Citrix: Presentation Server 4.5 available NOW

Presentation Server 4.5 is available now for download on http://www.mycitrix.com. Download and test!

VMware: VCB troubleshooting "guide"

SearchServerVirtualization has a nice (basic) article on VCB troubleshooting. It explains what error messages you can (and will :) ) encounter and what you can do to fix it.

One of our large customers is using VCB. We created a custom script using PowerShell and Perl to automate backup to disk (so no backup to tape because it would be to slow). We use Perl to enumerate all running VMs in VirtualCenter (see baeke.info for more info on this). Then we use PowerShell to leverage the VCBMounter command on the VCB server and capture the verbose log files (switch -L 6) to get as much information as possible.

Citrix: Office 2007 vs Office 2003 performance

Want to know how well Office 2007 performs on a SBC platform? Check this article that states that the impact on the CPU is significant compared to Office 2003. I wonder how well this will run in a Citrix VM...

Thanks to Wilco for the link!

Microsoft: Virtualization licensing round-up

For those who are not aware: I decided to post a short round-up list on MS "virtualization" licensing.

• Windows 2003 R2 Datacenter edition: unlimited number of VMs with Windows 2003 Datacenter edition can be deployed on 1 physical host.
• Windows 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition: up to 4 instances/ Virtual Machines can be used with 1 single Enterprise license on 1 physical host
• SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition SP2: an unlimited number of virtual instances can be run on servers that are fully licensed for SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition.
• Virtual Server 2005 R2: free (SP1 coming up shortly)
• Windows Vista Enterprise Edition (?): up to 4 VM instances with 1 license (not yet confirmed). This would be great for VDI!

The main question here is: in a world where we use VMotion (and soon: Live Migration for Windows Server Virtualization) to do hot migrations between different physical hosts, how can we keep track of these "free" instances? Is it still useful to look at the (single) physical host level? Should we buy a separate datacenter/SQL/Enterprise license per server? IMHO, this is nearly impossible to maintain and not intuitive...

BTW: Exchange Server 2007 (= x64 only) is not yet supported in a VM, so no "free" virtual licenses (yet).

VMware: MSA 1000/1500cs optimal config (Active/Passive)

When configuring an MSA 1000 or 1500cs, use the following recommendations/guidelines (this for Active/passive or single controller setups):

• Make sure you have the recommended firmware version. Currently, for MSA 1500cs this is version 5.10. Minimum version is 5.02. Minimum version for MSA 1000 is 4.48 (is also the recommended version).
• Make sure Selective Storage Presentation is enabled (can be done via the ACU) and the Host Mode for your HBA connections is set to Linux (NOT default). This is true for VMFS and RDM LUNs. Mode can also be set via the command line.
• The Array rebuild should be set to "High"
• Make sure all shelves (MSA 30 or MSA 20) are populated with at least 1 RAID set and not left empty.
• Make sure all disks have the latest firmware. This is important (disk threshold metering). Some customers have witnessed problems where disk status was presented as green. However, the disk had failed causing the MSA (or EVA) to fail completely.
• HP recommends assigning a dedicated I/O module to each enclosure.

HP has a SAN Best Practices paper for VI3. Download it here. Also, make sure to read the Storage SAN compatibility guide

Citrix: Client package 10 & streaming client now available

Citrix has released the new version of there ICA client package, 10. This version is used with CPS 4.5 (to be released in march).

Windows Vista is officially supported now. The majority of the known issues experienced with Presentation Server clients 9.x on Vista have been resolved. For more information, refer to Knowledge Base article CTX112067, Microsoft Windows Vista - Known Issues.

The Citrix Presentation Server Client Package is a three-in-one package of ICA clients. Based on Windows Installer technology (.msi), the client package provides an easy-to-use wizard that guides one through the installation and configuration steps for any or all of these individual clients:

• Program Neighborhood
• Program Neighborhood Agent
• Web Client

The Citrix Streaming Client is a new client introduced with the Presentation Server 4.5 release. This client is used when Streaming Applications to the Desktop.

Download it here

Microsoft: Vista Enterprise released

Microsoft has released the Enterprise version of Vista (x86 and x64 version). It makes use of the new VA 2.0/MAK (Volume Activation 2.0/Multiple Activation Key) as Volume License Key system.

Gone are the days where you could install XP on VMware Workstation and test/snapshot/copy/delete/play/etc. with it. You have to activate this one :). Only a number of activations is allowed. I'm assuming they will use the same Licensing mechanism for Windows Server 2007 (Longhorn).

