If you’re running Citrix XenApp 6.0, or even 6.5, you should already know the importance of August 24, 2016. But if you don’t yet, this is the end of life (EOL) date for XenApp 6.0 (and for XenApp 6.5 for customers of who don't have Subscription Advantage), meaning security related Hotfixes, technical support and product downloads will no longer be available.
Not only will there be no new updates to the XenApp 6.0 code, but also you’ll no longer be able to download any of the updates that already exist. If you're on 6.5, make sure Subscription Advantage (SA) is current or you'll find yourself in the same boat.
Here are some important considerations as you start planning your upgrade:
- 6.5 or 7? If you just want to upgrade to 6.5, keep two things in mind: Your SA must stay current to remain supported and the end of maintenance date for 6.5 isn't too far off either—June 2018. The best option is to start your migration to XenApp 7.x. Read what's new in the latest release, 7.8.
- Are you using deprecated features? Notably Citrix App Streaming, which is no longer available in the 7.x architecture. You’ll have to move your application virtualization to Microsoft's App-V. The good news is that the App-V license is included in your Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses (RDS CALs).
- What about Web Interface? Web Interface EOL dates coincide with XenApp 6.0 and 6.5, so you should probably start planning a rebuild on StoreFront as well. Read more about Web Interface vs. StoreFront.
It's never fun to be forced to upgrade, or knowing that this upgrade is going to require a lot of work. But what more reason to plan ahead? Unless of course, you like the adrenaline of waiting past the EOL date, then scrambling to make it work at 2 am because your CEO wants to know why he can't access his Excel document!
[fa icon="bookmark"] Bookmark the Product Lifecycle Matrix to stay up to date on all Citrix product EOL dates.
Never want to have to think about these upgrades and migrations again? This is also a great time to think about cloud services. A Desktop as a Service (DaaS) offering might be a good option to consider. Or a managed Citrix infrastructure solution from a technology partner like Lewan. Citrix Workspace Cloud is another option. , we'll help you navigate these decisions and make sure you understand all the options available.
Lewan Technology is a Citrix Gold Solutions Advisor and has the largest resident Citrix consulting bench in Denver, CO and the Rocky Mountain region, comprised of certified architects, engineers and administrators. We also hold the Citrix Specialist in Virtualization distinction.