Updates on ESX Templates and Citrix on VMWare

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From my previous posts, you can see I am digging in on ESX best practices, specifically for Terminal Services/Citrix.

I will be posting an updated white paper, entailing my best practices, methods, and results soon.

However, in the mean time, Project VRC is now LIVE. Great info comparing ESX, XenServer, Hyper-V, and Bare Metal. According to their tests, they recommend 2 vCPU instead of 1 vCPU... and they present a compelling argument.

For now, I am moving forward with 1 vCPU and 2 GB RAM to start a baseline, but will add a 1 vCPU 4GB RAM and a 2 vCPU and 4GB Ram for comparision. I'll include the results in my summary paper once it is available. If you want the prelim finding, just email me.

In the meantime, check out Project VRC

Creating and Deploying a Citrix Template on VMWare ESX

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Similar to my other related posts, this is specific to my operating environment and may not fit all. However, the best practices referenced here should help in most environments.

Citrix on VMWare ESX

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Although these guidelines are created using the following environment, these standards should apply to just about any Terminal Services-based virtual environment (XenApp 5, Quest vWorkspace 6, 2X, Windows 2008 TS, etc.):

• VMWare ESX 3.5 Update 2
• Virtual Center 2.5
• Windows 2003 R2 SP2 Standard Edition
• Citrix Presentation/XenApp Server 4.5

ESX Virtual Machine Best Practices

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My primary focus is server-based computing, specifically Citrix Presentation/XenApp Server. With a stronger push for virtualization in most market segments, I've seen mixed results for virtualizing Citrix on VMWare.

Several vendors and consultants have recommended using XenServer (now from Citrix, formerly from Xen Source) which is better at handling XenApp workloads. My question as been, WHY? What are the key differences and why the performance difference? The key is Memory Sharing and how VMWare allows overallocation of resources.

Jack-of-all-Trades, Master of None?

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I've always considered myself a Jack-of-all-Trades, but a master of none. I have purposely tried to walk a fine line between business and technology. That's one reason I chose to pursue an MBA instead of just another certification. It gives me portability beyond just IT, as well as better upward mobility on the corporate latter.

I also think being well rounded allows me to act as a better SOLUTION Architect. Having been a programmer, a DBA, a systems engineer, a network administrator, a trainer, and a manager ... I tend to look at problems differently than others that may be more specialized that I am. I take more a holistic approach.

SBC Resources

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Here are some good links/resources for Server-Based Computing:

• Doug Brown's site: http://www.dabcc.com/ ... great resource with original content and site aggregation
• http://www.msterminalservices.org/ One of the best resources for all things SBC.
• Patrick Rouse's site, some good articles and a nice little FAQ: http://www.sessioncomputing.com/
• Brian Madden. One of the single most useful sites for SBC, ever. If you do anyting with TS or Citrix, you will want to reference his site.
• Ctl-Alt-Delete, great TS/Citrix utilities.
• ThinComputing, Michel Roth's site
• http://www.thomaskoetzing.de/, my resource for scripting and web interface customizations... very insightful
• http://sbc.vanbragt.net/mambo/ -- wonderful take on SBC

Blogs and other useful links:

• http://citrixblogger.org/
• http://www.provisionnetworks.com/vips/members.aspx
• http://community.citrix.com/blogs

I'll update the list as I think of other useful resources. If you have something I missed, please post a comment.

Degree vs. Certification

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A common question in IT is, which is better -- a certification or a degree? Unfortunately, there is no right answer. In my mind, it is a combination of both... but mostly is about whether you can do the job or not. Personally, I have a double master's degree (MBA, MS IT), but very few certs (A+, MCP). I chose to focus on college and project management, and have found little need for industry certs. I fill the role of a Sr. Systems Engineer... even though I may not be an MCSE, go figure!