Chapter 7.

Using Projects to Organize Users and Resources

7.1. Overview of Projects

Projects are used to organize people and resources. CloudPlatform users within a single domain can group themselves into project teams so they can collaborate and share virtual resources such as VMs, snapshots, templates, data disks, and IP addresses. CloudPlatform tracks resource usage per project as well as per user, so the usage can be billed to either a user account or a project. For example, a private cloud within a software company might have all members of the QA department assigned to one project, so the company can track the resources used in testing while the project members can more easily isolate their efforts from other users of the same cloud

You can configure CloudPlatform to allow any user to create a new project, or you can restrict that ability to just CloudPlatform administrators. Once you have created a project, you become that project’s administrator, and you can add others within your domain to the project. CloudPlatform can be set up either so that you can add people directly to a project, or so that you have to send an invitation which the recipient must accept. Project members can view and manage all virtual resources created by anyone in the project (for example, share VMs). A user can be a member of any number of projects and can switch views in the CloudPlatform UI to show only project-related information, such as project VMs, fellow project members, project-related alerts, and so on.

The project administrator can pass on the role to another project member. The project administrator can also add more members, remove members from the project, set new resource limits (as long as they are below the global defaults set by the CloudPlatform administrator), and delete the project.

When the administrator removes a member from the project, resources created by that user, such as VM instances, remain with the project. This brings us to the subject of resource ownership and which resources can be used by a project.

Resources created within a project are owned by the project, not by any particular CloudPlatform account, and they can be used only within the project. A user who belongs to one or more projects can still create resources outside of those projects, and those resources belong to the user’s account; they will not be counted against the project’s usage or resource limits. You can create project-level networks to isolate traffic within the project and provide network services such as port forwarding, load balancing, VPN, and static NAT. A project can also make use of certain types of resources from outside the project, if those resources are shared. For example, a shared network or public template is available to any project in the domain. A project can get access to a private template if the template’s owner will grant permission. A project can use any service offering or disk offering available in its domain; however, you can not create private service and disk offerings at the project level..

7.2. Configuring Projects

Before CloudPlatform users start using projects, the CloudPlatform administrator must set up various systems to support them, including membership invitations, limits on project resources, and controls on who can create projects.

7.2.1. Setting Up Invitations

CloudPlatform can be set up either so that project administrators can add people directly to a project, or so that it is necessary to send an invitation which the recipient must accept. The invitation can

be sent by email or through the user’s CloudPlatform account. If you want administrators to use invitations to add members to projects, turn on and set up the invitations feature in CloudPlatform.

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Citrix Systems 4.2 manual Using Projects to Organize Users and Resources, Overview of Projects, Configuring Projects
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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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