Citrix releases updated cost comparison tool at Citrix iForum 2002 Africa

Citrix Systems, Inc, a global leader in virtual workplace software and services presented its new global version of the Application Computing Environment (ACE) Cost Analyser, a Web-based cost comparison tool for analysing the economic impact of Citrix implementations, at Citrix iForum 2002 Africa on 23 July at Vodaworld, Midrand.

This new version of ACE, which is freely available for use by Citrix customers, prospects and partners at http://acecostanalyser.com, includes enhancements that improve ease of use and internationalisation.

Chris Norton, channel manager at Citrix Systems SA, says: "The new features of the ACE Cost Analyser allow companies to more quickly evaluate the potential cost and impact of IT implementations on a global scale.

"The tool clearly quantifies the economic benefits of server-based computing and gives IT managers easy access to the data they need to validate potential implementation options - all tailored to their specific technical and business requirements."

Citrix customers, such as Lakin Law Firm, understand the real-world benefits and challenges of implementing and managing effective application computing environments. "We were pretty sure that we wanted to expand our Citrix MetaFrame deployment, however, we needed to confirm that it was the most cost-effective option available for delivering applications to our remote users," said Brad Lakin, managing attorney for Lakin Law Firm. "Seeing the figures - cost savings, staffing and time - in black and white from the ACE Cost Analyser absolutely set our decision in stone."

Developed in conjunction with independent strategic consulting and technology research firm, Kaptronix, the ACE Cost Analyser was created specifically for analysing the economic impact of Citrix MetaFrame XP for Windows and Citrix MetaFrame for Unix application serving software and Citrix NFuse Classic portal software on an organisation`s computing environment. Nearly 20 000 users from over 100 countries have accessed the tool since it was initially offered in October 2001 with more than 50% participation from companies outside the US.

In response to the strong interest from international customers and prospects, Citrix has updated the ACE Cost Analyser with several new features, including currency conversion support for more than 150 currencies, salary information to accurately represent country-level cost structures, and the ability to tailor default human resources data for the average number of working days per year. In addition, ACE now includes expanded reporting capabilities and a comprehensive stand-alone user`s guide, which enhance the tool`s user-friendliness and effectiveness for evaluating computing costs.

The Citrix ACE Cost Analyser was created to help IT professionals evaluate the economic impact of Citrix application serving products, without requiring them to perform complex calculations themselves. The ACE Cost Analyser collects and verifies key cost elements related to an organisation` s unique end-user computing environment, resulting in a personalised set of high-impact tables and charts ready for printing or e-mailing to colleagues. By performing calculations using a wide range of variables that work together to affect the total cost of deploying and managing applications, the ACE Cost Analyser helps organisations understand the effects of relevant factors in order to intelligently deploy applications in the most economically sound manner.

"The ACE Cost Analyser has been an invaluable tool for demonstrating the financial benefits that our customers and prospects can expect to receive from a Citrix-based IT solution," John-Mark Clark, worldwide Director - Analyst Relations and Market Research for Citrix. "Being able to realistically evaluate the potential cost savings of an implementation, and then use the analysis as a baseline comparison, really translates the value of Citrix software into a language IT decision-makers can understand."

The ACE Cost Analyser is available at http://www.citrix.com/costanalyser and at www.citrix.com. The tool can be accessed by Citrix customers, prospects, partners, resellers and sales personnel to analyse the potential cost savings and benefits derived from adopting Citrix products.

Citrix iForum Africa was held at Vodaworld, Midrand on 23 July 2002. Citrix iForum 2002 Africa is the IT conference of the year for anyone looking for an opportunity to learn how business access software and access portal technology are beneficial to the enterprise.

The conference featured over 15 tracks, ideal for network managers, systems engineers, CIOs and senior decision makers. The tracks provided in-depth technical focus and demonstrations on how specific technical issues can be overcome. Other tracks illustrated the business benefits that can be gained by implementing Citrix technology, with an emphasis on customer participation.