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Now that we have this complete end-to-end product in XenApp Platinum loaded with features (like SmartAccess, SmartAuditor, Single-Sign-On, Health Assistant, Application Performance Monitoring, EasyCall, WAN Optimization), we need to work on what will really set us apart from the rest - Component Integration. Aside from things like integrated console and install - the obvious things, what else can we do in terms of component (feature) integration? We have some ideas, but I'd like to hear from you! What are your ideas and what are the use cases? To give you an example,
Idea: Have SmartAcess trigger a recording with SmartAuditor
Use Case: A SmartAccess end-point analysis fails; instead of denying access; trigger SmartAuditor to record the session.
Imagine, if customers are using different SSL VPN and recording solutions, they won't have the opportunity to use the two solutions together like Citrix can deliver - we just need to do it!
Tell me what you think!
Another reason you should be using XenApp Platinum edition, Wan Optimization! The newest feature just added to the complete application delivery system.
What is actually being added? Now every Platinum license entitles you to use the WANScaler client.
What are the benefits of this feature?
- Allows the home-based, mobile, or small office user to enjoy the benfits of Wan optimization in situatuions in which an appliance cannot be readily deployed
- Offers comprehensive TCP flow control, advanced compression, and advanced application protocol optimizations to ehnhance productivitiy fo PC users
- Compatible with a wide range of secure remote acess technologies included populat IPsec implementations and Citrix Access Gateway Standard and Advanced Editions.
- Read more here
Will this optimize ICA traffic? This has been a little tricky. ICA is already extremely optimized. In fact, we all know that ICA is one of our biggest competitive advantages. However, this is something that we are actively testing. Stay tuned for more information on this soon.
How do I start using this feature?
- Again, you must have a XenApp Platinum license with valid subscription as of 1/1/08 (which all Platinum customers will have since it's only been in the market for just a year now)
- Login to MyCitrix>Support>Downloads>Clients>WANScaler Client or simply click here to download the WANScaler client
- Also, you will also need either the Citrix WANScaler 85xx or 88xx series appliance available for purchase seperately
When can I start using this feature? NOW!
Watch for more information to come out in your customer newsletter and channel flash communications.
Don't miss out on the great new Presentation Server Platinum training opportunity just announced at Summit this week! See details below.....
StayCurrent, a promotion offering accelerated, in-depth technical training on Citrix Presentation Server(TM) Platinum Edition. Intended to encourage partners to update their skills, the promotion features an accelerated training course that combines several courses adding up to 11 days of training in five days. The course is offered at the promotional rate of $2,500, which is 55 percent off current pricing. This offer is also valid through the next Citrix Summit partner event (October 2008).
Partners may access further information on this training program and others by going to www.citrix.com/partnertraining and logging in with a valid My Citrix account.
Go for it!!!!
What is the Advanced Concepts Guide (ACG)? This is a document created by Citrix development/test teams that contains advanced technical information as well as last minute information found during the product closedown. In the past, this document was delivered a few months past the product release date in the form of a pdf and posted on the Citrix Knowledge Center on Citrix.com. Then, a few months after the document was completed a comprehensive book would be published by McGraw-Hill and made available for purchase at any major retail store.
With the Presentation Server 4.5 release, we have changed the delivery method for this information. Instead of creating a large pdf and posting it to the Knowledge Center, we have created a landing page that serves as a table of contents with links to all of the articles with new information. These articles are intended to be used in addition to any previously posted ACGs. (Remember to reference other separate product ACGs that are now Platinum features.) Why did we make this change?
- The Knowledge Center did not support "search" functionality within a pdf document. Therefore, it was difficult to search for a specific topic.
- This new way will reduce the "time to market". (Although, this time we didn't see this benefit as we were enhancing our processes.) Previously, the entire document had to be completed before any information was posted.
- Now we can constantly add information instead of waiting until the next rev of the document.
- You can set a "watch" in the Knowledge Center to receive alerts when there are modifications or new entries added.
A couple of things to note: With the next product release we will carry forward previously published information so that everything will be found in one place. Also, the book will still be published. The 4.5 Platinum version is expected in Q2.
Let us know what you think of this new delivery method?
WOW....it's almost been a year since we launched the Platinum Edition of Presentation Server! What has made this new top-level edition of Presentation Server so popular? Well, several reasons I think:
1. Complete end-to-end application delivery solution all-in-one offering. No need to buy each of the piece parts separately and hope that you can get them to work together. Now it's all from one vendor, Citrix, and they WILL work together else "one throat to choke".
2. All of the cool new features! Application Performance Monitoring, SmartAuditor, SmartAccess, Single Sign-On, Application Streaming, and EasyCall.
3. The price it right! It only takes interest in one or two of the new features to justify the ROI. Most of the new features are available to expand your existing Enterprise or Advanced environment, but for the cost, you are better off upgrading to Platinum. Take a look at the math.
4. Existing customers are using Subscription Advantage renewal budget for upgrades. See blog on "Presentation Server Upgrade Calculator" by Sridhar Mullapudi. By adding a few additional dollars to the already planned Subscription Advantage renewal budget, customers are upgrading to Platinum and getting all of the additional value.
5. The anticipation of what the future might bring. Besides all of the value that Platinum currently has, what other cool technologies might Citrix add to the Platinum edition in the future - the possiblities are endless! Remember, it only takes an active subscription advantage to be eligilbe for anything that gets added - so stay tuned!
As the Product Manager for Presentation Server Platinum, let me know what you think. Have you moved to Platinum? If so, what drove you there? If not, are you planning to? Why or why not? Also let me know what technologies you'd like to see in this edition in the future.