Xenocode News

Xenocode releases Postbuild 2008 for instant, secure .NET deployments

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:07:02 GMT

Xenocode, a next-generation virtualization company, today announced the availability of Postbuild 2008 for .NET, a major update to its industry-leading code obfuscation and deployment solution for Windows developers. Xenocode Postbuild allows software developers to deploy .NET applications in a single, secure executable that runs anywhere, with or without the .NET Framework. Postbuild uses a range of powerful obfuscation techniques to protect intellectual property against decompilation and integrates directly with the advanced Xenocode application virtualization engine. The 2008 edition of Postbuild includes support for the latest .NET platforms and technologies, including Visual Studio 2008, .NET 3.0/3.5, WPF, and LINQ.

Postbuild 2008 for .NET incorporates the latest Xenocode application virtualization technology, allowing developers and ISVs to deploy applications in pre-configured virtual executables that run instantly on any Windows desktop via intranets, the Internet, USB keys, or existing desktop management infrastructure.

Postbuild’s deployment and virtualization capabilities include:

Native code generation: Postbuild allows developers to convert .NET binaries into native executables that run with or without an installed .NET Framework, or with a mismatched version of the Framework. Postbuild automatically identifies and statically binds a minimal set of Framework dependencies, reducing overall deployment size and eliminating dynamic link costs.
Assembly linking: Postbuild’s single-assembly output mode allows multi-assembly projects to be combined into a single output assembly, allowing for "copy" deployment of multi-assembly .NET applications. Linking is fully integrated into the obfuscation, optimization, and virtualization pipeline – encryption settings are automatically propagated across linked assemblies and redundant inter-assembly data are merged, reducing output assembly sizes.
Filesystem, registry, and service virtualization: Postbuild allows filesystem data, registry keys, and Windows services to be directly embedded within the executable. Virtual machine resources are visible to the executing application without any modifications to the host device. For example, application data files and COM components can be made available to the application without requiring any separate setup or registration. Virtualization also allows applications to emulate behavior of privileged applications under non-privileged user accounts.

Postbuild uses a range of powerful obfuscation techniques to inhibit decompilation, reverse engineering, and unauthorized distribution:

Symbol renaming: Postbuild renames symbolic metadata, such as class, variable, and method names, into meaningless characters, destroying the most valuable resource available to decompilers or hackers studying a compiled executable.
Control flow obfuscation: Postbuild manipulates the program control flow within the IL bytecode, editing branch instructions generated by compilers, inserting decoy branches, and re-ordering instruction sequences. This conceals the original structure of the control flow from decompilers.
Disassembly suppression: Postbuild applies counter-analysis techniques to executables to prevent popular decompilers from processing the binaries.
Code watermarking: Watermarking allows per-instance customization information, such as user names and registration codes, to be embedded into the visible text and internal binary structures within the assembly. Watermarking can assist in tracking distribution of product on a per-executable basis and deterring software licensing violations.

Postbuild’s integrated code optimization capabilities – including metadata reduction, transparent compression, dead code pruning, and dead and duplicate literal elimination – maximize application performance and minimize disk footprint.

Deploying applications processed by Postbuild does not require any per-end-user licensing fees or royalties. For more information on Postbuild’s features and benefits, or to download a free evaluation copy, visit the Xenocode Postbuild web page at http://www.xenocode.com/Products/Postbuild. For pricing information on Xenocode Postbuild, contact Xenocode at www.xenocode.com or call 1-877-223-3551 (in the United States) or 1-206-774-8769 (outside the United States).

Postbuild 2007 update 5.2.6935 now available

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:59:52 GMT

Simplified product activation process
Reliability improvements related to certain registry operations
Corrected Internet connectivity issue caused by some ISP configurations
Added support for app.exe.config files for VS2008-built applications
Fixed virtualization sandboxing issue on the WinPE platform

Postbuild 2007 update 5.2.6899 now available

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:50:47 GMT

Patch 5.2.6899 for Xenocode Postbuild 2007 is now available.

