Once BYOD is enabled, schools can be more confident that students are actively accessing digital academic resources through specific channels, and that communication propagated through those channels is much more likely to be seen.

Does BYOD save schools money?

Yes, it can do. While BYOD technologies may be expensive, with the correct provisioning and tools implemented, the decrease in hardware investment required from schools by allowing students to bring their own device and insight from reporting data can help schools save money on their software delivery.

Why BYOD is good for schools?

BYOD policies in schools reduce the hardware investment of electronic devices, including mobile devices, needed for schools to offer equal access to digital academic resources to all students. By leveraging student-owned hardware, BYOD policies in schools can increase the resources available to students, such as software, digital media and digital learning environments, at a fraction of the cost of ensuring there are enough organization-owned machines for every student to use. Furthermore, BYOD allows students to access school resources outside of school and outside of teaching hours via their own device.

Why is BYOD important in schools?

BYOD policies in schools help to introduce students to completing work from their own devices in preparation for higher education and employment. In an ever-more-digital world, getting used to using personal devices to complete work can help desensitize students to the potential distractions offered by those devices. BYOD can also help students learn to manage their time effectively in a society where the lines between work time and free time are becoming more and more blurred.

When is AppsAnywhere 3.0 out?

We’re excited to be releasing AppsAnywhere 3.0 in December 2022, in time for January enrolment. Your dedicated Customer Success team will be in touch when it’s available to ensure your institution gets the most out of AppsAnywhere.

How can I get the latest version?

To get the latest version if you are currently using AppsAnywhere, schedule a call with your specialist implementations team and we can help you to start benefiting from AppsAnywhere 2.12 now.

Who can help me deploy VDI?

Most IT professionals get excited when considering new technologies and solutions. Without a doubt, the prospect of a VDI deployment project is likely to get your team’s juices flowing. However, deploying VDI is complex and often includes a host of new infrastructure and unique software management tools. The best advice is to engage with a vendor partner early on so that the design for your campus can be vetted by experts who work with VDI on a daily basis. A vendor partner can also help guide through different architecture scenarios, use cases, and potential pitfalls. All of the knowledge transfer gained will put the IT team in a far better position to successfully deploy and support VDI for your campus.

Which is better: DaaS or VDI?

As is the theme throughout the rest of this article, there isn’t really an objective victor in DaaS vs. VDI. However, when it comes to Higher Ed, we rarely see full DaaS deployments. They’re often saved for more limited use cases, such as temporary BYOD access, or delivering to satellite campuses. For the scale of delivery required by HEIT, VDI will usually come out on top. However, you still need to decide whether to go for legacy VDI, or newer, hosted solutions…

What is the difference between DaaS and fully hosted VDI?

DaaS refers to virtual desktops being provided to organizations as a service-based solution. It will include support for managing, upgrading and maintaining virtual machines. It is a more complete out-of-the-box solution with a price tag to match. Fully-hosted VDI is just like legacy VDI, except you don’t need on-premise server infrastructure, and they are often pay-as-you-go. Fully-hosted solutions are also referred to cloud-hosted solutions and they are the same as VDI, except hosted for you, as the name suggests.

Citrix or VMware?

Both VMware and Citrix have a robust product offering across many different solution suites. Historically, Citrix has excelled in the realm of remote app delivery or app remoting solutions. On the other hand, VMware leads the way with full desktop VDI delivery. Deciding on the right approach is solely dependent on the needs of the institution and what goals they are hoping to achieve with the project.

Why have a BYOD policy?

A formal BYOD policy helps to ensure a high chance of success and adoption as well as communicating practical information to users on how to interact with and use software on their BYO devices.

What is in a BYOD policy?

To put it concisely, a BYOD policy should include any or all of the following: Device type Operating system Available resources Security Usage conditions

What is BYOD policy?

A BYOD policy is a formal definition and agreement between the BYOD provider (universities) and the BYOD users (students). It is similar to an SLA (Service Level Agreement) between service-providers and outlines how users can expect to interact with their university's BYOD program, as well as any limitations, usage conditions, and compatibility information.

Related reading

AppsAnywhere Admin Dashboard and AppsAnywhere Portal
NEXT STEPS TO IMPROVING YOUR SOFTWARE DELIVERY

Your apps anywhere, anytime, on any device

Register your interest for a demo and see how AppsAnywhere can help your institution. Receive a free consultation of your existing education software strategy and technologies, an overview of AppsAnywhere's main features and how they benefit students, faculty and IT, and get insight into the AppsAnywhere journey and post launch partnership support.

AppsAnywhere Admin Dashboard and AppsAnywhere Portal
NEXT STEPS TO IMPROVING YOUR SOFTWARE DELIVERY

Your apps anywhere, anytime, on any device

Register your interest for a demo and see how AppsAnywhere can help your institution. Receive a free consultation of your existing education software strategy and technologies, an overview of AppsAnywhere's main features and how they benefit students, faculty and IT, and get insight into the AppsAnywhere journey and post launch partnership support.