Chapter 12. Working With Hosts

orchestrate. CloudPlatform can automatically understand the UCS environment, server profiles, etc. so CloudPlatform administrators can deploy a bare metal OS on a Cisco UCS.

An overview of the steps involved in using UCS with CloudPlatform:

1.Set up your UCS blades, profiles, and UCS Manager according to Cisco documentation

2.Register the UCS Manager with CloudPlatform

3.Associate a profile with a UCS blade

4.Provision the blade as a bare metal host as described in Provisioning a Bare Metal Host with Kickstart in the CloudPlatform Installation Guide.

12.7.1. Registering a UCS Manager

Register the UCS Manager with CloudPlatform by following these steps:

1.Install the UCS hardware (blades) and UCS Manager according to the vendor's instructions. Make a note of the following information:

UCS manager IP address

UCS manager username

UCS manager password

2.Log in to the CloudPlatform UI as administrator.

3.In the left navigation bar, click Infrastructure, then click Zones.

4.Click the name of a zone where Network Type is Basic.

5.Click the Compute and Storage tab.

6.Scroll down in the diagram and click UCS.

7.Click the Add UCS Manager button. In the dialog box, provide a display name, then the IP address, username, and password that you made a note of in step 1.

8.Click OK.

CloudPlatform will register the UCS Manager, then automatically discover the blades on this UCS Manager and add them into the resource pool.

12.7.2. Associating a Profile with a UCS Blade

Before associating a profile with a UCS blade, you must first do the steps in Section 12.7.1, “Registering a UCS Manager”.

1.Log in to the CloudPlatform UI as administrator.

2.In the left navigation bar, click Infrastructure, then click Zones.

3.Click the name of a zone where you have registered a UCS Manager.

4.Click the Compute and Storage tab.

5.Scroll down in the diagram and click UCS.

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Citrix Systems 4.2 manual Registering a UCS Manager, Associating a Profile with a UCS Blade

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.