AppsAnywhere 2.12: All new UI & Hardware Profiles

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We're incredibly excited to share what we’ve been cooking up at AppsAnywhere HQ over the last few months! In line with our new strategy, we’ve focused on our product pillars along with customer feedback to help guide our focus and build a comprehensive product that works for everyone.  

2.12 will see a number of amazing product updates which align with our first product pillar, the UI and User Experience. Not only is the portal much fresher and slicker with improved accessibility, but we’ve also enhanced the technology under the hood which will allow us to easily make changes based on your feedback.    

Keep reading to learn more about all of the updates in AppsAnywhere 2.12...  

AppsAnywhere 2.12 webinar recording

AppsAnywhere's Product Owner, Spencer Vale, Development Manager James McNab, and Lead UI Lewis Howles showcase the new upcoming AppsAnywhere release, 2.12.

UI & User Experience   

We’ve rebuilt our UI from the ground up to provide the best experience to as many people as possible, no matter how they use AppsAnywhere. One of our aims was to make the portal as clear as possible, without expecting any kind of shared knowledge. The new portal builds on the great experience you've come to expect from AppsAnywhere. For example, App Lists are now easier to use, and unavailable apps are present to give you more feedback. The UI gives more frequent indicators when we're waiting on data. 

We’ve also worked on smaller improvements which will save people time and effort. One example of this is the addition of the copy button on the device information screen. It’s now far easier to share that information.  For Admins, we're aiming for it to be a breath of fresh air! The simpler, more modern navigation and new architecture, create a platform from which we can do some powerful things in upcoming releases.

Key points:  

  • Improved search to find and launch the apps you need more easily, including the ability to launch an app directly from the search   
  • Searches now include unavailable apps, so it no longer seems like apps disappear between devices   
  • A new collections feature providing simpler access to a user's favourites and key categories. This will also allow customers to better highlight apps that they want to bring to their users’ attention  
  • A new launch process, providing more information to the user which makes it easier to understand next steps if something goes wrong. This makes the launch process more transparent, gives the user better feedback, and makes it easier to carry on if something goes wrong 
  • More visible App Lists, making it as much a feature for users as it is for those who deliver courses. This leverages existing functionality to give users more choice over how they use AppsAnywhere and find the apps they need 
  • A new ‘why unavailable’ feature makes is clear why an app is unavailable, without needing to look through confusing settings 
  • A more consistent user experience for all devices, including mobile   
  • Improved readability for screen-readers by decluttering the interface and improving the ordering of components throughout the page 
  • Improved keyboard navigation throughout the portal 
  • Allowing delegation of authentication to the Parallels Client if the user signs in via SAML   
  • Improved architecture: Faster, written in modern technologies, API driven   
  • Thousands of tests to confirm functionality and improve and enforce consistency   
  • Lower server load - we don’t load all apps up-front, and some information is only loaded as required, reducing peak demand on servers   

Hardware Profiles  

We understand that not all students have the same devices, which can lead to difficulties with software delivery. We want users to receive the best possible experience regardless of device and our customers to be able to minimize their reliance on expensive VDI solutions. With our new Hardware Detection feature, if a device meets the hardware profile requirements, the application can run locally or virtualise, but if it can’t, then AppsAnywhere could revert to a more appropriate delivery method like VDI for example.  

  • Ability to limit delivery methods using hardware profiles by detecting a device's RAM and dedicated GPU capabilities   
  • This feature allows running it natively for users whose hardware is powerful enough, while providing a fallback to those who can’t - ensuring that everyone gets a good experience while minimising costs 

New validation workflow    

The new validation process is much less intrusive, and with the new launch process, provides clear indication to the user of what is needed and what's happening.  

  • Less intrusive, it now provides information to the user when needed, but stays out of the way where it can. Particularly with on-demand, we can now simply let users launch apps and handle any requirements as part of that one launch process.  
  • A new validation trouble-shooter to try to help if something goes wrong   
  • The ability to re-download the client   
  • The ability to re-validate  

Detection of Locally Installed Executables   

We've expanded the ways in which a locally installed application can be detected, increasing the number of compatible applications to improve the success of this delivery method.    

AppsAnywhere 2.11 recap

Refresh your memory of what was new in AppsAnywhere 2.11, including automatic app licensing and added OS support...

AppsAnywhere 2.11 recap

AppsAnywhere 2.12 Features Brochure

We’ve rebuilt our UI from the ground up to provide the best experience to as many people as possible, no matter how they use AppsAnywhere. One of our aims was to make the portal as clear as possible, without expecting any kind of shared knowledge. Enhanced search function, a new slicker launch process, and improved accessibility among many other changes, create a consistent user experience for all devices.

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.