A. The WIAVE is the SoftGrid SMS Connector replacement. Microsoft is expected to release it in the fourth quarter of 2007.
WIAVE is a utility that will package SoftGrid virtual applications into an MSI file, including the metadata that describes the application. The created MSI file can then be added to SMS 2003—as well as the new version, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)--and deployed through the normal software-deployment channels. The difference with the WIAVE-generated MSI file is that when the MSI file runs, it simply imports the application and publishes the shortcuts. These virtual applications will also be viewable by the SMS and SCCM software-inventory features. Furthermore, a forthcoming SoftGrid hotfix will allow the importation of applications without an interactively logged-on user, so the virtual applications can be loaded behind the scenes when a user is away from the system.
As far as WIAVE features compared with the SoftGrid SMS Connector, the WIAVE now takes care of computer-targeted deployment of virtual applications and deployment of virtual applications to non-administrative users. It’s also SoftGrid 4.2-compatible and is forward-compatible with SoftGrid 4.5 and 5.0. It’s interoperable with SMS 2003, SCCM 2007, and other application-distribution methods. The WIAVE lacks an integrated management console, however.
