Chapter 12.

Installing Oracle VM (OVM) for CloudPlatform

If you want to use the Oracle VM Server (OVM) hypervisor to run guest virtual machines, install OVM on the host(s) in your cloud.

12.1. System Requirements for OVM Hosts

CloudPlatform works with the following version:

• OVM Server 2.2.1

The OVM hosts must follow these restrictions:

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.

Within a single cluster, the hosts must be of the same kernel version. For example, if one Host is OVM 2.2 64 bit, they must all be OVM 2.2 64 bit.

Be sure all the hotfixes provided by the hypervisor vendor are applied. Track the release of hypervisor patches through your hypervisor vendor’s support channel, and apply patches as soon as possible after they are released. CloudPlatform will not track or notify you of required hypervisor patches. It is essential that your hosts are completely up to date with the provided hypervisor patches. The hypervisor vendor is likely to refuse to support any system that is not up to date with patches.

Warning

The lack of up-do-date hotfixes can lead to data corruption and lost VMs.

12.2. OVM Installation Overview

Certain essential CloudPlatform software components can not run on OVM, so your OVM Zone will need to include at least two clusters: one cluster containing the OVM hosts, and another cluster with a different hypervisor (KVM, XenServer, or VMWare), where the CloudPlatform system VMs will run.

12.3. Installing OVM on the Host(s)

1.Download the OVM template from the Oracle website (http://www.oracle.com/virtualization) and install it using the OVM Installation Guide. The software download should be a .zip file that contains two files, an image (.img) file and vm.cfg. You need only the .img file. The default template password is ovsroot.

2.Unzip the file and copy the .img file to your HTTP server.

3.Follow the instructions in the OVM Installation Guide to install OVM on each host. During installation, you will be prompted to set an agent password and a root password. You can specify any desired text or accept the default. Make a note of these passwords – you will need them later.

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Citrix Systems 4.2 manual Installing Oracle VM OVM for CloudPlatform, System Requirements for OVM Hosts

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.