Download (and activate ;)) it now on http://www.microsoft.com/technet

Citrix: Hotfix Rollup Pack R03 released

Just a quick note here: Citrix has just released the next Rollup pack for CPS 4.0 and AE 1.0 & 1.5. Download it here

Citrix: Presentation Server 4.5 released

OK guys, Citrix has launched Presentation Server 4.5. However, it is not available for download yet.

Brian Madden has an excellent article on his blog. It looks like Citrix will drop the Standard Edition and will launch a new version called "Presentation Server Platinum Edition" (what's in the name).

A remarkable thing is that it will support 500 users per server (!). This would need a powerful server + an x64 edition on it for sure.

Citrix: Wilco reviews Ardence

Wilco van Bragt has written a good review on OS streaming/virtualization with Ardence (recently acquired by Citrix). Check it out on Wilco's blog

VMware: vmhba display bug in VI Client

Be aware that there is a bug in the VI client that shows strange HBA/SP configurations after doing a rescan. In our screenshot below, only 2 targets (0 & 1) are configured. However, an (empty) 3rd target is shown:

To avoid confusing, use the esxcfg-mpath -l command to display all available SAN volumes, there paths & policy.

VMware: Converter Enterprise Review

We got our hands on the Converter Enterprise License & download RTM, so I guess it is time to write a small (first impressions) review...

OK, VMware Converter (Enterprise) is cool. But we already knew that... I tested a migration with the coldclone.iso (WinPE environment, offline P2V) mounted as virtual media via ILO. Works like a charm. It looks similar to the online version, but it does not have (duh..) the license part. Instead, a network configuration item is available to change IP/DNS/WINS settings or map a network drive.

You can also use the PETool to add extra drivers to the WinPE environment.

During the conversion wizard, you can select disk layouts, add/remove any detected disks, resize disks, install VMware Tools, reSID the VM, rename the VM, select the appropriate datastore, etc. The usual stuff, actually.

If you would like to use the online version, just install the application and activate the license (via Administration => License Information). The license must be created via the vmware licensing website. A VmwareSoftware.lic file (host-based) is created in the same format (FlexLM) as a "real" VI3 host- or server-based license:

INCREMENT P2V_ENTERPRISE VMWARELM 3.0 permanent uncounted \
VENDOR_STRING=licenseType=production;count=-1 HOSTID=ANY \
ISSUED=26-Jan-2007 NOTICE=FulfillmentId=123456 SIGN="1234 1234 \
1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 \
1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 \
1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 "

After installing the license, you have an unlimited set of concurrent tasks (allrighty!) and a new source type is available: A remote machine. License information also states that the expiry date is set to <never expire>. As you can see, the .lic file can be used on HOSTID=ANY and is uncounted and permanent.

However, I noticed some problems/disadvantages using the bootCD:

• No vCPU & memory selection possible.
• It takes a (very) long time for the P2V process to take off
• You cannot select NIC speed & duplex settings (!) when performing an offline P2V. In some environments (including ours) this can result in terrible copy performance, as autonegotiate might set the NIC to half duplex 10/100...
• The memory is not set correctly in the newly created VM, I had 1024 Mb RAM physical memory, the VM only had 1020... (but is a known issue)
• The help file states RC1_help ;)

This is just a first impression, and I didn't RTFM. It does not compare to PlateSpin PowerConvert's "power", but is definitely a good option for P2V migrations... A nice addition to the P2V arsenal.

Ow, and BTW, VMware P2V Assistant is dead ;)

VMware: VMware Converter 3.0 is available

VMware Converter 3.0 has just been released. This is a great tool for P2V & conversions. Download the free starter edition here.

VMware Converter can be run on a wide variety of hardware and supports most commonly used versions of the Microsoft Windows operating systems.

VMware: performance tuning technote

Check out this new white paper on performance tuning best practices for ESX. There is a ton of info in this document! A must read if you ask me.

General: To Do list for this year

I made a short To Do list for this year. 2007 will be thé virtualization year (or so they say ;)). So stay tuned for reviews/tips/tricks/...

