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As promised in the TechTalk "Learn What's New in Citrix XenApp 5 to Address Your Windows Application Delivery Needs", I am posting the link to the power point and summarizing the attendee Q&A.
XenApp 5 Upgrade/Migration Q&A
Q: What is the upgrade path from PS 4 or PS 4.5 to XenApp 5?
A: Please see the migration guide for moving from PS 4 or PS 4.5 to XenApp 5. Also view the webinar on best practices to upgrading/migrating to XenApp 5.
Application Streaming Q&A
Q: I still don't understand the difference between publishing an app and streaming an app.
A: Streaming puts the application on the target device like the server or the client. It's merle y a delivery method. Publishing is how an administrator controls which applications are available to what users and how. When publishing an application you can choose how the user gets access to that application - it can be either streamed to the user's end point (desktop/laptop) or streamed to the server and accessed using the XenApp hosted client. So streaming is a delivery vehicle, publishing is delivery control.
Q: Can you describe the application profiling process for those of us that are unfamiliar with it?
A: You simply run the profiler, follow the instructions, and install the application. It's actually pretty simple.
Q: Is there a document on the web to research how to setup a streaming application in XenApp to test it and "play"?
A: The Streaming admin guide is actually very well written for this purpose.
Q: Is 4.5 application isolation the same as in 5.0?
A: It is actually very different. We added new features in 5.0 like inter-isolation communication and also made significant application compatibility enhancements.
Q: Does the application profiler capture windows services?
A: Not yet.
Q: So would streaming improve the performance of apps in a limited bandwidth environment?
A: ICA is the thinnest way of delivering client\server applications. You would stream to the server and then remotely display from there to the client. Streaming is best used for applications that need to be used offline such as productivity apps. In this case, streaming simplifies their delivery and management and offload their resource needs from the server to the client. The application would use it's native networking requirements when you stream to the client. Hence, streaming to the client does not improve bandwidth. it improves management, maintenance, and application compatibility. Streaming tot he server does it all.
Q: Do I need to buy the Access Gateway in order for me to be able to stream an app over the WAN?
A: No. Application Streaming is part of XenApp Enterprise & Platinum editions. You can optionally buy the Citrix branch repeater to improve application streaming performance for branch office users.
Q: Does application streaming support isolation of Windows services?
A: Not Available
Web Interface Q&A
Q: Does new Web Interface work with PS 4.5
A: Yes
Q: Can the new Web Interface be used with both XenApp & XenDesktop?
A: Yes. Use Web Interface 5.0.1 that supports both XenApp and XenDesktop
Q: What Platforms does Web Interface 5.x support?
A: It supports both Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008.
Licensing Q&A
Q: Does the license server need to be upgraded when moving from 4.5 to 5?
A: Yes. Remember that the latest LS is backward compatible with previous versions of XenApp
Q: Will I need new licenses for running XenApp 5?
A: The SA Eligibility date for XenApp 5 is August 27th 2008. Hence if your XenApp licenses are current on SA by that date, you should be set.
Q: How can I get a 90-day evaluation license for XenApp5?
A: Please contact a local reseller (find yours at http://www.citrix.com/partners/locator) or you can call 800-4CITRIX. We are also planning on offering a preconfigured Evaluation Virtual Appliance for the Windows Server 2003 platform sometime in Q4.
Q: Can I mix and match XenApp edition licenses? Platinum is cost prohibitive as an existing Advanced customer but I could possibly see a benefit for supporting some of my users with Platinum features
A: Check out my blog on this topic
Q: If you stream an application to a XenApp server and then publish that application as a XenApp hosted application, does that only use one concurrent license or two?
A: It uses one license. Only one CCU license is consumed per client device when accessing hosted XenApp applications.
Q: Do you need a separate license for streaming ?
A: You can use a XenApp Enterprise or Platinum licenses for streaming applications to desktops/laptops or you can purchase additional add on streaming licenses.
XenApp clients Q&A
Q: Any news on making an ICA client for the iPhone?
A: Check this blog for more details
Q: Is PN Agent still available in XenApp 5?
A: Yes. It is called XenApp applications
Q: What is the minimum ICA client version supported by XenApp 5?
