August 2017 – Zunesis

In today’s hectic and time-pressed technology environment, IT leaders often don’t have the time to work with multiple technology manufacturers for purchasing, confirming compatibility with existing infrastructure solutions and of course the importance of post-sales/implementation support.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) have come up with an innovative solution for organizations to make their entire IT solution purchases with one trusted organization; under a program called “Complete”. What is Complete you may ask?

HPE Complete

HPE Complete is a resource that enables customers to purchase best-in-class, third-party branded products through their trusted solution partners like Zunesis. HPE Complete benefits include:

One-stop shop: Purchase complete solutions from Hewlett Packard Enterprise on a single Zunesis purchase order.
Validated solution: Confidence of the HPE interop assurance validation for third-party branded products that complement HPE Storage and Server Solutions.
Customer Experience: HPE helps ensure complete customer satisfaction by troubleshooting the solution and facilitating third-party expertise for the installation, support and warranty of their products.
Unique Value: Minimize risk, complexity and cost when deploying multi-vendor products and technolgies into the HPE ecosystem.
Contract Facilitation: In many cases, using HPE Complete can assist with lack of procurement vehicle as the HPE SKUs may be eligible for existing Public Sector Contract applications, such as NASPO ValuePoint, E&I, MHEC, etc.

What are some of the top HPE Complete partners whom Zunesis works with today?

Veeam

Veeam Backup and Replication is a powerful, easy-to-use and affordable backup and availability solution. It provides fast, flexible and reliable recovery of virtualized applications and data which brings virtual machine backup and replication together in a single software solutio. Veeam Backup and Replication delivers award-winning support for VMWare vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V virtual environments.

NVIDIA GRID

NVIDIA GRID is a graphics virtualization platform that extends the power of NVIDIA GPU technology to virtual desktops and applications. The software delivers an immersive, high-quality user experience for users from designers to mobile professionals to office workers. NVIDIA GRID technology lets IT organizations tap into a powerful graphics-accelerated cloud solution to centralize applications and data with virtual workspaces for improved security, productivity and cost-efficiency.

Carbonite Double-Take

Carbonite Double-Take Availability is a proven, simple, scalable high availability solution for Windows and Linux that defends your business’ profitability and reputation by providing protection from data loss and downtime. Carbonite Double-Take Availability offers exceptional application and data protection in virtual, cloud and physical computing environments. Carbonite Double-Take moves quickly and easily migrates physical, virtual and cloud server workloads over any distance with minimal risk and near zero downtime.

Zerto

Zerto Virtual Replication enables alignment across customer’s IT strategy with hypervisor-based replication, allowing you to fully realize the benefits of virtualization. The benefits of a virtualized application carry through to your business continuity and disaster recovery solutions. Zerto moves replication from the array or host, up to all the hypervisor. This provides flexibility, better asset utilization and reduced operational and maintenance costs – all to reduce your overall TCO.

Qumulo Core

Qumulo Core is a modern scale-out storage system designed from the ground up to address customer challenges for the new ear of multi-petabyte data scale on premises and in the cloud. Qumulo Core uses storage capacity much more efficiently than legacy scale-out NAS. At scale, Qumulo Core’s rebuild times in the case of disk or node failure are faster. This allows technology administrators to greatly reduce the level of redundancy needed to achieve target MTTDL standards, thereby increasing storage efficiency. Enabled by Qumulo Core’s flash-first hybrid design, cost and performance are optimized which simultaneously provides the speed benefits of SSD and the economic advantages of HDD. Qumulo Core does not require any disk space be left available for its internal use. This means user files can occupy 100 percent of provisioned capacity, while legacy scale-out recommends only using 80 percent.

These five partners represent only a fraction of the partner networks which HPE Complete have together. For more information: HPE Complete and other partner networks

Aruba Operating System (AOS) 8.0

Aruba Operating System (AOS) 8.0 code recently went “GA” to all of Aruba’s customers. AOS 8.0 is a complete ground-up rewrite of the Aruba Operating System, giving it a better scalability and increased network performance. Here are some of the more visible enhancements to the platform.

Aruba 8.0 module

Adaptive Radio Management (ARM) Changes

ARM is Aruba’s proprietary feature that allows AP’s to automatically negotiate power levels and broadcasting channels to avoid co-channel interference and ensure optimal performance for all clients and applications. The biggest limitation of ARM in the past was that it would not negotiate channel width (20, 40, 80MHz), leaving a lot of unused channels in the higher-width frequencies unused. Another past quirk of ARM was that it would calculate about every 5 minutes. With calculations happening that frequently, it was possible for a microwave running in the break room (which creates interference on the 2.4GHz band) to completely change the channel assignment of a building.

