So now Xendesktop 5.5 is out , including some new features from the recent acquisition (10th August) of Ringcube, and there is a new version of XenApp, which reaches the 6.5 release.
After some months of beta, the latest Citrix Receiver for Windows (3.0) and Mac (11.4) was also released and finally also Citrix XenClient reaches version 2.0.
So there are quite a bit of news to digest and studying, waiting for any others that are likely to be revealed to the public at Synergy EMEA the next October.
However, we will see what’s new in these new version in the next posts or you can read more in the previous links.
In response to this, today VMware has released version 5.0 of its vSphere hypervisor.

Here the images of 2010-2011 Gartner’s quadrants:

A couple of personal considerations: it is true that VMware remains the clear leader in the field of server virtualization,
as is also true that Citrix is ​​the undisputed leader in desktop virtualization, while Microsoft is still a step behind than these 2 competitors mentioned above. Another important thing in my opinion is that the XenServer platform has grown tremendously as a feature as well as adoption, given that more than 50% of XenDesktop deployments are using XenServer,not just because of costs, but based on performance and storage efficiencies.

Furthermore it is interesting to note that, after Gartner’s article, new versions of XenServer (6, now in beta) and vSphere 5, that should be released between the next month of August,have been announced. These new releases, along with several notable enhancements, are oriented to the cloud, a field where, as in the virtual desktop, Citrix is becoming the main antagonist of VMWare.
It’s important to note that, I’d like to talk in more detail in a later article, according to the news received so far about new vSphere licensing criteria, which provides a limitation on VRAM, it could result in many small businesses that use ESXi for free, migrate to different platforms, such as XenServer and Hyper-V, to keep their costs low.. I read many comments about this on the VMware Community (yes, I’m also a VCP…) and I’m waiting to have more precise information on the new licensing model, but it seems that with the free version of ESXi you will be entitled to use only 8 GB of vRAM! Nowadays this amount of RAM is used for some testing lab with the latest notebook…

In short, NFS is mentioned as a favorite mainly because it is simply to manage and inherently thin provisioned, and this is true with Creation Machine Service, while using the provisioning (PVS) things are a bit different …
I strongly recommend you read this article for further details of the case; furthermore just today (May 13th 2011) Citrix released the Service Pack 1 for XenDesktop 5, that exploits the caching mechanism (IntelliCache) provided the latest version of XenServer. This is a significant step forward in storage performance, since this technology allows you to greatly reduce the I/O on the storage, especially (but not only) during boot storm.

The rigorously pre-tested configurations enable customers to more easily leverage Citrix XenServer and IBM servers to automate datacenter management processes and increase efficiency of datacenter infrastructures.

This announcement expands the growing market momentum for XenServer in both cloud and enterprise datacenters. More than 50,000 enterprises worldwide now deploy XenServer for server virtualization, including 50 percent of the Fortune 500. XenServer also continues to gain share among cloud providers, building on the presence of the open source Xen hypervisor, the most widely deployed virtualization platform in the cloud. It is also the most widely used hypervisor for virtual desktops, hosting an estimated 2.5 million VDI-based desktops.

Considering that last week was also released the 4.1 version of Xen (upon which XenServer is based) and that some features of the actual version of XenServer have been specifically designed for use with the upcoming release of XenDesktop, expectations for the future of this hypervisor become very interesting.

Exactly, like the old days when the two companies were partners and fostered the integration of their solutions… As you know, although Citrix claims that XenApp running on XenServer will be able to have a density of users more of what you get with other hypervisors (there are reports from Tolly Group that provide the numerical values), there are a lot of realities in which the dear old Presentation Server is installed on the VMware platform.
So VMware made a guide that provides information about deploying Citrix XenApp in a virtualized environment powered by VMware vSphere. Key considerations are reviewed for architecture, performance, high availability, and design and sizing of virtualized workloads, many of which are based on current customer
deployments of XenApp application servers on VMware. This guide is intended to help IT Administrators and Architects successfully deliver virtualized applications using Citrix XenApp on VMware vSphere.
The following topics are covered in detail:

• VMware ESX host best practices for Citrix XenApp

• Virtual hardware, guest operating system, and XenApp best practices

• Monitoring performance

• vSphere enhancements for deployment and operations

Click here to download this best practice guide.

