Different deployment scenarios
There are many different methods for deploying ThinApp packages. All of these methods can happily coexist and one doesn't rule out another. There are two main methods, local deployment and streaming.
Local deployment means the packages live on the client's hard drive. The users can use the virtualized application without being connected to the corporate network. One obvious benefit is that you will be able to use the application offline and don't have to depend on the network to be up and running. Another benefit is that the performance of your virtual application doesn't depend on the performance of the network. The downside is that you need to be in touch with your clients. You must get those packages copied to your clients. When a new version of the package is available you'll have to deploy the update to all of your clients again.
Streaming means that the packages reside on a network share. The only infrastructure required is a Microsoft Windows file...