Byford-Rew

I am running a proof of concept project for Citrix XenDesktop. It is going extremely well but there are some concerns with compatibility with DirectX based applications. I am considering putting NVIDIA gfx cards into the servers to enable HDX 3D and possibly HDX 3D PRO Is this overkill? Am I overdoing it? What do other schools do with regards to DirectX applications within the Citrix XenDesktop application set?

I want to be able to give teachers the ability to easily log off a disconnected Citrix session. This will make ensure that the students remain in the classroom rather than take the longest possible route to IT Services (and then back again) to get the session killed off. Does anyone using Citrix Presentation Server 4.5 (XenApp) know of anything that can do this?

I am interested in your opinion on the following: I am installing a new VDI solution which will be based on Citrix XenDesktop. This much is certain, what is not quite so clear cut is the other variations that I could use. Which of the following would you use and why: Scenario A: Install XenDesktop only. Install all applications onto the base image and manage user applications via group policy and logon scripts. Scenario B: Install XenDesktop and XenApp. Install a small base image consisting of the core OS and esential apps that all will use and publish other apps to users via XenApp. Scenario C: Install VDI-in-a-Box which is essentially the same as option A Considerations: If I take Scenario A then the images will bloat as I install more and more apps which could result in extended load times and more demands on storage BUT the licence costs are lower. If I take Scenario B then the images will remain small but there is the possibility that users will be confused by the delay when applications are launched [streamed via XenApp] resulting in multiple clicks and multiple copies loaded. Users can also be confused by the difference between accessing shared storage where local drives are presented differently in published apps. The licenses are also more expensive. There could also be the temptation to install more and more software into the base image to resolve the issues just documented. If I take Scenario C then the user interface is clean and manageable but I still have the same issues as Scenario A. My gut instinct tells me that the correct way to go with this is to go for Scenario B so that I can maximise of the 'Power of 1' features - but this will probably impact on usability of staff and students in that it will cause confusion which will inevitably result in going back to Scenario A in the long term. Thoughts and considerations welcome. Thank you, Martin

Tandem Solutions Group Ltd I have enjoyed reading the comments on this particular thread and I have a few to add myself. If you or your school are approached by a company called Tandem then don't dismiss them based upon the feedback of this thread alone. Arrange to meet them and see what they can offer. If you do you may be pleasantly surprised. They called me and I entertained them to see what was on offer. My HP2600 printers were 5 years old and very expensive to run. They supplied me with 35 Samsung printers that are quicker, quieter and cheeper to run than the old ones. On top of this all toner, support and service is included for a very affordable amount that is lower than I was paying for unbranded refills for the old fleet. My monthly bill for consumables has gone. It's been replaced by a regular delivery of toners for the new printers on an as required basis. I don't even need to order them as the printers phone home to demand them themselves. Next year I will be looking to incorporate my All-In-One Multi-Function printers [MFPs] into the arrangement. Tandem have offered us excellent support and i am sure that their Managed Print Services [MPS] department could do the same for others too. My advice is this. Invite them in - you've nothing to loose and possibly something to gain. There is more than one company called Tandem but there should only be one Tandem Solutions Group Ltd - look for the lower case 't' in the name and on the business cards.