Blog Post

Azure Virtual Desktop Blog
4 MIN READ

App attach now integrates with partner solutions

JimMoyle's avatar
JimMoyle
Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
Nov 01, 2024
For many IT admins, application delivery management is one of their most complex tasks. However, with the recent general availability of App attach in Azure Virtual Desktop, this process has become s...
Updated Nov 01, 2024
Version 3.0
updates
CraigDK's avatar
CraigDK
Iron Contributor
Nov 04, 2024

I know this isn't strictly in the Azure arena but it's the only place that seems to have traction with regards to developing AppAttach capability.

 

For those of us supporting on premise systems leveraging Microsoft ConfigMgr in a full on-prem (not hybrid) setup:

  1. App-V is going EOL in 2026 and supports streaming those apps from a DP allowing for a much faster publish.
  2. ConfigMgr only supports traditional MSIX download + install but not AppAttach - resulting in apps delivery with MSIX taking a lot longer compared to App-V.
    1. This is especially problematic for non-persistent VDI users who need to reinstall apps every day. 
  3. Will ConfigMgr be getting integrated AppAttach support to plug this capability gap?

I have tried raising with the ConfigMgr team but there's a disconnect between the ConfigMgr team and whoever within Microsoft is responsible for AppAttach as to where responsibility lies for integrating it so it's not moved forward.

JeffU's avatar
JeffU
Copper Contributor
Nov 15, 2024

Hi CraigDK 


Thanks for sharing your insights on the challenges with app delivery using ConfigMgr, especially in light of App-V’s EOL and the limitations with MSIX. I completely understand the pain points for both persistent and non-persistent VDI environments in on-prem setups.

This is exactly where App Volumes can provide significant value. Using App Volumes with App Attach, you can:

  1. Leverage ConfigMgr for Triggering Delivery: App Volumes supports App Attach by delivering VHDs directly to endpoints. While ConfigMgr handles the distribution of these VHDs, the App Volumes agent virtualizes the application instantly on the endpoint, bypassing the need for a lengthy download and installation process. This is particularly useful for persistent VDI, where the applications need to stay agile and easily managed.
  2. Streamlined App Management: App Volumes eliminates the need for traditional installation, enabling fast app delivery that exceeds App-V’s performance. It’s well-suited for both persistent and non-persistent environments, ensuring users have their apps available immediately without unnecessary overhead.
  3. Integration and Flexibility: While ConfigMgr doesn’t natively support App Attach today, you can use ConfigMgr to manage and deploy VHDs, with our App Volumes and App Attach integration handling the last-mile for quick delivery and virtualization. This bridges the gap between ConfigMgr’s capabilities and the agility of modern attach methods.

 

If you’re interested in exploring this approach further or need help with specific configurations, feel free to reach out to me directly. I’d be happy to provide more details or even schedule a deeper discussion to show how this can fit into your environment.