Ace-IT Intergration

Are you using Windows 7 yet? Has your organization migrated yet?  Have you been reading all there is to know about Windows 7 migrations?  Then I must ask why you didn't attend the Ask the Architect TechTalk on February 25th.  Not only did we talk about the expected challenges most will face during the migration, but we also focused on how we can overcome these like we've never been able to do before, thanks to advances in technology like desktop virtualization and application virtualization. 

First, if you want to hear what was discussed, it's not too late. You can watch the Windows 7 Migration recording.  The great thing about the recording is that you can repeat sections over and over again. To get an idea of the topics covered, the following is the Q&A from the live event:

Q: How do you suggest we migrate from physical profile to virtual profile as we have no virtual desktops yet

A: You can' migrate from Win XP to Win 7 profiles. You have to pull sections from the old profile and import them into the new profile via with tools like Citrix Profile Management or AppSense.  Of course, you have to test as some of the locations might change between OS versions. If you want a lot more information regarding profiles, then I suggest you attend this upcoming Ask the Architect TechTalk about Profiles.

Q: How does USMT tool fit into migrating with XenDesktop?

A: The User State Migration Tool would be difficult to use in this scenario.  As I've seen it used, it essentially snapshots your Windows XP image and then has Windows 7 link into the old image.  This means we would have to store all of the Windows XP items from all of your users, this could be a lot of space.  Also, I always prefer to start users with a clean slate when moving to a new operating system to help optimize their environment.  Of course, we would pull a few important items over, but it is still more optimized than if you would try to reuse the entire environment. 

Q: In my company (tele-marketing) we are using an application which requires the use of audio-resources, will it work fine with virtual desktops ?

A: Sound does work with XenDesktop virtual desktops. You can even use microphones and have 2-way conversations within the virtual desktop. However, not knowing the applications/audio requirements you will really need to test the application to make sure it performs as expected.

Q: What about IE6 to IE8 app incompatibility when you move to Win7.  We find lots of apps not compatible with IE8.  Same for vendor apps.

A: Unfortunately, you will need to find a way to run IE6. Since Windows 7 already has IE8 installed, you really can't move backwards.  You have two other options:

Option 1: Use a hosted IE6 from a Windows 2003 XenApp server.

Option 2: Use published IE6 from a Windows XP desktop that is delivered as a VM Hosted Application via XenApp.

Q: what are the software options for streaming apps?

A: The two most common application streaming options are to use XenApp Application Streaming or Microsoft App-V.  Both can easily be integrated within the XenDesktop images.

These were just a few of the questions discussed during the Ask the Architect TechTalk.  If you want to hear more, then feel free to listen to the recorded webinar.

Daniel

Lead Architect - Worldwide Consulting Solutions
Follow Me on twitter: @djfeller
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 With the iPad D-day looming you may be justifying ( or rationalizing ) whether or not you are buying an iPad in the first wave and what are you going to use it for. As noted on previous blogs lots of prospects have come up with business reasons to buy and use the iPad at work. I think this will grow rapidly as the early adopters show up to work with them ( BYOC ), find them to be useful and show them to their colleagues.

Personally I am looking at the iPad for both Work and Play.

For work I anticipate using it for a few tasks including:
Conference room meetings - light weight and non intrusive, I expect my laptop will stay in the office and my paper notebook becomes obsolete. The VGA adapter for presentations is a must have.
Short Trips - When meeting locally and not expecting to create much content I expect to bring the iPad.
Demo's Demo's Demo's - The iPad will be ideal for showing colleagues, customers and partners the benefits of Desktop Virtualization.
Day Extender - I am not sure yet how often I will use the iPad vs my laptop when working from home. I expect a mix of both.
For Play :
Surfing - Fast access to the internet will be the primary use I envision. For extended periods I do have concerns about how I will hold it and how it compares to a laptop.
Reading - I was planning to buy a Kindle for eBooks... I hear kindle readers rave about e-ink for extended use but I will now plan to use the iPad unless it causes a problem.
Photos - Looking forward to using and sharing my photo library on the iPad.
Videos - Im not a big video/movie watcher, but this may increase if its really easy.

As for which model, I am looking at the WiFi 16G . My work docs and apps will be hosted at work, my music, podcasts etc will be on my iPhone, so I haven't figured out why I need too much local storage. For network, the 3G option is nice but I think I will instead be getting a Sprint 4G Overdrive ( MiFi ). This gets me fast access for my Laptop and iPad, plus even a better connection for my iPhone when the ATT network isn't cooperating.

Learn how to make the iPad work for your organization at Citrix Synergy. 

Did you know that Workflow Studio exposes most of its functionality via PowerShell?

Do you want to:

• Run workflows from an external system such as Microsoft's System Center
• Build a self-service portal for your users
• Create an installer for custom activities you have built

If so, you will want to have a look at the Automation Guide posted on the Workflow Studio SDK page

If you build something cool let me know about it...