Information:
Deploying applications in Citrix XenApp / Presentation Server can be difficult and time consuming. It is difficult because you may need to reboot servers, test several deployment methods, capture or script installations, etc. All of these endeavors take time.
To best utilize your time, prevent disruption of the existing XenApp - Presentation Server environment I would recommend the following practices or guidelines when deploying new applications.
1) Use a dedicated Application Deployment Server that is included as a member of the Citrix Farm, but is not used by any users / published applications.
a. The Application Deployment Server should have the exact same version of XenApp / Presentation Server as the other servers in the farm.
b. If using different versions of XenApp / Presentation Server you may need separate deployment servers for each version.
2) Test and develop installation scripts or packages of all new applications on the Application Deployment Server.
a. This will allow you to develop all new applications deployments without affecting your Test or Production Citrix Servers.
3) Use Installation Manager to deploy the application to your Test Servers
a. Always deploy the application to Test servers first.
4) Use Installation Manager to deploy the application to your Production Servers