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Windows Server 2012 ESU Ends October 2026: Are You Ready?

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Commercials
How much does Cloudhouse cost? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse costs are split into two elements – the licensing required to deploy application compatibility packages, and the professional services needed to create the application compatibility packages.

Licensing is offered on a per user basis for desktop applications and a per server basis for server applications. There are discounts available based on volumes.

Professional Services costs are dependent on the nature and complexity of the application. We quote a cost for packaging once we have been able to see the application, or portfolio of applications.

Contact us here with your requirements and we will provide you with a quote.

Packaging and Maintaining Applications
Who is responsible for packaging desktop and server applications? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse provide the Professional Services to package applications.

Requirements for Test and Development Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommend packaged applications are tested in the standard UAT environments used for natively installed applications, or applications packaged in App-V. The more representative the test environment is of the live environment, the greater the chance of finding any issues prior to go-live.

Updating Applications Down Arrow

Service packs and updates can be applied to the applications in a package using the Editor, refer to Updating, Editing and Maintaining Containers which describes how a new snapshot is created for the update, and how it is then applied to the package.

Operations
Who manages Cloudhouse operationally within an account? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommends the same team who manage the operations of native apps.

Automation and Deployment Down Arrow

Applications running in Application Compatibility Packages can be deployed, and managed with same tools, or scripts used to deploy natively installed applications e.g. SCCM, InTune, LAN Desk. Please refer to Supported 3rd Party Products and Versions for details.

Support
How do we know which of our departments/ teams should support the Package? Down Arrow

The Cloudhouse Package does not include OS components, it only contains the packaged application plus Cloudhouse components. Cloudhouse recommend the same team that is responsible for supporting applications packaged with App-V, or delivered as natively installed applications, support Cloudhouse Application Compatibility Containers.

Documentation for Service Desk & Service Management Down Arrow

Full documentation is made available to Cloudhouse partners and customers as required.

Training
Do Cloudhouse provide training? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse offers a full packaging service that can scale to meet any requirement. In the event, however, that a partner wishes to offer application compatibility packaging as part of a wider solution, Cloudhouse will work with that partner. Please contact us here for details.

Cloud migration’s unfinished half

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Commercials
How much does Cloudhouse cost? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse costs are split into two elements – the licensing required to deploy application compatibility packages, and the professional services needed to create the application compatibility packages.

Licensing is offered on a per user basis for desktop applications and a per server basis for server applications. There are discounts available based on volumes.

Professional Services costs are dependent on the nature and complexity of the application. We quote a cost for packaging once we have been able to see the application, or portfolio of applications.

Contact us here with your requirements and we will provide you with a quote.

Packaging and Maintaining Applications
Who is responsible for packaging desktop and server applications? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse provide the Professional Services to package applications.

Requirements for Test and Development Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommend packaged applications are tested in the standard UAT environments used for natively installed applications, or applications packaged in App-V. The more representative the test environment is of the live environment, the greater the chance of finding any issues prior to go-live.

Updating Applications Down Arrow

Service packs and updates can be applied to the applications in a package using the Editor, refer to Updating, Editing and Maintaining Containers which describes how a new snapshot is created for the update, and how it is then applied to the package.

Operations
Who manages Cloudhouse operationally within an account? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommends the same team who manage the operations of native apps.

Automation and Deployment Down Arrow

Applications running in Application Compatibility Packages can be deployed, and managed with same tools, or scripts used to deploy natively installed applications e.g. SCCM, InTune, LAN Desk. Please refer to Supported 3rd Party Products and Versions for details.

Support
How do we know which of our departments/ teams should support the Package? Down Arrow

The Cloudhouse Package does not include OS components, it only contains the packaged application plus Cloudhouse components. Cloudhouse recommend the same team that is responsible for supporting applications packaged with App-V, or delivered as natively installed applications, support Cloudhouse Application Compatibility Containers.

Documentation for Service Desk & Service Management Down Arrow

Full documentation is made available to Cloudhouse partners and customers as required.

Training
Do Cloudhouse provide training? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse offers a full packaging service that can scale to meet any requirement. In the event, however, that a partner wishes to offer application compatibility packaging as part of a wider solution, Cloudhouse will work with that partner. Please contact us here for details.

Agents don’t know your apps are old

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Commercials
How much does Cloudhouse cost? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse costs are split into two elements – the licensing required to deploy application compatibility packages, and the professional services needed to create the application compatibility packages.

