Organizations today are in various stages of rolling out Windows 7, but no matter which stage they're in App-DNA™ technical resources often hear the same kinds of questions. You would expect questions like: Will my applications work when running on Windows 7? If there are application compatibility issues, can it be fixed and how do I implement that fix?

AppTitude solves these problems by providing application owners with detailed compatibility information about an application in just minutes. This core value alone accelerates Windows 7 deployments, reduces costs and eliminates risk by shining a light on the internals of every single application in an enterprise portfolio -- without having to manually test each and every one of the applications. This blog post isn't necessarily about manual testing for Windows 7 versus static analysis, but if you want to learn more about how AppTitude answers those questions, click here.

When working with App-DNA customers implementing the AppTitude application compatibility platform, another question that always bubbles up is *should* I fix an application or is it more cost-effective to replace or retire it? Whenever I get asked this question, the answer is always the same: “It depends.” This is a business decision that involves several parameters:

• What is the value of the application to the organization?
• Is the application expected to have a long remaining lifespan?
• Can the defects in the application even be fixed?
• For commercial applications, does the vendor have a Windows 7 compatible version?
• How much does it cost to upgrade to that compatible version and how does that cost compare to the cost of remediating and testing the existing version of your application?

AppTitude provides application intelligence to drive these business decisions. Generating this application intelligence manually without AppTitude would be a tedious, manual process that would require enterprise IT organizations to essentially incur the costs of trying to remediate a problem application in order to even determine if remediation is a cost effective solution. In basic terms, fix something to determine if you even want to keep it.  The reporting architecture in AppTitude provides intelligence to make these decisions at your fingertips. The most important reports for driving these decisions are AppTitude Action reports. AppTitude action reports give targeted information about which applications have defects, what those defects are, how they can be remediated, and the cost of implementing those remediations.  This information is invaluable in making a decision to remediate, upgrade, redevelop, mitigate or retire an application.

 Below is a very basic flow to highlight the kinds of decisions you have to make and where Application Intelligence is necessary to drive those decisions. The blue shapes are processes, decisions and data points driven entirely by AppTitude Application Intelligence. The  orange shapes represent decisions factoring in business specific data with Application Intelligence.  The green shapes represent processes that are optimized and streamlined.

The success of an application compatibility project is not measured just on moving the organization to Windows 7, but also in doing so in a cost effective and timely way.   Application Intelligence drives these cost decisions earlier in the project lifecycle where they can make a difference. AppTitude generates this Application Intelligence in just minutes per application.

Enterprises are off and running with Windows 7, App-V, XenApp and optimized desktop projects. The challenge comes in determining what applications to migrate, managing applications, application testing and application compatibility. Next week’s Microsoft World Partner Conference has an amazing track educating Microsoft partners on how to best help enterprises accelerate their move to Windows 7, as well as Internet Explorer 8, App-V and all of the related technologies.

What if Microsoft partners were given the opportunity to partner with App-DNA and, for no cost, access the award winning AppTitude™ application testing and application remediation platform to deliver to Proof of Concepts (POC)? What if it only took three days to assess application remediation issues?

App-DNA has a fantastic program that already exists today, called Launchpad and will provide a crystal clear view of an enterprise’s application estate.  This in turn will help systems integrators and service providers deliver the business case to move more quickly to the optimized desktop.  Partners will find more successful projects by gaining a truer understanding of what the enterprise application estate looks like, and better assessing the level of effort needed to properly give an accurate bid for the project. Customers and partners are more satisfied from a clear view of the project, an accurate price quote and a realistic timeline based on facts rather than “gut feel.”

App-DNA Launchpad is a quick-start application compatibility discovery program that brings together four high-value components:

EstateView™ - provides an instant portfolio readiness report on up to 1000 apps

EffortCalculator™ - details project scope and scale by using real metrics to calculate costs, duration and resource needs

CoreSample™ - assessment reports on 50 apps with full reports on 10 selected MSI apps with a deep ‘drill down’ on over 68,000 data points per app in 11 areas

What it means for Microsoft partner’s customers:

See exactly how ready a customer’s app estate is to migrate

Calculate what the migration proposal will cost and how long it will take

Guide resourcing decisions

Build an informed migration strategy – meet more deadlines

Interested in learning more about App-DNA Launchpad for Microsoft partners?  Drop us a line at info@app-dna.com to set up a time to talk at WPC next week or after the conference.