This update contains several virtualization system fixes, including patches for startup/exit process crashing errors and performance improvements for certain registry enumeration scenarios.

Virtual Application Studio 2008 released!

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:21:23 GMT

Virtual Application Studio 2008 now available!

Code Systems is pleased to announce the availability of Xenocode Virtual Application Studio 2008!

We listened to your feedback and have added some of your most requested features — including MSI setup package generation, application jukeboxing, and the ability to run IE6 on Vista — as well as made dozens of compatibility and reliability improvements to the Xenocode Virtual OS kernel.

Virtual Application Studio 2008 is available for immediate download.

New in Virtual Application Studio 2008!

The 2008 edition of Virtual Application Studio introduces dozens of new features and enhancements, including:

§ MSI generation: Build Windows Installer MSI packages directly within the Virtual Application Studio environment. Setup packages support Start Menu and desktop shortcut creation, application executable installation, and shell file associations.

§ Jukeboxing: Easily virtualize product suites such as Microsoft Office and OpenOffice and expose multiple startup files within a single virtual executable. Automatically activate multiple applications on startup with "shotgun" launch support.

§ Internet Explorer 6 Emulation Mode: New Internet Explorer 6 shell emulation mode allows the IE6 web browser to run side-by-side with IE7, and to run on the Windows Vista operating system.

§ Pre-fabricated application library: Automatically synthesize virtual machines for popular Windows applications with a few clicks. The new pre-fabricated application wizard gets you started quickly, with no need to snapshot popular applications.

§ Rich metadata customization: Enhanced metadata customization support includes improved icon resource handling and custom metadata management. Metadata support is fully interoperable with Postbuild 2008.

§ Enhanced virtualization capabilities: New virtual machine features include comprehensive support for virtualizing Windows Services and environment variables.

§ Compatibility with the latest applications and components: The virtual machine kernel has been upgraded to support the latest applications, operating systems, and runtime platforms, including the .NET Framework 3.5.

"Why should I virtualize my applications?"

Xenocode virtualization allows your applications to be deployed in lightweight, pre-configured, ready-to-run virtual machines that execute immediately on end user desktops. Because they run in an isolated environment, virtual applications are insulated against failures due to DLL collisions, missing or mismatched component and runtime dependencies, and upgrades to Windows Vista.

Unlike whole-machine virtualization systems (VMware, Virtual PC, and similar), Xenocode virtual applications are compact and run at essentially the same speed as their native counterparts.

§ Be prepared for your Vista rollout: Ready to adopt Windows Vista but concerned about breaking your legacy applications? Deploying your applications in a Xenocode virtual machine allows most legacy applications, including Internet Explorer 6, to run without compatibility errors and UAC prompts on Windows Vista.

§ Reduce deployment, support, and maintenance costs: Eliminate support costs and risks associated with application setup by deploying your applications in lightweight, isolated virtual machines. Virtualized deployment insulates your applications against DLL collisions, upgrade breaks, and allows side-by-side co-existence of multiple application versions.

§ Customize enterprise applications: Pre-configure your off-the-shelf applications with settings and data appropriate for your organization. Eliminate the burden of time-consuming and error-prone setup and configuration steps from your users and prospective customers.

§ Centralize application management: Give your users instant access to all enterprise applications from a central repository. Virtual applications can be easily deployed from standard SMB file shares, web servers, USB keys, and trial CDs, with no separate infrastructure, specialized servers, or device driver installation required.

Are you a systems integrator using Xenocode?

The Xenocode Integrator Partner Program allows qualified software resellers and systems integrators to resell and distribute Xenocode licenses to their customers. Authorized resellers and integrators enjoy a substantial discount on Xenocode licenses. Orders can be fulfilled directly and instantly from the Xenocode web site.

For additional information and details on becoming a Xenocode reseller or integrator, please see the Xenocode Partner Programs information page.

Thank you!

This release reflects the valuable feedback and comments we received from the thousands of users who evaluated the beta. We appreciate your feedback and hope you enjoy using Xenocode Virtual Application Studio 2008.

