Dealing with Multiple Citrix XenApp Versions? Try Parallels RAS Web Portal
In today’s cloud era, businesses are required to centrally host desktops and applications for remote users. Citrix has been a pioneer in the virtualization software segment. For 25 years, Citrix has been providing virtualization solutions to businesses of all sizes. The acquisition of Novell in 1993 empowered the Citrix product line. The company offers multiple virtualization products such as Citrix XenApp, XenDesktop, Citrix WorkSpace Suite, and AppDNA. Citrix XenApp versions enjoy a larger customer base when compared to other Citrix server and Citrix desktop products, as they enable organizations to deliver any Citrix application to any device with ease.
The Evolution of XenApp
Citrix Systems offers two dozen products with 200 names. The first product, debuting in 1991, was named Citrix Multi-User, which was later renamed to WinView, WinFrame, and Multi-Win in quick succession. From 1998 to 2005, Citrix released Citrix MetaFrame, which was then changed to Citrix MetaFrame XP and Citrix MetaFrame XP Presentation Server. In 2005, Citrix removed certain terms such as ‘Meta’, ‘Win’, and ‘Frame’, and introduced Citrix Presentation Server 4, which lasted for only two to three years. Client devices accessed Citrix server resources using Citrix Presentation Server Client. However, 2008 was a remarkable year for the company as it introduced Citrix XenApp and Citrix XenDesktop, which have become very popular in a short time.
One of the notable changes in Citrix XenApp versions is the introduction of FlexCast Management Architecture (FMA) that replaced the IMA architecture. For most Citrix server and desktop virtualization products, IMA was the core technology. Beginning with XenApp 6.5, Citrix applications were published on the FMA architecture. Every time a change is announced, Citrix users have to realign their infrastructure architectures.
Multiple Citrix Products – Citrix XenApp versions
Citrix offers multiple products, which makes it difficult for businesses to choose which one is right for them. For instance, Citrix XenApp delivers virtual applications to any remote device. It uses the Microsoft RDSH desktop sessions and applications to publish resources to devices via the HDX protocol. Citrix XenDesktop is a similar product that publishes a VDI desktop to remote devices. XenDesktop is a suite of desktop virtualization products. AppDNA automates application virtualization management, and Citrix WorkSpace Suite consolidates all of the VDI management procedures.
Additionally, as mentioned above, the company has moved from the IMA architecture to FMA architecture. XenApp 6.5 is the last version that used the IMA architecture. With Citrix XenDesktop 7, the company combined XenApp 7 and XenDesktop 7 into one while introducing the FMA architecture. Again, the product was released as two separate entities: XenDesktop 7.5 and XenApp 7.5.
With multiple Citrix XenApp versions available, you’ll have to scour through multiple products and features to choose the right one for your business. Even then, you have to sacrifice features in the name of cost. Each product comes with an End of Life (EOL), and adding to this challenge is the EOL of Windows products. Businesses have to frequently upgrade the Citrix server and desktop software to remain competitive. Nonetheless, the upgrade path between Citrix XenApp versions is not easy. Support options are not straightforward, either. Fortunately, Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) provides a simple solution to all these issues.
Parallels RAS: One Solution for All Challenges
Parallels RAS integrates all virtualization components into a single solution. It is a comprehensive package that offers virtual desktops and application delivery along with other virtualization components. All major components such as universal printing and load balancing come auto-configured. Installation and configuration is easy, and technical support is quick and reliable as well. Additionally, licensing is simplified with a user-based subscription. Moreover, it is highly cost-effective.
Overcome the headache of managing multiple Citrix XenApp versions with a single and powerful virtualization solution in the form of Parallels RAS.
References
Case Study: 2X RAS vs Citrix Xenapp | Data Tech
Parallels 2X Remote Application Server Review | ITSMDaily.com
Citrix XenApp Versions: Product Matrix | Citrix
Citrix XenApp 4.x, 5.x and 6.0 EOL is 2013. The End is Coming: Look Busy. | Virtualization Practice
Citrix Products Evolve, but Name Changes Obscure Unification | Redmond Mag
Citrix XenApp 7.5…What’s (Really) New?! | BasvanKaam.com