To address these issues, Aruba has overhauled the ARM protocol in 8.0 – and it even comes with a new name: AirMatch. AirMatch was designed with the modern RF environment in mind. It is tuned for noisy and high density environments, as well as areas where free air space is scarce. (Remember, we only have so many channels available over Radio Frequency; and the FCC has reserved their fair share for the government and emergency services, leaving businesses even fewer available channels).

AirMatch gathers RF statistics for the past 24 hours and proactively optimizes the network for the next day. With the automated channel, channel widths and transmit power optimization, AirMatch ensures even channel use, assists in interface mitigation and maximizes system capacity.

Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP):

ZTP automates the deployment of APs and managed devices. Plug-n-play allows for fast and easy deployment and simplified operations, reduces costs and limits provisioning errors. ZTP was introduced in 70xx Mobility Controllers; and now in AurbaOS 8, we are extending the capability to include 72xx Mobility Controllers. The Mobility Controller receives its local configuration, global configuration and license limits from the master controller or the Mobility Master and provisions itself automatically.

Simplified Operation:

In contrast to ArubaOS 6, which operates on a flat configuration model containing global and local configuration, ArubaOS 8 uses a centralized, multi-tier architecture under a new UI that provides a clear separation between management, control and forwarding functions. The entire configuration for both the Mobility Master and managed devices is configured from a centralized location- providing better visibility and monitoring as well as simplifying and streamlining the configuration process and minimizing repetition.

Centralized Licensing with Pools

IT teams can manage all their licenses from a centralized location with centralized licensing, either from the Mobility Master or the master controller. In the new AOS 8, we have extended ability to include centralized licensing with Pools. For some customers who have separate funding for different groups inside their corporation, they have the option of simply assigning licenses for each group to manage and consume themselves. This will drastically simplify licensing, especially troubleshooting licensing issues!

To summarize, AOS 8.0 is the future platform for all Aruba development. Great amounts of time have been spent re-writing everything to ensure performance and scalability going forward – this project was started before the HPE acquisition took place! Instead of bolting-on updates to the aging 6.0 platform like most vendors tend to do, Aruba has made a huge investment in the future by re-writing the underlying Operating System. This shows their commitment to being the #1 vendor in the wireless space for years to come.

For a better understanding of what upgrades were made in 8.0, download this tech brief.

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There were far too many features and platform advancements for me to cover in a single blog (especially changes made to the deployment models), but you would like to have a discussion about these changes, feel free to Contact Zunesis.

(Drum roll, please!) Citrix has announced LTSR!

What is LTSR?

Long Term Service Release. LTSR is all about stability and supportability when it comes to ongoing maintenance and support.

I’ll let Citrix take the intro on this one: “As a benefit of Software Maintenance, Long Term Service Releases of XenApp and XenDesktop enable enterprises to retain a particular release for an extended period of time while receiving minor updates that provide fixes, typically void of new functionality. This provides customers with greater predictability and simplified on-going maintenance. Today, Citrix is announcing our first-ever Long Term Service Release of XenApp and XenDesktop 7.6 available for download on Citrix.com.”

So, what does all that actually mean? What they are basically saying is this: LTSR is their most stable, robust and Enterprise worthy release of the XenApp/XenDesktop 7.x platform to date.

It has been thoroughly tested and used for extended periods of time within large, heavily utilized environments. 7.6 is the current LTSR version supported with Citrix. In my opinion, it really is the first version that has been ready for prime time.

Customers are still using older versions that date back 7 plus years! This is Citrix’s way of getting those customers to a newer version without having them wonder if it will be just as reliable, secure, and stable as their older version.

Now, as 7.6 does not officially support Windows 10, they have done some solution Tetris to support Windows 10. This requires the latest version of the VDA client, Citrix receiver, UPM and PVS. This also allows clients time to adapt and adjust to the new Citrix architecture without having to continually update every 9-12 months.

In addition, the LTSR version will continue to get ongoing updates and support whereas the regular versions will stop receiving updates as soon as a newer version comes out. By using LTSR, an organization will receive at least 5 years of extended support when needed and/or desired.

XenApp XenDesk Release Schedule

The lists below provide details into the differences between the new LTSR and the current release.