• Citrix Prestentation Server 4.5 (Project "Ohio"): testing the new features.
• Running Citrix on VMware: best practices
• SVS vs. Citrix streaming server (tarpon) vs. Microsoft Softgrid. Should be interesting to see how Citrix tarpon positions itself amongst the key players in the application virtualization field. To be reviewed soon!
• Citrix Access Gateway 4.5: a collegue of mine is implementing the CAG Advanced edition (with AAC & endpoint checking), so I will definitely check this one out.
• Beta 3 of Longhorn Server (aka Windows Server 2007) is coming! Beta 3 of Longhorn Server is expected to be feature complete and will be tweaked only for performance and quality control before the first release candidates. Excellent! I am really looking forward to test all new Terminal Services features & related policies/components.
• VMware Converter (to be released soon)
• VMware Workstation 6 (now in beta)
• The new beta programs for ESX (ESX 3.1 and VC 2.1)
• ESXpress versus VizionCore ESXranger 3.0 (with VCB integrated).
• VDI: Citrix desktop broker, LeoStream Virtual Desktop Connection Broker & friends 
• And last but not least: Microsoft Server Virtualization!

VMware: snapshots and deleted .vmdk

Ever wondered what would happen if you would remove & delete an attached disk from a (multi-)snapshotted VM? So did we :). When you try to power it on, nothing will happen and the "power on virtual machine" task in VC will time-out.

Fix this by going to the Snapshot Manager and selecting "Delete All". Power on & you're good to go!

VMware: replacing HBA drivers on HP Proliant servers

After installing the HP Management Agents for VMware ESX Server 3.x (latest version is 7.7.0), no HBAs are visible in the HP Management Homepage. We use Emulex as an example:

1. Navigate to the Emulex website and download the latest LPfcUtil (lpfcutil-7.3.2.tgz for ESX 3.0.1)
2. Untar this tgz in the /tmp folder on your ESX host: tar -zxvf lpfcutil-7.3.2.tgz
3. Stop the hpsmhd & hpasm agents by issuing the commands: service hpsmhd stop & service hpasm stop from the service console
4. Navigate to /opt/Compaq/storage/bin and enter mv libdfc.so libdfc.so.bak. This creates a backup of the file libdfc.so
5. Navigate to /tmp and execute the following command ./Install.sh
6. Start the hpsmhd & hpasm agents by issuing the commands: service hpsmhd start & service hpasm start from the service console
7. Check the HP Management Homepage by going to https://<servername>:2381 . A new item under Storage, “External Storage Connections”, should now be visible!

VMware: add local user bug in VI client

Just a quick note here when connecting to an ESX server stand-alone host (NOT the VirtualCenter server) with the VI Client: you cannot use * as a password character when adding a local user. You will receive the following error:

Use the following commands on the console instead:

useradd username
passwd username

Citrix: 20-second delay with folder redirection

When deploying Windows 2003 SP1 hosts as Citrix servers AND when using folder redirection in a GPO, a delay of 20 seconds will appear during logon. This is a known issue and will be solved in Windows 2003 Service Pack 2 (now in RC). Read this Microsoft support article for more info. There is also a hotfix available via Microsoft support. Thomas Koetzing has a link to the (unofficial) hotfix here.

You can notice this behaviour when unabling UserEnvDebugLevel (see a previous article) on your Citrix server. Look for the following entries in the debug log file:

--------------------------------------------------------------
USERENV(1944.2a68) 10:50:30:964 UserPolicyCallback:
Setting status UI to Applying personal document settings...
USERENV(1944.2a68) 10:50:50:261 UserPolicyCallback:
Setting status UI to Applying personal document settings...
--------------------------------------------------------------

VMware: Workstation 6 first impressions

Ah, I love new releases. VMware WS 6 beta is no exception. There are tons of new (useful) features available. Included is the new VMware Converter (also in beta now). You can now import almost any format!

I really like the mapping of a vmdk in your host. It maps a drive like a network share (say Y:) and you can copy files into/out of the folders. Oh yes, shared folders are now disabled by default, so be aware of that. Also, you can only map a drive when the VM is shutdown. Do not forget to Disconnect it afterwards.

Another great feature is running VMs in the background.

I also like the Change Virtual Machine Version feature they included. You can convert your machines to be WS 5 or 6 compatible & back. USB 2.0, 8 Gb memory & 10 ethernet devices. Wow, why on earth would you need 10 ethernet devices in a VM :)??

Upgrade VMware tools anyone? Finally they got this one right.

Hmmm, hmmmm. I REALLY like this feature: the working directory.

From now on, for performance reasons we will be using 2 external USB drives instead of just one. One for the VMDK files (and friends), the other for our suspend and snapshot files. Great.

There are tons of other little things & features. Just check them out yourself by downloading WS 6 here! I'm glad I did.