Microsoft announced at TechEd North America that Windows 7 SP1 beta would be released this month. IT groups everywhere are analyzing Windows 7 budgets, many of them giving quarter-end updates this week to let management know the status of the Windows 7, 64x and related application virtualization projects.  Much like the 10 p.m. news used to open with “It’s 10 p.m., do you know where your children are?” many CIOs are asking, “It’s July 1, do we know where our Windows 7 project is?”

One of the challenges IT teams face is how to determine the budget around application compatibility.  In a recent conversation, an industry leader told App-DNA™ that managing app migration from Windows XP to Windows 7 will be the single most expensive component of migration projects. Many articles and blogs have speculated hardware would be a big cost center, but many people underestimate the impact—and cost—of managing application migration and application compatibility for the Windows 7 project.

Get a handle on the reality of what’s needed for application testing and application compatibility – and the potential costs – with a free and straightforward Application Migration Workbook. App-DNA gathered insight from Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 customers, industry partners like Microsoft and Citrix, as well as systems integrator partners. The result is a resource guide complete with worksheets to help estimate the cost of manual testing vs. automation, the math on application churn, and the ROI on a day-to-day app management process.  Download the free ebook at http://app-dna.cambuilder.cw.com/Resources/eBooks/App-DNA-Migration-Workbook.aspx

Have your Windows 7 timeline figured out, but not enough pages left on the calendar this year? Check out how static analysis can speed the testing and remediation cycles of your project.

Comments? Questions? Worried about your timeline? Drop a line to info@app-dna.com or on Twitter @appdna – we’re happy to share insight to help you keep track of your Windows 7 project.

"What would you say if I were to tell you that migrating to a virtual desktop was no different than if you were going to migrate to Windows 7?” What a great question! Daniel Feller from Citrix explains in more detail in his blog post & his session this week at #BriForum  “Windows 7 and the Virtual Desktop Revolution.”

App-DNA™ also sees the similarities in virtual projects and Windows 7 migrations. Both have hurdles to clear, especially around application compatibility. The AppTitude™ application testing and application remediation software includes an Overview Summary Report – a dashboard that helps you clearly see where apps will be successful – if they won’t run well on Windows 7, will they run well on XenApp or App-V as an alternative?

Whenever we’re out with enterprise IT groups, talking with Windows 7 project managers or application virtualization user groups, we try to show them the AppTitude dashboard for determining the best platform and delivery model for each application. Usually eyes open wider, everyone steps in for a closer look, and the questions start rolling. It was one of my favorite AppTitude views to show last week at Microsoft #TechEd – so many project leaders are just now learning there is an automated approach to application compatibility – and determining what apps will be successful on what platforms. Take a look, let us know how you’d find this useful for the common bonds in your Windows 7 and application virtualization projects, either in the comments or via info@app-dna.com   

Exciting stuff happening here, App-DNA™ has just launched AppTitude™ v.4.5 and have added some great new features that will improve the ease of install and setup as well as scalability and reporting.

Added Application Compatibility Checks

·         Server 2008 R2 – The all new Server 2008 R2 module now allows organizations to check compatibility on the latest Windows Server build. 

·         App-V related checks – will reflect added App-V 4.6 capability for x64 bit apps.  We've also added some cool stuff to detect app dependencies that will help you to determine if you need to implement DSC (Dynamic Suiting Capability).

·         XenApp Streamed related checks – Will reflect added functionality delivered in XenApp 6.0 for capturing services, as well as minor tweaks to show compatibility with 16 bit DOS apps and handling of 64 bit apps.

