VDI simplified Success Stories

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VDI simplified with Citrix VDI-in-a-Box Four customers that benefit from simplicity and ease of use

2VDI simplified Success Stories

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The flexibility and mobility made possible by desktop virtualization make it an ideal strategy for supporting key business trends like workshifting, consumerization and user mobility. At the same time, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) eliminates the need for costly endpoints and can greatly increase IT efficiency, helping IT do more with less.

This white paper discusses the use of Citrix® VDI-in-a-Box™ to implement VDI quickly, easily and at a low cost, making the full benefits of VDI available to businesses of any size with simpler IT needs. Whether you are Small or Medium Business or an autonomous department within an enterprise, you can securely deliver virtual desktops with all-in-one VDI software appliance that runs on industry standard servers. It enables the desktop IT administrators to rapidly deliver centrally managed, personalized virtual desktops to any user, on any device, over any network for less than the cost of new PCs. The real-world experiences of current VDI-in-a-Box customers illustrate the resulting business value.

Changing business needs demand desktop virtualization to be simplified

IT organizations today face tremendous pressure to adapt to new ways of working. Traditional computing environments are being transformed by trends like consumerization—the use of consumer technologies for business—and the desire of users to use their own personal devices for work, a strategy called bring-your-own (BYO). While IT struggles to support users on tablets, smartphones, Macs, home computers and other non-standard devices, they must also keep pace with ongoing management tasks like system maintenance, patches and updates. With Microsoft Windows 8 on the horizon and support for Windows XP soon to end, the coming year will place even greater demands on IT. As if this weren’t challenging enough, budgets continue to be tight, forcing IT to stretch its resources further than ever.

Desktop virtualization helps IT face these challenges head-on. Anywhere, any time, any-device access to applications and data helps IT support consumerization, BYO, user mobility and workshifting. IT can create virtual desktops tailored to meet the needs of each user, enabling highly efficient centralized management without sacrificing a personalized computing experience. Instead of maintaining hundreds of individual desktops, IT can upgrade, patch and manage a few shared master images. PCs can be replaced with less expensive thin clients or with users’ own devices, or can have their useful lives extended far beyond the usual PC refresh cycle.

These benefits don’t always come easily, however. A typical VDI solution requires extensive infrastructure, including virtual desktop host servers, provisioning servers, management servers, load balancing for high availability, a shared SAN (storage area network), high-speed interconnects and connection brokers. While this complex infrastructure can be both affordable and manageable for a larger organization—and worthwhile in light of the return on investment (ROI) they make possible—its high startup cost and ongoing complexity can be beyond the capacity of smaller businesses to support.

Empowers desktop IT• Reduce your PC-

refresh budget by deploying virtual desktops instead of more expensive PC replacements—helping you save 60 percent in VDI infrastructure.

• Eliminate IT dependencies with an intuitive management console and built-in HA without shared storage. It empowers Windows admins to handle virtualization details so you don’t need storage specialists, network administrators or virtualization experts.

• Cut desktop costs by centrally consolidating patching and management. Reduce ongoing PC replacement costs by lengthening the time between PC refresh cycles. Minimize infrastructure investment by scaling incrementally without needing to overprovision for key features like high availability.

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Delivering the value with simplicity, ease-of-use and affordability

Citrix VDI-in-a-Box is a simple, affordable, all-in-one solution that makes VDI affordable and feasible for any organization. The only hardware required is an industry standard server; all other functions are handled through software. VDI-in-a-Box can be run on any leading hypervisor, including Citrix XenServer, Microsoft Hyper-V—both available free—or VMware vSphere or ESX. High-availability and on-demand scalability can be provided simply by adding more industry standard servers, which are configured automatically into a grid. The state of running desktops is kept in local storage, eliminating the need for a shared storage SAN, and user data is kept outside the grid in a Windows file server or NAS (network-attached storage) server. People can access their virtual desktops from anywhere, on any device, from repurposed PCs and thin clients to BYO devices, with a rich user experience delivered through Citrix HDX technology.

Combining the efficiency of single-image management with flexibility for users, VDI-in-a-Box allows people to create and load fully personalized desktops to meet their individual needs, including applications, data and personalization, generated from the same master image used to create pooled desktops. In this way, IT can achieve the best of both worlds: providing fully personalized desktops for users, without the clutter or management overhead of having to deal with multiple images.

