AppsAnywhere 3.5: Centralized Control and Seamless Compatibility

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Higher education IT continues to evolve, and AppsAnywhere 3.5 is here to make managing and delivering applications even simpler. This release focuses on consolidating admin workflows, improving compatibility, and expanding on delivery options that give institutions more flexibility than ever, all in the centralized AppsAnywhere software delivery platform. Whether institutions are looking to reduce admin overhead, keep pace with Microsoft’s latest changes, or provide students with seamless browser-based access to apps, AppsAnywhere 3.5 delivers the tools needed to stay ahead.

Student or Faculty member using AppsAnywhere on a MacBook
Higher education IT continues to evolve, and AppsAnywhere 3.5 is here to make managing and delivering applications even simpler.

New Features in AppsAnywhere 3.5

Delete Apps from Cloudpaging Server via AppsAnywhere

Managing applications just got even easier. With AppsAnywhere 3.5, administrators can now delete apps from their Cloudpaging Server directly within the AppsAnywhere Admin Dashboard. This enhancement consolidates all app management tasks into a single view, reducing complexity and saving time. By eliminating the need to switch between multiple systems, IT teams can maintain a clean and accurate app catalog without duplication or oversight. This feature also improves governance and reduces the risk of outdated or unused apps lingering in institutions environments, ensuring students always have access to the most relevant software.

Updated AVD Launch Instructions

Microsoft’s introduction of Windows App to connect to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is the replacement for the Remote Desktop method, and  in AppsAnywhere 3.5 we’re ensuring institutions stay ahead by updating the AVD integration experience to guide students through launching apps with Windows App. By aligning with Microsoft’s latest updates, we’re showing our commitment to helping institutions maintain compatibility and deliver a frictionless experience for students and faculty across devices.

OS Compatibility Retained on Upgrade for ‘Other’ Apps

Upgrading AppsAnywhere is now even more hassle-free. If institution admins have selected ‘Other’ as the OS compatibility option for any Delivery Methods, then new operating systems will automatically be added during upgrades. This means IT teams no longer need to manually update compatibility settings after each release, saving valuable time and reducing the risk of misconfiguration. By automating this process, we’re ensuring that education software remains accessible across evolving operating systems, helping institutions maintain continuity and deliver a consistent experience for students.

VDI Direct Launch Delivery Method

AppsAnywhere 3.5 introduces a new delivery method—VDI Direct Launch—enabling apps to be launched directly in the browser for any browser-based VDI solution. By using the new VDI Direct Launch delivery method, admins can also get access to valuable launch data too. For example, institutions can link to an AVD direct launch URL and gain analytics on the launch frequency of this delivery method. This feature continues to simplify software access for students by removing unnecessary steps and provides IT with actionable insights into delivery method performance. Institutions can now offer an even more streamlined experience for remote learners while maintaining visibility into launch patterns, helping optimize resources and improve service delivery.

What is AppsAnywhere and Why It Matters

AppsAnywhere takes a different approach to accessing applications. With a single click, students and faculty staff can access a suite of applications tailored to their educational needs and launch on any device, anywhere, anytime.

Our centralized platform brings software applications and deployment methods together to ensure a cost effective, seamless and flexible experience for students and IT services.

This scalable solution makes it possible to support the complex and diverse end user computing scenarios education institutions face, which are critical to delivering an equitable student experience in this evolving hybrid and BYOD experience.

"Working with AppsAnywhere is a long-term commitment for us. We have gotten so much support and so much value out of the experts at AppsAnywhere that they are really partners with us for deploying our IT services." – Cornell University

AppsAnywhere Cloud Delivery

AppsAnywhere Cloud Delivery is a fully managed cloud-based service that delivers Windows apps to any device directly in a browser without complex infrastructure or virtual desktops. Students can launch even the most demanding applications—such as engineering and design tools—directly in a browser, ensuring flexibility and accessibility. For IT teams, Cloud Delivery reduces management overhead, simplifies deployment, and ensures software is available wherever students need it most.

