Today marks a significant milestone for Liquidware, a journey that began in 2009, as we proudly introduce the Liquidware Ready Program. It is with immense excitement and gratitude that we embark on this new chapter, solidifying the alliances and partnerships that have been at the heart of our growth and success over the years. This program is not just about leading platform collaboration and vendor verifications; it is about the relationships and joint customers that form the foundation of our shared mission to enable digital workspaces.

As the VP of Alliances and Product Marketing at Liquidware, I have had the privilege of witnessing our partnerships blossom into true collaborations. From the early days when we co-marketed with our esteemed partners to this momentous occasion, we have come a long way. The Liquidware Ready Program is an embodiment of the dedication and commitment we hold towards our customers and partners, ensuring they have the confidence they need to make informed decisions about their digital workspace environments.

The Liquidware Ready Program offers three tiers: Liquidware Ready, Liquidware Ready Verified, and Liquidware Ready Platinum. These tiers cater to the Liquidware readiness of our alliance partners, ensuring that the integration between their solutions and Liquidware’s products is seamless, tested, and ready to empower end-users to reach new heights of productivity.

At the heart of our program lies the trust and collaboration we have with our partners. To the vendors who have been with us every step of the way, thank you for the unwavering support and belief in our vision. Your commitment to excellence and innovation has enabled us to shape the future of digital workspace management together.

The introductory tier, Liquidware Ready, exemplifies our dedication to ensuring compatibility. It involves validation in a joint customer site, demonstrating our joint solutions working hand in hand. Moving a step further, the Liquidware Ready Verified tier involves in-depth integration, rigorous testing, and even development hours invested by Liquidware and the alliance partner. This tier represents the epitome of the seamless collaboration that our customers expect from us.

The Liquidware Ready Program is centered around Liquidware Ready Tracks, encompassing our digital workspace management products – ProfileUnity™, FlexApp™, and Stratusphere™ UX. With our Ready Tracks, we offer assurance to our customers that they can trust in the compatibility and seamless integration of our joint solutions.

Allow me to share some words of appreciation from our valued partners:

Scott Manchester, Microsoft: “We’ve been working closely with Liquidware since the inception of Azure Virtual Desktop. It’s great to see a program that formally validates Liquidware and our solutions working together to deliver our joint customers business benefits in managing their deployments.”

Chris Fleck, Citrix, a business unit of Cloud Software Group: “Liquidware is a long-standing Citrix Ready partner, and it’s good to see them having a reciprocal program that highlights how we best work together.”

Jim Airdo, SVP of Strategic Alliances and IGEL Ready, IGEL Technology: “IGEL and Liquidware have been long-standing partners united in the joint development and delivery of digital workspace solutions that offer superior digital experiences.”

Greg Lambert, Application Readiness: “We’ve recently announced our integration with Liquidware to automate User Acceptance Testing for portable Windows apps containerized with Liquidware FlexApp.”

Brad Rowland, COO, Rimo3: “Rimo3 is pleased to be recognized as a Liquidware Ready partner with such a long-standing EUC technology provider.”

Emanuel Pirker, Stratodesk: “Our partnership with Liquidware is of great benefit to our joint customers. The Liquidware Ready program now extends even further the opportunities to deliver battle-tested and compatible solutions.”

Larry Sweeney, SVP, Global Enterprise Sales, Nerdio: “As the ecosystem around Azure Virtual Desktop continues to grow and mature, it’s great to see programs like this that unite notable vendors and simplify the process of finding and implementing the right management solutions for customers and enterprise partners.”

Phillip Johnson, LG: “Virtual workspaces and Liquidware solutions go hand-in-hand – that’s why we’re pleased to be a Liquidware Ready partner.”

To our Liquidware Ready alliance partners, we stand stronger together, committed to delivering the highest level of value and customer satisfaction. Together, we will continue to innovate and shape the future of digital workspace management.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Learn more at our Liquidware Ready web page.

