Affinity Groups

•Host tags. The administrator can assign tags to hosts. These tags can be used to specify which host a VM should use. The CloudPlatform administrator decides whether to define host tags, then create a service offering using those tags and offer it to the user.

•Affinity groups. By defining affinity groups and assigning VMs to them, the user or administrator can influence (but not dictate) which VMs should run on separate hosts. This feature is to let users specify that certain VMs won't be on the same host.

•CloudPlatform also provides a pluggable interface for adding new allocators. These custom allocators can provide any policy the administrator desires.

11.8.1. Affinity Groups

By defining affinity groups and assigning VMs to them, the user or administrator can influence (but not dictate) which VMs should run on separate hosts. This feature is to let users specify that VMs with the same “host anti-affinity” type won’t be on the same host. This serves to increase fault tolerance. If a host fails, another VM offering the same service (for example, hosting the user's website) is still up and running on another host.

The scope of an affinity group is per user account.

Creating a New Affinity Group

To add an affinity group:

1.Log in to the CloudPlatform UI as an administrator or user.

2.In the left navigation bar, click Affinity Groups.

3.Click Add affinity group. In the dialog box, fill in the following fields:

•Name. Give the group a name.

•Description. Any desired text to tell more about the purpose of the group.

•Type. The only supported type shipped with CloudPlatform is Host Anti-Affinity. This indicates that the VMs in this group should avoid being placed on the same VM with each other. If you see other types in this list, it means that your installation of CloudPlatform has been extended with customized affinity group plugins.

Assign a New VM to an Affinity Group

To assign a new VM to an affinity group:

•Create the VM as usual, as described in Section 11.4, “Creating VMs”. In the Add Instance wizard, there is a new Affinity tab where you can select the affinity group.

Change Affinity Group for an Existing VM

To assign an existing VM to an affinity group:

1.Log in to the CloudPlatform UI as an administrator or user.

2.In the left navigation bar, click Instances.

3.Click the name of the VM you want to work with.

4.Stop the VM by clicking the Stop button.

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Citrix Systems 4.2 manual Affinity Groups, Creating a New Affinity Group, Assign a New VM to an Affinity Group
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4.2 specifications

Citrix Systems, a leading provider of virtualization solutions and cloud computing technologies, released version 4.2 of its popular software, Citrix XenApp, which was previously known as Presentation Server. This version marked a significant evolution in providing users with remote access to applications and desktops, emphasizing simplicity, performance, and security.

One of the standout features of Citrix XenApp 4.2 is its improved application streaming capabilities. This technology allows applications to be delivered to users in real-time, reducing the need for extensive local installations and enhancing the user experience. With application streaming, administrators can efficiently manage applications on a central server while ensuring that users have immediate access to the necessary tools.

Another highlight of this version is the enhanced security measures put in place to protect sensitive data. Citrix XenApp 4.2 includes support for SSL encryption, providing a secure communication channel for data transmitted between the server and clients. This is particularly crucial for businesses that need to comply with strict data protection regulations. Additionally, the integration of endpoint security features ensures that unauthorized access to applications is minimized.

Performance enhancements are also a critical focus in this release. Citrix optimized the delivery of applications over various network conditions, ensuring that users experience minimal latency regardless of their location. This was achieved through the incorporation of SmartAccess and SmartControl technologies, which allow administrators to set policies based on user roles, device types, and network conditions. This level of granularity enables organization-wide security without compromising on usability.

The user experience was further improved with a revamped interface, making it easier for end-users to access their applications and data. Simplified menus, clear navigation paths, and the ability to customize user settings contributed to a more efficient workflow, allowing users to focus on their tasks rather than struggling with the software.

Finally, Citrix XenApp 4.2 was designed to be highly scalable. Organizations of all sizes could deploy this solution to deliver applications efficiently, adapting to their specific needs as their user base grows or changes. This flexibility is crucial for businesses looking to future-proof their IT investments while maintaining optimal performance.

In summary, Citrix XenApp 4.2 stands out with its enhanced application streaming, robust security features, improved performance under varying conditions, user-friendly interface, and scalability, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to leverage virtualization for remote access to applications and desktops.
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