"Our students love AppsAnywhere. We look at the statistics and they’re using it all over the place. They do like being able to use it from the dorm room. None of them have ever said, hey, we want to go back to a lab environment! That's the one thing we have never heard." – Wheaton College

AppsAnywhere Analytics

Understanding how software is used is critical for resource planning and license optimization. AppsAnywhere Analytics provides deep insights into app usage across institutions, including metrics like session counts, concurrency limits, and peak usage periods. These reports empower IT teams to make data-driven decisions, improve license allocation, and enhance the student experience by ensuring the right apps are available.

Looking Ahead with AppsAnywhere 3.5

"Students just want their tech to work. They don’t want to have to think about how they’re getting their software, they just want it. AppsAnywhere allowed us to give our students access to technology that works." – Elon University

With AppsAnywhere 3.5, we’ve focused on making app management more efficient, improving compatibility, and expanding delivery options to meet the needs of modern learning environments. These updates help institutions reduce complexity, save time, and deliver an exceptional experience for students and faculty wherever they are.

FAQs

What is the central theme of AppsAnywhere 3.5?

AppsAnywhere 3.5 is designed to simplify application management and enhance compatibility across evolving environments. The release focuses on centralizing admin workflows, retaining OS compatibility during upgrades, and introducing new delivery options like VDI Direct Launch. These improvements help institutions reduce complexity, save time, and provide students with seamless access to apps on any device, anywhere, anytime.

What is the new ‘Delete Apps from Cloudpaging Server via AppsAnywhere’ feature in AppsAnywhere 3.5?

With AppsAnywhere 3.5, administrators can delete applications from the Cloudpaging Server directly within the AppsAnywhere Admin Dashboard. This eliminates the need to switch between systems, simplifies app management, and ensures a clean, accurate catalog.

How is AppsAnywhere’s Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) integration improved in AppsAnywhere 3.5?

AppsAnywhere 3.5 brings updates to AVD launch instructions to align with Microsoft’s new Windows App method, replacing the older Remote Desktop approach. This ensures compatibility and provides students with a frictionless experience when launching apps via AVD.

Will OS compatibility settings be retained during upgrades in AppsAnywhere 3.5?

Yes. In AppsAnywhere 3.5, if admins have selected ‘Other’ as the OS compatibility option for any delivery method, new operating systems added during upgrades will be automatically added. This reduces manual updates and ensures apps remain accessible across evolving OS environments.

What is the VDI Direct Launch delivery method introduced in AppsAnywhere 3.5?

VDI Direct Launch allows apps to be launched directly in a browser for any browser-based VDI solution. Institutions can also link to AVD direct launch URLs and gain analytics on launch frequency, helping optimize resources and improve service delivery.

How does AppsAnywhere benefit IT teams and students?

AppsAnywhere 3.5 consolidates admin workflows, improves compatibility with Microsoft’s latest changes, and introduces new delivery options like VDI Direct Launch. These enhancements reduce complexity for IT teams and provide students with seamless, browser-based access to apps anytime, anywhere.

AppsAnywhere 3.5: Centralized Control and Seamless Compatibility

AppsAnywhere 3.5 delivers centralized app management, updated Azure Virtual Desktop integration, automated OS compatibility retention, and VDI Direct Launch for browser-based access. Designed for higher education, it reduces admin overhead and enhances flexibility for students and IT teams.

Related reading

AppsAnywhere Admin Dashboard and AppsAnywhere Portal
NEXT STEPS TO IMPROVING YOUR SOFTWARE DELIVERY

Your apps anywhere, anytime, on any device

Register your interest for a demo and see how AppsAnywhere can help your institution. Receive a free consultation of your existing education software strategy and technologies, an overview of AppsAnywhere's main features and how they benefit students, faculty and IT, and get insight into the AppsAnywhere journey and post launch partnership support.

AppsAnywhere Admin Dashboard and AppsAnywhere Portal
NEXT STEPS TO IMPROVING YOUR SOFTWARE DELIVERY

Your apps anywhere, anytime, on any device

Register your interest for a demo and see how AppsAnywhere can help your institution. Receive a free consultation of your existing education software strategy and technologies, an overview of AppsAnywhere's main features and how they benefit students, faculty and IT, and get insight into the AppsAnywhere journey and post launch partnership support.