Citrix and Windows Terminal Services: Application Packaging, Testing and Deployment

Using Citrix Packager, Wininstall and VB Scripts I tested, packaged and modified bespoke software for deployment to a large Citrix farm consisting of hundreds of servers and thousands of users. Used VMWare ESX server virtual machines to quickly build and tear down test server images. Working in a demanding environment, I had to liaise between different departments and work to exacting Quality Assurance and Documentation requirements to deliver working and tested applications on-time.

Providing Services to the UK arm of this Global shipping company, I designed and installed a new Active Directory Infrastructure, configuring all relevant services; training and mentoring the local IT staff as to best practices for ongoing administration. I installed a new Citrix Presentation Server farm and built the first server in that farm for use as a server ‘template’ for general deployment.

Working in conjunction with the client’s IT staff, I configured both Citrix and Microsoft Policies and designed a standard operating environment (SOE) for the Client’s users.

Configuration of 20+ Citrix and Microsoft Servers in support of a major Enterprise System implementation for a group of Housing Associations with approx 4,000 users.

Had to work to tight deadlines to solve serious technical issues in a complex heterogeneous environment.

Included liaising closely with business units and non-technical managers and board directors.

Migration of customer’s NT4 / Exchange 5.5 network to Windows 2000 and Exchange 2000. Staged migration, utilising Active Directory Connector to allow both systems to operate in tandem for a managed migration process, eliminating downtime to reducing the risks normally inherent in ‘big-bang’ upgrades. Now involved in upgrade to Windows 2003 / Exchange 2003. IT manager of customer described “Best IT consultants I have worked with.”

Consultancy and installation services for Outlook Web Access, including the use of SSL digital certificates to encrypt data.

Deployed Presentation Server Farm from scratch. Consulted with Client as to their business requirements. Advised on security configuration and Installed Citrix Secure Gateway and. Tested and customised line of business application for use in a Citrix Environment, including Group Policy Objects and scripted registry changes. Installed and configured Citrix Secure Gateway, Web Interface and Network Load Balancing in a DMZ to allow the applications to be accessed by external customers. Re-worked Active Directory Design to enhance security and allow for the Citrix deployment.

Working for a major NHS trust, I designed, planned and implemented a migration of 3000 mail users over a single weekend.

This project involved: assessing and discussing client requirements at the highest level; submitting technical design and project plan; leading the migration team, including other consultants and internal customer resources. Included altering mail routing, by reconfiguring Mailsweeper SMTP gateway and configuring Outlook Web Access.

This project resulted in significant improvements in performance and availability of the trust’s e-mail service

Microsoft Terminal Services and Exchange Server Deployment

I performed a complete refresh of my client’s Head Office Windows Infrastructure. This included a migration from a POP3 mail based system to Microsoft Exchange 2007, including SMTP and firewall reconfiguration and automated Outlook deployment.

Configured and deployed a new standardised terminal services environment, which made extensive use of Active Directory Policies and Profiles to deliver a standardised desktop environment via thin-clients.

Citrix Access Gateway Enterprise Deployment and Presentation Server Improvements

Following a report from Citrix Consulting Services, recommending improvements and changes to the Presentation Server 4 environment, I implemented various policy changes and improved the server farm in line with Citrix best practices.

To allow for remote access by business partners and home workers to the Presentation Servers, I deployed Citrix Access Gateway and Advanced Access Control in a redundant configuration and integrated it with existing load balancing equipment and two-factor authentication systems.

I deployed all changes in three different environments: Development, QA and Production with appropriate change control processes followed and documentation produced.

Development and QA environments involved building VMWare ESX Server virtual machines to allow the rapid testing, deployment and rollback of a standardised server environment.

Working for a subsidiary of a major international retailing group, I designed and implemented a Citrix Presentation Server farm and re-engineered their Active Directory design to allow external users from my clients customers and call centre staff to access centralised line of business applications. Access was both internal and securely via Web Interface and Secure Gateway. The server farm implemented seccessfully dealt with the massive increase in traffic as a result of last year's Christmas trading period and the IT manager from the client is available to provide a reference.