Licensing is offered on a per user basis for desktop applications and a per server basis for server applications. There are discounts available based on volumes.

Professional Services costs are dependent on the nature and complexity of the application. We quote a cost for packaging once we have been able to see the application, or portfolio of applications.

Contact us here with your requirements and we will provide you with a quote.

Packaging and Maintaining Applications
Who is responsible for packaging desktop and server applications? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse provide the Professional Services to package applications.

Requirements for Test and Development Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommend packaged applications are tested in the standard UAT environments used for natively installed applications, or applications packaged in App-V. The more representative the test environment is of the live environment, the greater the chance of finding any issues prior to go-live.

Updating Applications Down Arrow

Service packs and updates can be applied to the applications in a package using the Editor, refer to Updating, Editing and Maintaining Containers which describes how a new snapshot is created for the update, and how it is then applied to the package.

Operations
Who manages Cloudhouse operationally within an account? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommends the same team who manage the operations of native apps.

Automation and Deployment Down Arrow

Applications running in Application Compatibility Packages can be deployed, and managed with same tools, or scripts used to deploy natively installed applications e.g. SCCM, InTune, LAN Desk. Please refer to Supported 3rd Party Products and Versions for details.

Support
How do we know which of our departments/ teams should support the Package? Down Arrow

The Cloudhouse Package does not include OS components, it only contains the packaged application plus Cloudhouse components. Cloudhouse recommend the same team that is responsible for supporting applications packaged with App-V, or delivered as natively installed applications, support Cloudhouse Application Compatibility Containers.

Documentation for Service Desk & Service Management Down Arrow

Full documentation is made available to Cloudhouse partners and customers as required.

Training
Do Cloudhouse provide training? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse offers a full packaging service that can scale to meet any requirement. In the event, however, that a partner wishes to offer application compatibility packaging as part of a wider solution, Cloudhouse will work with that partner. Please contact us here for details.

The Hidden Dependencies That Break Every Microsoft Migration

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Commercials
How much does Cloudhouse cost? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse costs are split into two elements – the licensing required to deploy application compatibility packages, and the professional services needed to create the application compatibility packages.

Licensing is offered on a per user basis for desktop applications and a per server basis for server applications. There are discounts available based on volumes.

Professional Services costs are dependent on the nature and complexity of the application. We quote a cost for packaging once we have been able to see the application, or portfolio of applications.

Contact us here with your requirements and we will provide you with a quote.

Packaging and Maintaining Applications
Who is responsible for packaging desktop and server applications? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse provide the Professional Services to package applications.

Requirements for Test and Development Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommend packaged applications are tested in the standard UAT environments used for natively installed applications, or applications packaged in App-V. The more representative the test environment is of the live environment, the greater the chance of finding any issues prior to go-live.

Updating Applications Down Arrow

Service packs and updates can be applied to the applications in a package using the Editor, refer to Updating, Editing and Maintaining Containers which describes how a new snapshot is created for the update, and how it is then applied to the package.

Operations
Who manages Cloudhouse operationally within an account? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommends the same team who manage the operations of native apps.

Automation and Deployment Down Arrow

Applications running in Application Compatibility Packages can be deployed, and managed with same tools, or scripts used to deploy natively installed applications e.g. SCCM, InTune, LAN Desk. Please refer to Supported 3rd Party Products and Versions for details.

Support
How do we know which of our departments/ teams should support the Package? Down Arrow

The Cloudhouse Package does not include OS components, it only contains the packaged application plus Cloudhouse components. Cloudhouse recommend the same team that is responsible for supporting applications packaged with App-V, or delivered as natively installed applications, support Cloudhouse Application Compatibility Containers.

Documentation for Service Desk & Service Management Down Arrow

Full documentation is made available to Cloudhouse partners and customers as required.

Training
Do Cloudhouse provide training? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse offers a full packaging service that can scale to meet any requirement. In the event, however, that a partner wishes to offer application compatibility packaging as part of a wider solution, Cloudhouse will work with that partner. Please contact us here for details.

Cloudhouse chats to Amazon Web Services about modernising applications without refactoring them

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Load More

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Commercials
How much does Cloudhouse cost? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse costs are split into two elements – the licensing required to deploy application compatibility packages, and the professional services needed to create the application compatibility packages.

Licensing is offered on a per user basis for desktop applications and a per server basis for server applications. There are discounts available based on volumes.

