XenApp 6 gets Microsoft support
Citrix has released XenApp 6, an update to its platform for the centralised delivery of applications to virtual or physical desktops, adding features such as simplified administration, better scalability and support for Macs and smartphones.
XenApp allows administrators to serve applications via a centralised server, and can stream applications to a thin client such as Citrix's Receiver. The technology is also available as part of Xen Desktop, and in October of last year Citrix encouraged XenApp users to upgrade to Xen Desktop 4 via a licence trade-in deal.
XenApp 6, released on Wednesday, includes improvements to Citrix's multimedia delivery HDX technology, with enhancements for multimedia content, real-time collaboration, USB peripherals and 3D graphics. HDX is an upgrade for the company's long-established ICA protocol, which transfers screen updates to end-user desktops from a centralised Citrix server. The HDX technology was included in Xen Desktop 4 last year.
The release adds AppCenter, a new console that centralises all of XenApp's management features, and that replaces a number of different consoles that administrators previously had to use.
The software can now scale up to 100,000 concurrent users in a single farm, Citrix said. It is integrated with Microsoft's App-V application virtualisation system, allowing for App-V and XenApp applications to be managed centrally. XenApp 6 also now supports Windows Server 2008 Release 2.
In July, Citrix announced a partnership with Microsoft to integrate the two companies' application virtualisation environments, including App-V and System Center Configuration Manager.
In addition, XenApp 6 is now integrated with Dazzle, Citrix's enterprise application storefront, allowing users to choose from a range of applications supported by an enterprise's IT department.
Citrix has extended the Receiver client to support Macs, as well as iPhone, Android or Windows Mobile handsets. Those smartphones can now be used to access Dazzle or to run Windows applications, the company said.
The software will be released on 24 March, and will be priced starting at $350 (£233) per concurrent user. Current XenApp customers with subscription agreements can download it as a free upgrade. XenDesktop 4, of which XenApp 6 will be an integrated feature, costs from $225 per-user or per-device, Citrix said.