Introducing appCURE CAS: A Faster Way to Convert Citrix App Streaming Packages

Introducing appCURE CAS: A Faster Way to Convert Citrix App Streaming Packages

Feb 27, 2023 | News

If your organisation is stuck on legacy Citrix infrastructure and has applications in the App Streaming format, you may have encountered challenges when it comes to modernizing your application deployment strategies. Fortunately, appCURE has developed a solution to help you quickly convert Citrix app streaming apps to MSI installers and MSIX. We are excited to announce the general release of appCURE CAS (Citrix App Streaming), our new tool for streamlining migration.

With appCURE CAS, you can convert app streaming packages to MSI format and create a program folder for MSIX conversion using appCURE Packager. The tool also includes a CLI version as a part of appCURE automate and a PowerShell module, providing flexibility for users who prefer to automate and script their migration processes. In addition, appCURE CAS offers directory exclusions, substitutions, registry exclusions, and registry substitutions to help ensure that your migrated applications work seamlessly in the new environment.

At appCURE, we understand that migrating app streaming packages can be a time-consuming and complex task. That’s why we designed appCURE CAS to prioritise speed and efficiency, so you can streamline the migration process and focus on more important tasks. By converting your app streaming apps to MSI and MSIX formats, you can ensure that they are compatible with the latest operating systems and deployment technologies, helping you stay ahead of the curve in today’s fast-paced IT landscape.

Overall, appCURE CAS has the potential to offer significant value to organisations looking to modernise their application deployment strategies. If you’re interested in learning more about the tool, you can visit our website or contact our sales team to schedule a demo. We’re excited to help you simplify your application migration process and unlock the benefits of modern application deployment technologies.

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Improving Application Compatibility with PSF and appCURE Studio

Improving Application Compatibility with PSF and appCURE Studio

Feb 24, 2023 | Articles

The Package Support Framework (PSF) helps developers and IT admins package applications into the MSIX package format. PSF is designed to help overcome common challenges when packaging and deploying software using MSIX, such as compatibility issues, missing dependencies, incorrect registry entries and issues related to running the application inside an MSIX container.

PSF consists of three core components: the PSF Launcher, Config file and Fixups. The PSF Launcher is a small executable responsible for starting your application. The Fixups are small dynamic-link libraries (DLLs) that the PSF Launcher loads to fix any issues that might prevent your application from running and the config file that you use to configure PSF.

PSF is beneficial for developers and IT Admins who are repackaging and deploying desktop applications. In these cases, the PSF helps to ensure that your application runs on modern versions of Windows and can handle different hardware configurations. For example, suppose your application relies on a specific version of the .NET Framework. In that case, PSF can be configured to ensure that this version is installed before your application starts. However, you may want to handle the required runtime before installing apps.

Another advantage of the PSF is that it helps resolve dependencies between different application components. For example, suppose your application relies on a specific version of a DLL. In that case, the PSF can be configured to ensure that this DLL is included in the installation package and is available when the application starts. Again, this helps ensure your application runs smoothly and is free of compatibility issues.

Finally, PSF is easy to use with the help of appCURE Studio. PSF uses a simple JSON configuration file that developers and IT admins can modify to specify the fixups they want to use and the configuration options they need. This file is part of the installation package and is read by the PSF Launcher when the application starts. appCURE Studio helps simplify the manual creation and customisation of these PSF configuration files, making the process of using the PSF even more accessible for IT admins.

In conclusion, the Package Support Framework (PSF) is a powerful tool for IT admins and developers packaging and deploying desktop applications into the MSIX format. The PSF helps improve application compatibility when using MSIX as a packaging format.

 

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Introduction to Citrix App Streaming

Introduction to Citrix App Streaming

Feb 21, 2023 | Articles

Citrix App Streaming was a technology designed to help businesses deliver applications to end-users without the need for installations on individual devices. Instead, the applications were installed on a central server and streamed to users when needed. This helped businesses save time and resources while ensuring that all users had access to the same version of the software. Citrix App Streaming used a file streaming technology to deliver the application content on-demand to the end-users.

End-of-Life Status

Citrix App Streaming has reached its end-of-life, and it is no longer receiving updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Citrix. Citrix has recommended that customers migrate to alternative solutions like Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, or Citrix Endpoint Management.

Migrating with appCURE

If you are a business currently using Citrix App Streaming, it is essential to find an alternative solution that meets your needs. One such solution is appCURE, a comprehensive application transformation platform that offers a range of features, including application streaming migration to MSIX and MSI.

AppCURE is designed to help businesses deliver applications seamlessly to their end-users, regardless of their location or device. With appCURE, users can access their applications from a central portal, making it easy to manage and monitor access to applications across your organization.

Get in Touch with appCURE

If you are currently using Citrix App Streaming or looking for an application delivery solution, appCURE can help. Our team of experts can work with you to understand your unique business needs and provide a customized solution that fits your requirements.

