Methods and systems for executing, by a virtual machine, an application program requested by a client machine

A method for executing, by a virtual machine, an application program requested by a client machine includes the step of receiving a file including access information for accessing a plurality of application files and for executing a first client capable of receiving an application stream. An identification of the plurality of application files is retrieved, responsive to the received file. At least one characteristic required for execution of the plurality of application files is retrieved, responsive to the file. A determination is made as to whether a client machine includes the at least one characteristic. A second client is executed, responsive to a determination that the client machine lacks the at least one characteristic, the second client requesting execution of the plurality of application files on a remote machine comprising a virtual machine providing a computing environment having the at least one characteristic.