Citrix VDI
Updated February 28, 2017

Citrix VDI

Khanh Thai | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with XenDesktop

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.

Pros

  • 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.
I gave it a 7 because support is lacking.

Using 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
I would of given it a 10 but Citrix tech support is lacking.

Evaluating XenDesktop and Competitors

  • 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.

XenDesktop Implementation

It went smooth since I'm a CCP-E that knows how to install and deploy the software.
  • 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

XenDesktop Training

  • Self-taught
I was self trained.
Online training isn't bad just an over view more then anything else.
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.

Configuring XenDesktop

For the most part you can do what you need to do to make it work in your environment. I like saying with the basic because once you start doing custom work it gets too complex.
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

XenDesktop Support

Since support is lacking I gave it a 7
ProsCons
None
Slow Resolution
Poor followup
Problems left unsolved
Not kept informed
Escalation required
Difficult to get immediate help
Need to explain problems multiple times
Support doesn't seem to care
Slow Initial Response
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.

Using XenDesktop

Lack of support
ProsCons
Like to use
Technical support not required
Well integrated
Consistent
Convenient
Feel confident using
Lots to learn
  • 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

XenDesktop Reliability

Xendesktop can scale well using PVS.
Xendesktop did a great job with HA of all the components.
If designed right its could be faster than physical computers.

Integrating XenDesktop

Vmware and netscaler was easy to integrate.
  • 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.

Relationship with Citrix

Vendor relationship is poor. If you are not an enterprise account they do not care and kill you on price.
They will only call you when support renewal is coming.
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 %.

Upgrading XenDesktop

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

Comments

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