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

The App-DNA team is finalizing plans for Citrix Synergy 2010. We look forward to talking application compatibility, application remediation, application delivery and application management with Citrix XenApp users as well as enterprises planning Windows 7, App-V and 64-bit migrations.  We’re extremely excited that App-DNA is a semi-finalist for the Best of Synergy Process Improvement Award.  (shameless plug: Vote HERE for the Best of Synergy Award )  

 App-DNA is talking with enterprise customers and SI partners about forward-thinking combinations of technologies such as physical application delivery, virtual application delivery and other subsets of VDI delivery models. Synergy is always packed with content and excellent conversations about your migration and BAU projects, here are just some of the events where App-DNA will be learning more about Citrix projects in progressive enterprises and new Citrix technologies.

Tuesday, May 11

The insider's view on application and desktop virtualization – Harry Labana shared his pre-Synergy demo testing on his video blog this week, whetting our appetite for the demos and new information.

Wednesday, May 12

Keynote: Mark Templeton’s vision of desktop computing + demos of new Citrix technologies = a great way to start Synergy.

Management simplified with XenApp – After the MMS announcement of more integration between Microsoft System Center and Citrix XenApp, this should be a great session. Learn more about XenApp 6, Windows Server 2008, System Center and 64-bit environments at this presentation from Citrix’s Orestes Melgarejo and Microsoft’s Sean Donahue. Be sure to catch Sean’s occasional postings on the MDOP Team Blog.

Gathering intelligence for your virtual desktop initiative – Application readiness is a key step in planning virtualization projects. Empowering enterprises with “DNA” about applications – and the success those applications will have on a virtual technology – means faster and better testing and eventual conversion of applications to the Citrix XenApp Profile or Microsoft App-V SFT format. Interested in hearing your questions on virtual desktop initiatives...

Thursday, May 13

Keynote – what a busy morning! Michael Dell from Dell, IDC Chief Analyst Frank Gens, Brad Anderson from Microsoft, and the announcement of the Best of Synergy Award from the Computerworld and Citrix teams. Don’t miss the keynotes that everyone will be talking about from Synergy.

15 reasons desktop virtualization projects fail – Expect a packed house for Brian Madden and Gabe Knuth. App-DNA hears from customers that app compat is one reason virtualization projects fail—and we help them fix it. We’re interested in a lively discussion in this session!

Also, don’t forget Geek Speak Live, after-hours events, plus the Hands-on Learning Labs! Be sure to book time to stop by App-DNA Expo Booth #530 to see AppTitude™ in action. Want to set a specific time to meet with App-DNA? Contact info@app-dna.com  

What sessions are on your Citrix Synergy schedule? Comment on your picks.  

Great article by Ruben Spruijt on www.brianmadden.com with a step-by-step guide to moving today's apps into tomorrow's world, featuring AppTitude and the role the product plays.

See it here - http://www.brianmadden.com/blogs/rubenspruijt/archive/2010/02/15/think-today-change-tomorrow-your-step-by-step-to-getting-to-the-desktop-of-tomorrow.aspx