Techniques for deploying virtual software applications on computers

A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer executable code which, when executed, causes a processor of a host computer to perform a process for bridging between virtual applications and an operating system of the host computer, the process comprising:

• retrieving virtual applications and settings of the virtual applications assigned to a user logged onto the host computer, wherein each of the virtual applications includes the following files:
• a virtual engine, a user data file, and an application-on-demand (AOD) file;
• downloading shadow files of the virtual applications assigned to the user;
• integrating each of the virtual applications with an operating system shell of the host computer;
• and
• causing a virtual application to be executed over the host computer when the virtual application is launched by the user.

A host computer for bridging between virtual applications and an operating system, the host computer comprising:

• a memory configured to store a program including instructions;
• and
• a processor configured to execute the program to cause the host computer to:
• retrieve virtual applications and settings of the virtual applications assigned to a user logged onto the host computer, wherein each of the virtual applications includes the following files:
• a virtual engine, a user data file, and an application-on-demand (AOD) file;
• download shadow files of the virtual applications assigned to the user;
• integrate each of the virtual applications with an operating system shell of the host computer;
• and
• cause a virtual application to be executed over the host computer when the virtual application is launched by the user.