Citrix has announced the first public release of XenClient. This is a new client-side virtualization solution that was developed in collaboration with Intel. XenClient allows centrally managed virtual desktops to run directly on corporate laptops and PCs, even when they are disconnected from the network and is designed to provide the highest levels of performance, security and isolation through its bare metal architecture and integration with Intel vPro hardware virtualization technologies.
You don’t know what’s going on with the desktops across your organization. It’s the Wild West out there. Non-standard software, personal website surfing and connections over public wireless networks after hours can lead to an accumulation of desktop risk that can spread to your enterprise as fast as … well, as fast as a virus can move from one computer to the next.
In the battle between IT departments and malware developers, victory for the “good guys” seems like a remote possibility. They are always a step ahead, and desktop support teams and security professionals are often forced to react to grave threats. Viruses don’t require much technical savvy to create, but protecting your enterprise from them does. It isn’t a fair fight. Further, the stakes are high. Your entire company is at risk – not to mention your customers and partners. Fortunately, you have a new tool in your arsenal of protective measures: Citrix XenDesktop 4.
Posted on April 9th, 2010
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Did you know that Citrix just played a role in sending the first tweet from space? The action on the International Space Station shows just what the convergence of desktop virtualization, social media and an immovable drive to push further the boundaries of human experience can accomplish.
NASA has incorporated Citrix XenDesktop 4 with high-definition HDX technology into its recently launched Crew Support LAN. This system gives astronauts on the International Space Station direct, private access to a desktop that looks familiar – bringing all the comforts of home, at least technologically, to even the most remote of locations. In addition to virtual desktops, the Crew Support LAN features Citrix Branch Repeater WAN optimization technology.
Posted on March 24th, 2010
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The era of the same people sitting at the same desks every single day is behind us. The workforce is now mobile, and the trend isn’t going away. For businesses, this means being able to hire the best talent regardless of location, being able to spend more time with clients and gaining an unprecedented level of flexibility. Yet, it also comes with the challenge of keeping employees connected with the company when they’re waiting in airports, standing in clients’ hallways between meetings and working from home.
Posted on March 17th, 2010
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The latest version of the popular Citrix presentation server arrived last week. XenApp 6 is designed specifically for use on Windows Server 2008 R2, and it will integrate with Microsoft systems management tools and App-V application virtualization. XenApp 6 will also include support for video and audio conferencing and a simpler installation process. End-user self-service for application deployment is also available. Thanks to the addition of HDX support to the latest version of XenApp, smartphones are now included in the devices that this application virtualization platform can reach.
The new enhancements to XenApp 6 will be available as an integrated feature of Citrix XenDesktop 4, the top desktop virtualization solution on the market. Since more than half the ROI of a virtual desktop environment comes from centralized application management, the integration between XenDesktop 4 and XenApp 6 offers a substantial opportunity to extend the value of your Citrix virtualization investment. With a combined XenApp 6/XenDesktop 4 environment, you’ll be able to deliver applications as an on-demand service – to any user on any device and across a wide range of physical and virtual desktops.
Posted on March 12th, 2010
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The beauty and curse of the open and easy flow of information is that there are so many perspectives to consider. I came across an interesting article on Brian Madden’s blog about reports and blog coverage comparing Citrix XenDesktop 4 and VMware. The Miercom report came out with XenDesktop 4 as the leader in desktop virtualization, though VMware’s Mike Coleman doesn’t agree with the study. Madden does a great job of comparing the findings from these different assessments. It’s a long post, but definitely worth a look.
Posted on March 5th, 2010
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Trade-up to Citrix XenDesktop 4, and you’ll get a simple, low-risk path to desktop virtualization for your entire enterprise. By trading-up, you can leverage your current XenApp licenses to get XenDesktop 4 – and add high-definition virtual desktops for every user in your organization to all the features you have with XenApp.
Posted on March 3rd, 2010
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Desktop management can be among the most frustrating responsibilities in an IT department. Unlike the datacenter, which is central, contained and clearly under the control of IT pros, desktops are out in the “Wild West.” Employees load them up with non-standard, often untested software. Invariably, something goes wrong, and an already lean desktop support team has to affect a swift resolution.
The solution to this problem is to manage desktops the way you manage your servers – centrally. Citrix XenDesktop puts you in charge of your company’s desktops, enabling you to stretch your IT budget and deliver more effective service to your business users.
Rich Brumpton is an High impact Systems Consultant and Trainer well versed in Citrix, Microsoft, EMC, Cisco, VMware, and other technologies. Interested in helping the customer create the best solutions or their business needs at the lowest TCO. Emphasis on cutting edge solutions based on current and emerging products in areas such as Application Delivery, Information Lifecycle Management, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, and Virtualization. Enjoys assembling and presenting information to small, medium, and large groups related to highly technical subjects in a easy to understand format. He has presented to CIO's, helpdesk operators, application developers and many other audiences. Recently presented in a series of Windows IT Pro Magazine - Windows Server 2008 roadshows.
Chris Chrobocinski has over 20 Years in the IT service management field. Chris has been with MTM Technologies since 1994, and has held several service leadership positions during his 15 years with the company.
Today Chris is the VP of Managed Services. In his current role he has responsibility for sales, operation and delivery of the managed service portfolio. To contact Chris, email: chrisc@mtm.com or call: 203-321-1700.
Bill Kleyman, MBA, MISM, is an avid technologist with experience in network infrastructure management. His engineering work includes large virtualization deployments as well as business network design and implementation. Currently, he is a Virtualization Solutions Architect working out of the MTM Chicago office.
