Chapter 10. Installing VMware for CloudPlatform

10.1.3. vCenter Server requirements:

Processor - 2 CPUs 2.0GHz or higher Intel or AMD x86 processors. Processor requirements may be higher if the database runs on the same machine.

Memory - 3GB RAM. RAM requirements may be higher if your database runs on the same machine.

Disk storage - 2GB. Disk requirements may be higher if your database runs on the same machine.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express disk requirements. The bundled database requires up to 2GB free disk space to decompress the installation archive.

Networking - 1Gbit or 10Gbit.

For more information, see "vCenter Server and the vSphere Client Hardware Requirements" at http:// pubs.vmware.com/vsp40/wwhelp/wwhimpl/js/html/wwhelp.htm#href=install/c_vc_hw.html.

10.1.4. Other requirements:

VMware vCenter Standard Edition must be installed and available to manage the vSphere hosts.

vCenter must be configured to use the standard port 443 so that it can communicate with the CloudPlatform Management Server.

You must re-install VMware ESXi if you are going to re-use a host from a previous install.

CloudPlatform requires VMware vSphere 5.0 or 5.1. VMware vSphere 4.0 and 4.1 are not supported.

All hosts must be 64-bit and must support HVM (Intel-VT or AMD-V enabled). All hosts within a cluster must be homogenous. That means the CPUs must be of the same type, count, and feature flags.

The CloudPlatform management network must not be configured as a separate virtual network. The CloudPlatform management network is the same as the vCenter management network, and will inherit its configuration. See Section 10.5.2, “Configure vCenter Management Network”.

CloudPlatform requires ESXi. ESX is not supported.

All resources used for CloudPlatform must be used for CloudPlatform only. CloudPlatform cannot share instance of ESXi or storage with other management consoles. Do not share the same storage volumes that will be used by CloudPlatform with a different set of ESXi servers that are not managed by CloudPlatform.

Put all target ESXi hypervisors in a cluster in a separate Datacenter in vCenter.

The cluster that will be managed by CloudPlatform should not contain any VMs. Do not run the management server, vCenter or any other VMs on the cluster that is designated for CloudPlatform use. Create a separate cluster for use of CloudPlatform and make sure that they are no VMs in this cluster.

All the required VLANS must be trunked into all network switches that are connected to the ESXi hypervisor hosts. These would include the VLANS for Management, Storage, vMotion, and guest VLANs. The guest VLAN (used in Advanced Networking; see Network Setup) is a contiguous range of VLANs that will be managed by CloudPlatform.

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Citrix Systems 4.2 manual VCenter Server requirements, Other requirements, Installing VMware for CloudPlatform

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.