Citrix Systems (NASDAQ: CTXS) is further enhancing interoperability and performance of Windows workloads on Amazon Web Services (AWS).
For the purpose, the company is providing engineering support to Amazon for the optimization of Citrix products and Windows applications that run on AWS.
The engineering support will also ensure continued innovation for the Xen virtualization platform, according to Citrix, a provider of virtual computing solutions that help companies deliver IT as an on-demand service.
In addition to these efforts, Citrix will also extend these optimizations to on-premises deployments of its commercial server virtualization platform, Citrix XenServer. As a result, customers will be able to seamlessly migrate workloads between enterprise data centres and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) in an easy manner.
Virtualizing and optimizing
AWS customers will now leverage the extensive expertise Citrix provides in virtualizing and optimizing the delivery of Windows workloads.
Citrix notes that the alliance between the two companies will deliver several benefits to Amazon Web Services and Citrix customers including enhanced interoperability, optimization for Windows, and advanced cloud solutions.
XenServer customers will now be able to easily leverage the scalable, elastic, pay-as-you-go benefits of AWS and cloud computing. Also, they will be able to better connect, migrate and manage virtual machines across both AWS and on-premise XenServer.
Citrix will work with AWS to optimize Windows instances for enterprise-class AWS deployments of Windows applications. It will also collaborate on advanced cloud solutions for the enterprise such as disaster recovery, applications-on-demand, advanced security and compliance.
Adoption of cloud computing
Simon Crosby, CTO, Data centre and Cloud Division of Citrix, noted that this expansion of its relationship with Amazon Web Services will enhance features in Xen, and ultimately help to further the rapid adoption of cloud computing by enterprise customers.
Furthering compatibility with AWS will give customers an enhanced experience when connecting their XenServer virtualized data centres.
Crosby added that Citrix will continue working with Amazon to enable easier migration of workloads to the cloud to leverage the elasticity, cost and scalability benefits of AWS.
“We are excited to extend our relationship with Citrix to bring its extensive engineering talent to streamline Citrix and Windows applications running on Amazon Web Services,” said Terry Wise, director of partner relations of Amazon Web Services. “This effort supports the increased demands we see from customers who want to leverage the scalability, security and utility-based pricing model of Amazon Web Services to run their Windows and Citrix workloads.”
Last month, Citrix Systems reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year that ended 31 December 2010.
Citrix achieved revenue of US$530 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to US$451 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, which represents 17 per cent revenue growth.