Professional Services costs are dependent on the nature and complexity of the application. We quote a cost for packaging once we have been able to see the application, or portfolio of applications.

Contact us here with your requirements and we will provide you with a quote.

Packaging and Maintaining Applications
Who is responsible for packaging desktop and server applications? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse provide the Professional Services to package applications.

Requirements for Test and Development Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommend packaged applications are tested in the standard UAT environments used for natively installed applications, or applications packaged in App-V. The more representative the test environment is of the live environment, the greater the chance of finding any issues prior to go-live.

Updating Applications Down Arrow

Service packs and updates can be applied to the applications in a package using the Editor, refer to Updating, Editing and Maintaining Containers which describes how a new snapshot is created for the update, and how it is then applied to the package.

Operations
Who manages Cloudhouse operationally within an account? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommends the same team who manage the operations of native apps.

Automation and Deployment Down Arrow

Applications running in Application Compatibility Packages can be deployed, and managed with same tools, or scripts used to deploy natively installed applications e.g. SCCM, InTune, LAN Desk. Please refer to Supported 3rd Party Products and Versions for details.

Support
How do we know which of our departments/ teams should support the Package? Down Arrow

The Cloudhouse Package does not include OS components, it only contains the packaged application plus Cloudhouse components. Cloudhouse recommend the same team that is responsible for supporting applications packaged with App-V, or delivered as natively installed applications, support Cloudhouse Application Compatibility Containers.

Documentation for Service Desk & Service Management Down Arrow

Full documentation is made available to Cloudhouse partners and customers as required.

Training
Do Cloudhouse provide training? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse offers a full packaging service that can scale to meet any requirement. In the event, however, that a partner wishes to offer application compatibility packaging as part of a wider solution, Cloudhouse will work with that partner. Please contact us here for details.

Teams Classic EoL: A dress rehearsal for Windows 10’s final countdown

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Microsoft Teams Classic just hit End of Life—serving as a wake-up call ahead of Windows 10’s EoL on 14 October 2025. Discover 5 urgent lessons every IT leader must act on now to avoid cyber risk, disruption, and compliance fallout.



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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Commercials
How much does Cloudhouse cost? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse costs are split into two elements – the licensing required to deploy application compatibility packages, and the professional services needed to create the application compatibility packages.

Licensing is offered on a per user basis for desktop applications and a per server basis for server applications. There are discounts available based on volumes.

Professional Services costs are dependent on the nature and complexity of the application. We quote a cost for packaging once we have been able to see the application, or portfolio of applications.

Contact us here with your requirements and we will provide you with a quote.

Packaging and Maintaining Applications
Who is responsible for packaging desktop and server applications? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse provide the Professional Services to package applications.

Requirements for Test and Development Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommend packaged applications are tested in the standard UAT environments used for natively installed applications, or applications packaged in App-V. The more representative the test environment is of the live environment, the greater the chance of finding any issues prior to go-live.

Updating Applications Down Arrow

Service packs and updates can be applied to the applications in a package using the Editor, refer to Updating, Editing and Maintaining Containers which describes how a new snapshot is created for the update, and how it is then applied to the package.

Operations
Who manages Cloudhouse operationally within an account? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommends the same team who manage the operations of native apps.

Automation and Deployment Down Arrow

Applications running in Application Compatibility Packages can be deployed, and managed with same tools, or scripts used to deploy natively installed applications e.g. SCCM, InTune, LAN Desk. Please refer to Supported 3rd Party Products and Versions for details.

Support
How do we know which of our departments/ teams should support the Package? Down Arrow

The Cloudhouse Package does not include OS components, it only contains the packaged application plus Cloudhouse components. Cloudhouse recommend the same team that is responsible for supporting applications packaged with App-V, or delivered as natively installed applications, support Cloudhouse Application Compatibility Containers.

Documentation for Service Desk & Service Management Down Arrow

Full documentation is made available to Cloudhouse partners and customers as required.

Training
Do Cloudhouse provide training? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse offers a full packaging service that can scale to meet any requirement. In the event, however, that a partner wishes to offer application compatibility packaging as part of a wider solution, Cloudhouse will work with that partner. Please contact us here for details.

Migrating to the cloud: A look at the risks and rewards

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The existence of the cloud has transformed the way businesses and individuals store their data. It provides secure, cost-effective solutions that allow all users to store their data remotely with the ability to access it from anywhere. Therefore, increasing the flexibility of accessing such data within teams and in most cases, resulting in greater collaboration and productivity. 

