Citrix VDI
Rating: 7 out of 10
February 28, 2017
KT
Vetted Review
Verified User
10 years of experience
We use XenDesktop for the whole organization. The business problem it address is that we are in the process of using XenDesktop for remote access with NetScaler Access Gateway so we can shutdown our VPN. The reason [for this] is so we don't have to open a hole into our network with a VPN. Since XenDesktop is just a screen refresh it solves the security issue on that front. We also use XenDesktop for fast roll out since upgrading and patching is done on one master image. On the client side we use Wyse Zero client. Using all these technologies helps streamline IT as a whole to cut costs in the long run. We can focus on backend projects instead of fixing physical computer issues.
- Remote access. Even with high latency, HDX helps with working no not so ideal situations
- PVS server lower IOPS and faster image management
- USB redirection is a nice for remote users
Cons
- Technical support is lacking.
- Flash or HTML Videos lag with Zero clients.
- Support cost is expensive when their support is really poor.
- Saves on help desk FTEs since we only need one - since we use Zero clients which has no moving parts and goes right to storefront.
- Going from physical to VDI helps on speed of not having to re-image a system. With VDI we just have to log off and back on.
- The up front cost is expensive compared to physical, but once you start expanding VDI it's easier to roll out vs. physical. The cost will go down over time with more users.
HDX and access gateway are the reason We picked Xendesktop.
300
All departments, but one use XenDesktop - our internal developers
2
We have 2 Citrix engineers. One is fully certified CCP-V
- Remote access speed
- Secruity
- Roll out and repair
- We are using Xendesktop to roll out to a business we acquired
- We use it for external vendors
- We will use it for our DR plan
No
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
- Prior Experience with the Product
- Vendor Reputation
- Existing Relationship with the Vendor
- Third-party Reviews
Price is a big concern and they use to offer good deals, but of late the price is really up there.
None since I been working with Citrix product for over 10 years.
- Implemented in-house
Yes
We did it by department one at a time.
Change management was a big part of the implementation and was well-handled
- Profile
- PVS write cache IOPS
- Self-taught
The product is easier to install, but to learn I would say no. Training will cover the basics, but it won't cover all the tuning you will need to do to make it run smoother. There is a lot of resource on the web for anyone to get started, but the best way is to build an environment and start playing whit it.
Get an expert to help deploy and configure the environment.
No - we have not done any customization to the interface
No - we have not done any custom code
None
Yes
I pay since I'm force to to be able to get upgrades.
Yes
usb redirction bug and outlook bug.
Most of the time CItrix product just works. I can't remember a time I gave them an good review for support since it's lacking.
- Install is now easier
- Storefront is easier now
- remote access is easier when using Netscalers with Xendesktop
- Understanding how everything works as a whole isn't easy
- Can't just know Xendesktop also have to know how windows and GPO work
No
- NetScaler
- VMware
Integration was right out the box. It was really easy.
- Third party patching software
- Security devices
Not that I know of.
- Single Signon
None.
None.
It was very hard to negotiate with the vendor if you are a small shop.
Make sure you buy more license and more product to get the discount %.
Yes
The upgrade process is easy just make sure you have a dba on the side just in case you don't have permissions to upgrade the db.
- HTML5
- FrameHawk
- New storefront
- Faster storefront access
- Remote access without having Citrix receiver using HTML5
- Bug fixes
No
No