Citrix is working on delivering solutions that transform the value of access into strategic advantage for its customers, says Citrix EMEA VP Stefan Sj"ostr"om.
"In 2001, we outlined our vision for building a value proposition that takes care of the complexity of IT systems and how to access them. Through a series of enhancements to the Citrix product, that vision has become reality," Sj"ostr"om told iForum 2004 Africa delegates in Midrand on Wednesday.
Among the innovations demonstrated at iForum were the ability to roam across platforms and dynamic workspace creation through SmoothRoaming - a new capability that ensures consistent mobile access that is always on, and allows computing environments to follow users across locations, devices and access outages.
The Citrix MetaFrame Access Suite 3.0 also includes session reliability and resilience, role-based access control, and guest application collaboration, adds Sj"ostr"om.
Citrix has built a valuable reputation for server-based computing, but in the past many of the company`s clients had deployed Citrix solutions tactically, says Sj"ostr"om. "We are seeing a strong move towards strategic and solutions-based deployments of our products as clients want to drive more value out of their existing IT investments.
[VIDEO]"Gartner believes that 80% of IT budget is spent on maintenance, while only 20% is used to drive business growth. We see that customers of Citrix`s product suite are enjoying as much as a 35% reduction in IT maintenance spend, and a corresponding 35% increase in productivity."
Sj"ostr"om explains that the company had been working towards building a complete suite of products, and had partly fulfilled this goal through its acquisition of ExpertCity. The acquisition has allowed Citrix to launch products for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) which might not necessarily want access to server-based information.
Rather, their information is likely to be available on PCs. GoToMyPC, GoToAssist and GoToMeeting fulfil the same function as the Citrix MetaFrame Access suite 3.0, but allows SMEs secure access to their PCs via the Internet, irrespective of where they are in the world. Branded as Citrix Online, these three products are available through subscription for individuals or companies, says Citrix.
"However, Citrix is also investing considerably in listening to its customers when making decisions about product development."
Enhanced product ranges
[VIDEO]In his presentation, Citrix product development VP Keith Turnbull outlined the enhancements the company had made to its Citrix MetaFrame Access Suite and the Citrix Online product range.
He said that overall, the latest versions deliver a more comprehensive and secure solution to enterprise and SME access issues than previous versions and compared to other vendors` products.
Turnbull said the development team had set its focus on delivering customer value through innovation. It will do this by continually improving performance and scalability.
In addition, plans are in place to keep enhancing usability and integration of products within the range by extending the common infrastructure across the suite, extending the Access Suite`s manageability and reporting functions; providing additional user mobility and expanding Citrix`s device support, said Turnbull.
"A pragmatic, cost-effective and flexible access strategy is vital for an on-demand business. Citrix has aggressive, multi-year product development and innovation plans to enhance its offerings.
"We are delivering on our vision for Access Infrastructure - irrespective of the technology that infrastructure is based upon, whether it be servers, client PCs or mainframes, and regardless of the operating system being used."
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