Application Deployment Options for 2025

As businesses continue to modernize their IT infrastructure, the ability to deploy applications efficiently and securely is more critical than ever. App deployment solutions allow businesses to distribute and manage software applications across different environments, including on-premises servers, private or public clouds, and hybrid architectures. These solutions simplify software delivery, improve security, and enhance the user experience.

With several options available in 2025, choosing the right app deployment solution depends on factors such as cost, scalability, and ease of use. In this blog, we will explore the top five application deployment solutions and help you determine which one best suits your needs.

1. GO-Global

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GO-Global is a high-performance application publishing solution designed specifically for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) that need to deploy applications directly to their end clients. It enables ISVs to deliver Windows applications without requiring complex virtualization solutions or expensive cloud infrastructure. GO-Global provides a seamless user experience, allowing clients to access applications from any device with minimal IT overhead.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Cost-effective pricing based on concurrent users, making it highly scalable.
• Simple and lightweight installation without the need for RDS.
• Optimized performance with minimal latency, even over low-bandwidth connections.
• Secure access with support for Single Sign-On (SSO) and encryption.

Cons:

• Limited to Windows-based applications.
• Lacks virtual desktop option as they only focus on ISVs and their applications.

Best Use Case

GO-Global is the ideal solution for ISVs that need a simple, cost-effective way to publish applications to end users without the complexity of full virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or remote desktop services (RDS). Its lightweight architecture makes it perfect for businesses looking to deploy applications efficiently without heavy IT investment.

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2. Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

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Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a cloud-based virtualization service from Microsoft that allows organizations to deploy applications and virtual desktops on Azure’s cloud infrastructure. It integrates with Microsoft 365 and offers enterprise-grade security, scalability, and management features.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Deep integration with Microsoft ecosystem (Windows 11, Microsoft 365, and Active Directory).
• Scalable cloud infrastructure with pay-as-you-go pricing.
• Advanced security features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control.

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to lightweight alternatives like GO-Global.
• Requires cloud expertise for setup and ongoing management.
• Performance may depend on Azure region availability and network conditions.

Best Use Case

AVD is best suited for enterprises with existing Microsoft cloud investments that require a full-featured, scalable, and secure app deployment solution.

3. Amazon AppStream 2.0

Product Offering

Amazon AppStream 2.0 is a fully managed application streaming service that allows businesses to deploy applications securely from AWS. Unlike traditional VDI solutions, it streams applications directly to users’ web browsers, eliminating the need for local installations.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• No client installation required; applications run directly in a browser.
• Scalable, pay-as-you-go pricing with AWS infrastructure.
• Secure application delivery with full integration into AWS security services.

Cons:

• Higher operational costs compared to self-hosted or lightweight solutions.
• Performance depends on AWS region latency.
• Requires AWS expertise to configure and manage effectively.
• High licensing costs as usage scales quickly

Best Use Case

Amazon AppStream 2.0 is best for organizations that need to deploy applications securely to a distributed workforce and prefer a browser-based, cloud-hosted approach.

4. Parallels RAS

Product Offering

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is an all-in-one VDI and application publishing solution that simplifies the deployment of applications and virtual desktops. It provides a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional VDI solutions like Citrix.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lower cost compared to Citrix and Microsoft RDS.
• Easy to deploy and manage, with centralized administration tools.
• Supports a wide range of endpoint devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Cons:

• Requires licensing and infrastructure setup.
• Performance may vary depending on network conditions and server configuration.
• Less advanced cloud-native features compared to AVD or AppStream.

Best Use Case

Parallels RAS is ideal for mid-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective and easy-to-manage solution for app deployment and virtual desktop infrastructure.

5. Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops

Product Offering

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops is a market leader in virtualization and application publishing, providing an enterprise-grade solution for deploying applications and desktops across various environments. It offers robust security, high-performance optimization, and extensive integration capabilities.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Highly scalable and feature-rich solution for enterprise deployments.
• Advanced security and performance optimization with HDX technology.
• Supports hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

Cons:

• Expensive licensing and infrastructure costs.
• Complex setup and management requiring specialized IT expertise.
• Overkill for ISVs or small-to-medium-sized businesses.

Best Use Case

Citrix is best suited for large enterprises that need a highly secure and scalable virtualization solution to deploy applications and desktops across a global workforce.

Conclusion

Choosing the right app deployment solution in 2025 depends on your business needs, budget, and IT capabilities.

• GO-Global is the best option for ISVs looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-use way to publish applications to end clients.
• Azure Virtual Desktop is ideal for enterprises invested in Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem.
• Amazon AppStream 2.0 is great for browser-based application streaming with AWS integration.
• Parallels RAS offers a balance of affordability and VDI functionality for mid-sized businesses.
• Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops remains the top choice for large enterprises needing advanced virtualization.

By selecting the right solution, businesses can deploy applications efficiently, improve user experience, and enhance security while keeping costs under control.

Are you an ISV exploring application delivery? Contact us to learn how GO-Global can help you streamline software access for your end users. Or download a free trial to test it yourself.

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