Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

DRBL VS VMware ThinApp

Compare DRBL VS VMware ThinApp and see what are their differences

DRBL logo DRBL

DRBL (Diskless Remote Boot in Linux) is a free software, open source solution to managing the...

VMware ThinApp logo VMware ThinApp

Speed up application deployment and migration with VMware ThinApp, an agentless application virtualization solution. Learn how it works.
  • DRBL Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-09-02
  • VMware ThinApp Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-27

DRBL features and specs

  • Cost Efficiency
    DRBL is open-source and free, which makes it a cost-effective solution for organizations looking to deploy diskless remote boot technology without incurring large software expenses.
  • Centralized Management
    Allows for centralized management of client machines, as administrators can manage configurations, software deployments, and updates from a central server, reducing maintenance complexities.
  • Resource Sharing
    Facilitates efficient resource sharing by enabling multiple client machines to share a single server's storage and resources, optimizing usage and reducing hardware requirements.
  • Environment Customization
    Supports a wide range of Linux distributions, allowing administrators to customize and tailor the boot environment to specific needs and preferences of their organization.
  • Scalability
    DRBL can be scaled easily to support a large number of client machines, making it suitable for educational institutions, labs, and organizations with extensive computer networks.

Possible disadvantages of DRBL

  • Complex Setup
    The initial setup and configuration of DRBL can be complex and time-consuming, requiring a good understanding of networking and Linux systems, which can be challenging for less-experienced users.
  • Limited Windows Support
    Primarily designed for Linux systems, DRBL offers limited support for Windows environments, which can be a disadvantage for organizations relying heavily on Windows clients.
  • Network Dependency
    Since DRBL relies on network booting, any network issues can directly impact the availability and performance of client machines, requiring robust and reliable network infrastructure.
  • Server Load
    The server bears most of the processing load, which may require powerful hardware for the server to ensure smooth operation, especially in environments with a high number of clients.
  • Learning Curve
    There is a steep learning curve associated with understanding and effectively using DRBL, which may necessitate dedicated training or expertise to fully utilize its capabilities.

VMware ThinApp features and specs

  • Portability
    ThinApp packages applications into single executable files, making it easy to move them across different machines and environments without the need for installation.
  • Isolation
    Applications virtualized with ThinApp run in isolated environments, which prevent conflicts with other applications and the underlying system.
  • Compatibility
    ThinApp supports legacy applications and can ensure they run on newer operating systems without modification.
  • Simplified Deployment
    Since applications do not need to be installed, deploying software across an organization becomes a faster and simpler process.
  • Security
    By isolating applications and data, ThinApp enhances security, reducing the risk of malicious software impacting the system.
  • No Dependencies
    Applications packaged with ThinApp are self-contained and do not require external dependencies, eliminating common installation issues.

Possible disadvantages of VMware ThinApp

  • Performance Overhead
    Virtualizing applications can introduce a performance overhead, which may affect the speed and responsiveness of the applications.
  • Complexity
    The initial setup and packaging process can be complex and may require a learning curve for administrators unfamiliar with the tool.
  • Licensing Costs
    ThinApp is a commercial product and comes with licensing fees, which may be a consideration for budget-constrained organizations.
  • Limited Support for Complex Applications
    Some complex applications with heavy integration into the OS may not fully adhere to virtualization, causing functional limitations or requiring additional configuration.
  • Lack of Real-Time Updates
    Since ThinApp packages applications as static executables, any updates to the application require re-packaging and redeployment.
  • Compatibility Issues
    There may be certain edge cases where virtualized applications show compatibility issues with specific system configurations or other virtualized applications.

Analysis of VMware ThinApp

Overall verdict

  • VMware ThinApp is a solid product and stands out as a powerful solution in the realm of application virtualization. Its features make it particularly useful for businesses looking to reduce application conflicts and manage legacy applications on modern operating systems.

Why this product is good

  • VMware ThinApp is a reliable application virtualization tool that helps streamline application deployment, reduces conflicts between applications, and enhances application security by isolating them from the underlying operating system. Users appreciate its ability to package applications into single executable files without requiring an agent on target devices, making it an efficient choice for many enterprises seeking robust application management solutions.

Recommended for

  • Organizations seeking to deploy legacy applications on newer operating systems.
  • IT departments aiming to simplify application deployment and management.
  • Companies looking for agentless, lightweight application virtualization solutions.
  • Environments that require isolation to enhance application security and minimize conflicts.

DRBL videos

# Exclusive install , configuration and Test Clonezilla Server Edition (DRBL) On CentOS 7

More videos:

  • Review - Clonezilla SE - Installing DRBL in Ubuntu 12.04
  • Review - Clonning with drbl clonezilla 120 machines simultaneously

VMware ThinApp videos

Creating and Deploying USB Portable Applications with VMware ThinApp.mp4

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Make Portable Applications With VMware ThinApp [EASY]
  • Tutorial - How to Create a Portable Application with VMware Thinapp Enterprise?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DRBL and VMware ThinApp)
Cloud Computing
52 52%
48% 48
Monitoring Tools
11 11%
89% 89
Tool
100 100%
0% 0
Email Marketing
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing DRBL and VMware ThinApp, you can also consider the following products

LTSP - The Linux Terminal Server Project adds thin-client support to Linux servers.

Cameyo - Cameyo is a software program that can turn another piece of software into a portable app. This allows individuals to use a browser to run programs on a Windows system without installation.

Thinstation - Thinstation is a basic and small, yet very powerful, open source thin client operating system...

Sandboxie - Sandboxie is a program for Windows that is designed to allow the user to isolate individual programs on the hard drive.

linuxmuster.net - linuxmuster.net is a comprehensive complete solution for the operation of school IT infrastructure.

Shadow Defender - Shadow Defender is an easy-to-use PC/laptop security and privacy protection tool for Windows operating systems. DownloadShadow Defender is an easy-to-use PC/laptop security and .