Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) 4.5 turns Windows Applications into Software as a Service. Part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, using App-V is one component of getting to the Optimized Desktop (desktop & laptop PC’s) environment which simplifies desktop support, management and reduces IT costs. App-V features include:

  • HTTP streaming. Support for streaming virtual applications from an IIS server (v6 or v7) providing dramatic performance and scalability improvements for large App-V deployments.
  • Re-designed Sequencer. Simplifies the process and reduces the complexity of creating virtual application packages.
  • Dynamic Suite Composition (DSC) for MSI packages. Consolidate virtual environments, control virtual application interaction, enable faster, easier administration.
  • Seamless integration with System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2. Allows customers to easily deploy virtual applications through the System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 infrastructure and scale their deployments.
  • Client cache improvements. The maximum size of the client cache has been increased to 1 TB.
  • Improved Manageability. Integration and support for VSS writer, Operations Manager management pack, ADM template.
  • Accessibility. The product is now Section 508 compliant, bringing App-V in line with Microsoft shipping requirements.

You can get all the App-V 4.5 product documentation, including the Server Sizing Guide (released on Feb16, 2009) from http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/appvirtualization/cc843994.aspx