Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop V6.5 Ends Security Patching at the End of 2017
XenApp and XenDesktop v6.5 was released in 2012 and since then, significant improvements on initially the products as well as the wider bundled functionality in later suites and versions.
Later functionality now includes better enhancements that span the wider product sets that include XenMobile, SD-WAN (software defined WAN enhancing connectivity and network bandwidth optimisation) as well as ShareFile which enhances governance across sharing documentation.
What is the impact?
Whilst security patching does cease on 31st December 2017, extended technical support will still be available until June 2018. Security support may still be requested from Citrix, but the costs in maintaining this would be significantly higher than you may be used to.
Clearly an unsupported platform or key strategic application is unlikely to support an IT strategy, plus there are enhancements that are covered in later versions and later technologies that can demonstrate key business benefits. Having your business critical applications on a supported and secure platform is a priority. End of maintenance also means that security patches will no longer be available.
What is the background?
XenApp and XenDesktop v6.5 was released in 2012 and since then, significant improvements on initially the products as well as the wider bundled functionality in later suites and versions.
Extended functionality for XenApp and XenDesktop have continued to be invested in as well as diversifying with XenMobile and the software defined offerings through Netscaler.
One of the newer products on the portfolio is ShareFile which adds in some security and data control over shared documents that are shared internally and externally. Digitals rights management can control, through a link, how users can interact with the document including read-only, limited time access and the limitations for downloading a local copy.
What are the benefits of migration?
Clearly supported applications, especially something as strategic as Citrix, are mandatory for most organisations.
The business benefits can also be driven. There is an opportunity to take advantage of an offer migrate to Citrix Cloud. In addition, the Citrix Workspace suite includes the following:
From XenApp and XenDesktop v6.5, a migration can upgrade the solution to include the latest versions of:
- Citrix XenApp
- Citrix XenDesktop
- Citrix Mobile
- Citrix ShareFile
- Citrix Netscaler SD-WAN
- Citrix Netscaler Unified Gateway
The benefits of this migration can really deliver extended business benefits that surpass the XenApp and XenDesktop set of products which can offer security and optimisation of productivity.
How Can SCC Help?
Why not contact SCC to understand your current licence effectiveness with our free of charge service; Citrix Licensing Health Check service that can look at your requirements and how the licensing investment matches this including future strategy considerations.
Our professional services and virtualisation services teams can also work with you to understand how your technical requirements can be best matched to technologies such as Citrix including implementation services.
Contact SCC today [email protected], [email protected]