As organizations continue to embrace Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (formerly known as XenApp and XenDesktop), they often encounter challenges related to application delivery, management, and user experience. Liquidware FlexApp is Citrix Ready verified and offers robust a solution to these challenges, making them ideal companions for Citrix environments, whether deployed on-premises or in the cloud. I’ve spoken to our partners and customers and refined seven key ways in which Liquidware’s FlexApp and FlexApp One enhance and streamline the user experience and application management in Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops environments.

Application Layering Made Easy
Liquidware FlexApp continues to introduce more and more enterprises to a groundbreaking approach to application delivery: app attached layering. This technology decouples applications from the underlying operating system, simplifying application management, updates, and compatibility. Instead of installing applications directly onto the base image or individual virtual machines, administrators can package applications in VHDX containers then assign them to specific users or groups based on their requirements.

FlexApp allows IT teams to the possibility of maintaining a single master image for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops while easily customizing the application sets for different user groups. This approach reduces image sprawl, simplifies application updates, and enhances overall image management efficiency.

Reduce Base Images, Streamline Application Updates and Rollbacks
Maintaining several images and related servers to cater to departmental app delivery is commonplace in Citrix environments, it doesn’t have to be that way with FlexApp. FlexApp dynamically attaches applications per user, even in multi-user environments, user A does not see or experience applications that are assigned to user B, and vice versa.

Keeping applications up to date and ensuring that updates don’t disrupt user productivity can be complex in virtualized environments. FlexApp simplifies application updates by allowing IT administrators to update applications within a single application layer/container. This update is then automatically applied to all users who have access to that application, streamlining the update process and ensuring consistency across the environment.

Cloud-Ready Application Delivery
As more organizations migrate their workloads to the cloud, having a flexible and adaptable application delivery solution becomes essential. Liquidware FlexApp seamlessly integrates with Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops in both on-premises and cloud-based deployments.

With native support for cloud infrastructure providers like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS), organizations can easily extend their Citrix environments to the cloud while leveraging the benefits of Liquidware’s application layering and user profile management.

FlexApp One
FlexApp features an exclusive alternative delivery format known as FlexApp One. With FlexApp One you can empower users to take apps offline where they can run the app locally on their laptop, regardless of connectivity. FlexApp One packages can also be deployed with popular mainstream software deployment solutions such as Microsoft Intune, Ivanti DSM, or any other software deployment tool.

Seamless User Experience with ProfileUnity
Liquidware ProfileUnity, a companion solution to FlexApp, seamlessly manages user profiles and settings, ensuring consistent experiences across various Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops sessions. ProfileUnity captures and stores user profiles, applications settings, and data, enabling quick and seamless logins from any location or device.

With ProfileUnity, users can enjoy personalized desktop environments regardless of the underlying infrastructure, be it on-premises or in the cloud. This ensures that user settings, configurations, and preferences persist across sessions, improving productivity and user satisfaction. The solution is compatible with Microsoft FSLogix Profiles, giving you an onramp to full user environment management with ProfileUnity.

Optimal Application Performance and Scalability
One of the biggest challenges in virtual desktop environments is achieving optimal application performance and scalability. Liquidware FlexApp significantly addresses these concerns by reducing the IOPS overhead commonly associated with traditional application delivery methods.

FlexApp’s flexibility enables you to place applications that require require low latency and more throughput on faster storage – and free them of being in main image. This approach reduces IOPS in the main image and enables you to use the fastest or most cost-effective storage available.

By leveraging advanced application layering and on-demand delivery, FlexApp ensures that applications load quickly and efficiently for end-users. This reduces the load on the infrastructure and enhances the overall performance and scalability of the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops deployment, ensuring a smooth experience for users, even during peak usage periods.

