Virtual Application Extension Points for Isolation and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing application virtualization techniques face challenges in configuring and managing virtual applications, particularly in isolating them from host operating systems and other applications, while allowing compatibility and seamless interaction.
Innovation Solution
Configuring virtual applications with private namespaces within the host operating system, using pointers in the host's public namespace to access and control the virtual application, allowing it to operate as if native, while keeping data sources within the private namespace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If application virtualization is used to isolate applications from the host operating system, then compatibility and isolation are improved, but configuration and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces extension points as intermediary mechanisms that bridge the virtual application's private namespace and the host operating system's public namespace. These extension points act as controlled interfaces that allow the virtual application to access host resources without breaking isolation, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing configuration complexity through standardized access patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the application namespace into private and public portions, with extension points providing controlled access between them. This segmentation allows the virtual application to maintain its isolated private environment while accessing necessary host resources through defined extension point interfaces, resolving the contradiction between isolation and manageability
2Reliability
If virtual applications use private namespaces for isolation, then application isolation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited access to host resources
Solution Approach 1:
Extension points serve as intermediary access mechanisms that enable virtual applications to interact with host operating system resources through a standardized interface. This allows seamless access to host resources while maintaining the protective barrier of the private namespace, thus improving ease of operation without compromising isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The extension point mechanism provides universal access patterns that work across different virtual applications and host resources. By establishing standardized extension point interfaces, the system enables diverse resource access scenarios (files, registry, processes) through a common mechanism, improving ease of operation while preserving isolation
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual application may be configured with several extension points within a host operating system. The virtual application may be configured with a private namespace in which various components, such as registry settings, dynamic linked libraries, and other components may reside. During configuration, links may be placed in the host operating system that may point to objects in the virtual application's private namespace so that the operating system and other applications may launch, control, or otherwise interact with the virtual application. The links may be located in a file system, registry, or other locations and may be available to other applications, including other virtual applications. A configuration routine may place the links into the host operating system at the time the application may be configured.