Item: Citrix DaaS
Rating: 9
Author: Daniel J. Lewis

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

For our configuration, XenApp is available for the entire organization using security group permissions. I allow access by user for our current structure however have implemented and managed XenApp via GPO which works quite well.

Pros and Cons

Remote accessibility is a huge plus with users on various devices that are supported. i.e. PC's, tablets, smart phones (most makes/versions)
Implementation; allowing access without the need to install software on a users device. Once requested permissions are granted and the user can start pretty seamlessly regardless of devices specifications or licensing hiccups.
Easily determine users connecting to specific applications to better scale growth; determining upgrade costs and licensing needs.
Local resource redirection is easily manageable from both end user and IT management.

Supported version and upgrades. These can become cumbersome for IT management to speck out and plan for multiple users. This delays upgrades which then prevents Citrix Support for outdated versions. (IT knows this across the board all too well)
Configuring custom or non mainstream applications can be a strain during implementation.

Return on Investment

Allowing staff to complete time sensitive work. i.e. Accounting processing payroll, billing. Staff meeting deadlines for client production products.
Time installing and configuring software occurrences is externally cut down. Such as personal profile configuration of toolbar's, files, shortcuts, etc.
Software licenses reduced.

Alternatives Considered

VMware Horizon View

I've tested the trial however due to my mature relationship with Citrix products/support/security I still favor XenApp for our current environment. However VMware is a solid competitor and comes down to cost and functionality.

Other Software Used

Citrix ShareFile, Citrix NetScaler Access Gateway

Likelihood to Recommend

Well suited for an expensive application a handful of staff uses. Also for high staff turn over limiting the multiple installations on workstations and flexibility to utilize multiple in office/remote devices/workstations.

Not well suited for power hungry applications, such as utilizing CPU, Memory, Bandwidth. Adobe products for example work fine however a strong user could see performance issues due to bandwidth and shared resources. This is when local installation is best.

Products Replaced

Key Differentiators

Product Features
Product Usability
Product Reputation
Vendor Reputation

Citrix's ecosystem.

Evaluation Lessons Learned

My evaluation might change as per my usage of XenApp in my current environment. Not all software works as needed for company structure.

WhatsApp; it's XenApp!!!

Overall Satisfaction with Citrix Virtual Apps