All together, the full cost of a typical VDI-in-a-Box implementation works out to less than $500 per desktop—less than the cost of deploying a traditional PC. Improved IT efficiency and reduced endpoint costs reduce ongoing total cost of ownership (TCO) for additional savings. The solution is simple to install, quick to deploy and easy to use, even by a Windows administrator with no previous desktop virtualization experience.

While providing a simple, low-cost entry point for desktop virtualization, VDI-in-a-Box also offers a clear migration path for growing organizations. VDI-in-a-Box licenses can be migrated to Citrix® XenDesktop® to support a greater variety of use cases through multiple desktop delivery models, such as hosted shared desktops and streamed virtual hard disk (VHD) desktops. The solution works seamlessly with additional products in the Citrix virtualization portfolio, including:

• Citrix Receiver™ universal client software

• Citrix® XenApp® application virtualization software

• Citrix® Access Gateway™ secure remote access software

• Citrix® GoToAssist™ multi-site grid and endpoint support and monitoring

• Citrix ShareFile™ cloud-based storage, file sharing and collaboration solution

The business value of VDI-in-a-Box can be seen in the following case studies on current implementations.

Delights users• Work anywhere on

any device using Windows PCs, Macs, and smartphone and tablet platforms such as Apple, Android, HP and RIM.

• Provide personalized desktops customized to each user’s preferences and profile and applications.

• Deliver a high-definition experience with performance and access fine-tuned to match the capabilities of each connection and computing device.

• Reduce downtime with the ability to manage service levels via policies and a central desktop that is always available, even if a user’s PC is not.

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Rehab Group and National Learning Network deliver cost-effective, consistent, high quality computing resources to students across the country with Citrix VDI-in-a-Box

VDI simplified Success Stories

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We recognize that technology plays a central role in our service provision and Citrix VDI-in-a-Box has enabled us to future-proof our position as a first-class training provider. Marie Kelly Director of Training and Employment Services Rehab Group

The Rehab Group, an independent, not-for-profit organization, provides training, employment, health and social care and commercial services in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands and Poland. Through its specialist training and education division, National Learning Network, Rehab Group delivers training and education to over 5,000 students around Ireland, including many who may otherwise find it difficult to gain employment and to develop the skills to advance their careers.

The challenge: evolve to meet the high-quality learning demands

National Learning Network wanted to provide a consistently high-quality computing experience for students and instructors in all its training centers, but the traditional practice of continuously investing in new PCs in order to run the latest software was expensive and the hardware would become obsolete within a couple of years. Seeking to provide access to the best computing resources while keeping costs low, the group launched an initiative to design and deliver a nationwide solution that would enhance course delivery to students as well as overall IT efficiency.

The solution: implementing Citrix VDI-in-a-Box

Rehab Group worked with Unity Technology Solutions, a Citrix Gold solution advisor, to implement VDI-in-a-Box. The solution would make it possible to use existing PC hardware to give students and instructors a fully customized virtual desktop, accessible from any workstation. VDI-in-a-Box enables National Learning Network to provide up-to-date software such as Microsoft Office in the classroom, as well as specialized packages such as Autodesk AutoCAD, which all work seamlessly within the Citrix VDI environment. Students choose from a software menu that is determined by instructors who decide what is needed for the course.

The benefit: customized learning experience through the National Learning Network

The VDI-in-a-Box solution enables each of the course instructors in National Learning Network’s training centers to provide customized desktops to students based on their individual needs, skills or progress on a course, and not by the constraints of their computer. The environment fully supports a range of accessibility options, and users can save their own desktop preferences such as font size or color to be automatically available upon login. Students who receive training in their own home benefit from a “classroom-like” learning experience regardless of their log-on location or the device they use. For Rehab Group, VDI-in-a-Box has proven to be extremely cost effective, eliminating the need for extensive capital investments or frequent PC upgrades. Software provisioning, updates and removal can beperformed quickly through the centralized VDI environment to reflect changes in curriculum, helping Rehab Group keep pace with changes in its market, employers’ expectations and students’ needs. The solution is now being implemented in all 50 of National Learning Network centers around Ireland and will ultimately benefit 5,000 students across the country.

