Working With Storage, Storage Overview | Citrix Systems 4.2 guide

Chapter 14.

Working With Storage

14.1. Storage Overview

CloudPlatform defines two types of storage: primary and secondary. Primary storage can be accessed by either iSCSI or NFS. Additionally, direct attached storage may be used for primary storage. Secondary storage is always accessed using NFS or a combination of NFS and object storage.

There is no ephemeral storage in CloudPlatform. All volumes on all nodes are persistent.

14.2. Primary Storage

This section gives concepts and technical details about CloudPlatform primary storage. In addition to the material in this section, please see:

•For a basic overview, see Section 3.6, “About Primary Storage”.

•For information about how to install and configure primary storage through the CloudPlatform UI, see Section 8.7, “Adding Primary Storage”.

14.2.1. Best Practices for Primary Storage

•The speed of primary storage will impact guest performance. If possible, choose smaller, higher RPM drives for primary storage.

•Ensure that nothing is stored on the server. Adding the server to CloudPlatform will destroy any existing data

14.2.2. Runtime Behavior of Primary Storage

Root volumes are created automatically when a virtual machine is created. Root volumes are deleted when the VM is destroyed. Data volumes can be created and dynamically attached to VMs (although, when the Oracle VM hypervisor is used, the VM must be stopped before an additional volume can be attached). Data volumes are not deleted when VMs are destroyed.

Administrators should monitor the capacity of primary storage devices and add additional primary storage as needed. See the Advanced Installation Guide.

Administrators add primary storage to the system by creating a CloudPlatform storage pool. Each storage pool is associated with a cluster.

14.2.3. Hypervisor Support for Primary Storage

The following table shows storage options and parameters for different hypervisors.

	VMware	Citrix	KVM	Oracle VM
	vSphere	XenServer

Format for Disks, Templates,	VMDK	VHD	QCOW2	RAW
and Snapshots

iSCSI support	VMFS	Clustered	Yes, via	Yes, via
		LVM	Shared	OCFS2M
			Mountpoint

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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.

Citrix Systems 4.2 manual Working With Storage, Storage Overview, Primary Storage

Models: 4.2