The cloud has also created the use of cloud-based backups; allowing businesses to quickly and easily restore data in the event of a crisis – providing them with security and peace of mind that their information is safe. 

Although the cloud has many benefits and is an excellent tool, transitioning to it can be a challenge – especially for larger businesses with vast amounts of data. This blog will discuss the difficulties of migrating to the cloud and how to make the shift more manageable. 

The reality of transitioning to the cloud  

Cloud migration can be a difficult process that may involve losing access to your data for an extended period of time, or even permanently depending on how you choose to migrate. Some businesses also need more control over their data than what is provided by a lot of cloud providers.

Four of the most common issues organisations face when transitioning to the cloud are:

1. Compatibility issues – Not all applications easily transfer over to a new environment, so businesses may find they need to upgrade or change the set-up of certain systems in order for them to run smoothly. 

2. Networking issues – Organisations need to ensure that all of their systems can function well together; if they don’t, it can cause issues when trying to get them to communicate/integrate data.

3. Security measures – It is likely that if one part of the cloud is down, it can affect all other areas. As previously mentioned, cloud-based backups can be essential to companies operating on the cloud and it is important to have them regularly set to back up in order to mitigate issues if an outage occurs.

4. Cost – While some companies find that cloud services are cheaper than traditional methods of hosting, others find that they’re more expensive depending on their needs.

Taking a planned approach 

Shifting to the cloud can be a difficult and challenging endeavour, but with the right planning, it can be made much more manageable. 

Firstly, businesses must look at their migration needs – what servers and support do they require? This will help them determine which cloud provider to select as not all suppliers are created equal.

Secondly, they should highlight and understand the potential issues of transitioning (those outlined above). The organisation can then create a plan to help optimise the move; ensuring it is successful and no data is lost in the process. 

Lastly, and most importantly, businesses should choose an effective migration path which incorporates security, compliance and performance – all of these aspects are vital to ensure a smooth transition. A well-planned transition can mean the difference between the headache of lost data and a seamless transformation. 

Cloudhouse Alchemy allows you to seamlessly move your business applications, data and infrastructure to the cloud. Our experts help businesses plan their migration path so they can benefit from the many advantages of moving to the cloud as soon as possible.

To find out how Cloudhouse can help you, get in touch today. 



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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Commercials
How much does Cloudhouse cost? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse costs are split into two elements – the licensing required to deploy application compatibility packages, and the professional services needed to create the application compatibility packages.

Licensing is offered on a per user basis for desktop applications and a per server basis for server applications. There are discounts available based on volumes.

Professional Services costs are dependent on the nature and complexity of the application. We quote a cost for packaging once we have been able to see the application, or portfolio of applications.

Contact us here with your requirements and we will provide you with a quote.

Packaging and Maintaining Applications
Who is responsible for packaging desktop and server applications? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse provide the Professional Services to package applications.

Requirements for Test and Development Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommend packaged applications are tested in the standard UAT environments used for natively installed applications, or applications packaged in App-V. The more representative the test environment is of the live environment, the greater the chance of finding any issues prior to go-live.

Updating Applications Down Arrow

Service packs and updates can be applied to the applications in a package using the Editor, refer to Updating, Editing and Maintaining Containers which describes how a new snapshot is created for the update, and how it is then applied to the package.

Operations
Who manages Cloudhouse operationally within an account? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommends the same team who manage the operations of native apps.

Automation and Deployment Down Arrow

Applications running in Application Compatibility Packages can be deployed, and managed with same tools, or scripts used to deploy natively installed applications e.g. SCCM, InTune, LAN Desk. Please refer to Supported 3rd Party Products and Versions for details.

Support
How do we know which of our departments/ teams should support the Package? Down Arrow

The Cloudhouse Package does not include OS components, it only contains the packaged application plus Cloudhouse components. Cloudhouse recommend the same team that is responsible for supporting applications packaged with App-V, or delivered as natively installed applications, support Cloudhouse Application Compatibility Containers.

Documentation for Service Desk & Service Management Down Arrow

Full documentation is made available to Cloudhouse partners and customers as required.

Training
Do Cloudhouse provide training? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse offers a full packaging service that can scale to meet any requirement. In the event, however, that a partner wishes to offer application compatibility packaging as part of a wider solution, Cloudhouse will work with that partner. Please contact us here for details.

