The vast majority of IT users spend most of their working time accessing some flavour of application, whether it be a traditional client server or Windows app, a bespoke line of business (LOB) app, a browser-based app, a SaaS app, or even a mobile app. Therefore, devices (i.e. desktops, laptops, thin clients, mobile devices, etc.) are just conduits used to access applications.

All About the Apps

A device in itself, without applications or the ability to access applications, is not a whole lot of use. So you may have heard this saying before “It’s All About the Apps” but really “It is Still All About the Apps”, the Applications are the stars of the show and should be front of mind when designing IT solutions, planning IT related projects, and developing operational procedures.

The Impact of Poor vs. Optimal App Delivery

The modern IT ecosystem has evolved exponentially over the years but ‘applications’ remain at its core. Organisations need to ensure their applications (and associated data) are accessed securely, are reliable and highly available, and perform to the required standard. Poorly delivered applications can result in security risks, lost productivity, or unhappy users, all of which can negatively impact an organisation. On the flip side, optimally delivered applications can reduce risk, increase efficiency and productivity, and underpin a positive user experience, all of which can have a virtuous effect across an organisation.  

Legacy Applications: A Hidden Operational Risk

It is also worth noting that there is still a large number of legacy applications in existence in organisations. Such legacy applications may not be compatible with modern operating systems and thus hinder upgrades etc., resulting in organisations retaining out of support and less secure workloads, which presents operational challenges and risk to organisations. 

Designing a Cohesive Application Delivery Strategy

To deliver an application in the appropriate way, there is perhaps a lot more to consider than one might initially think. For example, the type of application in question will influence the delivery mechanism, as will the locations of the application’s users, the security requirements, performance expectations, compliance, etc. Furthermore, it is important to consider all of the applications that need to be delivered so that a cohesive approach can be adopted, rather than having point solutions for individual applications. Lastly, the deployment of an application is not necessarily the end of the road. Rather, it is often the beginning of an application lifecycle management journey (i.e. application upgrades, application patches, application changes). 

Enterprise Solutions’ Methodology for App Delivery

Enterprise Solutions has developed and a structured approach to application delivery (see Figure 1.0), which covers application assessment and user profiling all the way through to application preparation and delivery. This helps ensure that applications are securely delivered to users in any location, using any device, any time, while ensuring the optimal user experience. At Enterprise Solutions, we truly believe that the design, delivery, maintenance and hosting of App’s is essential to deliver users the best experience possible, as Enterprise Applications continue to grow in everyday work – It’s Still All About the Apps.

Partner with Us to Optimise Your App Strategy

If you need assistance with any aspect of application delivery, feel free to contact us at asktheexpert@enterprise-solutions.ie to discuss how Enterprise Solutions can support you deliver your IT goals to your organisation.