Chapter 11. Bare Metal Installation

Example: Section 11.3.18, “Example CentOS 6.x Kickstart File”

Ubuntu

Docs: https://help.ubuntu.com/lts/installation-guide/i386/automatic-install.html

Example: Section 11.3.20, “Example Ubuntu 12.04 Kickstart File”

11.2.1. Limitations of Kickstart Baremetal Installation

When this feature is used, the following are not supported:

Use in advanced zones is not supported. Use in basic zones only.

CloudPlatform storage concepts: primary storage, secondary storage, volume, snapshot

System VMs: SSVM, CPVM, VR

Template copy or template download

VM migration

Multiple NICs

Using host tag for allocating host, capacity (cpu, memory) specifying in service offering

A stopped VM (the OS running on host) can only start on the host it was most recently on

11.3. Provisioning a Bare Metal Host with Kickstart

Follow the steps in all the following sections in order.

11.3.1. Download the Software

You will need the following:

Citrix software installation file CloudPlatform-VERSION-N-OSVERSION.tar.gz. Available at https:// www.citrix.com/English/ss/downloads/.

You will need a MyCitrix account1.

PXE bootable kernel and initrd for each OS you want to make available for use on bare metal hosts

NFS server

(Optional) If using security groups, get http://download.cloud.com/support/samsung/

security_group_agent-1.0-1.noarch.rpm and the packages it depends on: python-cherrypy, ipset, and libmnl. For more information, see Section 11.3.9, “Set Up the Security Group Agent (Optional)”.

11.3.2. Set Up IPMI

The procedure to access IPMI settings varies depending on the type of hardware. Consult your manufacturer's documentation if you do not already know how to display the IPMI settings screen.

1http://www.citrix.com/lang/English/publicindex.asp?destURL=%2FEnglish%2FmyCitrix%2Findex.asp%3F

136

Page 144
Image 144
Citrix Systems 4.2 manual Provisioning a Bare Metal Host with Kickstart, Limitations of Kickstart Baremetal Installation

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.