Top 5 learnings from 1000s of successful migrations

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Migrations are used to shift data or software from one device/system to another. Usually, migration occurs when operating systems become old or outdated and applications are no longer supported on them. 

The purpose of migration for businesses is to keep their systems up to date, in turn, reducing their number of security flaws. Additionally, migration removes the need to buy new and expensive software or technology while safely transferring information across to better-supported systems. 

Cloudhouse’s top 5 learnings

Through years of experience and completing 1000s of successful migrations, we wish to share with you 5 of our key takeaways:

1. It is actually very common for businesses to be aware that they are running on outdated systems, yet avoid updating them. This is because they believe it requires a lot of time and money to transfer their applications across to newer ones without losing any data. Another reason companies avoid migrating is due to incompatibility and believing that by converting to newer servers, some of their applications are at risk in incompatible environments.  

2. The above is untrue – Alchemy offers a solution for this. Continue reading or head over to our contact page to find out more. 

3. Organisations that are aware they are using outdated software, are not entirely aware of the risks they are putting both their business and customers under. Avoiding migration can lead to a greater number of security patches, in turn, increasing the possibility of system breaches as the number of entry points for attackers is higher.

Less extreme issues can also arise from avoiding migration – for example, competition from other organisations that are more technologically advanced and are operating on newer systems. They have the advantage of working faster and safer, resulting in a better experience for their customers. Vulnerable systems are also more susceptible to breaking, leading to the expense of either fixing them or replacing them entirely.

4. Many organisations are not aware that they can seek help with their migrational needs, and if they are, they don’t realise that it doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive. There is a common misconception that migrating legacy systems (those that are over a decade old) is risky and almost impossible – with many companies under the impression that they need to invest in new systems altogether.

5. As previously mentioned, through years of experience, Cloudhouse are professionals when it comes to migrating technology. We know the ins and outs of Windows and Citrix platforms and we continue to use our knowledge to efficiently and effectively assist businesses with their migrational needs. We know which applications will flag incompatibility and how to adjust them accordingly to that they work safely; creating more modern operating systems for organisations.

To find out how Cloudhouse can help you, contact us here. 



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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Commercials
How much does Cloudhouse cost? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse costs are split into two elements – the licensing required to deploy application compatibility packages, and the professional services needed to create the application compatibility packages.

Licensing is offered on a per user basis for desktop applications and a per server basis for server applications. There are discounts available based on volumes.

Professional Services costs are dependent on the nature and complexity of the application. We quote a cost for packaging once we have been able to see the application, or portfolio of applications.

Contact us here with your requirements and we will provide you with a quote.

Packaging and Maintaining Applications
Who is responsible for packaging desktop and server applications? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse provide the Professional Services to package applications.

Requirements for Test and Development Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommend packaged applications are tested in the standard UAT environments used for natively installed applications, or applications packaged in App-V. The more representative the test environment is of the live environment, the greater the chance of finding any issues prior to go-live.

Updating Applications Down Arrow

Service packs and updates can be applied to the applications in a package using the Editor, refer to Updating, Editing and Maintaining Containers which describes how a new snapshot is created for the update, and how it is then applied to the package.

Operations
Who manages Cloudhouse operationally within an account? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommends the same team who manage the operations of native apps.

Automation and Deployment Down Arrow

Applications running in Application Compatibility Packages can be deployed, and managed with same tools, or scripts used to deploy natively installed applications e.g. SCCM, InTune, LAN Desk. Please refer to Supported 3rd Party Products and Versions for details.

Support
How do we know which of our departments/ teams should support the Package? Down Arrow

The Cloudhouse Package does not include OS components, it only contains the packaged application plus Cloudhouse components. Cloudhouse recommend the same team that is responsible for supporting applications packaged with App-V, or delivered as natively installed applications, support Cloudhouse Application Compatibility Containers.

Documentation for Service Desk & Service Management Down Arrow

Full documentation is made available to Cloudhouse partners and customers as required.

Training
Do Cloudhouse provide training? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse offers a full packaging service that can scale to meet any requirement. In the event, however, that a partner wishes to offer application compatibility packaging as part of a wider solution, Cloudhouse will work with that partner. Please contact us here for details.

