Free web-based service containerizes Windows desktop and server applications, provides hub for shared images and migration of containers across devices
SEATTLE — (BUSINESS WIRE) — November 25, 2014 — Spoon, the leader in application virtualization and delivery technology, today announced the immediate availability of Spoon containers for Windows. Spoon is the first to bring the benefits of containerization to the Windows platform, including support for both desktop and server applications.
Spoon containers are available immediately, free of charge, at http://spoon.net.
Users can share images and containers using the Spoon.net Hub, a central repository that includes hundreds of pre-built images for popular frameworks, languages, servers, and tools. Organizations can use team accounts to instantly share containers between team members and external users.
For example, developers can use Spoon containers to deploy .NET- and Java-based applications, including desktop client software, browsers, and plugins, without the need to install the .NET or Java runtimes. Testers can test multiple instances of applications in parallel on a single device on isolated virtual networks. IT managers can deploy new application versions on top of existing versions without conflicts. And users can launch applications from any Windows desktop and continue working as they move between devices.
Spoon containers support all major desktop and server versions of Windows, including Windows XP, and do not require administrative privileges, device drivers, or server infrastructure. Spoon applications can be launched directly from the web using a small browser plugin, through the traditional Start Menu interface, or via command-line scripting.
“Spoon is excited to bring the power of containerization to the Windows platform,” said Spoon CEO Kenji Obata. “Building on the strengths of the proven Spoon virtual machine engine, this release incorporates category-changing concepts such as web launch, cross-device migration, desktop integration, legacy OS emulation, variable layering and isolation modes, virtual networking and device drivers, and much more.”
Because Spoon incorporates its own virtualization engine, rather than simply providing an interface to container support in an underlying operating system, Spoon can containerize applications across multiple operating systems and provide advanced virtualization primitives. For example, Spoon offers a legacy OS emulation mode allowing legacy applications to run on Windows 7 and 8; desktop integration and isolation control that permit desktop applications to interact with the host device shell and desktop; and continuation, a stunning new capability that instantly migrates application state from one device to another over the web.
Windows users migrating to cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure can use Spoon containers to support multi-tenancy of desktop and server applications as well as execution of applications that may not otherwise execute properly on the Windows Server platform. And users of existing application virtualization technologies such as App-V or ThinApp can use Spoon containers to eliminate the need to “sequence” or “capture” applications for packaging, a major hurdle in application package creation.
The new SpoonScript language allows scripting of automated build, test, and continuous integration processes. SpoonScript significantly extends and simplifies existing container scripting languages, with features such as multiple inheritance of base images, transient build images, entry point and service control management, and state management and reversion. Users that prefer a graphical interface can use Spoon Studio to interactively create and modify containers.
Leading vendors of Windows-based applications including Autodesk and Intuit have adopted Spoon technology to allow isolated execution of beta versions of their applications to test users. Consumer web sites such as ForeSee, Lending Club, and WestJet use Spoon for multi-browser and web server testing. And government organizations such as the U.S. Census Bureau and Argonne National Laboratories use Spoon to enable continuity of access to legacy applications.
Pricing and Availability
Spoon.net is free to use with public repositories. Private repositories, automated testing, legacy OS and browser emulation, and other advanced features are available in paid subscriptions starting at $19 per month. All plans include an unlimited number of repositories, unlimited usage hours, and unlimited storage.
Organizations can create team accounts that provide centralized access control and billing. An on-premises Spoon Server is available for enterprises requiring an on-premises Spoon Hub.
For additional information on Spoon pricing or to purchase a subscription, visit http://spoon.net/pricing.
About Spoon
Spoon is a web-based computing platform that lets users run software from any device. Spoon’s unique virtualization and containerization technology eliminates application installs and automatically synchronizes files and settings across desktops and mobile devices. Spoon is available as a web-based service and on-premises server, as well as through select partners and technology licensees. Founded in 2006, the company performs fundamental research in algorithms, network, and operating systems, and holds over a dozen patents related to application containerization, virtualization, and streaming technology.
