ZeroPortal Server first public version

Since early 2026: ZeroPortal is done — and right on time: the Microsoft App-V Publishing Server reaches end of life in April 2026. With ZeroPortal, a highly available replacement is now available, and App-V publishing remains no-cost. We have launched a dedicated website at zeroportal.de with full documentation and download.

Here is what ZeroPortal brings to the table: it enables efficient distribution, updating, and management of virtualized applications in corporate environments — without installing applications on each client individually. Beyond pure publishing, ZeroPortal extends the core functionality with built-in App-V reporting: usage data that helps identify and retire outdated applications. Several of our customers have already cleaned up a significant number of unused packages thanks to this — something that was previously very time-consuming with the Microsoft Publishing Server.

ZeroPortal can run alongside an existing Microsoft App-V Publishing Server, making a parallel rollout and gradual migration straightforward. The current production release is available as a ready-to-install MSI package — full documentation, PowerShell reference, and download at zeroportal.de.

The original article:

The ZeroPortal Server is a central component for distributing virtual application packages and is intended as a possible replacement for the Microsoft App-V Publishing Server. In particular, it should be noted that Microsoft App-V is no longer discontinued. However, the Microsoft Publishing Server will go EOL in 2026.It enables the efficient distribution, updating and management of virtualized applications in corporate environments without having to install the applications on each client in the traditional way. In addition, the ZeroPortal offers functions for App-V reporting that extend the original potential of the Microsoft App-V Publishing Server even further.

One of the results of the reporting function was that one of our customers was able to remove many outdated applications because they were no longer being used. ZeroProtal App-V Reporting can be used in parallel with an existing Microsoft App-V Publishing Server. 

Info: This is the first release. There will be a separate website for the product and perhaps also a new name. On this page you will find all the information you need to test the solution. However, I would be pleased if we could support you for a first test to avoid frustration. We will be happy to send you an offer. In particular, we would also like to hear your opinion and which functions you would like to see!

Costs: The functions for App-V publishing should remain free of charge. Additional functions that are integrated into the ZeroPortal at a later date may be subject to a charge. For support, if desired, we will set a price.

Experience with ZeroPortal: Reporting in particular has been running very stably for several customers since the end of 2023 and has delivered good results, which have already led to considerable savings in the application life cycle.hier ein ...

Why ZeroPortal?

• Centralized application deployment:
• The ZeroPortal maintains a repository (package store) of all virtualized applications and makes them available to end devices in zero time.
• Push and pull provisioning:
• –Push mode: The server actively instructs clients to stream or install certain applications.
• –Pull mode: Clients retrieve the packages as required.
• Integration in Active Directory:
• Group Policy (GPO) policies can be used to control access permissions and deployment rules per user/computer group.
• Versioning & updating:
• New versions of application packages are simply stored in ZeroAppServer; clients recognize and load updates automatically or on schedule.
• Compatible with the Microsoft App-V Client PowerShell CmdLets.

Restrictions 

• No high availability in the current version (development from fall 2025)
• Not all functions 100% adopted yet. CmdLets and, for example, automatic transfer of AD groups to new package versions are missing. Development from fall 2025.

Technical background 

• MariaDB as embedded DB solution for each node (HA later via DB replication).
• Use of dotnet Core and open source libraries to enable later use under Linux or in Docker.

What is zero app deployment? 

Zero deployment time is achieved through the streaming principle of App-V and other virtualization solutions. There is no need for a classic installation:

• Immediate launch capability:
  Clients do not need to download the entire package in advance. Already loaded start components are sufficient to start the application within seconds or it can be started directly from the network.
• Minimal waiting time:
  Instead of a full file download and conventional installation (which often takes minutes), users can start working with the app virtually immediately.
• Bandwidth optimization:
  Only the parts that are actually needed are transferred at startup. The remaining package content follows in the background, which protects the network and does not slow users down.
• Scalability in the enterprise environment:
  With large numbers of users or distributed locations, the server and network load remains low as clients themselves control which parts they request and when.
• Fast rollouts & updates:
  New versions can go live immediately. Clients start the new version immediately after retrieving the metadata once, without the need for another full download.

Roadmap until the end of 2025 

• Dedicated website for the ZeroPortal
• By the end of 2025 - full functional parity with the Microsoft App-V Publishing Server
• Database optionally integrated again for use as an appliance (currently an extra setup).
• Option for high-availability deployment.
• Implementation of smaller feature requests from the community.
• Collection of bugs and issues for large environments

Test option 

There is currently no direct download option. Please write to and . A link will be provided afterwards.

Download the installation documentation in German and English:

I would be pleased about your feedback.