Warm regards,

- The Xenocode Team

Virtual Application Studio 2008 update 6.0.121 released

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 01:58:42 GMT

Many UI and usability improvements
Fixed several snapshotting issues
New feature to set virtual application sandbox location
Fixed several MSI output bugs
Completed virtual services support

Added 'KeepAlive' option
Full editing of service settings available in UI for advanced users

Support 32bit virtual applications using COM/ActiveX objects while running on Windows 64bit operating systems
Improved SxS support for multiple assemblies with same name but different version
Fixed bug occuring virtual application opens many handles
A few short filename fixes

Postbuild 2007 and Virtual Appliance Studio update 5.2.6839 released

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:33:34 GMT

Fixed SxS handling bug causing .NET applications built with Visual Studio 2008 not to run (fixes both Postbuild and Virtual Appliance Studio)

Announcing Virtual Application Studio 2008!

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Announcing Virtual Application Studio 2008!

Dear Friends of Xenocode,

Code Systems is pleased to announce the availability of the 2008 pre-release edition of Xenocode Virtual Application Studio!

We listened to your feedback and have added some of your most requested features — like MSI setup package generation, jukeboxing, and the ability to run IE6 on Vista — as well as made dozens of compatibility and reliability improvements to our virtual OS kernel.

And, until December 31, 2007, we invite you to take 20% off your purchase of Xenocode 2008 End User Licenses. To take advantage of this offer, just enter promotion code XMAS07 during checkout.

Download Virtual Application Studio 2008 Now

Virtual Application Studio 2008 Pre-Release is available for immediate download.

New in Virtual Application Studio 2008!

The 2008 edition of Virtual Application Studio introduces dozens of new features and enhancements, including:

§ Internet Explorer 6 Compatibility Mode: New Internet Explorer 6 shell emulation mode allows the IE6 web browser to run side-by-side with IE7, and to run on the Windows Vista operating system.

§ Enhanced virtualization capabilities: New virtual machine features include comprehensive support for virtualizing Windows Services and environment variables.

Ends soon! Take 20% off End User license purchases until December 31!

Thinking about adopting application virtualization in the New Year? Prepare for 2008 by purchasing your Xenocode Virtual OS licenses now at a 20% discount. Offer expires at the stroke of midnight, January 1, 2008!

All purchases include a free upgrade to the final version of Virtual Application Studio 2008 when it becomes available in Q1 2008, as well as one year of maintenance and upgrades from the final version availability date. Your purchase includes access to a retail version of the 2008 pre-release build, which may be used for production deployments.

Enter promotion code XMAS07 during checkout to receive discount pricing!

"Why should I virtualize my applications?"

Unlike whole-machine virtualization systems (VMware, Virtual PC, and similar), Xenocode virtual applications are compact and run at essentially the same speed as their native counterparts.

Happy Holidays!

Thanks to all of you for an incredible 2007! We hope you have a safe and relaxing holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Best wishes,

- The Xenocode Team

Postbuild 2007 and Virtual Appliance Studio update 5.2.6798 released

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:40:34 GMT

Virtual Appliance Studio

Fixed issue with wizard not enabling the VirtualMachine="true" in the resulting .xappl configuration file. Would prevent additional packages from being included in output appliance.

Virtual Machine runtime fixes (both Postbuild and Virtual Appliance Studio)

Fixed issue seen on Vista preventing the starting of child processes via .cmd or .bat files
Fixed problem seen on Vista in the creation of 'Low integrity' child processes

Postbuild 2007 and Virtual Appliance Studio update 5.2.6774 released

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:49:13 GMT

Virtualization runtime fixes

Reduce runtime virtual memory consumption
Fixed error when starting child processes having an <app>.exe.manifest file. (occurred on WinXP and Win2K3 only)
Fixed support for GetBinaryType API
Fixed problem which could cause premature unloading of dependent DLLs
Improved support for virtualized Windows services
OS compatibility fixes and improvements