Long Term Service Release:

A Long Term Service Release guarantees 5 years of mainstream support and an optional 5 years of extended support. Thsi includes cumulative updates every 4 to 6 months, a new LTSR version of XenApp/XenDesktop every 12 to 24 months and any potential (hot)fixes.
Every new LTSR will probably be preceded by at least 3 to 4 CR’s.
A valid Software Maintenance (SM) contract is needed to make use of the LTSR servicing option.
As soon as Citrix releases a new LTSR version of XenApp/XenDesktop, customers can upgrade to that specific version as part of their current LTSR / Software Maintenance contract. Upgrading is always optional, not mandatory. Five years of support will start over for the new LTSR version.
Citrix is currently working on a compliance tool to help organizations check if their current environment is eligible for a LTSR.
Customers can have the LTSR as well as the CR servicing options in use as the same time.
Switching form a LTSR to a CR servicing, and vice versa, is always optional as well.
Citrix does not recommend mixing and matching non-compliant CR components in a LTSR environment.
Citrix offers full downloadable packages including all LTSR components, fully up-to-date, patched, supported and ready to go.
When dealing with support, they may ask clients to install the latest update for their current LTSR if not done so already.
If it is new functionality and innovative features you are looking for, then go with the Current Release instead.

Current Release:

With a CR supported version, you have the ability to upgrade to the latest version of XenApp/XenDesktop, making use of all the new and innovative features and functionalities that Citrix has to offer. (IE nothing changes.)
New versions of XenApp/XenDesktop will be released every 3 to 9 months following the standard product lifestyle.
No cumulative updates will be made available.
Clients will need a valid Subscription Advanatage contract to make use of Current Release version.

If you have further questions about LTSR, please see the links for further reading below, or contact your Zunesis representative.

(Drum roll, please!) Citrix has announced LTSR!

What is LTSR?

Long Term Service Release. LTSR is all about stability and supportability when it comes to ongoing maintenance and support.

I’ll let Citrix take the intro on this one: “As a benefit of Software Maintenance, Long Term Service Releases of XenApp and XenDesktop enable enterprises to retain a particular release for an extended period of time while receiving minor updates that provide fixes, typically void of new functionality. This provides customers with greater predictability and simplified on-going maintenance. Today, Citrix is announcing our first-ever Long Term Service Release of XenApp and XenDesktop 7.6 available for download on Citrix.com.”

So, what does all that actually mean? What they are basically saying is this: LTSR is their most stable, robust and Enterprise worthy release of the XenApp/XenDesktop 7.x platform to date.

It has been thoroughly tested and used for extended periods of time within large, heavily utilized environments. 7.6 is the current LTSR version supported with Citrix. In my opinion, it really is the first version that has been ready for prime time.

Customers are still using older versions that date back 7 plus years! This is Citrix’s way of getting those customers to a newer version without having them wonder if it will be just as reliable, secure, and stable as their older version.

Now, as 7.6 does not officially support Windows 10, they have done some solution Tetris to support Windows 10. This requires the latest version of the VDA client, Citrix receiver, UPM and PVS. This also allows clients time to adapt and adjust to the new Citrix architecture without having to continually update every 9-12 months.

In addition, the LTSR version will continue to get ongoing updates and support whereas the regular versions will stop receiving updates as soon as a newer version comes out. By using LTSR, an organization will receive at least 5 years of extended support when needed and/or desired.
XenApp XenDesk Release Schedule
The lists below provide details into the differences between the new LTSR and the current release.

Long Term Service Release:

A Long Term Service Release guarantees 5 years of mainstream support and an optional 5 years of extended support. Thsi includes cumulative updates every 4 to 6 months, a new LTSR version of XenApp/XenDesktop every 12 to 24 months and any potential (hot)fixes.
Every new LTSR will probably be preceded by at least 3 to 4 CR’s.
A valid Software Maintenance (SM) contract is needed to make use of the LTSR servicing option.
As soon as Citrix releases a new LTSR version of XenApp/XenDesktop, customers can upgrade to that specific version as part of their current LTSR / Software Maintenance contract. Upgrading is always optional, not mandatory. Five years of support will start over for the new LTSR version.
Citrix is currently working on a compliance tool to help organizations check if their current environment is eligible for a LTSR.
Customers can have the LTSR as well as the CR servicing options in use as the same time.
Switching form a LTSR to a CR servicing, and vice versa, is always optional as well.
Citrix does not recommend mixing and matching non-compliant CR components in a LTSR environment.
Citrix offers full downloadable packages including all LTSR components, fully up-to-date, patched, supported and ready to go.
When dealing with support, they may ask clients to install the latest update for their current LTSR if not done so already.
If it is new functionality and innovative features you are looking for, then go with the Current Release instead.

