As announced on August 31st, HDX 3D for Professional Graphics is now available for download. There's also lots of great documentation on HDX 3D Pro Graphics now on our Support site (scroll down to the bottom of the Product Documentation for XenDesktop 3 page). Or if you are just looking for a high-level overview, be sure to visit hdx.citrix.com.

Here are some highlights of this new XenDesktop feature:

• Supports the delivery of 3D professional graphics applications, both OpenGL and DirectX based, which need graphics hardware (GPU) acceleration for optimal performance.
• Works as an add-on to XenDesktop 3 and XenDesktop 3 Feature Pack 1.
• Automatically adjusts compression based on bandwidth and available resources. Delivers full HDX user experience on a LAN (100 Mbps) and very usable, interactive experience over a WAN (2 Mbps or above, with up to about 200 ms roundtrip latency). Makes desktop virtualization viable and practical for design engineers, architects, and other professional graphics users.
• Supports high resolution monitors (e.g. 1920 x 1200). For best results over limited bandwidth WAN connections, resolutions of 1280 x 1024 or below are recommended.
• Provides a real-time image quality configuration tool with an easy way to switch between a sharper image or smoother motion (great when working on  a limited bandwidth connection).
• HDX 3D host workstation (e.g. blade or rack workstation in the data center) is supported on Windows XP SP3 32-bit Professional.
• HDX 3D online plug-in for Windows (client) is supported on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista. The plug-in is supported on both 32-bit and 64-bit OS versions.

Download a free Eval and try it out!

Derek Thorslund
HDX Product Strategist

In case you missed it, there's a brief video up on Citrix TV in which Thomas Nikl of our Advanced Solutions Group shows the latest iteration of project Prism (which you may remember as the 3D Accelerated Bitmap Remoting subproject of Apollo/HDX). Prism is an enhancement to HDX 3D for XenDesktop focused on delivering high-end professional graphics applications (e.g. CAD, CAM, GIS) to remote users. Prism leverages GPU hardware on the host (typically a blade or rack mount workstation) to render the OpenGL or DirectX graphics, then uses advanced compression technology to deliver the resulting images over a standard DSL or equivalent Internet connection. Look closely and you'll notice that this recent build supports Windows XP virtual desktops (whereas my previous post on this topic showed a Vista desktop).

 
Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, HDX Multimedia Virtualization

XenDesktop 3 Feature Pack 1 is now available for download, and with it, a Trial Release of HDX MediaStream for Flash. The trial release (downloadable here) also supports XenApp on Windows Server 2003 and 2008.

Try it out! Here are some cool websites that highlight the superior performance of this new technology:

• StarTrekMovie.com
• MarkeTrac.NYSE.com
• 007.com
• FreedomAndPartners.com
• Tokbox.com (video chat)
• IKEA.com 

Enjoy!

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, HDX Multimedia Virtualization

As I promised in my blog post about SmartRendering (a key aspect of HDX Adaptive Orchestration), here's a video that demonstrates a new Citrix technology for leveraging the graphics processor on the user's PC or deskop appliance to locally render DirectX graphics. HDX Adaptive Orchestration queries the graphics capabilities of the endpoint device and intelligently determines how to combine client-side and server-side rendering. Furthermore, rendering decisions can be made based on available network bandwidth or application characteristics. The result is a high definition user experience, increased server scalability and optimal use of network bandwidth. This video shows how the Windows Aero desktop and WPF-based data visualization applications can be delivered using DirectX command remoting while an OpenGL-based GIS application is delivered using accelerated bitmap remoting.

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

The senior architect at a major bank recently told me how they use Wyse TCX USB Virtualizer to deliver the Cisco IP Communicator softphone from XenDesktop to LAN-connected users. The Wyse V10L thin clients are equipped with Netcom GN 2000 USB headsets. He reports that the audio quality over USB is "excellent" and bandwidth consumption appears to be minimal. Sounds like a great solution for delivering potentially any softphone from XenDesktop to Wyse thin clients and desktop appliances!

So what about users who don't have a Wyse thin client? As part of the expansion of our HDX RealTime technologies, Citrix is near to completing the development of an enhanced audio subsystem for XenDesktop, comparable to what we have in XenApp 5 for Windows Server 2008. The HDX RealTime audio subsystem will provide broad compatibility with softphones and the "voice chat" feature of Unified Communications applications. And later this year, look for news of further enhancements to HDX RealTime with the Ulysses audio codec technology that I blogged about some time ago, designed to provide outstanding audio quality with minimal bandwidth consumption. These enhancements are aimed at improving the multimedia virtual desktop experience for on-premises users while establishing a foundation for future support of VoIP for remote workers.

