Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) vs. Firework by Startpack

For large organizations that need software to update at the control of the IT department APP-V is a godsend to manage deployment based on AD group assignment, maintaining software versioning for specific services or upgrades, and areas where you need to make software available without having to install the entire package - the streaming portion of APP-v publishes a shortcut on the desktop, then streams the install on demand

Incentivized

If you need to communicate through multiple apps e.g. Gmail, Slack, Whats App, and you want everything in one place - Firework is definitely your thing. Also perfect for people who have to track the time they spend on certain tasks. Firework would be useless for people who don't care about productivity and getting things done as fast as possible.

• It's incredibly customizable, integrates with Microsoft 365, and allows you to screen share with colleagues without even phoning them!
• Call quality is excellent, and the user interface is basic and intuitive enough that there is no need for any training.
• The user interface (UI) is quite professional, and it makes it simple to identify and operate the many features. And we record all of our meetings using Microsoft Teams as well.
• In my opinion, it's an excellent file-sharing application, and the ability to change the theme to dark is a personal preference.

Incentivized

• Works fast with most services
• Uses less RAM than most browsers
• Stores the passwords, so there's no need to log in every time
• Has mostly everything that a browser might have (ad-block, spell checker, etc.)

• Complicated software installs of interacting software needs significant care
• Updating software requires a pristine virtual machine to update a packager
• No longer being updated so new software practices aren't correctly captured.

Incentivized

• It's a bit pricey if you have to pay for it from your own pocket
• Spell-check doesn't work sometimes

APP-V is no longer a supported technology and is on the way out, only on legacy support at this time. The changes in security emphasis in windows, as well as the changes in software development have meant that APP-V is no longer able to correctly package software. It has been superseded by the MSIX format and distribution via the Microsoft Store for Business.

Incentivized

Microsoft Teams is included in our current Office 365 product set; therefore, there is no additional fee to use the application. It saves our company money by not having to pay for Slack or another internal chat service. For us, Microsoft Teams has a better user experience and product features. Teams' usability is higher than Slack's since it has access to OneDrive, email, and OneNote applications. Screen sharing, chat, and file-sharing operate smoothly, and the performance appears great.

Incentivized

• Some applications may be slower
• Interaction between several applications can be better

Incentivized

• You're way more productive when all of your tools are easily accessible
• Health benefits! It prevents your mental state from deteriorating, it saves at least 10-15 minutes per day, and there's no need to be anxious while trying to remember the password from your work email again