How modernisation can make your estate more secure

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IT modernisation is the process of updating your organisation’s estate and legacy applications (those that are 10+ years old) to newer, more modern and secured forms. Making these adjustments also ensures they operate at their best ability, with the latest security functions and meet the latest regulations.

How modernisation can benefit you

Modernising your organisation’s estate (servers, desktops, laptops, network infrastructure etc) will maintain and improve daily operations through faster, newer applications. Not only will it improve day-to-day business but it will also strengthen your security measures. 

Applications that are outdated will likely display gaps in security features, therefore they can be risky to continue to run on. As software gets older and less secure, it becomes more vulnerable to cyber attacks so it is important to run regular audits on your organisation’s technology. This will ensure compliances are met and reduce the likelihood of security breaches. 

Other than the obvious heightened security, there are further benefits to modernisation:

– Increased efficiency – as systems are updated, they will become quicker to navigate and run, reducing the number of unnecessary steps and time spent loading applications.

– Reduced operational costs – if your organisation modernises its entire estate at once, rather than separately and with different providers, it is likely to save your organisation money and time. It will also increase the efficiency of operations across departments as integrations will be smoother and all employees will be familiar with the systems. 

– Business sustainability – keeping your systems updated and well-functioning reduces the need to continually purchase ESUs or other patches that may overall be more costly (check out our blog about ESUs to read more about this). It will also reduce the likelihood of your systems crashing and needing to be replaced completely.

Risks of avoiding modernisation 

If your business avoids modernisation, more flaws will appear in your technology, leading you to become more vulnerable to security breaches and cyber-attacks. This will not only affect daily operations but your customers too; eg. their information could be subject to a data leak. 

Modernisation isn’t just about updating your systems once and being “done”; with ever-changing technology, it is important for organisations to continually monitor their estate for systems that may be coming to the end of their life, lacking support and security updates, and displaying any other vulnerabilities. By doing so, you are ensuring that all compliance changes are met and your technology is in the safest state possible to protect your operations and customers. Through constant monitoring you can also identify security flaws early, allowing you to mitigate or cease issues before they arise.

Securing your estate in 3 steps 

  1. Audit your organisation’s estate to determine what is and isn’t compliant.
  2. Make any necessary changes – keep a log of who, when and how the adjustments were made (this will be useful if an external audit is ever required). 
  3. Continually monitor for potential flaws in your systems and prepare for upcoming regulation changes to avoid configuration drift. 

Guardian can help you keep on top of your systems and monitor for the future in one step – get in touch today through our contact form.



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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Commercials
How much does Cloudhouse cost? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse costs are split into two elements – the licensing required to deploy application compatibility packages, and the professional services needed to create the application compatibility packages.

Licensing is offered on a per user basis for desktop applications and a per server basis for server applications. There are discounts available based on volumes.

Professional Services costs are dependent on the nature and complexity of the application. We quote a cost for packaging once we have been able to see the application, or portfolio of applications.

Contact us here with your requirements and we will provide you with a quote.

Packaging and Maintaining Applications
Who is responsible for packaging desktop and server applications? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse provide the Professional Services to package applications.

Requirements for Test and Development Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommend packaged applications are tested in the standard UAT environments used for natively installed applications, or applications packaged in App-V. The more representative the test environment is of the live environment, the greater the chance of finding any issues prior to go-live.

Updating Applications Down Arrow

Service packs and updates can be applied to the applications in a package using the Editor, refer to Updating, Editing and Maintaining Containers which describes how a new snapshot is created for the update, and how it is then applied to the package.

Operations
Who manages Cloudhouse operationally within an account? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommends the same team who manage the operations of native apps.

Automation and Deployment Down Arrow

Applications running in Application Compatibility Packages can be deployed, and managed with same tools, or scripts used to deploy natively installed applications e.g. SCCM, InTune, LAN Desk. Please refer to Supported 3rd Party Products and Versions for details.

Support
How do we know which of our departments/ teams should support the Package? Down Arrow

The Cloudhouse Package does not include OS components, it only contains the packaged application plus Cloudhouse components. Cloudhouse recommend the same team that is responsible for supporting applications packaged with App-V, or delivered as natively installed applications, support Cloudhouse Application Compatibility Containers.

Documentation for Service Desk & Service Management Down Arrow

Full documentation is made available to Cloudhouse partners and customers as required.

Training
Do Cloudhouse provide training? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse offers a full packaging service that can scale to meet any requirement. In the event, however, that a partner wishes to offer application compatibility packaging as part of a wider solution, Cloudhouse will work with that partner. Please contact us here for details.

