Feature Release Updates 2

[jamor1999]

Hi there,

I was wondering if the experts on this forum would be willing to join in and give their 2 cents.

When do you make the critical decision as to whether to upgrade to the next feature release, or to stay put?

I'm still at feature release 1, am I lagging behind? When should I seriously consider updating? When I run into a problem resolved by a feature release? Am I at a disadvantage because I am not updating?

What do you think?

 

[ascotta]

I read your other post as well.

I hope this helps.

I am of th opinion that Citrix are far better at issuing software than Microsoft. An that in my experience as long as you read the gotchas with the release i.e having the correct Installer etc. then there are no real problems.

In my experience and I have done a lot of upgrades etc. I would do it automatically but my pshyche is as of an early adopter.

Should it all go horribly pear shaped quite easily switch off/dongrade feature releae levels on a per server basis.

If you right click on the server in the CMC it will allow you to run the server at various FR levels. I have used this when waiting for Fulfillment licenses or the Citrix web site is down (again).

That is my opinion and am prepared to be shot at for expressing it. I do have a real gripe with W2K SP4 tho.
But that is another can of worms.



Cheers
Scott

 

[DDILL]

I would suggest waiting a few months for your upgrade. Citrix is releasing a new version in H1 of next year that has alot of added functionality, improved performancem, and reliability. I am responsible for a very large farm with well over 10,000 users and am running FR2. I have been evaluatin the beta for the next verion and find it outstanding. It will probably be more than just an update of a feature release so you may want to think about waiting until it is released, testing it, and upgrade to the new verion.
I always hate when you upgrade and the next week they release a new version.

 

[jamor1999]

I realize that testing is a major factor - but I will be the only person doing the testing. There is no test environment and certainly no team to assist me - I am on my own.

Perhaps I should have already mentioned that. How does that change my options?

How would testing normally be done in a larger enterprise?

 

[ascotta]

Tame users.

Upgrade one server and run at FR3. Leave the others at FR whatever.

Find some users that are patient(huh?) 1 or two task based to establish that the major business applications work.
Check out the things that have got better first i.e. printing. Screen accelaration etc. Policies if required.


You cannot possibly recreate what users do. Who better than the people who break it the most.(bless them). Sit with them and watch what they do, an added benefit of this is that you will understand their frustrations a whole lot more too. Take copious notes but try to resist the temptation of fixing/enhancing their experience there and then.



Cheers
Scott