Improved Installer and all new  “AppTitude Web Server”

·         Faster and simpler setup experience for new users

·         New "AppTitude Configuration" tool to assist in modifying server and client settings

·         System Check facility to verify successful setup of the web service

·         Now you can opt for an “express” alternative to IIS by choosing to install the AppTitude Web Server (for fast setup of local implementations)

More Scalable Reporting

·         Ability to define the number of applications to view in one page in the Assessment view ( very handy for large app portfolios)

New Remediation Level Action Reporting

·         Shows actions required to remediate each app for better remediation reports

·         This will help to get a better idea of how much work is actually involved in getting an app remediated

·         Gives users a way to add their own remediation actions – increases accuracy

Site & Database Switcher – connect to multiple AppTitude DBs

·         A new function within the AppTitude console under the Administration tab that will allow customers to easily add a new AppTitude database, export this and import to any clients required.

·         Improves ease of scalability

·         Once setup, the AppTitude Administrator can export the settings and send the XML config file to the appropriate users to very quickly get them ready to work on the new account.

Updated Import Screen

·         More scalable importing – no limit to the number of apps that can be queued to import

·         Improved layout of import screen -- ability to filter by column (import & export defined filters)

License Transfer – Between Machines

·         Easier to transfer AppTitude licenses from one machine to another

·         Faster, easier and more flexible management of licenses

·         New report navigation system

Auto Unlocker for Licenses:  to select a representative sample of apps

·         Helps select which apps to unlock in the "Apply Licenses" view

·         The result will be a 'random' selection of Red, Amber and Green applications in a defined ratio across all modules that are licensed

If you are one of our partners, check out the webcast on new features through the partner portal site:

http://portal.app-dna.com/Download.aspx#

Citrix Synergy was a fantastic event last week. Citrix billed it as “the convergence between virtualization, networking and cloud computing and how it can solve real business problems” -- the event lived up to that and more. At Synergy, App-DNA™ talked with IT leaders about application compatibility and application remediation for Windows 7 projects, Citrix server migrations, XenApp work and more.  App-DNA is truly enjoying the interest brought by winning the Citrix Synergy Best of Show and Process Improvement Awards, but with that buzz comes many questions.  We wanted to answer the top questions we heard at Synergy, but also welcome more questions in the blog comments or via Twitter @appdna – we’ll answer them as fast as possible.

1.       Tell me more about what App-DNA does again? 

App-DNA designs, builds and sells the AppTitude™ software, which provides application compatibility, testing and remediation for enterprises adopting technologies like Windows 7, Citrix XenApp, Microsoft App-V, 64bit, Windows Server 2008 or IE8. Using AppTitude helps organizations avoid the expense and delay of traditional manual brute force based testing and cuts the time, cost and risks associated with deployment of OS migrations, software upgrades, and virtualization projects. App-DNA works directly with IT organizations and through worldwide SI partners and regional SI partners.

2.       How is AppTitude used for more than Windows 7 projects?

App compat is definitely a hot topic for Windows 7 projects, but application remediation is also vital for

-  App-V and XenApp projects  - determine the success rate of applications before you Sequence or Profile them, saving hours of testing and unnecessary tedious iterations.  Understand the potential issues with a package and address them in the initial package creation process

-  64-bit projects – whether Windows or in the data center

-  Server based computing, whether Windows Server 2008, XenApp, Terminal Services project

-  IE8 projects- still in beta, but consider how many web apps you’re looking to migrate? Test their compatibility before they go to IE8.

-  Business as Usual –new apps are added to your enterprise all the time, you need to ensure they will work well

-  Determining what technology to use for specific applications – AppTitude can show you the “best fit” – if an app won’t run well on Windows 7, should you try it on XenApp or App-V?  The understanding of how to best deliver an application in your enterprise environment will go a very long way when it comes to moving away from the physical desktop and organizations start leveraging technologies that provide virtual desktops such as XenClient.

3.       How do you align with the app compat info like Microsoft ACT and the Citrix XenApp compatibility list?

AppTitude complements the information that you find in the available tools. In fact, in addition to the information that App-DNA has collected over years of experience and the intelligence determined by our “DNA” research about the applications, AppTitude looks to external data sources like Microsoft ACT and the Microsoft app compat white list.  App-DNA is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and Citrix parter ( Citrix consultants use AppTitude in the field), so we work closely with both companies. For more information, check out this video featuring Chris Jackson, Microsoft’s “app compat guy.”

