Citrix App Layering: Top Lessons from the Field

Introduction

• Follow-up session to last year, with updates and new lessons learned.
• New developments in Citrix App Layering and insights from customer experiences.
• Speakers: Dan Morgan (Senior Architect, Citrix Consulting) and Rob Zillowsky.
• Guest Speaker: Dan Lazar, Product Manager, App Layering.

Key Discussion Points

Why Use App Layering?

• Image Sprawl: Operational benefits increase with more images.
• Platform Shift: Useful for managing images across different platforms (e.g., on-prem vs. Azure).
• Non-persistent Solutions: Mitigate image sprawl with non-persistent solutions.

Readiness for Adoption

• Image Management: Requires non-persistent image management solution (e.g., PVS or MCS).
• Automation: Lack of APIs means challenges in a fully DevOps environment.
• OS Layer Standards: Non-compliance risks with rigid image build standards.
• AWS Compatibility: Limited support for AWS.

OS Layer Basics

• Start with a clean ISO installation, add hypervisor tools, capture as base OS layer.
• Keep a copy of the base OS layer for future issues.
• Handle Windows 10 feature updates properly to avoid space issues.

User Layers

• Support: 64-bit Windows 7 and 10.
• Functionality: Mounts at logon; requires fast, highly available storage.
• Use Cases: User profile data, user-specific app installs.

Office Layer Activation

• New process for activating Office reduces reliance on system boot scripts.
• Implement changes to streamline activation process for existing Office layers.

Elastic Layering

• Improved Login Times: Simultaneous layer mounts improve login efficiency.
• Compatibility Mode: Available if issues arise with simultaneous mounting.

Troubleshooting Elastic Layers

• Check log files for mounting issues.
• Test share permissions to ensure accessibility.

Publishing to Azure

• Improved publishing without sysprep, reducing process time.
• Consider multi-ELM deployment for multi-location needs.

Updates and Multi-ELM Deployments

• Regular updates are crucial due to Citrix’s rapid release schedule.
• Multi-ELM setups benefit different admin groups or multi-location requirements.

Testing and Deployment Strategies

• Elastic layers useful for initial smoke testing.
• Pre-production or canary testing recommended before full deployment.

Future of App Layering

• User Personalization Layer: Integration into Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops.
• API Development: Citrix Cloud-hosted API for automation.
• Scalable Architecture: Efforts to improve scalability and performance.

Upcoming Features

• Support for Windows Virtual Desktop.
• Server 2019 as a new OS layer.
• Office 2019 as an application layer.
• Enhanced TLS support.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to check out demos and other sessions for deeper understanding.
• Reminder to provide session feedback.