The demands around application management are evolving rapidly. Traditional approaches like SCCM, Intune, or manual installation are increasingly falling short—especially in today’s landscape of hybrid work environments, complex application requirements, and rising user expectations. At the same time, security risks such as software vulnerabilities (CVEs) are increasing exponentially, making secure app delivery more critical than ever.
Modernising your application management approach is no longer optional—it’s a strategic necessity. Below are five reasons to act now, along with guidance on how to start modernising.
Today’s users expect fast, seamless access to applications—anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Delays, compatibility issues, and lengthy sync processes are no longer acceptable. Traditional tools often lack the flexibility to provide on-demand access or to deliver a consistent experience, especially when dealing with niche or highly customised applications.
Modern application management solutions empower IT teams to deliver apps in real time, tailored to the user's profile, and updated silently in the background—without disrupting the end user.
While a smooth user experience is essential, it should never compromise security. The ease and speed of today’s app delivery models come with new risks. Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting unpatched application vulnerabilities (CVEs) to gain network access.
Prompt patching, vulnerability management, and compliance enforcement are key to preventing attacks and data breaches. Traditional tools like SCCM often lack the agility to address threats proactively. In contrast, modern solutions offer built-in security features like automated patching, vulnerability scanning, and real-time compliance checks—enhancing security while maintaining user trust.
As hybrid working becomes the norm, applications must be delivered across a mix of physical, virtual, and cloud-based environments. Legacy solutions like App-V have clear limitations, especially due to their strict isolation model. This isolation can hinder interoperability between applications and limit access to shared system resources, reducing flexibility.
Technologies like MSIX have moved the industry forward, but they still present compatibility issues. Modern approaches leverage advanced techniques such as containerisation and, most importantly, application layering.
With application layering, apps are decoupled from the underlying OS or platform and assembled dynamically. This enables multiple apps to run simultaneously—without the limitations of traditional isolation—providing consistent, cross-platform access with pre-configured settings.
For IT, this means fewer toolsets to maintain and simplified deployment. For users, it means a smooth, unified experience—regardless of the endpoint.
Traditional packaging and deployment methods are time-consuming and resource-intensive. As the workplace evolves, IT teams must now manage a mix of physical PCs, VDI environments, and cloud workspaces. This fragmentation increases complexity and operational costs.
Modern application management addresses this by enabling platform-agnostic packaging: applications are packaged once and deployed everywhere. Multiple versions can coexist without conflict, reducing support overhead. Fewer tools are required, lowering software and personnel costs. The result: faster, simpler, and more cost-effective management.
IT environments are constantly evolving—whether through new security requirements, regulatory changes, cloud migrations, or strategic shifts such as “Microsoft unless” policies. Traditional tools often lack the scalability and agility to keep pace with these changes.
Fear of disruption holds many organisations back. Concerns about app compatibility post-migration or the risk of business interruption often lead to inaction, despite the limitations of outdated methods.
Modern application management solutions address this directly. With centralised control and a single pane of glass, IT can manage apps consistently across all environments. If your workplace strategy changes—say, switching to a different cloud provider—existing app packages remain valid and reusable. This drastically reduces migration risk and positions your organisation for long-term agility and growth.
Modern application management combines efficiency, flexibility, and scalability to deliver an optimal user experience with minimal operational overhead. A key enabler is Application Layering, which separates applications from the underlying OS and makes them dynamically available based on user context.
This allows real-time delivery without modifying the base image or infrastructure—greatly reducing the management burden.
Application lifecycle management is also increasingly automated through technologies like automated packaging, containerisation, and layering. These innovations enable consistent, centralised app delivery across diverse platforms—without the limitations of traditional virtualisation.
In short, modern application management is more than an IT upgrade—it’s the foundation for a scalable, secure, and future-ready digital workplace.