Current Release:

With a CR supported version, you have the ability to upgrade to the latest version of XenApp/XenDesktop, making use of all the new and innovative features and functionalities that Citrix has to offer. (IE nothing changes.)
New versions of XenApp/XenDesktop will be released every 3 to 9 months following the standard product lifestyle.
No cumulative updates will be made available.
Clients will need a valid Subscription Advanatage contract to make use of Current Release version.

If you have further questions about LTSR, please see the links for further reading below, or contact your Zunesis representative.

What Is Azure Site Recovery?

Business outages are caused by natural events and operational failures. Organizations need a business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) strategy that keeps apps and data safe and available during both planned and unplanned downtime. It also needs to be able to recover those apps and data to normal working conditions as soon as possible. Azure Site Recovery meets these needs through the following avenues:

Simple, automated protection and disaster recovery in the cloud
Orchestrated disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS)
Replication and disaster recovery to Azure
Continuous health monitoring with Site Recovery

Why Site Recovery?

There are a host of reasons why Azure Site Recovery is an excellent option for BCDR, including recovery in the cloud, resiliency, testing, flexible failover, and continuous monitoring.

Disaster Recovery in the Cloud

disaster recovery Replicate workloads running on VMs and physical servers to Azure, rather than to a secondary site. This eliminates the cost and complexity of maintaining a secondary data center. With Site Recovery, you have the ability to replicate any workload running on-premises, Hyper-V VMs, and Windows/Linux physical servers.

Resilience

Site Recovery orchestrates replication and failover, without intercepting application data. Replicated data is stored in Azure storage, with the resilience that provides. When failover occurs, Azure VMs are created based on the replicated data.

Testing Without Disruption

Azure Site Recovery allows you to easily run test failovers to support disaster recovery drills without affecting production environments.

Rich Recovery Plans with Flexible Failover and Recovery

Recovery plans allow modeling to customize failover and recovery of multi-tier applications spread over multiple VMs. Order groups within plans, and add scripts and manual actions. Recovery plans can be integrated with Azure automation runbooks. You can run planned failovers for expected outages with zero data loss, or be prepared for unplanned failovers with minimal data loss. Easily fail back to the primary site when it’s available again.

Continuous Health Monitoring

Site Recovery monitors the state of your protected instances continuously and remotely from Azure.

Interested in learning more about how Azure Site Recovery can improve (or even become) your “plan for a rainy day”? Please contact us today to learn more about this exciting solution!

What Is EMS for Office 365?

In this mobile-first, cloud-first era, questions around security dominate the conversations about moving to the cloud. EMS provides an identity-driven security solution that offers a holistic approach to security challenges by not only protecting the organization but also identifying breaches before they cause damage.

How Do You Know If EMS Might Be a Fit for Your Organization?

As with most solutions, EMS is built to solve real problems that organizations are facing in order to help them be more efficient, productive, and secure. Below are some issues that many IT organizations face, and EMS is specifically built to address these problems:

How to help users who have too many passwords to keep track of them all
How to secure data across mobile devices
How to manage BYOD
How to ensure sensitive data is protected, even on users’ mobile devices
How to create and enforce proactive threat protection

How Does EMS for Office 365 Address These Issues?

EMS is a rather robust solution. However, in a nutshell, below is a list of the ways in which EMS addresses the organizational concerns listed above.

Identity Management

Single Sign-On (SSO)
- Cloud applications
  - Azure supports SSO for over 2,500 SaaS application
- On-Prem applications
  - Using Microsoft Identity Manager
Multi-Factor Authentication
- Provide users an extra layer of security – force users to prove their identity using password in a combination with mobile phone (app/text/email)
Advanced Reporting
- Track SSO utilization and identify anomalies
Self-Service Password Reset
- With write-back capabilities
- Users can reset their own passwords, reducing Help Desk calls

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Microsoft Intune
Manage all mobile devices in the mobile ecosystem
Utilize Mobile Application Management (MAM) without requiring devices to be enrolled
Manage corporate data on user owned device
Utilize the same Office Applications used on-prem

Information Protection – Formerly Called Rights Management

Classify, label, and protect data
Apply persistent protection which travels with the data
Enable safe sharing

Identify Driven Security

Microsoft Threat Advanced Analytics
- Protection from advanced targeted attacks by applying user and entity behavior analytics

If you find yourself facing any of these issues in your IT organization, I strongly suggest looking into EMS from Microsoft. We would be happy to walk you through any questions you might have about the solution or talk about how it could improve your specific environment. Contact us today.