Updated IO Optimization with Machine Creation Services


With the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktop 1903 release, Machine Creation Services continues to improve! The RAM-based write cache feature has been updated and improved. I wanted to see how the new RAM-based write cache capability compared to the previous version and how it compares to a desktop without using a RAM-based write cache. First,… Continue reading Updated IO Optimization with Machine Creation Services

Machine Creation Services RAM Cache and XenServer IntelliCache


As I was discussing the storage optimization capabilities in the Machine Creation Services vs Provisioning Services debate, I mentioned the use of a XenServer RAM-based read cache. This can be misunderstood as XenServer IntelliCache (a mistake I’m sad to say I’ve made in the past). XenServer IntelliCache (released with XenServer 5.6 SP1) and XenServer RAM… Continue reading Machine Creation Services RAM Cache and XenServer IntelliCache

Provisioning Services Read Cache


As you can see, I’ve spoken numerous time about the Provisioning Services RAM Cache with Disk Overflow capability. Windows 10 IOPS Video Proof Reducing IOPS to 1 Read/Write Ratios XenDesktop 7.5 IOPS Digging deeper into IOPS ESG Spotlight on IOPS So yes, I like talking about this topic.  But now, I’m going to talk about… Continue reading Provisioning Services Read Cache

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see the value in RAM Cache


A few years ago, we replaced all of our windows in our home (I’m talking about the panes of glass you look through, not the operating system). We, of course, talked with a few different companies who stopped by, went through their product portfolio and brought along samples. One demonstration stuck with me. The sales… Continue reading You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see the value in RAM Cache

ESG Lab Spotlight Report: Up to 80% Reduction in Storage Cost for VDI and RDS


You’ve heard the news, you’ve seen the videos, and now the storage savings have been verified! According to an ESG report, the new RAM Cache with Disk Overflow feature, included in the XenApp and XenDesktop 7.6 release, has the potential to reduce storage costs by 80% or more. Now before you stop reading thinking this… Continue reading ESG Lab Spotlight Report: Up to 80% Reduction in Storage Cost for VDI and RDS

PROOF[Video] – New XenDesktop and XenApp Storage Optimizations Does Improve the User Experience


I’ve written and seen numerous blogs/tweets about how great the new storage optimization feature is for XenApp and XenDesktop. I’ve read how this feature can reduce IOPS from an average of 15 IOPS per Windows 7 user down to 0.1 IOPS. I’ve read how this feature functions by creating a small RAM buffer within each… Continue reading PROOF[Video] – New XenDesktop and XenApp Storage Optimizations Does Improve the User Experience

Diving deeper into the latest XenDesktop 7.5 IOPS results


As you saw in a previous blog, XenDesktop 7.5 is able to achieve an average IOPS value of less than 1/10th per user. Of course when you put out unbelievable results like this you hear a lot of comments trying to find holes in the results or test procedures. This is as it should be… Continue reading Diving deeper into the latest XenDesktop 7.5 IOPS results

Latest XenDesktop 7.5 IOPS


It is amazing when you’ve been focused on a technology for so long that you start to see major improvements. In 2010, I provided my original guidance on XenDesktop IOPS. Four years later, have we seen any major improvement? See for yourself. As you might be aware, I’ve been working with the Citrix Solutions Lab… Continue reading Latest XenDesktop 7.5 IOPS

The Latest XenApp 7.5 Read/Write Ratios


As technology changes, so too does a recommendation. For years when you deployed XenApp servers with Provisioning Services, the storage Read:Write ratio would be 10:90. This is still the case in most scenarios. But in analyzing the latest data from the Citrix Solutions Lab, who were testing the “RAM Cache with Overflow to Disk” option,… Continue reading The Latest XenApp 7.5 Read/Write Ratios