March 2007 - Brian Madden Brian Madden

Daniel Nikolic has just released version 1.1 of his LoadGen tool. This tool is completely free for simulating loads of up to 150 users per server. The idea behind LoadGen is that it is a dirt-simple tool that can run and manage user simulation scripts against Citrix, Provision Networks, or Terminal Server server-based computing environments. ...

I recently wrote a paper about VDI and when it can be used versus when server-based computing can be used. I think the paper was generally well received, but based on some of the comments it's clear that I didn't do a good enough job articulating how SBC and VDI relate to each other and how they can be combined....

Server-based computing technology works well for many applications, but not for some that are too complex or too resource intensive. VDI, or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, can solve a lot of these problems, but it also introduces its own challenges. (For example, how can you store and manage all those disk image files?) Late last year, Citrix bought OS streaming vendor Ardence. They then asked me to write a paper for them that sorts out where VDI can be used, where SBC should be used, and how the Citrix Ardence dynamic desktop fits into all this....

The annual Microsoft MVP conference will take place next week in Redmond. As part of the three-day event, the Terminal Server product group have asked us, the MPVs, to give a presentation to them about what features the community wants them to add to Terminal Services, and which Longhorn TS features they are most excited about. Here's your chance to help shape the future of TS!...