Citrix XenClient was a client-side virtualization solution developed by Citrix Systems that allowed users to run multiple virtual desktops on a single physical device, such as a computer or laptop, without needing to install the operating system directly onto the device. Instead, XenClient used virtual machines (VMs) known as “guest operating systems” to run these desktops, while XenClient itself acted as the “host.”

This technology enabled organizations to package pre-configured desktop operating systems, complete with applications, as virtual desktop images. These images could then be downloaded and run on any device with XenClient installed, offering flexibility and security in managing desktops without traditional installations.

However, XenClient was discontinued by Citrix on October 1, 2015, and is no longer available as a standalone product or part of the XenDesktop suite. Existing users were supported until the End of Life (EOL) date.

Key Features of Citrix XenClient

1. Pre-Configured Virtual Desktops

XenClient allowed administrators to package a pre-configured desktop operating system, along with necessary applications, into a single virtual desktop image. This image could then be downloaded to a user’s device without installing the operating system or applications directly on the machine. These virtual desktops were cached locally and ran as if they were installed on the computer.

2. Hardware-Assisted Virtualization

XenClient leveraged hardware-assisted virtualization, using the virtualization capabilities built into modern processors. This allowed XenClient to operate more efficiently compared to software-based virtualization solutions, reducing overhead and improving performance for users.

3. Separation of Work and Personal Environments

XenClient utilized sandboxing technology to allow multiple virtual desktops to operate independently on the same physical device. For example, users could run a personal desktop and a business desktop concurrently, keeping the two environments completely separate for privacy and security reasons.

4. Centralized Management with Synchronizer

For organizations using XenClient Enterprise, the Synchronizer tool provided centralized management for virtual desktops. This allowed IT departments to manage multiple virtual desktops remotely, ensuring that updates, patches, and security configurations could be applied without direct access to individual machines. This was particularly beneficial for businesses with a large number of devices, streamlining desktop management.

Editions of XenClient

XenClient was available in three editions:

1. Express Edition:

• Aimed at testing and development.
• Offered for free and allowed organizations to evaluate and develop with XenClient.
• No licensing required.

1. XT Edition:

• Focused on high-security environments.
• Provided enhanced security features that allowed different guest desktops to connect to separate networks with varying security levels.
• Allowed a single physical device to access networks of different security classifications without the need for separate physical machines.

1. Enterprise Edition:

• Available as a standalone product or as part of XenDesktop Enterprise and XenDesktop Platinum editions.
• Offered centralized management through Synchronizer and provided extensive features for larger organizations.
• Required per-user or per-device licensing.

Licensing for XenClient

• XenClient XT required a license for each device on which it was deployed.
• XenClient Enterprise was available under either a per-user or per-device licensing model, based on the total number of users or devices accessing the system, not the number of simultaneous users.
• XenClient Express Edition was free and did not require any licenses.

Discontinuation and End of Life

As of October 1, 2015, Citrix officially discontinued XenClient. The product was no longer available for purchase, and it was removed from the XenDesktop Enterprise and Platinum Editions. While support continued for existing customers until the designated End of Life (EOL) date, Citrix has encouraged users to transition to alternative solutions.

Conclusion

Citrix XenClient was an innovative solution that offered businesses the ability to run multiple secure virtual desktops on a single physical device. By leveraging hardware-assisted virtualization, it provided an efficient, secure, and flexible way to manage virtual desktops without the need for traditional desktop installation and management tools. However, with its discontinuation, organizations have transitioned to other virtualization solutions, as Citrix continues to focus on its cloud and virtual desktop products.