For the most part the product was rewritten.
Consider, for example, that the installation of the XD Controller is no longer supported on Windows Server 2003 (only Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2) and it should not need more of Terminal Services and no longer use a IMA based architecture (in the previous version the DDC was based on legacy XenApp).
As we can read from this page of the corporate website here is what’s new in this release:

- Rapid virtual desktop management (management console)
The new Citrix Desktop Studio console lets IT administrators quickly build, test and update desktop images in one place, once, for everyone—just 10 minutes to install, 10 clicks to configure and 10 seconds to add new users.

- Efficient centralized support (console for helpdesk)
Citrix Desktop Director now gives helpdesk professionals a single desktop management console where they can monitor, troubleshoot and fix virtual desktops for 1,000 users as easily as for one.

- High scalability
The next-generation Citrix Delivery Controller can broker up to 15,000 virtual desktops from a single server.

- Integration with existing infrastructure
XenDesktop supports hypervisor technology and virtualization management from Citrix, Microsoft and VMware. A new comprehensive SDK lets you integrate and automate XenDesktop with your existing systems management infrastructure.

- Any endpoint device
XenDesktop enables more flexible virtual workstyles by letting users access their applications and data from any location through any device, including the latest iPhone, Android and Blackberry smartphones and the new generation of tablets.

- Anywhere, any user security with Citrix XenVault
Citrix XenVault secures corporate resources delivered to laptops owned by contractors or used by employeesunder a “bring-your-own-computer” program. Any data created by corporate applications is automatically encrypted and can be wiped clean centrally.

- High-definition video conferencing
HDX RealTime delivers high-definition webcam and video conferencing while consuming up to 80 percent lessbandwidth—enabling any user, anywhere to participate fully in real-time online communications and collaboration.

- High-performance peripherals
HDX Plug-n-Play now enables even faster printing from any location while using up to 90 percent less bandwidth. Simple, seamless use of USB devices, multiple monitors, MP3 players, scanners and digital cameras provides a rich and complete user experience.

- The most demanding applications
XenDesktop 5 refines the graphics experience with new enhancements that provide the highest quality while adapting to network conditions. New 32-bit color capabilities enables support for high-end graphics applications, while dynamic color compression adapts the color complexity based on network conditions.

- The right desktop for each worker profile
Flexible delivery options, including local VM, streamed VHD, personalized VDI and hosted shared desktops, enable you to meet the requirements of each user type in your organization—guest, remote, mobile, office and task workers—through a single desktop virtualization solution.

- Offline virtualization with XenClient
XenClient lets users work offline for greater flexibility and mobility while supporting VDI-like security and backup and recovery. A bare metal hypervisor lets centrally managed, encrypted virtual desktops run in a secure VM directly on the laptop.

- Authenticate once for any application
Users gain a single point of authentication to access all their applications—including Windows applications hosted on XenApp, Web applications and SaaS applications—through the Citrix Receiver interface, integrated with Citrix Cloud Bridge and Cloud Access technologies.

- On-demand Windows applications by Citrix XenApp
XenApp allows any Windows application to be hosted centrally and delivered for use while online, or streamed directly to the endpoint and run in an isolated environment for offline use.

- Self-service provisioning
Citrix Receiver acts as a storefront where IT can easily advertise available offline and online Windows and Web applications for easy download by users. Integration with Citrix Receiver enables fast, zero-touch install and configuration.

- Simplified, lower-cost application management
XenApp lets you eliminate system conflicts, reduce application regression testing and offload app workloads from physical or virtual desktops, greatly simplifying application management and operational costs.

