The integration of Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) into visionapp Platform Management Suite 2006 Enterprise (vPMS 2006e) offers far-reaching functions for automated installation as well as the operational management of Citrix Presentation Server environments using Microsoft's widely used software deployment solution.
Citrix Deployment with Low Complexity
Microsoft SMS is a powerful product with numerous functions designed for client deployment. To ensure optimal deployment of Citrix Presentation Server environments, Microsoft SMS is integrated into vPMS 2006e. This significantly simplifies the overall process for installing and running the environment and provides a number of additional special functions.
Central Administration Environment
As the central administration environment of vPMS, visionapp Control Center (vCC) allows to manage all elements related to the Citrix infrastructure. With Microsoft SMS integrated in vPMS, Microsoft's solution for the installation and operation of WTS/Citrix environments can be used in an optimal way without special Microsoft SMS skills required. All administrative tasks are handled within vCC.
High Ease of Use
With the automation of process steps, such as assigning target systems and "advertisements" to "collections" or creating "programs" within "packages", the work flow is very much simplified. And, although providing high performance, the overall solution does not require in-depth SMS know-how, which makes it truly easy to use.
Strict Compliance with Predefined Installation Sequence
In WTS/Citrix environments, adherence to a predefined installation sequence is one of the key requirements for setting up and running server farms with load balancing. With vPMS, planning the installation sequence is quick and transparent. As vPMS monitors the installation and ensures that the sequence defined in the installation scripts or script sets is strictly complied with, the product combination meets even the most complex Terminal Server-specific requirements.
Advanced Package Management Logic
The product includes over 400 package templates optimized for Citrix environments. All of the installation packages created from the package templates for applications, extensions, configuration and optimization are managed in vPMS, together with the supporting installation logic and installation sequence. To run an installation, these packages are passed to Microsoft SMS, i.e. the corresponding objects are created.
Improved Processes for the Identification of Installation Tasks
On the target system, vPMS monitors the incoming "advertisements" offered by Microsoft SMS. Based on the installation sequence stored in vCC, the Microsoft SMS packages are passed to the appropriate service for further processing. In addition, with no "queries" required, the time needed is reduced.
No Microsoft ADS Schema Extension Required
In many environments, a Microsoft ADS Schema extension is not desirable, as it always affects the entire Active Directory. Microsoft SMS offers such an extension for the distribution of software. However, with the combination of vPMS and Microsoft SMS, this extension is no longer required, which means efficient software deployment for servers is possible without changes to the Active Directory.
Supports Multiple "SMS Primary Sites"
For operation at distributed sites, the centrally installed vCC allows to set up several Microsoft SMS "primary sites" for the management of distributed Citrix environments.
Product Versions
Other