Rehab Group

IndustryNot-for-profit

Key Benefits• Simpler, standardized

learning environment accessible through any PC, anywhere

• Enterprise-wide availability of the most current versions of software

• Simultaneous nationwide updates when required

• Significant cost savings through extended use of current PCs

Applications Delivered• Microsoft Office

• AutoCAD

• Autodesk

Citrix Products• Citrix VDI-in-a-Box

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A United Kingdom High School stays on the leading edge of technology in spite of budget cuts with Citrix VDI-in-a-Box

VDI simplified Success Stories

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As soon as we looked at VDI-in-a-Box and started playing with it, we just fell in love with it. … We were really, really impressed with the fact that we could set it up ourselves. It was relatively easy and took very little time. Network Manager of the school

This high school in Worcestershire, one of England’s designated Technology Colleges, provides its students with an immersive curriculum of technology, mathematics and science. In 2007, the facility was completely rebuilt to provide the best possible learning environment for its students and teachers, who are immersed in a curriculum of technology, mathematics and science.

The challenge: update 1,200 devices with a reduced budget and staff

Like many schools, this UK high school recently lost government funding that would have been used for maintaining and upgrading the technology available to students. Unable to replace its 1,200 laptops and PCs, many of which were reaching the end of their useful lives, the school needed a new way to run the latest applications as well as support a planned upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7. They also needed a solution that would help its four-member IT team manage this large network efficiently.

The solution: implementing VDI-in-a-Box for secure virtual desktop access

The school recognized the potential for desktop virtualization to address its needs, but found most solutions too complex or costly. VDI-in-a-Box stood out from the alternatives in part because customers are allowed to try the solution before buying it. A trial at the school gave the team the confidence to move forward with its VDI implementation—without the need for professional services assistance. The school uses a combination of new thin clients and existing computers to provide access to virtual desktops, including 15 thin clients in a dedicated classroom, as well as clustered in an open area of the school for drop-in use, and existing PCs in four math classrooms.

The benefit: Hassle-free software upgrades across the network access

The school’s VDI initiative has enabled it to extend the life of aging PCs and create two new computer labs while working within its limited budget. At the same time, the school provides a state-of-the-art computing experience for students and teachers. The school will be able to upgrade its virtual desktops to Windows 7 easily based on a single master image, and can do the same with the latest versions of educational applications such as Multimedia Science School. A four-member IT team can manage the entire computing environment much more efficiently, minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted instruction. Over the coming years, the school will continue to increase the number of virtual desktops it provides and will deploy virtual desktops for additional use cases as well, such as remote access for students who can’t come to school in person.

A United Kingdom High School

IndustryEducation

Key Benefits• Efficient redeployment

of aging PCs as thin clients running virtual desktops

• Creation of two new computer labs using thin clients at minimal expense

• Effective management of more than 1,200 PCs and laptops with a team of just four people

Applications Delivered• Microsoft Office

• Various graphics programs (e.g., Adobe suite, Serif)

• Various multimedia educational software (e.g., Science School)

Citrix Products• Citrix VDI-in-a-Box

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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory improves security while allowing a personalized experience with Citrix VDI-in-a-Box

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We chose Citrix VDI-in-a-Box as an easy-to-use, cost-effective system that integrates with existing platforms, performs well and meets employee needs as well as our security requirements. Robin Goldstone IT Project Manager Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

As a research and development laboratory focused on the nation’s security, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has high standards for physical and cyber security. Protecting LLNL systems, networks and classified data requires strong cyber security measures, including restricted access to personal email accounts and social media.

The challenge: acquire desktop solution, provide access to personal email and social media—securely

An IT survey found that many of the people working at LLNL depended on these tools for their work. The laboratory sought a cost-effective approach to delivering virtual desktops that could act as a sandbox from which employees could safely collaborate online, access the web and get to their personal email.

The solution: implementing VDI-in-a-Box for secure web access

After considering alternatives, including internally hosting virtual desktops, LLNL chose a fully managed and hosted virtual desktop service powered by VDI-in-a-Box. LLNL was able to roll out service in days without burdening lab IT services.

The benefit: satisfied employee needs and security requirements

During a pilot phase with 1,000 users, more than 90 percent rated VDI-in-a-Box, delivered over the WAN, as providing a good or very good user experience, both in ease of use and desktop performance. LLNL employees reported improved work-life balance, while the hosting of desktops outside the firewall meant that security was even stronger than before. Based on the results of the pilot, LLNL has deployed the solution in production to over 3,000 users.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

IndustryGovernment

Key Benefits• Secure access to

websites and personal email to support productivity and collaboration

• Better work- life balance

• High definition user experience even over the WAN

Citrix Products• Citrix VDI-in-a-Box

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A County Hospital in the United States provides anywhere, any device secure access to patient information with Citrix VDI-in-a-Box

VDI simplified Success Stories

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The ease-of-use is unmatched, simply power-on the appliance and go! Desktop IT Director at the hospital

The County Hospital in the United states is dedicated to meeting the health care needs of their community through personalized treatment from providers with up-to-the minute training in a variety of disciplines, nurturing care that allows their patients to improve in a familiar environment close to home.