A: To avail all the new functionalities, you need to use XenApp hosted client version 11.0 and streamed client version 1.2
Q: I understand that the name has been changed but will Program Neighborhood Agent be still available with XenApp 5?
A: Yes
Misc Q&A
Q: What are the key differences that separate PS 4.5 and XenApp 5?
A: Please see the feature comparison matrix.
Q: Are there any enhancements to terminal server roaming profiles and management of them?
A: Check out our User Profile Manager Tech Preview. It will be released in Q4 2008 for general use.
Q: Have you made improvements to the Resource Manager that was available in Presentation Server? Our company has always had need to query database directly, to cross-reference our own HR and account databases against the network ID trapped by Citrix.
A: The new Resource Manager that was made available in XenApp 5 is built on Citrix EdgeSight technology. It provides better reporting capabilities than previous version.
Q: Is an additional appliance required to implement EasyCall?
A: Yes. EasyCall requires the EasyCall appliance. XenApp includes the user licenses and hence you just need to purchase the appliance for using EasyCall in your XenApp environment.
Q: I've read XenApp 5 has improvements on multi-monitor support. What do these improvements contain?
A: Support for higher resolution similar as Microsoft increased the video buffer on Windows Server 2008 to enable us to support larger video spaces.
Q: Is there a new version of Secure Gateway?
A: Yes. Secure Gateway 3.1
Q: Has the 128-bit encryption option in the ICA protocol been discontinued? We currently require this for some published apps and would prefer not to be forced into an SSL VPN solution.
A: No. It is still available
Q: Does the new Installation Manager work on 64 bit?
A: Yes. It is supported on Windows Server 2008 x32 and x64.
Q: Can we install XenApp in a virtualized environment (XenServer) or it a better practice to install it on physical server?
A: Check out this blog on this topic
Q: Will the WANScaler be out of product line and replaced with WAN optimizer software in each client?
A: The WANScaler client is the new Citrix Accelerator client and can be deployed on laptops and desktops to improve branch office user and roaming user experience.
Q: We use PS 4.5 today with Oracle DB. How will oracle DB be supported in XenApp 5 ?
A: Oracle Database is still supported as a data store option in XenApp 5
As promised in the TechTalk, here is the the link to the power point and following is the summarized attendee Q&A.
Web Interface Q&A
Q: Can Web Interface front end both XenApp and XenDesktop?
A: Yes. Use the latest Web Interface 5.0.1 that supports XenApp and XenDesktop
Q: Does the account unlock feature of Web Interface require password manager?
A: Yes
Q: Can you use Web Interface 5.x with PS 4.5?
A: Yes
Q: What are the companies you listed in your presentation that are doing Web Interface customizations
A: www.extentrix.com and www.techstur.com
Q: Web Interface changes are great, but what my users really want is PNAgent support via CSG. When is that going to happen?
A: This is supported with the latest XenApp client and Secure Gateway 3.1
XenApp clients Q&A
Q: Will there be a XenApp client for BlackBerry?
A: Since our Blackberry client partner ROVE suspended support for ICA Client, we are working with a new partner to provide similar support. Stay tuned.
Q: Can you use the new XenApp Plugin with PS 4.5?
A: Yes
XenApp Upgrade/Migration Q&A
Q: Can we upgrade from PS 4.0 to XA 5.0 or do we need to upgrade to PS 4.5 first?
A: You can move directly from PS 4.0 to XA 5.0. For specific details, refer to the upgrade/migration white paper and attend the "Upgrading/Migrating to XenApp 5 TechTalk" as well.
Misc Q&A
Q: What is Citrix Branch Repeater?
Q: Citrix Branch Repeater is an appliance that combines our WAN optimization technology with Windows Branch infrastructure services. Visit the branch repeater page for more information.
I am doing a TechTalk on "What's new in XenApp 5" on Tuesday, Sept 30th 2008. This is an hour long presentation (with Q&A) that is repeated and hence you can pick the time slot that works for you (either 10AM EDT or 2PM EDT). As this is a TechTalk, it will be technical in nature explaining not only the benefits of the new features but also the technical details on implementing them.
