Citrix unveils self-service model

Citrix has unveiled a series of additions, including its 'Dazzle' application store interface and an iPhone app for running enterprise applications to help customers adopt a self-service IT model, says Channel Web.

The vendor used its Citrix Synergy 2009 end-user conference, held this week in Las Vegas, to introduce the new additions to its product line to both its end-users and solution provider partners.

One of the overriding themes of Citrix's new launch is the need to transform IT into a self-service operation, said Wes Wasson, senior vice-president and chief marketing officer at Citrix.

Zurich Financial Services has launched an online self-service pensions facility for staff to improve engagement, states Employee Benefits.

The system went live for 7 500 active members of ZPen - the firm's collective name for its defined contribution and defined benefit pension schemes - last month, and will be rolled out to its 22 000 deferred members this month.

The technology allows members to obtain individual pension quotes, make final benefit selections online, change the amount of tax-free cash they can take as a lump sum at retirement and see the effect it will have on their pension, and calculate their pension benefits if they leave Zurich.

Self-service checkouts are set to be installed in some of Derbyshire's busiest libraries reports, BBC News.

The county council said IT would reduce costs and make it easier for people visiting the libraries. Officials at the authority said the use of the new terminals could prompt a review of staffing but that most people would be given other roles.

The county council's strategic director of cultural and community services, Martin Molloy, said the pilot scheme "proved very successful". He also said: "We've had a lot of positive feedback and by introducing the terminals we can cut back on waiting times and free staff up for other work."