New technology from BlueStacks could enable you to run Android apps on your Windows desktop. The implications are big for consumers, and perhaps bigger for enterprise.

BlueStacks today announced that it has secured financing to expand development of new technology that could enable users to run Android apps on their Windows desktops. Thanks to $7.6 million investment from Ignition Ventures, Radar Partners, Helion Ventures, Redpoint Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz, the software could arrive as early as the third quarter of this year.

Founded in 2008, BlueStacks aims to simplify running Android and Windows applications on a single platform. At the helm of the California-based company is Rosen Sharma, former SVP and CTO of Innovation at McAfee.

"Our vision is for an entirely new type of experience that supports the consumer interest in Android and also allows them to access some of the most valuable enterprise applications, enabling them to use their device of choice for work and play," explained Sharma.

Any x86 device will be eligible to play, including Windows-based tablets, netbooks, notebooks, desktops, and all-in-one computers. BlueStacks envisions an OEM-based strategy through which the technology is integrated with consumer and commercial products.

For consumers, BlueStacks will make it easy to find and install Android apps from the comfort of your desktop. Customers will have access to the largest app stores via , , or SlideMe. Any downloaded apps can then be disseminated to multiple PCs, phones, and tablets.

The possibilities are broader for big business. While enterprise has been , BlueStacks could ease cost burdens and ameliorate security concerns. First, rather than buying Honeycomb Tablets, businesses can run dedicated apps on standard PCs. Even more importantly, however, Android .apk files can be converted into .msi packages, enabling app distribution and management through familiar tools such as Microsoft Systems Center and Citrix Receiver. Citrix Reciever integration is particularly savvy: IT admins have the power to schedule delivery of apps to desktop clients, configure Citrix Enterprise apps stores, or access data from Android apps in order to ensure enterprise security compliance.

For the all the latest details, check out the official press release, and stay tuned: We'll follow up on this story once we can get our hands on the BlueStacks alpha.