Liquidware Innovates while others Imitate
Liquidware has been first to market with a long list of innovations including:

–PackageOnce(TM)- Once an app is easily packaged, it works across all supported versions of Microsoft OSs.
–On-Demand with Click-to-layer – FlexApp first introduced apps on demand in 2017 with Click-to-layer. With this feature, if an apps is not clicked, it’s not attached.
–FastPackaging(TM) – apps can be attached in about the time it takes to install them one time.
–High-availability- deliver apps anywhere and anytime without load balancers.
–Packaging Automation- unattended package automation. Package hundreds of apps automatically over a weekend while you rest!
–FlexApp One- self contained apps as described above.

Liquidware FlexApp is an ideal complement to Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, offering revolutionary application delivery and management capabilities. From simplifying application layering and profile management to enhancing application performance and scalability, FlexApp empowers organizations to create seamless, efficient, and flexible virtual desktop environments.

Whether deployed on-premises or in the cloud, FlexApp’s adaptability and user-centric approach make it a perfect fit for organizations seeking to optimize their Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops deployments and deliver a superior end-user experience.

In the most recent episode of Liquidware Chats, I spoke to Neil McLoughlin, UK and Ireland Field CTO, about the integration between Nerdio and FlexApp One and how it simplifies your application development.

In this blog post, I will go into the details of this integration and the value it delivers to our joint customers.

So what does Nerdio do?

Nerdio is a comprehensive cloud computing solution that specializes in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and IT infrastructure as a service (IaaS). Nerdio simplifies the complexities of cloud management by offering a unified platform for deploying, managing, and scaling IT environments in the cloud. It empowers businesses to leverage the power of Microsoft Azure while reducing the associated costs and complexities. Nerdio’s automation capabilities automate the deployment and management of virtual desktops, servers, and data storage, ensuring a hassle-free cloud experience.

Nerdio’s main solution is Nerdio Manager and it comes in two options – Enterprise and MSP. In terms of the integration with FlexApp One, we will focus on the Enterprise version.

 Nerdio Manager for Enterprise empowers IT professionals to deploy and manage Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 in a simple, secure, and efficient manner. The solution offers various built-in scaling engines, enhanced image and application management capabilities, a ton of automation, simple-to-follow wizards, the concept of Scripted Actions, and much more.

FlexAppOne

FlexApp One is designed to simplify and streamline application delivery in virtual desktop environments – in this case AVD and Windows 365. FlexApp One is a self-contained (one file) FlexApp package — one app/one file. FlexApps run as native, not isolated, giving FlexApp a very high compatibility rate. The power of FlexApp One is it can be attached to any Windows OS and run as if natively installed, also it can be deployed from any cloud share, including Microsoft Azure. FlexApp One applications can also be accessed offline.

Integration with Nerdio

In terms of integration, Nerdio has a feature called Scripted Actions – these are PowerShell scripts that run either in the context of a Windows VM or an Azure Automation Account. Scripted Actions can be used to extend and customize the functionality of Nerdio Manager. Within the library are a series of FlexApp One scripts that come from the Liquidware FlexApp One repository. Using the scripted actions to deploy FlexApp One you have 3 options:

Hot Add FlexApp One while the user is in session

Hot adding FlexApp One means that you have the ability to deploy the app without logging into the console of the virtual machine or interrupting the user.

Layering FlexApp One during host pool VM deployment

With this, you can configure FlexApps to be hot-added during the deployment of your host pool.

Bake in FlexApp One to the Windows base image

In this option, you can configure the FlexApps to be part of your base image build.

Conclusion

As you can see, our integration with Nerdio Manager is extremely powerful and you have the flexibility to choose the deployment scenario that suits your environment.