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

A key strategic concept that guides the Citrix Multimedia Virtualization Initiative (project Apollo) is "SmartRendering". This term describes the intelligent, automated combination of server-side and client-side rendering of graphics and media streams. SmartRendering considers such factors as the attributes of the application, the capabilities of the client and the server, and the characteristics of the network, to ensure an optimal user experience and the most efficient use of computing resources.

Many exciting new developments lie ahead as we extend SmartRendering to how we will deliver Aero desktops (introduced in Vista and enhanced in Microsoft's upcoming Windows 7 release with "Aero Peek"), next generation applications (such as data visualization applications built on Windows Presentation Foundation), Flash videos (including HD videos rendered with Adobe's H.264 codec) and 3D professional graphics (OpenGL and DirectX).

Although SmartRendering is a technology with lots of innovation and evolution still to come, it already plays an important part in how XenApp and XenDesktop deliver multimedia/graphics content in our currently shipping releases. Our software continually monitors the network and dynamically adjusts how it sends data to the client. And it constantly makes decisions about how best to render the GDI/GDI+ graphics used in most applications today. Often, SmartRendering will send GDI commands over the wire to be rendered by the graphics processor (GPU) on the client device, offloading the server to maximize scalability. In other cases, SmartRendering will determine that it is more efficient to render the graphics on the server and send a compressed bitmap image over the wire, with SuperCaching to eliminate redundant transmissions.

SpeedScreen Multimedia Acceleration, based on Citrix's RAVE technology and included with XenApp since Presentation Server 3.0 (introduced in 2004), also employs SmartRendering. If the user's device is capable of decoding a video using its own resources, SpeedScreen Multimedia Acceleration leverages the client's CPU and the appropriate codec, with automatic fallback to server-side rendering when needed. The result is a high definition user experience and outstanding server scalability. Very soon, you'll see this feature in XenDesktop, too, and supported by our Linux plugin (client) for both XenApp and XenDesktop.

Other vendors are starting to implement similar techniques. Wyse offers TCX Multimedia and has announced its Collaborative Processing Architecture which "intelligently divides the workload between the server and client, reducing the need for larger servers". And Microsoft's upcoming Windows Server 2008 R2 release will deliver multimedia content "by redirecting multimedia files and streams so that audio and video content is sent in its original format from the server to the (Windows 7) client and rendered using the client's local media playback capabilities."

In an upcoming blog post, I plan to show you a video demonstration of a new SmartRendering capability now under development at Citrix that leverages a DirectX 9 or better graphics processor on the endpoint for client-side rendering of the full Aero desktop experience. And it doesn't require Vista or Windows 7 on the user's device. So stay tuned because SmartRendering is going to get even more powerful!

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

In this 4-minute video I interview Nitin Desai, team lead for the 3D professional graphics subproject of our Apollo multimedia virtualization initiative, and he demonstrates a high-end CAD application - CATIA V5.19 from Dassault - running on XenDesktop with graphics hardware acceleration. This technology, available as a Tech Preview, enables organizations to deliver DirectX and OpenGL applications and large 3D models over DSL-like network connections while keeping their intellectual property safe within the data center.

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

It is always exciting when the first emails start to come in with feedback on a new software release. A few weeks ago, the Apollo team put out a second Tech Preview release of our accelerated bitmap remoting technology for 3D graphics acceleration on XenDesktop. This release introduced support for delivering 3D professional graphics applications -- both OpenGL and DirectX based -- over a DSL-like WAN/Internet connection (1.5 - 6 Mbps). With this new technology, companies can keep their intellectual property safe in the delivery center while enabling workers to access 3D applications remotely, even from another continent. Here are some of the early comments:

• "We have been extremely impressed by early results while testing the Apollo Tech Preview with [Autodesk] Revit Architecture." -- Global architectural firm, testing over high latency trans-Atlantic WAN links.
• "The [test subjects'] reactions are positive so far. At 1.5 Mbps it is still very usable." -- Major software vendor.
• "So far this is the only product to have anywhere near acceptable performance." -- Top tier system integrator.
• "[We're] doing user testing and so far everyone is loving it." -- Diversified manufacturer of commercial and defense products.

Based on the positive response, we are now accepting additional organizations into our Tech Preview Program. So if you'd like to "kick the tires", please complete the application form at www.citrix.com/apollo3Dgraphics.

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

Many organizations have a need to give certain remote workers access to 3D graphics and imaging applications, but that has been a big challenge in the past. Managing high-end graphics workstations at remote locations isn't easy. And even if the user has the right equipment, pulling up large design drawings (potentially millions of vertices) from a central database over a network connection can be agonizingly slow. On top of that, the company's intellectual property may be exposed because the data has to be sent over the network to the user's workstation.