You can also go here to view a video that provides everything you need to install and configure XenDesktop 5. There are just a few of the sections included in this tutorial: Installing the XD Controller and Virtual Desktop Agent Building and updating the Master Image using Machine Creation Service Evaluating HDX Technologies
Note: Although this video is titled “XD5 Express Edition” the exercises can be used with all editions of the product.

Certainly the new release made Citrix, once again, a step ahead in the VDI marketplace, with a great effort about scalabilty but also on making easier (if possible) the creation and management of a VDI environment. It’ true, fortunately for us who work in that field, that the optimization and tuning of these environments is and will remain subject to the chosen few IT professionals.

Wolf tested both XenDesktop 4.0 Service Pack 1 and VMware View 4.5, through a L2TP/IPsec VPN to connect from Europe to his facility in US. He connects to the XenDesktop and View environments one-at-a-time and perform a few basic tasks: opening a Word document and add a comment,then opening a browser-based Flash application (imaginationcubed), watch the sample drawing, and then use the app to write the word “hello.”
The verdict is clear: the two protocols are on par on LAN, while Citrix HDX performs better over WAN links with more than 200ms latency.

In fact Wolf Said “I found that as latency increased beyond 200 ms, ICA/HDX had a decided advantage over PCoIP. Text entry and menu response with ICA/HDX was still good enough to keep me productive, while the PCoIP response hampered productivity. When latency was relatively low (e.g., under 120 ms) both protocols performed well enough to meet my expectations. At several locations (i.e., Newark Airport, Munich, and Copenhagen) both protocols were able to deliver a good user experience.”

VMware has been very quick in addressing Wolf comments. The official reply was made by Scott Davis, CTO of the End User Computing business unit, who said: “…VMware View 4.5 with and PCoIP are configured out of the box to provide the richest LAN experience. There are several important parameters that can be adjusted to optimally tune the protocol for WAN conditions and specific usage scenarios. For WAN conditions it can be very helpful to adjust the display frame rate, image quality and min/max bandwidth settings. As an example, the default frame rate with PCoIP is 30. This can be safely cut down to 12 frames per second for WAN usage resulting in less bandwidth consumption and a better experience in many such circumstances…“
Davis doesn’t seem to disagree with Wolf about Citrix’s superior performance over 200ms latency links, but he certainly downplays the scenario: “Overall, this is a positive endorsement from a highly regarded unbiased analyst who validates a near equivalent user experience for PCoIP vs HDX for the majority of use cases. Customer scenarios range in bandwidth and latency, but conditions of latency above 200ms seem to represent a small minority…“

According to me this is the key-point: after that for many years the Citrix protocol was superior to any other, now PCoIp can offer a similar user experience, demonstrating that the gap between the two market leader VDI solution is reduced more and more and that VMware has done a good job in filling the delay that charges against his direct competitor from Fort Lauderdale.. Don’t forget that, also if some months later Citrix XenDesktop, also View 4.5 was defined from Gartner as an “enterprise ready” VDI solution.

If you want to read more you can follow these links from Alessandro Perilli website:
Citrix HDX better than VMWare PCoIP
VMWare answer to gartner

