Chapter 5: Server-Based Computing Data Center Architecture

In this chapter, we discuss the importance of building and running a server-based computing environment in a secure, reliable data center facility. The need for this approach may be obvious to IT personnel with a background in host systems, but we will define the data center in the context of building a server-based computing environment. This centralized computing model often entails a new paradigm for network administrators whose IT experience is limited to running distributed networks based on traditional PC technology. The data center plays a far more important role with server-based computing than it does in a distributed network environment, especially in a post-9/11 business world of zero acceptable downtime, and the expectation of anytime, anywhere business continuity. The Citrix concepts of on-demand and in-control computing start at the data center—if the data center is not built right, the entire project will be compromised.

This chapter will discuss several key considerations—including the environment, network, and deployment—for the data center architecture. Chapters 17 and 19 will carry the concepts of this chapter forward, detailing a redundant data center solution that solves the business continuity and disaster recovery concerns of all businesses today.

What is a Data Center?

An SBC data center in this context is a central site or location that houses the server-based computing resources for a company. This site is characterized by limited physical access, superior network capacity, power capacity, power quality, and a degree of internal redundancy for these computing resources. Using Windows Terminal Services and Citrix MetaFrame Access Suite in a data center can now provide a familiar PC desktop environment for users, no matter where they are located. Users take their desktop, and any other necessary resources with them wherever they go.

The data center was traditionally the realm of the mainframe, but Terminal Services and MetaFrame are changing this paradigm. Although the centralized mainframe environment is comparatively easy to support, companies will continue migrating to easy-to-use PC applications. Organizations are desperate for a technology that combines the desirable elements of the centralized computing model with the ability to deliver the desired application services to the end user. This is the basis for the server-based computing model utilizing Windows Terminal Services and Citrix MetaFrame Access Suite presented in this book. In the following sections, we present some important considerations in designing, building, and running a centralized data center environment with server-based computing technology.