Implemented Postbuild feature to prevent .NET profilers from profiling protected application

Xenocode Fox 2007 update 5.1.4 released

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 03:44:24 GMT

Fixed intermittent crashing bug when retrieving profile results data
Fixed intermittent problem initilizing native symbols
Fix for missing profile data for calls into generics code

Postbuild 2007 and Virtual Appliance Studio update 5.2.6755 released

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 03:13:03 GMT

Virtualization runtime fixes

Numerous OS compatibility fixes and improvements
Decreased virtualization runtime overhead (both size and resource usage)
Improved startup performance for large virtual appliances

Fixed XBuild hang when invoked by Visual Studio in a certain manner

Postbuild 2007 and Virtual Appliance Studio update 5.2.6731 released

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:37:11 GMT

Virtualization runtime fixes

Fixed issue causing file-not-found for virtual files when opened in a particular manner
Fixed OS compatibilty issue with certain protected applications

Postbuild 2007 and Virtual Appliance Studio update 5.2.6719 released

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:23:54 GMT

New Virtual Appliance Studio wizard
User interface improvements
Virtualization compatibilty fixes and improvements

Fixed virtual registry enumeration hang
Fixed a query-value issue with the virtual registry
Fixed problem causing the starting of child processes of virtualized appliance to fail if they had been modified since the last start
Fixed issue causing certain virtual file write operations to fail
Fixed short filename issue

Postbuild 2007 and Virtual Appliance Studio update 5.2.6705 released

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:14:13 GMT

Improve Postbuild and Virtual Appliance Studio startup performance
Virtual Machine fixes

Fix for problem causing strong name validation failure for signed assemblies running on Vista
Fixed isloation problem involving two different appliances using same virtual file
Fixed permissions problem causing some applications from starting
Fix certain registry query value operations

Xenocode Fox 2007 update 5.1.3 released

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:12:23 GMT

Fix rendering bug on windows 2000 systems
A few decompilation fixes

Postbuild 2007 and Virtual Appliance Studio update 5.2.6677 released

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:50:31 GMT

Fixes critical problems in both 32 and 64bit Windows compatibility

Postbuild update 5.2.6673 released

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:46:34 GMT

Added 'Click Once' project preset
Improved preset logic
Fix to allow viewing watermarks on applications processed by Postbuild 2007 SP2 builds
Virtual Machine fixes

Fix to honor virtual app.exe.manifest files
Fix for proper handling of localized paths on Vista
Vista fix for problem causing exception handlers in startup exe not being honored
Fix to properly hookup a certain class of executable dependencies
Fixed problem causing higher than normal working set

Virtual Appliance Studio update 5.2.6673 released

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 12:50:31 GMT

Fix to honor virtual app.exe.manifest files
Fix for proper handling of localized paths on Vista
Vista fix for problem causing exception handlers in startup exe not being honored
Fix to properly hookup a certain class of executable dependencies
Fixed problem causing higher than normal working set

Virtual Appliance Studio SP2 Released

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:40:15 GMT

Virtual Appliance Studio SP2 has arrived!

Component gallery allows single-click installation of popular third party components
Build process automation support via new XStudio.exe command
Snapshotting feature now allows saving “before” snapshot images
Improved snapshotting performance
Support for writes and special folder redirection in virtualized operating system
Support for startup command line arguments, splash graphics, and custom icons
Support for Windows Side-by-Side (SxS) isolated assemblies
Automatic relativization of paths in configuration files
Improved memory consumption in virtualization engine
Numerous compatibility and reliability improvements
New CAL-based licensing model available

Postbuild 2007 SP2 Released

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:31:38 GMT

Xenocode Postbuild 2007 SP2 has arrived!

Integrates directly with Visual Studio 2005
Obfuscation reliability and preset heuristics improvements
Support for writes and special folder redirection in virtualized operating system
Support for Windows Side-by-Side (SxS) isolated assemblies
Source files are no longer locked during processing
Improved memory consumption in virtualization engine
Numerous compatibility and reliability improvements