Symantec's virtualized Internet Explorer provides a solution to the Windows 7 migration dilemma. Virtualizing Internet Explorer is possible with Symantec's Workspace Virtualization (SWV) technology. Workspace Virtualization allows for virtual IE to run within a light-weight application virtualization container as a native application on Windows 7. Virtual IE has full visibility and all normal system components and services such printing, drag and drop, and ActiveX controls. It also has browser add-ons such as Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, Java, and Microsoft Media player.

Though virtual IE works with Workspace Virtualization, the packaging process is different than other applications. Because there are no installation files associated with IE, it must be packaged using a special process. Layer Definition Files provide a powerful way to create SWV virtual application layers. The files are useful for scenarios where capturing an application install is not possible or produces inconsistent results. The SWV Layer Definition Tool lets you export Virtual Application information to Layer Definition Files. It also lets you create or modify layers from the Layer Definition File. After an application is captured using the Layer Definition Tool, it can be exported as a vsa file and deployed to endpoints.