About XenServer 8
XenServer is a virtualization platform that allows organizations to create and manage virtualized server infrastructures. It is designed to optimize the delivery of Windows and Linux virtual machines, providing a robust and scalable solution for data center virtualization.
XenServer offers features such as live migration, snapshot and cloning capabilities, and resource pooling, allowing for efficient management of virtualized workloads. It provides a secure and high-performance environment for running applications and services, making it a suitable choice for businesses looking to streamline their server infrastructure.
Cloud Software Group (CSG) emphasizes XenServer’s integration with Citrix products, creating a comprehensive virtualization and application delivery solution. We aim to enhance the flexibility, agility, and cost-effectiveness of IT operations through centralized management and efficient resource utilization. Overall, XenServer is positioned as a reliable virtualization solution for businesses seeking a powerful and versatile platform for their server environments.
Get XenServer 8 here.
Note:
If you previously used XenServer 8 as a preview, apply the latest set of updates to move seamlessly to the production-supported version.
If you are using a Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops license with XenServer, you must change to a XenServer Premium Edition license. For more information about getting a XenServer license, see the XenServer website. XenServer is now an entitlement of the Citrix for Private Cloud, Citrix Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud, Citrix Universal MSP, and Citrix Platform License subscriptions for running your Citrix workloads. Read more.
Is XenServer 8 for me?
XenServer 8 is the latest release of XenServer. It succeeds Citrix Hypervisor 8.2 Cumulative Update 1 and includes many new features. For more information about these features, see What’s New.
Why choose XenServer 8?
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You want to try the latest features from XenServer and can regularly update your hosts and pools.
One notable change between Citrix Hypervisor 8.2 Cumulative Update 1 and XenServer 8 is our move to delivering features and fixes on an ongoing basis through our frequent updates mechanism. For more information, see Update your XenServer hosts.
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You want to use Windows 11 VMs in your environment.
XenServer 8 delivers support for Windows 11 VMs and vTPMs. For more information, see Windows VMs.
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You are a Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops user and want to run your workload on a hypervisor that contains many features optimized to your environment.
For more information about these features, see Using XenServer with Citrix products.
To learn which versions of Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (MCS) and Citrix Provisioning (PVS) are supported with XenServer 8, see Supported Hypervisors for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (MCS) and Citrix Provisioning (PVS).
XenServer is now an entitlement of the Citrix for Private Cloud, Citrix Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud, Citrix Universal MSP, and Citrix Platform License subscriptions for running your Citrix workloads. Read more.
In any of these cases, XenServer 8 is for you.
XenCenter
XenServer 8 requires the latest version of XenCenter, which has a version number of the form “XenCenter YYYY.x.x”. Previous versions of XenCenter, such as XenCenter 8.2.x, are not supported with XenServer 8.
XenCenter YYYY.x.x is fully supported with XenServer 8. XenCenter YYYY.x.x is not yet supported for production use with Citrix Hypervisor 8.2 CU1.
Frequent updates across the XenServer 8 lifecycle
With XenServer 8, frequent updates are made available to you in XenCenter, allowing you to benefit from a more efficient release process that delivers new features and bug fixes at a faster cadence than was previously possible. This feature enables you to experience the frequent update model for administering updates to your XenServer pools and hosts.
During its lifecycle, XenServer 8 provides a stream of frequent and easy-to-apply updates, which enable you to consume new features and bug fixes at the earliest possible juncture. You must apply all available updates periodically. As a result, the behavior and feature set in XenServer 8 can change.
Preview features
The frequent updates can include preview features, which give you an early look at capabilities that might be included in the product later. These preview features can be deployed in a production environment, but are not supported for production use. For more information about preview features, see Support.
Get started
Steps to use XenServer 8:
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Get XenServer 8 from the XenServer downloads page.