Citrix has released the latest version of its application delivery suite, XenApp. Version 7.5 makes some bold claims in relation to both cloud flexibility and Windows application support.
XenApp 7.5 is built on the FlexCast Management Architecture used in the Citrix XenDesktop solution, which provides a single console from which users can deliver both virtual apps and desktops.
Citrix argues that competitors that can only deliver entire virtual desktops often force users to open multiple desktops just to access apps that conflict with each other or run on different versions of Windows. XenApp, it asserts, allows users to simply see a selection of available apps at their disposal. These apps might originate from any of five generations of Windows, all hosted and managed from the same infrastructure.
The company says that users can deploy XenApp to mobilise Windows apps without the need for redesign and deliver a native, high-performance, multi-touch-enabled experience due to the latest enhancements of Citrix HDX technologies.
Another key element of the latest version of XenApp is enhanced cloud-burst abilities. Enterprise IT can now burst and grow virtual applications to the cloud in real-time with hybrid cloud provisioning, built into the new simplified and streamlined XenApp management console. Citrix says that there is now out-of-the-box support for Amazon Web Services (AWS) and CloudPlatform powered by Apache CloudStack clouds, with Microsoft Azure cloud support under development. This, Citrix claims, makes XenApp the only solution that can be easily deployed both in the cloud and on-premises with the same management interfaces and skillsets. All of which offers an unprecedented ability to reduce capital expenditures by leveraging the elasticity of the world’s largest public clouds, the company argues.
The XenApp Platinum edition has been updated to include Citrix AppDNA application migration technology, which can reduce time and overhead of application virtualisation and platform migrations, it is claimed, by as much as 90%. The inclusion of the full range of AppDNA capabilities helps IT address a variety of migration issues, including how to virtualise applications ahead of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 end-of-life milestones.
XenApp now includes Citrix HDX Mobile which enhances the mobile experience for Windows apps, enabling them to function intuitively and transparently on mobile devices, including touch-enabled devices. It enhances performance by intelligently coping with the variability and packet loss of mobile networks and improving graphics and multimedia with hardware acceleration on tablets and smart phones.
“When end users first started to bring their mobile devices into work, the simple ability to access corporate Windows applications and desktops gave them the flexibility and agility they wanted,” said Brett Waldman, research manager, Client Virtualisation Software, IDC. “However, as these mobile devices start to become their primary device, they are demanding these virtual apps to have a consistent user experience with the device they using at the time. The vendors that can provide the best mobile experiences in a scalable and cost effective manner are positioning themselves to succeed in this dynamic market.”
“Increasingly, the mobile workforces of today demand a great experience with Windows applications,” said Rakesh Narasimhan, group VP and GM, Desktops and Apps, Citrix. “The new release of XenApp not only delivers on the Citrix vision of mobile workspaces for customers, with a powerful user experience, but allows companies to take full advantage of the flexibility of hybrid public and private clouds to optimise their IT infrastructures for the rapidly changing business environment.”
Version 7.5 of XenApp will be available in March 2014
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