4.       Okay, where can I see App-DNA and AppTitude?

Check out these videos:

-  If you have 5 minutes: CitrixTV recorded an AppTitude demo at Citrix Synergy

-  If you have 15 minutes:  BrianMadden.com recorded an AppTitude demo at the Microsoft MMS conference

-  If you speak French: here’s a demo from Microsoft TechDays in Paris

-  If you’re interested in server management: view this Dublin PubForum overview

-  If you want a full web demo from AppDNA, contact us using the information below

If you’re attending Microsoft #TechEd, App-DNA will be exhibiting at booth #2244. Stop by and share your app compat questions and see AppTitude in action.

Intrigued? More questions? Use the comments, Twitter @appdna or contact us at info@app-dna.com

Microsoft Management Summit (MMS) 2010 is next week! The App-DNA™ technical team is eagerly anticipating conversations about your application compatibility and application remediation challenges, successes and questions. MMS is always a great venue to learn more about System Center, Windows 7, App-V, MED-V and what’s next from Microsoft. We enjoy catching up with old friends and making new friends – stop by and see App-DNA at Expo Booth #437 or chat with the orange-shirted App-DNA team at these MMS sessions.

Monday, Apr 19

Windows 7 - Gaining More Control Over Windows Installer Packaging Infrastructure – We’ve found organizations that follow MSI best practices have higher application compatibility ratios when testing their application estate for Windows 7.  Darwin Sanoy knows MSI inside and out -- check out his CSI:\>Windows blog

Tuesday, Apr 20

Considerations for deploying and managing applications in the cloud – Managing change is a key priority for IT teams. Well managed environments have faster deployments to new technologies – less time spent fixing problems that may slow down your adoption of cool new technologies like the cloud.  

Beyond Service Manager - Partner Solutions – as a System Center Alliance partner, App-DNA is always interested in what System Center peer partners are developing…

Virtualization - Ask the Panel of Experts – App-DNA helps enterprises with application virtualization compatibility, accelerating App-V implementations. We learn from your comments on the MDOP team blogs and we’re keen to hear the live questions of MMS attendees.

Ask the Panel of Community Experts -  Most panels include 4-5 experts, but this one includes a huge lineup of top contributors to the MyITForum message boards, plus industry leaders, and your really interesting questions.

Wednesday, Apr 21

App-V: Top 10 Most Common Customer Scenarios and End to End Review – If you’re not yet adopting App-V, find out how you can. Angie Anderson & Bill Morein have such in-depth knowledge – bound to be a great session. 

Thursday, Apr 22

Unblocking and Accelerating your Windows 7 Deployment Using MED-V – App-DNA works closely with Windows 7 app compat every day, we’re interested in helping accelerate your Windows 7 deployment.

Configuration Manager v.Next - Ask the Panel of Experts – The best part of MMS is sometimes going back to work on Monday with all of the information that you learned about v.Next- you’re the star at the coffee maker with all your new knowledge. Jeff Wettlaufer is still taking questions for this session - Twitter them to #mmsea01  

Friday, Apr 23

Sequencing Deep Dive: Efficiently Making your Applications Virtual – As App-DNA works with customers implementing App-V, the most popular questions are “what should I virtualize” and “how do I fix it if it won’t virtualize?”  

Also, don’t forget the keynotes, end of day Speaker Q&A sessions, Birds of a Feather, plus the amazing Hands on Labs! In all your scheduling, be sure to book time to stop by the App-DNA Expo Booth #437 to see AppTitude™ in action. Want to set a specific time with App-DNA? Contact info@app-dna.com

What sessions are you most interested in seeing? Share your favorites in the comments.  

App-DNA™ is playing a key role in Microsoft's current Greenlight programme (http://www.app-dna.com/greenlight/greenlight.asp) a drive to assist ISVs in getting their applications compatible with Windows 7.

Through a simple process of uploading an app to our secure FTP site, we then test the apps compatibility on the new OS using our AppTitude™ product, we then provide the ISV with a green, amber or red result, and where necessary offer more detailed remediation advice to enable them to get their app ready.

We've already successfully tested a number of ISV apps and App-DNA Technical Solutions Consultant, Richard Edwards, will be on the blog shortly to discuss our overall findings so far.

In the meantime, use the link above to get your application tested!