Since Citrix released the first version of Linux Virtual App and Desktop support in 2015, our Linux VDA has evolved dramatically to enable more and more use cases and support various Linux platforms and versions. Therefore, the number of new customers and customers who have expanded their Citrix deployment using our Linux VDA is increasing quarter by quarter.
Considering the resilience of Linux, which provides a lifecycle that is comparatively longer than Windows, many of our customers need stay on one particular Linux platform and version for a long duration to support their business or mission-critical application.
With a big “Thank you!” to our Citrix customers who have provided valuable feedback, we are pleased to announce: the 1st Linux VDA LTSR version is shipped with XenApp and XenDesktop 7.15.
What is a Long Term Service Release (LTSR)?
Originally, XenApp and XenDesktop releases occurred around once a year, similar to the Academy Awards, and contained significant updates. Many large enterprise customers needed to assess which version would be ideal to standardize their main production environment on for the coming years, unlike other customers seeking the latest features and capabilities who felt that the releases were not soon enough or feature requirements had changed over time.
After hearing this feedback from customers and to better align with other industry vendors such as Microsoft, Citrix announced the Current Release (CR) and Long Term Service Release (LTSR) strategy in January of 2016 and declared XenApp and XenDesktop 7.6 Feature Pack 3 as the first ever LTSR.
Current Releases include the latest features and are typically made available every few months with customers encouraged to update to the latest CR when available. Think of these as the “modern-day hits” that fans rave about. Long Term Service Releases occur less frequently, typically 2-3 years, and are designed for customers to implement and remain on for years to come – up to 10 years of Citrix Support – with Cumulative Updates (CUs) containing fixes made available over time. Think of these as the “classics” that transcend the years. For more information, please refer to XenApp and XenDesktop Servicing Options and our LTSR FAQ.
What is in Linux VDA 7.15 LTSR?
Linux VDA 7.15 LTSR is essentially a hardened version of previous Linux VDA releases, with a variety of fixes and updates based on internal testing and customer feedback. It also includes one feature which was released as Tech-Preview in Linux VDA 7.14 – PDF printing in order to cover generic printing for the scenario of a double-hop deployment or secure browser use case for internet separation.
On top of that, those are several most adopted features will be beneficial to LTSR customers for years. For example:
- Linux application delivery
- Easy Install
- HDX 3D Pro
- Policy Management from Studio
- Client IME
- USB Redirection
- Client Drive Mapping (CDM)
For the full supported feature list, please refer the production document.
What are the supported platforms and versions in Linux VDA LTSR?
You may be curious what those platforms and versions are that could be adopted in your environment entitled for support with a longer duration, here is the list for your reference.
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux
- Server 7.3
- Workstation 7.3
- Server 6.9
- Workstation 6.9
- Server 6.6
- Workstation 6.6
- CentOS
- CentOS 7.3
- CentOS 6.6
- SUSE Linux Enterprise:
- Desktop 12 Service Pack 2
- Server 12 Service Pack 2
- Server 11 Service Pack 4
- Ubuntu Linux
- Ubuntu Desktop 16.04.2 (with the 4.4.x kernel)
- Ubuntu Server 16.04.2(with the 4.4.x kernel)
NOTE: Citrix support for a particular Linux OS platform and version will expire if the support from the OS vendor expires for that Linux OS platform and version.
Get Linux VDA 7.15 LTSR today
If you are ready for delivering Linux apps and desktop with current feature set in alignment with XenApp and XenDesktop 7.15 LTSR, you are encouraged to download Linux VDA 7.15 LTSR today. Move to Linux VDA 7.15 and let us know how it works for you!
