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VMware App Volumes – Upgrade to v. 2306

Release date: September 27th 2023

Welcome to my VMware App Volumes series. The new version of VMware App Volumes, 2306, was GA on July 6th 2023, with the version being 4.11.50.0. The Release Notes contains the following info about what is new, and can be reviewed here: VMware App Volumes 4, version 2306.

  • App Links for Apps on DemandSend an App Link in an email, post on a webpage, or add to your app portal. These application URIs can now be used to deliver and launch applications wherever App Volumes agent is installed.  Administrators can collect these links from the App Volumes Manager admin UI and distribute them as needed.
  • VMDK Package Attachment ResiliencyIn combination with vSphere 8.0 Update 1, App Volumes has added a feature to allow partial disk attachment in the vCenter. If a particular VMDK application package is unable to be attached, any application package disks that are able to be added will still be added. The default behavior in vSphere is to cancel the VM reconfigure which typically results in none of the applications being delivered to end users. This new vSphere feature is particularly important for classic application delivery when multiple disks are added to the machine during startup or login.To activate this new feature on upgraded App Volumes Manager instances, the feature toggle must be turned on. For more information, see the VMDK Package Attachment Resiliency advanced setting in the App Volumes Manager Configuration Settings Page section in the VMware App Volumes 4 Administration Guide.
  • VMware App Volumes Deployment Guide for Azure Virtual Desktop Remote AppsRemote app streaming for Azure Virtual Desktop enables users to access applications on an as-needed basis, without requiring the applications to be installed locally on their devices or on the image of a multi-session server.With Apps on Demand, the applications are delivered to the server for the user when launching the application in real time. The user gets an application when they need the application without the app rationalization and pre-planning required of admins for typical host pools. Remote applications coupled with App Volumes and its Apps on Demand feature also simplifies application management of app updates. Rolling out a new version of an application to thousands of users is as simple as installing once and moving a marker to indicate the current version.
  • Technical Preview of App Volumes Deployment Guide for Amazon AppStream 2.0We are excited to announce the Technical Preview for the integration of VMware App Volumes with Amazon AppStream 2.0, enabling the delivery of App Volumes applications to AppStream users. This integration empowers App Volumes administrators to package and manage applications independently from the underlying operating system, resulting in more efficient management of virtualized applications. These packaged applications can be seamlessly streamed to AppStream Windows desktop fleets, allowing end users to quickly access the applications they need without the delay of installation processes or fleet reprovisioning.With this release of App Volumes, which is now generally available, you have the opportunity to explore a technical preview of App Volumes with Amazon AppStream 2.0 applications.For more information, see the VMware App Volumes Deployment Guide for Amazon AppStream 2.0 guide at VMware Docs.

In this section I will describe how I upgraded my VMware App Volumes infrastructure to v. 2306 (4.11.50.0), but first, at what point in an upgrade procedure should we upgrade the VMware App Volumes Components? According to VMware’s official documentation, this should be done as shown below.

Update sequence for Horizon 7, Horizon 8, and compatible VMware products (78445),

Before beginning the upgrade, I also verify that the upgrade path is supported in the VMware Interoperability Matrix

The procedure used for upgrading is as follows:

VMware App Volumes Product Page

VMware App Volumes planning, deployment etc.

Disclaimer: Every tips/tricks/posting I have published here, is tried and tested in different it-solutions. It is not guaranteed to work everywhere, but is meant as a tip for other users out there. Remember, Google is your friend and don’t be afraid to steal with pride! Feel free to comment below as needed.