application virtualization

A smaller umbrella term within the larger umbrella term of "virtualization." It refers to several techniques that make running applications more protected, more flexible or easier to manage. See virtualization, network virtualization and storage virtualization.

The Way Programs Run
Modern operating systems can be said to provide application virtualization because they attempt to keep programs isolated from each other. If one program crashes, the remaining programs keep running (most of the time).

Partition the Hardware
This is the traditional meaning of "virtualization" and refers to partitioning a computer in order to run several applications without interference or to run different operating systems in the same computer. See virtual machine and OS virtualization.

Write the Program Once, Run Everywhere
An interpreted programming language enables the same program to run on different machine platforms, providing there is a runtime engine for that language and platform. Java is the major example (see Java Virtual Machine).

Terminals to a Central Computer
The oldest network architecture, all applications and data are stored in a centralized server or cluster of servers. The user's PC functions like a terminal to the server (see thin client).

Dynamic Application Assignment
This approach treats servers in the datacenter as a pool of operating system resources and assigns those resources to applications based on demand in real time. The pioneer in this area is Data Synapse Inc. (see FabricServer).