IS251-02 @ Loyola University in Maryland: Citrix and Its New/Upgraded XenServer

Small to midsize businesses are always looking for opportunities to minimize costs and maximize efficiency. One step to achieving that goal is presented by the updated server, XenServer created by Citrix. The features of this server serve to “reduce the cost and complexity to acquire, deploy and manage virtualization, in turn making it easier for even small companies to take advantage of virtualization's benefits.” This technology has the ability to salvage space taken up by useless data and transfers that data to independent hard drives and other storage devices. These hard drives used can be very inexpensive in case a company has an abundant amount of data needed to be stored. Sending more data off the initial computing system will eventually prevent the slowing up of a computer over time as well which benefits companies to continue to be efficient.

Also new additions help programs such as OpenFlow, which allows companies to have a connected and simple business network to be more organize with outside network clouds or webs of programs directly connected. Making internal and external business dealings through the Internet even more connected creates a better working environment and most definitely a more efficient one. This Virtual Switching Feature is also free part of the basic version. Even with the basic version companies benefit more than not having this server. I believe that this feature is key to the future of companies who want to succeed, especially small to medium size businesses that need every advantage they can find.

A prominent feature of XenServer is the VM protection and recovery element. Managers have the ability to take scheduled snapshots of the data storages. This is great because if for any reason, the business’ computers crash, all of the important data needed for the business operations can be accessed somewhere else. The protection and recovery feature is essentialto the health of a business. Small time business cannot be threatened by the fact that all its hard work can be wiped out in an instance. A simple procedure such as taking a photo of data can save endless hours of recovery work if a computer isn’t already backed up properly.

Though there are a few disadvantages to the XenServer. One is the inability of XenServer software to connect to all external cloud services and existing networks. This poses a roadblock for potential customers of this product because if the world is not connected to using this server it may be detrimental to business by not giving access to others who are interested in the company. Also XenDesktop 5 will be the ultimate tool for this server to run on. Companies that are just starting off may not have enough money for the purchase of this or even lack the knowledge of how to use such a complex program to begin with. A more concise and clear presentation by Citrix on its Virtualization through XenServer is located toward the end of the blog.

Overall, for small to medium sized businesses that thrive on virtualization programs on their computers, the XenServer is a necessity due to it efficiency and low running costs.