Citrix is pleased to announce the release and immediate availability of XenDesktop 7.1 which adds support for Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1, and new Studio configuration of server-based graphical processing units (GPUs) considered an essential hardware component for supporting  virtualized delivery of 3D professional graphics applications.  Download XenDesktop 7.1.

Microsoft is releasing platform updates faster than ever and Citrix is in lockstep to take advantage of the latest capabilities in Windows Server, System Center, and HyperV to help you deliver Windows-as-a-Service. With the XenDesktop FlexCast Management Architecture – from a single site and a single console – customers can now support three generations of Windows Server from Windows Server 2008 R2 to the new Windows Server 2012 R2 as well as 16 bit, 32, or 64 bit apps through a combination of Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, or now, Windows 8.1.

Features in XD 7.1

• GPU — The Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) capabilities feature provides graphics virtualization, offering a superior experience for users who use graphic-intensive applications and often manipulate 3-D models. The GPU feature also can improve the graphics experience for a large number of users. Administrators can evaluate workflows for the creation of GPU-capable connections and machine catalogs created with an MCS-provisioned master image. If problems are encountered, then Administrators may need to manually create the machines.
• vGPU — The Virtual Graphical Processing Unit (vGPU) feature enables multiple virtual machines to directly access the graphics processing power of a single physical GPU. You can use hardware-accelerated vGPU access for Windows desktop VDI workloads. This true hardware GPU sharing provides full Windows 7 or Windows 2008 R2 SP1 desktops suitable for users with complex and demanding design requirements. Supported for NVIDIA GRID K1 and K2 cards, the GPU sharing uses the same NVIDIA graphics drivers that are deployed on non-virtualized operating systems.
• Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1 support — Deliver a high-definition user experience on Windows 8.1 virtual desktops and physical machines. HDX 3D Pro has also been upgraded to support Windows 8.1.

Note: The vGPU feature is not supported for virtual machines running Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows 8.1.

Along with the above features, server os machines and desktop os machines feature is also added while creating new catalog.