It supports a wide range of new consumer devices, thousands of new third-party products and an entirely new generation of web and software-as-a-service (SaaS) apps. XenDesktop 5 also extends the benefits of desktop virtualization to millions of laptop users for the first time ever, giving them virtual desktops “to go” with the new Citrix XenClient™ hypervisor. To support the new XenDesktop 5 release, Citrix also unveiled an extensive new initiative to help customers move from the “wow” of desktop virtualization to the “how” of successful implementation, leveraging the collective wisdom of thousands of customers who have already successfully transformed their enterprise desktop strategies by “going virtual”.
Let’s we see some features:
* Faster, Simpler, More Powerful – XenDesktop 5 makes it easier than ever to get started with desktop virtualization. Customers can now achieve “10 minutes to Xen”(1), completing a new installation in just 10 minutes. Once up and running, managing virtual desktops with XenDesktop 5 also becomes faster and simpler than ever before with new role-based features. The new Desktop Studio™ console makes it easy for administrators to centrally design and manage virtual desktops, setting up new employees in seconds. XenDesktop 5 customers can also take advantage of the new Desktop Director™ console, giving helpdesk administrators a powerful way to monitor, troubleshoot and support virtual desktops for thousands of users across a large, distributed enterprise, with real-time information on usage, status and service levels. XenDesktop 5 also supports Microsoft System Center, making it easy for customers to manage applications on physical and virtual desktops with a familiar set of tools and processes. In addition, XenDesktop 5 introduces a comprehensive new SDK that enables customers and partners to integrate and automate the solution with third-party systems management tools.
* Taking User Experience to a New Level – XenDesktop users have always enjoyed the best, high-definition user experience with their virtual desktops and apps thanks to Citrix HDX™ technology. XenDesktop 5 adds powerful new HDX enhancements that dramatically improve performance for resource intensive tasks like audio and video collaboration and large-file printing, even over low bandwidth connections. XenDesktop 5 also features a lush and captivating new end user experience. From new welcome screens inviting first-time users to their new virtual desktop, to an entirely redesigned virtual desktop viewer, every detail of the XenDesktop 5 user interface is designed to make each user’s workspace feel familiar and inviting.
* Stunning Touch-Enabled Support for New Consumer Devices – By leveraging the Citrix Receiver™ universal software client, XenDesktop 5 makes it easy to deliver business desktops and apps to the rapidly growing number of new devices flooding the workforce, including PCs, Macs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. XenDesktop 5 adds support for a long list of new devices, along with extensive user experience enhancements such as the ability to instantly “touch-enable” existing enterprise apps that were never designed to run on new touch-screen tablets such as the Apple iPad or BlackBerry PlayBook.
* Connecting Virtual Desktops to a New Generation of Apps – XenDesktop 4 changed the game last year by fully integrating the capabilities of Citrix XenApp™, giving customers one product to deliver both Windows desktops and apps as an on-demand service. By leveraging the new Citrix Receiver, XenDesktop 5 changes the game again, making it easy to deliver one-click, single sign-on access to an entirely new generation of applications, including externally-hosted web, cloud and SaaS apps. This integration makes it easy for IT to deliver a rich array of Windows, web and SaaS apps to each user with a simple, unified experience, regardless of what type of app it is, or where it is actually running.
* Beyond VDI with Virtual Desktops “To Go” – Last year, XenDesktop 4 introduced a breakthrough new technology called FlexCast™ that gave customers the flexibility to deliver a range of virtual desktop technologies from a single product – from personalized VDI-based desktops ideal for office workers, to shared desktops optimized for task workers. XenDesktop 5 takes the FlexCast technology one step further, enabling IT to deliver virtual desktops “to go” that run directly on each user’s PC or laptop. This approach, which leverages the new XenClient hypervisor, is ideal for millions of corporate laptop users, providing IT with all the central management and security benefits of hosted virtual desktops, while giving mobile workers the flexibility to work connected or disconnected.
* Secure BYOC with Citrix XenVault – An increasing number of users are bringing their own devices to work as outside contractors or via employee bring your own computer (BYOC) programs. In these scenarios, IT needs to provide access to corporate applications and secure any confidential data, but does not want the hassles of installing applications or managing personal laptops. XenDesktop 5 addresses this scenario in the simplest way possible by delivering corporate apps as an on-demand service, then automatically encrypting any documents created by those apps and saving them transparently in an encrypted folder on the user’s laptop. This is made possible through an innovative new data security technology called XenVault™. In addition to ensuring corporate data is secure at all times on non-corporate owned devices, XenVault also enables IT to securely wipe any corporate data remotely when a contract is over, an employee terminates, or the laptop is lost or stolen.
* Support for 15,000 Verified Third-Party Products – Through the Citrix Ready® verification program, XenDesktop has now been verified to work with more than 15,000 third-party products, ranging from servers, hypervisors and storage systems, to client devices, printers, webcams and USB peripherals. With new verified products being added every day, customers can be assured that they can move to virtual desktops at their own pace, leveraging their existing IT investments, and choosing whatever partners they like for new investments. Customers can view a full list of supported third-party products on the Citrix Ready Open Desktop Virtualization program page.
* Taking Virtual Desktops from “Wow to How” – Citrix, along with key partners and global systems integrators, also announced a new program to help organizations move from the “wow” of desktop virtualization, to the “how” of implementation success. The new Desktop Transformation Model makes it easy to assess each customer’s unique business priorities and translate them to a practical, step-by-step, customized roadmap for adopting and scaling desktop virtualization initiatives. The program makes it easy for customers new to desktop virtualization to take advantage of tips and best practices learned by thousands of customers who have already successfully deployed millions of virtual desktops and applications.
* Availability – XenDesktop 5 will be generally available in Q4 2010. Suggested pricing starts at $95 per user or device for the VDI-only edition. Comprehensive desktop and application virtualization is available in the Enterprise or Platinum editions, priced at $225 and $350.

