I don't want to get into details because there are loads of possible and creative solutions. An API could be created very easily to have an application request

I don't want to get into details because there are loads of possible and creative solutions. An API could be created very easily to have an application request services from the OS and have those services installed locally within the installation directory structure of the app. From that point forward the app can travel from machine to machine and retain the environment it requires. Of course there are tons of details to work out. My point is that we live in an age where computing power, memory, storage and remarkably intelligent computer scientists abound. With some work this is not beyond our capabilities. Imagine the selling point of an OS that allows you to isolate your apps and data to the point where they travel with you to be used on any machine (or machine migrations as people and companies upgrade systems).