The challenge: enable instant, secure access for patient record information

They have emergency rooms and remote connects where they really wanted to switch to virtual desktops to increase uptime and reduce PC refresh costs. In addition, as growing requirements for security and regulatory compliance increased the cost of the hospital’s PC-based endpoint strategy, it sought a more cost-effective way to deploy and manage user desktops. At the same time, the hospital wanted to be able to increase the quality of patient care by empowering doctors to access electronic health records more easily, in more places, on more devices.

The solution: implementing VDI-in-a-Box as simple, cost- effective solution

The hospital selected VDI-in-a-Box based on its high-quality user experience, management simplicity, support for compliance with the Healthcare Information Privacy and Portability Act (HIPPA) and cost advantages compared with a laptop refresh project. They liked VDI-in-a-Box because of its simplicity and also because of Citrix HDX, which allowed their x-ray and other imaging applications to run very well on the virtual desktops. Speed was essential to them because they wanted something where the virtual desktop would come up quickly and the x-rays would be clear for diagnostic purposes. They also wanted something that would give them access to their electronic medical records applications from iPads and other devices.

The benefit: simple, fast and secure virtual desktop access

The hospital’s doctors can now securely access the hospital’s electronic medical records (EMR) system on iPad tablets, which they now carry on rounds instead of having to rely on shared terminals or office PCs. Because VDI-in-a-Box delivers full Windows desktops, any of the applications the hospital previously used are available—even on iPads. The complete cost of the implementation was less than the cost of a PC refresh, while delivering more value in terms of user mobility, any-device access and lower ongoing endpoint costs. They were actually able to get it up and running overnight, so their first application which was to train their nurses on their new application was ready to go in time for the class. They will continue to expand the Windows application they support and will move to more iPads and thin clients as PCs fail or budget becomes available to purchase more.

A United States County Hospital

IndustryHealthcare

Key Benefits• Deployed VDI-in-a-Box

in less than 1 day for critical deliverable

• Delivered remote clinic solution

• Reduced downtime – no downtime in last year

• Increased quality of care through secure, anywhere, any device access to electronic medical records

• Lower endpoint costs

• Simplified ongoing maintenance

Citrix Products• Citrix VDI-in-a-Box

About CitrixCitrix Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTXS) is the company transforming how people, businesses and IT work and collaborate in the cloud era. With market-leading cloud, collaboration, networking and virtualization technologies, Citrix powers mobile workstyles and cloud services, making complex enterprise IT simpler and more accessible for 260,000 enterprises. Citrix touches 75 percent of Internet users each day and partners with more than 10,000 companies in 100 countries. Annual revenue in 2011 was $2.21 billion. Learn more at www.citrix.com.

©2012 Citrix Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Citrix®, Citrix VDI-in-a-Box™, Citrix Receiver™, Citrix ShareFile™, HDX™, Citrix NetScaler®, XenApp®, XenServer®, GoToAssist®, and Citrix Access Gateway™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Citrix Systems, Inc. and/or one or more of its subsidiaries, and may be registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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VDI simplified Success Stories

Additional Resources

Whitepapers• Top 5 Considerations

for Simplifying Virtual Desktops

• Getting started with VDI-in-a-Box

Website• Citrix VDI-in-a-Box

Free trial• Try VDI-in-a-Box for free

Summary

The implementation of VDI does not have to involve the creation of a costly, complex infrastructure. VDI-in-a-Box makes it possible to deliver personalized virtual desktops for less than the cost of traditional PCs, enabling IT to do more with less while making it possible for people to work anywhere, any time, on any device. As a result, IT can realize the full value of key trends like workshifting, consumerization and user mobility. The solution is simple to deploy and manage for small and midsize businesses; easy scalability and a clear migration path to XenDesktop ensure consistent support for growing organizations.

To learn more about implementing VDI quickly, easily and inexpensively in your organization please visit www.citrix.com/vdi-in-a-box.