InstallFree and Desktop Virtualization

It seems that various forms of "desktop virtualization" are coming from everywhere right now. I've spoken with a number of market newcomers and still come across new, interesting approaches to offering people the "desktop experience" without requiring their own desktop computer. I had the chance to speak with Yori Gabay, CEO, and David Karofsky, VP of Marketing, for InstallFree. Although the conversation was cut a bit short, I believe that I caught most of what they were trying to get across.

InstallFree Bridge and InstallFree Desktop

InstallFree is initially offering two products, InstallFree Bridge and InstallFree Desktop.  Here's how the company describes their products:

The InstallFree Bridge is a clientless platform that requires nothing to be installed on the host computer. It enables corporate IT departments to transparently and centrally manage and deploy InstallFree Virtual (IFV) applications without altering or making any changes to the host computer. A single IFV application can be deployed across Windows XP, Vista, 32bit, 64bit and server based computing environments such as Citrix XenApp, Windows Terminal Server and Windows-based Virtual Machines. The host PC functions as if the IFV applications are installed into the operating system providing the end-user with full functionality and interconnectivity between applications. The IFV applications are processed on the local machine and available online and offline providing a richer experience for the end-user. IFV applications are not emulated, simulated, or based on virtual machine technology thus offering the ultimate in application flexibility and performance. IFV applications are centrally stored, managed and synchronized and can be accessed via the LAN, Internet or USB storage device.

The InstallFree Desktop is a complete, personalized virtual desktop environment that is centrally managed and deployed with user specific IFV applications. It incorporates the entire set of resources and settings found in a traditional desktop, without being installed on the host computer. The InstallFree Desktop is processed on the local machine and available online and offline providing a richer experience for the end-user. IFV desktops are not emulated, simulated, or based on virtual machine technology thus offering the ultimate in application flexibility and performance. The IFV desktop is centrally stored, managed and synchronized and can be accessed by any Windows XP or Vista PC via the LAN, Internet or USB storage device.

What does InstallFree do that's new and different?

Most application virtualization products depend upon the host system's registry and filesystem and InstallFree implemented its own user mode versions of both important system components. So, InstallFree can isolate accesses to these operating system components when necessary or allow them to pass through. So, individual applications can be totally isolated from the environment while others can be allowed to interact with the environment.

This approach gives the users the freedom to change how they want their environment to look, access needed tools and applications while still making it possible for them to be working in a "sandboxed" environment that protects them and what they're doing from flaws in the background environment.

Snapshot Analysis

My first comment is "Boy, has this area become crowded." Regardless of how interesting this technological approach is, the company faces competition from all over the place. Without thinking too hard (that always gives me a headache anyway), I can come up with competitors such as Altiris, Citrix, Endeavors Technologies, LANDesk, Microsoft (both Kidaro and SoftGrid), MokaFive, Qumranet, and VMware. I bet that I've left out a few that are also important competitors.

Although the company's approach appears interesting, its going to be difficult for them to get through to decision makers and convince them that InstallFree's products should be considered along with the others. That being said, their story is interesting and I'd suggest that decision makers become familiar with what InstallFree is doing.