I am also co-speaking with Al on the TechTalk "Enhancing the User Experience with Citrix XenApp 5" which is geared towards the new XenApp 5 features that will enhance the end user experience when accessing XenApp applications. In the Q&A you probably can ask Al if he will provide us with his private copy of XenApp client for iPhone. I can't wait to see that go public.
And there are 2 other XenApp 5 TechTalks on our streaming enhancements and best practices for upgrading/migrating to XenApp 5. Don't miss them! All the TechTalks are repeated to let you pick the time slot that works for you.
Citrix Delivery Center Live! is a series of premier worldwide virtual events that will provide a look at how Citrix is making the next generation of virtualization a reality. Join us for these live online events where you will get an in-depth view of Citrix products and how you can transform your datacenter into a dynamic delivery center.
Transform your datacenter to a delivery center...with XenApp
Join us for the first event of the series for a look at the next generation of Presentation Server: XenApp. Attend sessions throughout the day to learn about how application delivery is driving businesses forward and why Citrix XenApp is the only end-to-end solution in the market.
This virtual event will explore key topics:
- Deliver All Windows Applications To All Users
- Introduction to XenApp 5
- XenApp and Windows Server 2008
- Combat Top IT Challenges with XenApp
- Create the Best Desktop Virtualization Solution
- Virtualize XenApp Servers
- Deliver 100% Availability for XenApp Deployments with Citrix NetScaler.
Throughout the day, you can:
- Attend keynote sessions with live Q&A
- Chat live with Citrix product experts
- Participate in forums and network with other attendees
- View content online and download information
- Visit the expo hall to learn about key Citrix products and joint partner solutions
- Connect with Citrix Partners to learn about solutions to enhance your virtualization experience
Event Schedule:
Register for Citrix Delivery Center Live!
Transform your datacenter to a delivery center...with XenApp
Now that XenApp 5 has been released to web, you will be probably looking to migrate your current farm or just create a test one. Jo Harder did an amazing job of putting together an all-you-need-to-know document that will help you understand all the technical aspects and requirements for installing XenApp 5 as well as step-by-step procedures on how you can migrate to XenApp 5.
XenApp Migration Reference Table
XenApp 5 Operating System and Platform Support
Farm and Server Interoperability Scenarios
Finally the much awaited release of XenApp 5 can now be downloaded from MyCitrix download page (needs MyCitrix credentials).
XenApp 5 for Windows Server 2008 needs a full install and since this is the first time we are supporting Windows Server 2008 platform, there is no upgrade from previous versions. And, this comes in a DVD. No more Server CD and Component CD. Everything is one DVD for the Windows Server 2008 platform. And don't forget to check out this technical guide for a step by step approach in migrating to XenApp 5.
XenApp 5 for Windows Server 2003 does not require a full install and supports upgrading from previous XenApp versions (4.0 and above). In fact there have been no server side updates and the core server install still uses Presentation Server 4.5 install. All the new functionality can be implemented using the new clients and components (like Web Interface 5.x, EdgeSight 5.x, Streaming Profiler/Client 1.2 etc). So, why did we call this release XenApp 5 for Windows Server 2003 and not something like Presentation Server 4.5 Feature Pack 2 for Windows Server 2003? Let's not go there 
and I think that deserves a blog post of its own. Anyhow, the good news is that all this new functionality on Windows Server 2003 can be adopted without doing a fork lift upgrade/migration. Again, for step by step instructions on implementing the new functionality, check out the technical guide for migrating to XenApp 5.
Btw, don't miss out on the first ever XenApp 5 virtual event on Sept 9th. More than 2500 customers and partners (and still counting) have already registered for this online virtual event.
This morning we announced Citrix XenApp 5. You can visit the product page for details on everything related to XenApp 5. Here you can download the updated feature matrix, XenApp 5 & Windows Server 2008 feature analysis, Top 8 reasons to upgrade and a link to register for the upcoming XenApp technical Webcasts. The technical Webcasts will cover XenApp 5 functionality as well as best practices for migrating/upgrading to XenApp 5.
The XenApp 5 bits will be uploaded to MyCitrix download page on Sept 4th. And, don't forget to register for the Sept 9th first ever live XenApp virtual event!