Microsoft Releases Service Pack 2 for App-V 4.5

  • By Kurt Mackie
  • 06/03/10

Microsoft has released Service Pack 2 for its App-V 4.5 application virtualization solution.

This new service pack fixes problems described by customers using App-V 4.5 SP1. Still, the issuance of a new service pack for App-V 4.5 may seem somewhat confusing because Microsoft announced App-V 4.6 as part of its Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) 2010 set of tools back in late February.

By the way, for those using App-V 4.6, Microsoft just published a white paper on using application virtualization with remote desktop services via Windows Server 2008 R2.

A Microsoft FAQ (Word doc download) explains the reason for the backtracking to App-V 4.5 SP2. Microsoft still recommends that customers move to latest App-V 4.6 version, which features application virtualization support for Office 2010. However, some organizations can't make that move. Consequently, Microsoft released App-V 4.5 SP2 to fix some issues on the server side while also providing support for organizations wanting to virtualize Office 2010.

App-V 4.5 SP2 is available from Microsoft's Volume Licensing Service Center here, the Microsoft Download Center here, or Microsoft Update. An evaluation copy can also be accessed via Microsoft's MSDN and TechNet portals. Microsoft plans to include the SP2 version in the "next scheduled MDOP refresh," according to the FAQ.

Microsoft is touting the high availability and "enhanced failover protection" enabled with App-V 4.5 SP2. Those capabilities are supported through SQL mirroring, which also helps in disaster recovery scenarios and allows maintenance tasks to be performed using server recycling. Microsoft recommends separating the management server from the database to optimize this SQL mirroring capability.

Additionally, App-V 4.5 SP2 now allows data replication across geographies. That capability can help when recovering from site-wide failures.

The release notes to App-V 4.5 SP2 are available here. This service pack is considered "cumulative," meaning that users don't have to install SP1 first.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is online news editor, Enterprise Group, at 1105 Media Inc.

Featured

  • Abstract AI circuit board pattern

    Nonprofit LawZero to Work Toward Safer, Truthful AI

    Turing Award-winning AI researcher Yoshua Bengio has launched LawZero, a nonprofit aimed at developing AI systems that prioritize safety and truthfulness over autonomy.

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

  • magnifying glass with AI icon in the center

    Google Releases Learning-Themed AI Mode Features for Search

    Ahead of back-to-school season, Google has introduced new AI Mode features in Search, including image and PDF queries on desktop, a Canvas tool for planning, real-time help with Search Live, and Lens integration in Chrome.

  • sunlit classroom with laptops on every desk, each displaying a glowing AI speech bubble icon above the screen

    Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot to Become Available for Teen Students

    This summer, Microsoft is expanding availability of its Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot products for students aged 13 and older. Administrators will be able to grant access for students based on their institution's plans and preferences, the company announced in a blog post.