The cloud app launcher (or simply "launcher") is a supporting program that must be first installed to the client. It facilitates the initial installation and subsequent updates of the application over HTTP/HTTPS.
Why cloud app launcher is needed
The cloud app launcher works as a "helper" application that installs, starts, and updates the installable cloud applications over HTTP/HTTPS, besides that the cloud app launcher can be opened by the Web browser, therefore it enables the application to be started through a Web browser (the Web browser launches the cloud app launcher; and then the cloud app launcher launches the application).
At startup, the launcher retrieves a list of permitted URLs from the apprun.json file and only allows access to and downloading from these specified URLs. The launcher only allows the download and execution of applications and executable (app.exe) that carry the "appeon" flag.
How cloud app launcher is customized
You can select to upload the default app launcher, or create your own launcher and upload it. For more, refer to Customize cloud app launcher.
How cloud app launcher is uploaded
The default cloud app launcher will be uploaded to the server automatically when the PowerServer project is deployed or packaged/installed.
However, if you have customized the cloud app launcher, you must select to upload the customized launcher. For more, refer to Upload cloud app launcher.
Apps deployed to the same server and directory will use the same app launcher. There will be only one app launcher in the specified server and directory. The app launcher will be overwritten without notice by the one uploaded later to the same server and directory.
One cloud app launcher can be downloaded by multiple installable cloud apps. You can specify the download URL of the launcher installer in the client app.
Are administrator rights required
The cloud app launcher is available in two versions: the standard version and the public version.
The standard version of cloud app launcher requires no administrator rights to install and use.
The public version of cloud app launcher requires administrator rights to install. And after that, it can be used by all users without administrator rights.
For more details, refer to Install cloud app launcher.
How multiple versions coexist
Cloud App Launcher V3 (from PowerBuilder 2025) can coexist with Cloud App Launcher V2 (from PowerBuilder 2022 R3).
(1) Launcher V3 supports applications deployed in PowerBuilder 2025.
(2) Launcher V2 supports applications deployed in PowerBuilder 2022, 2022 R2, or 2022 R3.
