AppsAnywhere 3.2 is here, and it’s all about making your application delivery lives easier. Whether you’re a student, a course leader, or an IT professional, this latest version has got something for everyone, bringing some significant quality of life improvements across the board.

New Features in AppsAnywhere 3.2

  • In-place upgrades
  • Portal accessibility enhancements
  • Quicker in-app provisioning
  • Improved workflow for adding apps to app lists
  • Connection tests and live status info on the admin dashboard
  • Embeddable portal for custom websites
  • Improved client 2.2

Dive into the new features with Product Manager, Spencer

In-place upgrades

“Would like in place AppsAnywhere upgrades. Having to spin up new appliances requires multiple teams and work.”

- requested feature from the AppsAnywhere Feedback Forum

Want to upgrade to the latest version of AppsAnywhere more regularly but find the current process too time-consuming? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that one of the key features we’ve added to AppsAnywhere in this release is a more efficient way of upgrading to the latest version through an in-place upgrade process, a faster process, with less downtime during the upgrade period, and fewer requirements during the upgrade window. It is more automated and simpler to perform for everyone involved – and compatible for anyone upgrading from 3.1+. Now you can benefit from the latest features at your convenience.

Portal accessibility enhancements

AppsAnywhere has been externally audited and certified to WCAG 2.1 AA level. Making our portal as accessible as possible is important to us, and we have been able to go even further in 3.2 thanks to the collaboration and feedback of our customers. If you’d like to know more about our approach to accessibility you can read more in our recent blog post.

Quicker in-app provisioning

Provisioning an application is now much simpler. If you’re in the process of configuring a new app or editing an existing app, you can now select a group(s) of users directly on the app administration page. You don’t have to go the provisioning page as a separate action, which should save lots of time when determining who can have access to an app.

Improved workflow for adding apps to app lists

We’ve added two new ways to add apps to an app list:

  • Browse and select apps from a grid-like view.
  • You can now add apps to a list while creating it.

These options, while retaining the option to search for an app to include in an app list, make it much easier to build your lists for yourself or to share with others.

Connection tests and live status info on the admin dashboard

AppsAnywhere can connect to a lot of external services, and we want to give admin users an easy way to know the latest delivery method integrations, LDAP and AppsAnywhere servers. We’ve added a new panel in the admin dashboard with red/green light indicators for each of these services. One of the key benefits here is that in the case of reviewing connections and integrations, they’re not always being made use of straight away, so it’s important to have an easy way to have the status flagged.

Embeddable portal for custom websites

It is already possible to embed AppsAnywhere into your Blackboard or Canvas user experience. Now we’ve made it possible to do the same from any website that you design and update; by embedding our portal and integrating it using the same LTI (learning tools interoperability) standard.

Improved client 2.2

"Few users will submit logs from AppsAnywhere…even if they're told where to go. Some errors are undetected for a long time, if the user is cursing the IT department, but not reaching out.”
“We've had a couple "What is this strange new icon" questions after pushing out the AAW client to our Fac/Staff users. Most applications will display their title when hovered in the taskbar.”

- feedback provided on the AppsAnywhere Feedback Forum

Timed to coincide with our AppsAnywhere 3.2 release, we have also made significant improvements to our macOS and Windows clients. With better visual feedback for the user about what the client is and the tasks it is performing - in a draggable window or in the task bar - you can now launch the portal, view detected device information, or even collate log files for users to share with their helpdesk in an easy to find way.

Schedule your upgrade

AppsAnywhere 3.2 truly has something for everyone, and the great news is that it’s easier than ever before to upgrade to it. Schedule your upgrade now and start making the most of these great features right away!

Got an idea for a new product feature?

AppsAnywhere customers can raise a change request, comment, or vote on someone else's and track progress against our product roadmap on the AppsAnywhere Feedback Forum. Visit the AppsAnywhere Feedback Forum

AppsAnywhere 3.2 Feature Brochure

AppsAnywhere 3.2 is here, and it’s all about making your application delivery lives easier. Whether you’re a student, a course leader, or an IT professional, this latest version has got something for everyone, bringing some significant quality of life improvements across the board.

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.