The end of ESUs

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As of 10th January 2023, Microsoft offered their Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2008/R2. Microsoft will no longer allow businesses to pay for security updates to protect their systems which are outdated (Windows 7 and 8.1 and Windows Server 2008/R2). Historically, the only options were to either purchase new PCs/Servers or upgrade to Windows 10 or 11, newer versions of Windows Server. Cloudhouse now offers a third solution.

ESUs were originally created for Microsoft applications and operating systems that have come to the end of their life. Their purpose was to update these systems to their most up-to-date states so they can function with the highest level of security available – without having to purchase or install a new version. With many organisations still operating on Windows 7 at the end of last year, the discontinuation of ESUs will likely have a costly impact on businesses upgrading their systems.

In addition to ESUs coming to an end, Microsoft and Google will be releasing their latest version of Edge (109) and Chrome (109) which will be supported by Windows 7 and 8.1. Any browsers older than this will no longer work with outdated Windows systems.

Why should you update your systems?

Not only is it impossible to gain access to ESUs anymore, but running a business through legacy applications (systems that are over a decade old) can be risky. If organisations continue to run applications in these old environments, they will be using outdated security systems, making their company more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

It is surprisingly common for businesses to be aware of security patches, yet still, avoid switching to new systems as the process can seem daunting and complicated.

Cloudhouse can help

Without access to ESUs, businesses must purchase new software or hardware, and as new updates continuously arise you can find yourself stuck in a cycle of expensive updates. Cloudhouse offers two alternative solutions that help organisations with their end-of-life needs while avoiding the cost of multiple upgrades – by shifting your existing applications onto newer operating systems.

Guardian effectively monitors your systems, giving visibility into what needs updating or removing. By implementing Guardian, businesses can continuously monitor their operating systems for outdated applications and security flaws before problems arise – keeping the organisation safe and compliant with ever-changing regulations. Additionally, Alchemy is an application compatibility service which takes applications from old environments and safely transfers them onto the latest platforms.

Cloudhouse fixes issues quickly and for good, minimising the risk of problems further down the line; cyberattacks, business disruption and reputational brand damage.

If you would like to know how Cloudhouse can assist you with your migrating needs, send us a message today.



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Commercials
How much does Cloudhouse cost? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse costs are split into two elements – the licensing required to deploy application compatibility packages, and the professional services needed to create the application compatibility packages.

Licensing is offered on a per user basis for desktop applications and a per server basis for server applications. There are discounts available based on volumes.

Professional Services costs are dependent on the nature and complexity of the application. We quote a cost for packaging once we have been able to see the application, or portfolio of applications.

Contact us here with your requirements and we will provide you with a quote.

Packaging and Maintaining Applications
Who is responsible for packaging desktop and server applications? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse provide the Professional Services to package applications.

Requirements for Test and Development Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommend packaged applications are tested in the standard UAT environments used for natively installed applications, or applications packaged in App-V. The more representative the test environment is of the live environment, the greater the chance of finding any issues prior to go-live.

Updating Applications Down Arrow

Service packs and updates can be applied to the applications in a package using the Editor, refer to Updating, Editing and Maintaining Containers which describes how a new snapshot is created for the update, and how it is then applied to the package.

Operations
Who manages Cloudhouse operationally within an account? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse recommends the same team who manage the operations of native apps.

Automation and Deployment Down Arrow

Applications running in Application Compatibility Packages can be deployed, and managed with same tools, or scripts used to deploy natively installed applications e.g. SCCM, InTune, LAN Desk. Please refer to Supported 3rd Party Products and Versions for details.

Support
How do we know which of our departments/ teams should support the Package? Down Arrow

The Cloudhouse Package does not include OS components, it only contains the packaged application plus Cloudhouse components. Cloudhouse recommend the same team that is responsible for supporting applications packaged with App-V, or delivered as natively installed applications, support Cloudhouse Application Compatibility Containers.

Documentation for Service Desk & Service Management Down Arrow

Full documentation is made available to Cloudhouse partners and customers as required.

Training
Do Cloudhouse provide training? Down Arrow

Cloudhouse offers a full packaging service that can scale to meet any requirement. In the event, however, that a partner wishes to offer application compatibility packaging as part of a wider solution, Cloudhouse will work with that partner. Please contact us here for details.