As we can read from this article by Bill Carovano, here’s some of what is new on this release:
* Distributed Virtual Switching. This new capability provides distributed fine-grained networking configuration and control policies, which increases visibility into XenServer virtual networks. Support for the Open vSwitch (OVS) has been added as a post-install option on XenServer hosts, as well as a Controller for administration of multiple vSwitches and cross-host internal networks. The open vSwitch also includes support for jumbo frames configuration on storage networks.
* VM Protection & Recovery is used for configuring scheduled snapshots and (optional) export of virtual machines.
* Web Self-Service. Provides browser-based access to selected virtual machines by delegated administrators.
* Boot from SAN with multi-pathing support. Boot XenServer hosts with Fibre channel HBAs from a SAN, with multi-pathing support.
* HA Restart Priority. Configure HA policies to restart specific VM(s) first, such as StorageLink Gateway VMs or the Distributed vSwitch Controller VM.
* Improved XenDesktop VDI scalability. Increased host VM density and resource pool scalability, via multi-vCPU control domain (Dom0) and other enhancements.
* Enhanced XenCenter. Including StorageLink configuration entirely within XenCenter, workload reporting for VM utilization and chargeback.
* Improved MPP RDAC multi-pathing including path health reporting and alerting.
* Snapshot improvements. Automatic reclamation of storage space after VM snapshots have been deleted.
* Enhanced guest OS support for Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, RHEL 6.0 (RTM), CentOS 6.0 (RTM), Oracle Enterprise Linux 6.0 (RTM), Debian Squeeze (32 and 64-bit), and SLES 11 SP1.
* Generic RHEL 5.x support. RHEL / CentOS / Oracle Enterprise Linux 5.0- 5.5 support with a generic “RHEL 5″ template.
* Brocade HBA drivers and command-line tools are included and shipped with XenServer.
* XenDesktop platform enhancements. Provides local host caching of VM images to reduce storage TCO for XenDesktop VDI deployments. (Note: these platform enhancements will be enabled by a future version of XenDesktop)

You can download the beta using your myCitrix account from this link.

Design a VDI solution is not easy and having a single kit of manuals, best practices, how to … is an excellent idea and certainly a useful answer for many. Daniel calls this kit of documents “XenDesktop Design Handbook” that is currently divided into three sections:

• Implementation Guides,

• Planning Guides,

• Reference Architectures

that are constantly updated.
Perhaps the greatest benefits is this: you want to know when a new white paper to design XenDesktop is released, or when it comes out a new version replacing the previous one? If you subscribe to the kit, you will be able to receive notifications when updates are made to the Design Handbook.
I read some of those documents (I remember that in order to read the XD Design Handbook you have to login with your MyCitrix account), someone of whom has had a great success within citrix people as the recent “Top 10 Mistakes When Doing Virtual Desktops” or the “Windows 7 Optimization Guide“. There is no doubt that having an overview of these documents helps a lot working on a VDI solutions.
Great job Daniel!