Just recently I was in the process of researching to use Lync online (Office 365) in a XenApp HSD environment for one of our customers. To be honest I expected this to be a relatively straightforward process, install the software, configure, perhaps adjust my sizing numbers somewhat, test and take it from there. But what I found was that using Lync online combined with XenApp has its limitations. Of course some of these limitations can be dealt with, others however, we just have to except or take another route completely.
Archives for March 2015
12 services that make up the Citrix XenDesktop Flex Management Architecture!
The Flex Management Architecture is a service-orientated architecture, it consists out of ten, or twelve depending on your point of view, primary services in total. Let me explain, when administering a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) for example, the Broker Service, a.k.a. the Desktop service, and the PortICA service both live on your desktop OS based VM’s, which are then part of the FMA as well, making it twelve services in total. Here I’ll provide you with a rundown of all services that make up the FMA including their responsibilities and some background information. I’ve included some artwork as well.
Sh*t just got real… The Nutanix Platform Expert Program!
Last week Nutanix launched their flagship certification program, the Nutanix Platform Expert. Let me start by pointing out that the NPX program is not ‘just’ another IT certification and that it’s not to be taken lightly by any means. It is set out to become, and I quote, the most rigorous technical qualification in enterprise computing. NPX candidates are expected to have a considerable amount of IT industry (hands-on) experience and to be expert technologists, consultants, and solution architects with portfolios of work reflecting this expertise, with a strong focus on hyper-converged architectures. And no, I’m not trying to scare you. Curious? Learn more about the Nutanix Platform Expert (NPX) program they’ll gladly provide you with everything you want or need to know.
Introducing the -1000 blog series!
Just a short intro to let you all know how I like to approach things, nothing special. Most of my articles tend to be quite extensive. I haven’t done the math, but if I would have to guess I think that most of the articles that I have written consist out of 2500 words an upwards, with a few exceptions here and there. Of course this doesn’t bother me, since I like to write and dig in a bit deeper every now and again. I also haven’t heard any complaints from you guys, so I guess I’m good.
I’m presenting at the Dutch Citrix User Group… And to me that’s huge!
After two years of blogging, hiding behind my MacBook :) and virtually on Twitter, Linked-In etc… the time has finally come to take the next step. On March 6th I will be presenting at the next DuCUG event, or Dutch Citrix User Group in full, taking place at Dell in Amsterdam. In fact if you are reading this, chances are that I’m on stage at this very moment. For me it is an absolute first, not just at DuCUG but also with regards to presenting, or public speaking, in general. I have had multiple opportunities in the past but I just kept making up excuses so I wouldn’t have to go up on stage. Because to be honest, the thought of standing in front of a big crowd and doing ‘my thing’ kind of scares me. And DuCUG can be considered a big crowd, at least in my book. It has been sold out for weeks, as it always is, meaning that no less than 150 IT professionals will be there to hear what I, and others, have to say. It’s an honour to be part of their line-up, check their agenda (screenshot below), there are some ‘big’ names on there.
The (final) results are in! Project Virtual Reality Check 2015.
If, by skimming the title, you’re not sure what I am talking about here, which I doubt to be honest, than you need to check out this website first before continuing. Just a few hours ago I received the final results of this years Project VRC and I can tell that there are some interesting and useful facts in there. The beauty of it though, at least that’s how feel, is that it’s all a 100% authentic. With that I mean that all information recorded in the survey is provided by you, the all-round, real deal, no nonsense, hard core, customer focused, he (or she) who only sees solutions and eats problems for breakfast – IT professional! Does it get any better then this? No Really? But wait, let’s stay focussed here, I am allowed to publish two results, so without further ado…