Citrix solved these challenges for 2D and lightweight 3D graphics with the introduction of SpeedScreen Progressive Display in XenApp PS 4.5 (also included in XenDesktop), and since then we have been working on combining our remoting technologies with 3D graphics hardware acceleration. One of the new technologies being developed under the Citrix Multimedia Virtualization Initiative is Apollo Accelerated Bitmap Remoting (ABR), and we're about to unveil our second Tech Preview of Apollo ABR on October 27, 2008. Whereas our first Tech Preview release was focused on demonstrating the ability to deliver DirectX applications and Vista Aero desktops with full animation and glass effects, this new release is all about delivery over DSL-like WAN/Internet connections. This will allow organizations to effectively deliver high-end 3D graphics and imaging applications to remote users who have standard PCs or recent-model desktop appliances. Centralization allows organizations to protect their intellectual property and reduce IT management costs and complexity. It even opens up the potential for organizations to recruit professionals from around the world.

Apollo ABR is a XenDesktop-based technology that leverages a graphics processing unit (GPU) on the host workstation in the delivery center to render 3D graphics. Users connect through the XenDesktop Desktop Delivery Controller. A special version of the XenDesktop plugin (client) has been created for Apollo ABR to optimize the user experience over DSL-like network connections (2-6 Mbps).

If your organization would like to evaluate Apollo ABR Tech Preview 2, please review the information on our web page and complete the application form. Applications will be evaluated according to match against Citrix's objectives for the Tech Preview program, variety and graphics-intensity of applications, and resource availability for support.

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

The Apollo Accelerated Bitmap Remoting technology leverages Vista Aero to efficiently capture and deliver DirectX and other 3D graphics. But what if you need to deliver applications that aren't Vista compatible into the same virtual desktop as your 3D professional graphics applications? The trick is to deliver them using XenApp, the Integrated App Delivery feature of the XenDesktop Enterprise and Platinum editions. XenApp supports applications that run on Windows Server 2003 and (with XenApp 5) Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services. Your non-Vista applications can be hosted on XenApp and delivered seamlessly into the user's XenDesktop virtual desktop via Citrix's ICA protocol. Application compatibility issues are eliminated because these applications are never actually installed on Windows Vista. They appear seamlessly integrated with the user's Vista Aero virtual desktop even though they are actually running on a different operating system.

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

Adam Jacques gave a brilliant demonstration of project Apollo Accelerated Bitmap Remoting at Citrix's Application Delivery Conference in Melbourne, Australia. Take a look at this 5-minute video on YouTube.

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

Sit back and listen in as I speak with Doug Brown, Citrix Technology Professional and Microsoft MVP, about the Citrix Multimedia Virtualization Initiative and the new technologies being developed by the project Apollo team in this DABCC Radio podcast...

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

Did you miss the Apollo Accelerated Bitmap Remoting demo at Synergy in Houston? Click here to view a brief video recorded by Vishal Ganeriwala, featuring "yours truly" and Daniel L'Hommedieu from our Engineering team.

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

The Project Apollo multimedia virtualization team has just released the first Technology Preview of Accelerated Bitmap Remoting, a new technology that leverages graphics processor hardware acceleration to efficiently deliver high end 3D professional graphics and imaging. Although most customers' graphics needs are already well met by SpeedScreen Progressive Display (a revolutionary technology introduced in XenApp Presentation Server 4.5 and also included in XenDesktop), working with large 3D graphics models often demands the added computational power of a graphics processing unit (GPU). Project Apollo follows in the footsteps of Project Pictor which developed the technology behind Citrix's new Virtual Design Studio product for applications built on the popular OpenGL graphics API. Since many software vendors are now introducing applications using DirectX, the Apollo team has been busy researching new techniques for supporting the full range of Windows-compatible 3D graphics technologies. The Apollo technology also delivers Microsoft Windows Vista Aero desktops with full "glass" effects and Flip 3D animation.

This Tech Preview release marks the completion of phase one of project Apollo, focused on verifying the ability of this technology to efficiently capture graphics from a very wide range of professional graphics applications. Optimizations to reduce network bandwidth consumption, including enabling SpeedScreen Progressive Display to work along with Accelerated Bitmap Remoting, are in the works for the next phase of the project.

If you'd like to nominate your organization to evaluate this Tech Preview release, please visit www.citrix.com/apollo and complete the application form. The Apollo web site also provides answers to frequently asked questions and information on technical prerequisites.  

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

We were rocking out to AC/DC playing over ICA using Apollo, an YouTube video with audio and a phenomenal quality. Video taken on Geek Speak Lounge.

Oh Hail Apollo!

Cheers,
Gus Pinto
Synergy Underground

I hope by now a lot of you know about the new "unconference" portion of Synergy 2008, Geek Speak Live.  Part of Geek Speak Live is the Geek Speak Lounge (GSL).  Basically is an area to meet at during the Live event and meet with other members of the Citrix community and discuss and share new ideas and topics.  It's also where you can see some demos with a twist, more on this later! 

