Top VMware App Volumes Alternatives for Dynamic Application Delivery

VMware App Volumes is a powerful solution designed to deliver native applications on-demand to various virtual desktop environments, including Horizon, Citrix XenDesktop, and XenApp. By packaging applications into VMDKs or VHDs, it eliminates the need to modify virtual desktops or application servers, leading to significant storage and operational savings. However, for various reasons, organizations often seek a VMware App Volumes alternative that might better align with their specific needs, budget, or existing infrastructure.

Best VMware App Volumes Alternatives

While VMware App Volumes offers compelling benefits, a range of alternative solutions can provide similar or complementary functionalities for application virtualization, delivery, and management. Here are some of the top contenders worth exploring:

VMware ThinApp

VMware ThinApp (formerly Thinstall) is a commercial application virtualization and portable application creator suite for Windows. As a VMware product itself, it offers a strong alternative for application isolation and packaging, providing features like Sandbox and Virtualization. This makes it a compelling choice for organizations already invested in the VMware ecosystem looking for a more application-centric virtualization approach.

Thincast

Thincast is a free and open-source desktop virtualization solution available across Mac, Windows, and Linux. It stands out for its claim of being the world's fastest Graphics-Accelerated Desktop Virtualization solution with full DirectX 11 3D support. While the provided data doesn't list specific features beyond its core offering, its open-source nature and cross-platform compatibility make it an attractive VMware App Volumes alternative for those seeking cost-effective and flexible desktop virtualization, especially for graphics-intensive applications.

Sound Control

Sound Control is a commercial application primarily for Mac users that adds per-app volume and EQ controls, allowing users to route applications to different audio devices. It offers features like per-app volume control and support for hotkeys. While not a direct competitor in terms of application delivery like App Volumes, it provides granular control over application-specific settings, which can be a valuable complement to any virtual desktop environment for managing user experience, especially in creative or multimedia-intensive setups where precise audio control is crucial.

Choosing the right VMware App Volumes alternative depends on your organization's specific needs, including budget, desired features, existing infrastructure, and target platforms. We encourage you to explore each option in detail to find the best fit for your application delivery and management strategy.