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

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

Does Cache Trump IOPS


With desktop virtualization, we hear more and more about how important IOPS are to being able to support the virtual desktop. I’ve had a few blogs about it and plan to have a few more. What I wanted to talk about was an interesting discussion I recently had with 3 Senior Architects within Citrix Consulting… Continue reading Does Cache Trump IOPS

Dear Architect, is my write cache estimate correct?


The latest question into the Ask the Architect mailbag comes from Andy.  Andy is creating a Provisioning services design for an environment based on Windows Server 2008, with the write cache stored on a NetApp share.  Andy’s question is if the write cache estimates are correct.  Basically, Andy is estimating 650 MB write cache per… Continue reading Dear Architect, is my write cache estimate correct?