First, here's the proposed GSL layout:
 
There are 4 main demo areas.  The twist is that the demos are intended to let you experience future Citrix technology  more interactively, possibly using some applications and devices that aren't what you'd usually see us demo.

So here's the rundown:

Cool Devices - This section of  the GSL features gadgets that can be today, or may be enabled tomorrow with the ICA client to become your XenApp or XenDesktop ICA end points.  Customers are using cell phones and PDAs today to do this, but we have some new devices that are starting to change the game and starting to reach Nirvana Device status as described in Chris Flecks post.  You'll get to try them out in the GSL, in exchange for you opinion and comments on how use of such devices can add value to your business, or not!  Hopefully this demo area makes you think about app and desktop delivery in some new ways.  For a quick preview of some of the devices that will be present, check out the Nirvana Devices Invade Synergy Geek Speak Lounge post.  (Note: we originally had a BarCamp session on this topic, but due to the great response we've gotten from others willing to present, we've removed this from BarCamp.  But you can still get the hands on experience and knowledge in the GSL on this subject).

Project Alice Demo - Haven't heard about project Alice, also referred to as Reverse seamless?  It fits in very nicely with our XenDesktop story and is a sneak peak at some new technology we are working on to allow the user to leverage local applications running on the end point device in the context of their XenDesktop seamlessly.  Image having those favorite apps you have on your laptop seamlessly showing up as part of your Corporate XenDesktop environment with out needing to switch between the local desktop and XenDesktop. 

Project Apollo Games - You've probably seen some of the blogs on project Apollo.  Apollo does a great job of enabling the new graphics intensive features of next generation applications in a Citrix environment (preview at Derek Thorslund's blog).  Well this is the GSL twisted version of those demos.  We're going to have 8 Dell XPS 710 gaming systems running an early version of Apollo, remoting an action game to Wyse Thin Clients.  You've seen the CAD demos, now it's your turn to actually sit down and give the power of project Apollo some hands on time, in true Geek Speak fashion.  While you probably won't be publishing games to your end user's any time soon, you should be able translate the power of this demo into how project Apollo can help you move to the next generation of graphic intensive applications in your Citrix deployment in the future.   We'll have some of the apps Derek has blogged on with Apollo as well, for those non-gamers like myself

Apollo Media Center - To further show off some of the new video capabilities the Apollo team is working on, we will also have an Alienware Area 51 system running Media Center in the GSL.  And you guessed it, the Alienware system will be "Apollo-ized" and remoting videos out to a large screen monitor via a Wyse thin client.  Again, maybe not what you'd do in production, but you should be able to translate this demo with a twist into better ideas on how to deliver some of those training videos and other multi-media out to your users in the future.

The GSL should be a great place for you to meet with other members of the Citrix Community, discuss new ideas and hopefully come up with some new ones!

Thanks to Intel for sponoring the event, and the list of other partners supporting the GSL effort:

Alienware, Dell, Wyse, Nokia, Sprint, Celio, i-Mate, Impatica, Icuiti

We look forwared to meeting you there!

Adam

The Apollo team is busy developing several new technologies for multimedia virtualization. Details of the upcoming Tech Preview release of Apollo Accelerated Bitmap Remoting have now been posted on the Citrix.com web site. This technology expands Citrix's capabilities for high-end professional graphics and 3D medical imaging beyond OpenGL. This video demonstrates Accelerated Bitmap Remoting delivering Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Revit Architecture and Google Earth over ICA, leveraging the graphics processor on a Windows Vista host.

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

Our project Apollo technology for remoting Vista Aero and any multimedia application that can run on Vista just keeps getting better. This video gives you a sneak peek at the latest version of Apollo, demonstrated by Juan Rivera (Citrix Development Manager) in the Tech Lab at Citrix Summit 2008 in Orlando.

One of the most exciting demos at iForum 07 - The App Delivery Expo - was the project Apollo demo by Henry Gancedo to Mark Templeton and the audience at the closing keynote. Click here to view a 6-minute video of the Apollo demo in which Henry gives us a preview of technology for delivering a Vista Aero desktop - complete with translucent "glass" effects, Flip 3D animation and a highly graphical WPF application - to a non-Vista desktop appliance. (http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1279697348)

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization

Finding the optimal balance between audio quality and bandwidth consumption has never been easy. Most Citrix customers today choose our Medium Quality audio setting to obtain the best compromise for the majority of use cases. But in the Citrix R&D labs in Fort Lauderdale, our computer scientists are cooking up something much better. View my interview of Modesto Tabares, one of the lead engineers working on Citrix's Multimedia Virtualization Initiative, to learn about a new voice codec codenamed Ulysses that offers a win-win proposition.

Derek Thorslund
Product Strategist, Multimedia Virtualization