The combined solution delivers various benefits including:

1. Streamlined Application Deployment: The integration enables seamless deployment of applications using FlexApp One’s application layering technology within Nerdio Enterprise Manager. This reduces deployment time and effort while ensuring a consistent user experience.
2. Efficient Application Updates: FlexApp One’s ability to layer applications allows for efficient updates and patches, minimizing downtime and disruption to end-users. This feature, combined with Nerdio’s robust management capabilities, ensures that applications are up-to-date and secure.
3. Simplified Management: The integration simplifies application and infrastructure management by providing a unified interface through Nerdio’s centralized management console. Administrators can easily manage application layers, virtual desktops, and servers from a single pane of glass, enhancing efficiency and reducing complexity.
4. Scalability and Cost Optimization: Nerdio’s auto-scaling capabilities, combined with FlexApp One’s lightweight application delivery, enable businesses to scale their infrastructure and applications according to demand. This scalability eliminates the need for overprovisioning, and optimizes costs while ensuring high performance.
5. Enhanced User Experience: By seamlessly integrating FlexApp One and Nerdio, end-users can enjoy a consistent and responsive application experience, regardless of their location or device. The integration ensures that applications are delivered efficiently, resulting in improved productivity and user satisfaction.

To learn more check out this video on our YouTube Channel

We’re pleased to announce that our Channel Program has earned a prestigious 5-star rating in the 2023 CRN Partner Program Guide. This recognition is a testament to Liquidware’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and support to its partner community.

This annual guide offers essential information to solution providers such as managed service providers (MSPs), value-added resellers (VARs), systems integrators, and strategic service providers as they explore technology manufacturers’ partner programs to find the vendors that will best support their business needs. The 5-star rating is awarded to the companies that go above and beyond in their commitment to nurturing strong, profitable, successful channel partnerships.

For the channel partner community, a critical factor when assessing which IT manufacturers, service providers, and distributors to team with in building world-class technology solutions is the breadth and depth of the partner programs those companies offer. Strong elements such as financial incentives, sales and marketing assistance, training and certification, technical support and more can set a vendor apart and play a key role in boosting partners’ long-term growth.

Our program’s 5-star rating reflects its commitment to partner success by offering a comprehensive line-up of incentives, services, benefits, and training.

Below are some of the factors that had our partner program gain the prestigious 5-star rating from CRN:

1. Partner profitability: Liquidware offers its partners competitive margins and incentives – often 3x that of platform vendors – enabling its partners to grow their businesses and increase profitability. Additionally, the company’s deal registration program ensures that partners are rewarded for their efforts in identifying and closing new business opportunities through additional margin and deal protection.

2. Sales and marketing resources: Liquidware’s partner portal provides partners with a wealth of resources to support their sales and marketing efforts. This includes access to product information, competitive analysis, marketing resources, and virtual training.

3. Training and support: Liquidware provides comprehensive training and certification programs to help partners become experts in the company’s solutions. This includes access to online training resources, live training sessions, and dedicated technical resources to assist with both team competency and customer evaluation and implementation, all provided to partners free-of-charge.

4. Marketing programs: Liquidware offers a range of marketing resources to help partners promote their solutions and generate demand. These include co-branded collateral, email campaigns, social media assets, and marketing development funds for both live and virtual demand generating activities and events.

Overall, our channel program and our staff are committed to helping its partners succeed. By providing competitive margins, robust sales and marketing resources, and through comprehensive training and support, the company enables its partners to consistently deliver value to their customers and grow their businesses. It is this commitment to ensuring the success of our partners that has resulted in Liquidware’s 5-star rating in this year’s 2023 CRN Partner Program Guide.

Login times are critical for end-users and management, and any delay can impact productivity and user experience. However, identifying the root cause of login slowdowns can be challenging, given the number of factors that can contribute to it. Is it the machine group policy, user group policy, user environment management software, application layering product, antivirus software, security software, or some login script? Stratusphere UX Login Breakdown can help you identify the culprit and take corrective, prompt action.

Before you begin fixing the issue, it’s best to establish a baseline of your environment’s capabilities. You can create a test environment by taking a machine that closely matches your users, removing any antivirus or security software, blocking inheritance on any group policies, disabling any user environment management software and any application layering technology. This baseline provides a goal to work towards and helps hold products or people accountable for causing too much overhead in login times.

