Chapter 14. Working With Storage

Then log in to the CloudPlatform UI and stop and start (not reboot) the Secondary Storage VM for that Zone.

14.3.3. Changing Secondary Storage Servers

You can change the secondary storage NFS mount. Perform the following steps to do so:

1.Stop all running Management Servers.

2.Wait 30 minutes. This allows any writes to secondary storage to complete.

3.Copy all files from the old secondary storage mount to the new.

4.Change the IP address for secondary storage if required. See Section 14.3.2, “Changing the Secondary Storage IP Address”.

5.Start the Management Server.

14.4. Working With Volumes

A volume provides storage to a guest VM. The volume can provide for a root disk or an additional data disk. CloudPlatform supports additional volumes for guest VMs.

Volumes are created for a specific hypervisor type. A volume that has been attached to guest using one hypervisor type (e.g, XenServer) may not be attached to a guest that is using another hypervisor type (e.g. vSphere, Oracle VM, KVM). This is because the different hypervisors use different disk image formats.

CloudPlatform defines a volume as a unit of storage available to a guest VM. Volumes are either root disks or data disks. The root disk has “/” in the file system and is usually the boot device. Data disks provide for additional storage (e.g. As “/opt” or “D:”). Every guest VM has a root disk, and VMs can also optionally have a data disk. End users can mount multiple data disks to guest VMs. Users choose data disks from the disk offerings created by administrators. The user can create a template from a volume as well; this is the standard procedure for private template creation. Volumes are hypervisor- specific: a volume from one hypervisor type may not be used on a guest of another hypervisor type.

Note

CloudPlatform supports attaching up to 13 data disks to a VM on XenServer hypervisor versions 6.0 and above. For the VMs on other hypervisor types, the data disk limit is 6.

14.4.1. Creating a New Volume

You can add more data disk volumes to a guest VM at any time, up to the limits of your storage capacity. Both CloudPlatform administrators and users can add volumes to VM instances. When you create a new volume, it is stored as an entity in CloudPlatform, but the actual storage resources are not allocated on the physical storage device until you attach the volume. This optimization allows the CloudPlatform to provision the volume nearest to the guest that will use it when the first attachment is made.

14.4.1.1. Using Local Storage for Data Volumes

You can create data volumes on local storage (supported with XenServer, KVM, and VMware). The data volume is placed on the same host as the VM instance that is attached to the data volume. These

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Citrix Systems 4.2 manual Working With Volumes, Changing Secondary Storage Servers, Creating a New Volume

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.