To learn more about appCURE and how we can help your business, please visit our website or contact us directly to schedule a consultation. We offer a comprehensive solution that can help streamline your application delivery and management, saving you time, resources, and money.

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Why You Should Use Azure Key Vault and appCURE Studio for Code Signing MSIX Packages

Why You Should Use Azure Key Vault and appCURE Studio for Code Signing MSIX Packages

Feb 21, 2023 | Articles

Azure Key Vault is a cloud-based solution for securely storing and managing secrets, such as encryption keys, certificates, and connection strings. When it comes to code signing MSIX packages, Azure Key Vault can be a valuable tool for ensuring the security and integrity of your applications.

Code signing is the process of digitally signing an application to prove its authenticity and integrity. This helps to prevent tampering and ensure that the code has not been modified since it was signed. Code signing also helps to establish trust in the application and its publisher, which is especially important for applications distributed outside of an organization’s network.

MSIX is a new package format for Windows applications that was introduced with Windows 10. MSIX packages are intended to replace the older .appx and .msi formats, and provide a more secure and flexible way to distribute and install applications.

Using Azure Key Vault for code signing MSIX packages offers several benefits, including:

Security: Azure Key Vault provides a secure and highly available environment for storing and managing secrets. This means that your code signing certificates and private keys are protected from theft or unauthorized access.

Centralization: By storing your code signing certificates and keys in Azure Key Vault, you can centralize the management of your code signing infrastructure. This makes it easier to enforce security policies and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Automation: Azure Key Vault provides an API that you can use to automate the code signing process. This can help to streamline the packaging and deployment of your applications, and reduce the risk of human error.

Compliance: Azure Key Vault is a fully managed service that is audited and compliant with various industry regulations, such as SOC 1, SOC 2, and ISO 27001. This can help you to meet your compliance requirements and demonstrate your commitment to security.

In order to use Azure Key Vault for code signing MSIX packages, you’ll need to have a code signing certificate and a private key that are stored in Azure Key Vault. You can use an existing code signing certificate, or you can generate a new one using the Azure Key Vault Certificates service.

However, managing Azure Key Vault secrets and automating the code signing process can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you’re not familiar with the Key Vault API. That’s where appCURE Studio comes in.

appCURE Studio is an application transformation toolkit that simplifies the use of Azure Key Vault for code signing MSIX packages. With appCURE Studio, you can manage your code signing certificates and private keys in Azure Key Vault, and use the platform to automate the code signing process. This can help to simplify the management of your code signing infrastructure and reduce the risk of human error. By using appCURE Studio, you can take advantage of the security and reliability of Azure Key Vault, while simplifying the process of code signing MSIX packages.

In conclusion, if you’re packaging or deploying MSIX packages, you should consider using Azure Key Vault for code signing. With its secure and highly available environment, centralized management, automation capabilities, and compliance with industry regulations, Azure Key Vault provides a valuable solution for ensuring the security and integrity of your applications. And with appCURE Studio, you can simplify the process of managing Azure Key Vault secrets and automating the code signing process.

 

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Drivers vs Applications: Understanding the Differences and Implications for Installation

Drivers vs Applications: Understanding the Differences and Implications for Installation

Feb 20, 2023 | Articles

Introduction

When it comes to software development, many misconceptions can lead to confusion or miscommunication. One such misconception is the idea that drivers are applications. While it’s true that drivers are a type of software component, they are not applications in the traditional sense.

Drivers are software components that facilitate communication between hardware and software. They are responsible for translating commands from the operating system or application into signals that can be understood by the hardware. In other words, drivers enable the hardware to function properly by providing the necessary interface between it and the software.

Despite the fact that drivers are not applications, there is a common misconception that they should or must be packaged and installed like one. This can lead to confusion, as well as issues with installation and compatibility. It’s important to understand that drivers are separate entities from applications and should be treated as such.

Separating Drivers from Application Installers

One of the most important things to understand about drivers is that they do not need to be included as part of an application installer. In fact, it can sometimes be better to separate them out and install them using dedicated tools like PowerShell Application Deployment Toolkit, MSi’s, or other supported installer formats, which support driver installation.

This means that for those using MSIX, drivers can still be deployed, but they need to be separated from the application installation process. This can be accomplished through the use of dedicated tools like PowerShell or MSIs, which allow for separate installation and configuration of drivers and applications.

Separating drivers from application installers can help to ensure compatibility and reduce the risk of issues with installation or operation. It also makes it easier to manage updates and changes to drivers, as they can be updated separately from the application.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s important to understand that drivers are a type of software component and not applications in the traditional sense. They are responsible for facilitating communication between hardware and software and should be treated as separate entities from applications. By separating drivers from application installers using dedicated tools like PowerShell, MSi’s, or other supported installer formats, you can improve compatibility, reduce the risk of issues, and make it easier to manage updates and changes.

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