Once you have established a baseline, you can start identifying the culprit. With Stratusphere UX Login Breakdown, you can break down the login process into its constituent parts and analyze which parts are taking the most time. For example, you can identify inefficient group policies and take corrective action. You can either clean up the group policy and test your logins again or move most of the group policy to a user environment management product, like ProfileUnity, that is more effective in processing time than group policy.

Similarly, you can identify inefficient user environment management software, which can cause delays by running the regedit.exe command repeatedly to import settings or user preferences. Stratusphere UX Login Breakdown can provide a per-process breakdown of the entire login, helping you identify and address these inefficiencies.

Application layering products can also contribute to login delays by blocking the login from the user while it activates layers or by consuming too many CPU resources during the login. Stratusphere UX Login Breakdown can provide visibility into how much CPU is being consumed during the login, enabling you to optimize resource allocation and speed up logins. ProfileUnity FlexApp can assign application layers on boot and speed up logins by removing contention during the login process.

Antivirus and security software can be challenging to optimize for login performance, given that they are inline to process open, file system R/W, and network R/W. With Stratusphere UX Login Breakdown, you can analyze how much overhead your antivirus and security software are adding to all processes duration times and how much CPU they are consuming during the login. Taking a Login Breakdown snapshot before and after removing antivirus and security software this gives you the proof of the overhead to consult with your antivirus and security teams.

Finally, login scripts can spawn from various places, causing delays during login. With Stratusphere UX Login Breakdown, you can get the entire script duration and any process launched from that script. This visibility helps the script owner optimize the script and reduces resource consumption during the login, resulting in faster login times.

In conclusion, Stratusphere UX Login Breakdown is a powerful, non-invasive tool that can help you track down login bottlenecks with ease. With its ability to break down the login process into its constituent parts, you can identify the root cause of delays and take corrective, prompt action to improve login times, making your end-users and management happy.

On the 9^th of March 30+ brave souls ventured out into the arctic-like conditions to attend the Citrix User Group in Dublin but they were rewarded with some fantastic sessions, networking, food, and drinks.

The day started with an impromptu Dublin EUC Breakfast Club though it was rebranded Brunch given the time of the day

To start the day we had Marc Aurel Evers talking about how Google Chrome Flex is a secure Chrome-based endpoint software for accessing Citrix. Marc started with an overview of the product including the benefits over a Windows PC. These benefits focused on the fact you can extend the life of existing hardware by converting it with Chrome OS Flex. Extending the life of the device is obviously a huge sustainability gain for any organization and also there are the associated cost savings. Marc even passed around some converted devices including an old converted  XPS 13. Overall it was a very interesting session and will be fascinating to see how Chrome OS Flex compares against other vendors in this very competitive market.  

The next session was from David Pisa and Gavin Strong and they gave a very detailed overview of Citrix App Layering including a deep dive into how to set up the infrastructure required for an App Layering  POC in Azure.

Afterwards, we had a short coffee break then I gave the group an overview of Liquidware’s digital workspace solutions. I then introduced FlexApp and FlexApp One firstly outlining what it was not before describing the solution and then showing a demo video of how easy it is to run FlexApp One apps in a matter of minutes. Finally, I introduced our brand new innovative helpdesk remediation solution CommandCTRL coming later this year, and I even gave a live demo which thankfully went off without a hitch.

To finish the day Wendy Gay and Javier Lopez Santacruz delivered a session on Identity and SSO with Citrix and focused on Primary Identity and FAS (Citrix Federated Authentication Service). Identity and SSO are big topics in EUC so this was a very well received session to close out the day

Congrats to Paul Matthews who won the Liquidware Festival pack that is on the way to you

We then adjourned to the bar for drinks and food where the conversations could continue.

Overall it was a great event, with some very informative sessions, and great networking including reconnecting with my old IGEL colleague Ben Ward who is now Field CTO for the UK and Ireland at Liquit.  

The next event is scheduled in Belfast in June and should be another enjoyable day.