Droplet Computing The New Way to Run Legacy Applications Independently of Your Operating System

Compatibility issues are a common headache for businesses where a new system, network or set-up offers multiple improvements – but means long-standing apps and software solutions suddenly stop working.

For many, there are two obvious fixes, neither of which are ideal: investing in an alternative application to replace the existing one or, spending time and money on retraining or finding new workarounds if a legacy solution is now redundant without a comparable replacement.

Jera, a specialist nationwide provider of IT consultancies, system management, and cyber security services, explains how Droplet Container Software works and why they are a perfect solution for organisations that want to retain older applications.

Why Use Droplet Computing to Retain Older Apps and Servers?

In the first instance, and from a non-business perspective, it might seem sensible to replace older applications if they can’t run properly on newer, more advanced operating systems, have limited functionality, or have unacceptably low speeds.

However, the issue is that legacy solutions, particularly those custom-designed to manage a specific function, process, or task, can be extremely costly to replace. Some bespoke apps may also have no comparable replacement, and developing a new solution would take considerable time and investment.

A similar conundrum applies to older servers and sector-specific apps used in large organisations like the NHS. The latter is a great example: half a million people in the public healthcare sector were still trying to use a defunct version of Windows months after it had reached end-of-life.

Developing, testing and launching a new application might mean resequencing, packaging and digitising a system, process or automation function, without which a company might suffer drops in productivity or lose oversight of how it performs key routines. Droplet Computing is a targeted solution that acts as a software-based bubble or container within which all your applications can run smoothly – with zero disruption, additional spending or downtime.

What Is Droplet Computing?

Droplet is the latest service Jera has introduced into our client packages, intended to resolve long-standing issues without compromising on digital security. In short, a Droplet Container is a secure space with excellent security safeguards where you can store and access any applications you wish.

Since these apps are siloed in an isolated bubble, they aren’t reliant on your on-premises systems or operating systems to work and are protected from any hacking or data breach attempts. This type of digital storage is a great option for businesses that: 

·   Want to keep legacy software or applications that are no longer compatible with primary operating systems, or that run sluggishly on modern devices.

·   Have remote or flexible working structures, looking for a way to enable employees to tap into core apps or functions without any security issues.

·   Need an alternative to costly upgrades or app redevelopment projects, using the software they are already familiar with without any need to reinvest or dedicate time to commissioning a new app and retraining their staff.

Remote workers can, for instance, use Droplet Containers to access confidential and sensitive data from any device without any problems linked to security risks, where their own device or internet connection is exposed to potential threats.

Droplet’s NeverTrust™ container offers more advanced security controls, with well-managed access permission functions that ensure only approved users can gain entry and that swiftly shut down all unapproved attempts.

What Applications Can My Business Run Via Droplet Computing?

The nature of Droplet Computing, as a software-based container solution, means that any and all apps can be installed and operated within this controlled environment, accessed by a device that runs on any operating system, including Linux, Windows and Mac.

Importantly, containers can run offline and online, which broadens access to key applications during time-sensitive projects. The installation process is simple and doesn’t require any significant time—instead, we can install the desired apps directly into the container and ensure access is delivered by any mechanism, including virtual desktop tech.

Older applications often have less robust cybersecurity safeguards since a legacy application may have been developed before current security threats emerged, which means running this kind of app across commercial devices is rarely a wise move.

Instead, applications can run as usual while being safely stored inside the Droplet Container, giving your organisation improved defences and the assurances that legacy apps remain safe to use.

You can also use Droplet Server Containers for older operating systems, building a secure protective bubble that is only accessible from your client container. Data transmitted between the client-side bubble and your Droplet container is encrypted, enhancing security controls at every stage.

Understanding the Advantages of Droplet Container Storage for Your Business

Any apps, servers, or systems approaching end-of-life contribute to your digital risk profile, where inadequate security or access controls may present a business-critical vulnerability. Equally, legacy apps that cannot run or function properly on more advanced operating systems might mean that staff find it impossible to achieve consistent productivity or cannot work as efficiently as they would like.

Droplet Computing is effective, fast, and affordable. It isolates apps and tools that pose a security concern within a secure bubble and provides robust security for server applications and client apps.

Each container works autonomously without reliance on the underlying software. Instead, it communicates with your hardware, making all of your Droplet-stored apps easy to access, even if they are completely incompatible with your current operating system.

Container storage uses all your existing available resources without further expenditure, minimising overheads and offering varied tools to assist in container management, all included as part of the Droplet Computing platform.

Whether you are developing your own application, or need to retain current apps until you have the available budget to invest in new software, Droplet Containers can help. Rather than hanging onto end-of-life operating systems to support a crucial application, your business can transition to a more reliable, agile solution, without sacrificing those all-important apps.

For further information about Droplet Container storage, managing unsupported apps vital to your business, or improving digital security when running legacy software, please contact Jera at your convenience.