Supply Chain Services opts for server-based computing solution to cut down on support costs

Supply Chain Services, a third-party distributor of FMCG products, has implemented a Microsoft Terminal Server server-based computing solution as part of its project aimed at reducing its IT support requirements.

Although the company is implementing the rollout itself, systems integrator Open Architecture Systems (OAS) is playing a management role in the project.

Explains Dave Langley, MIS manager at Supply Chain Services: "OAS understood what we were trying to do from the first day.

"Just because you know the NT environment doesn`t mean you understand server-based computing. You need server-based computing experience to implement and support Terminal Server and OAS has that in abundance."

The Terminal Server project involves local and remote sites being converted from a distributed PC environment to a Terminal Server-based infrastructure.

"Terminal Server was chosen because it allows users to experience the Windows environment from a thin-client terminal," says Philip Lavers, sales director for OAS.

"We wanted to lay in place the foundation for `GUI-ising` applications as well as facilitate more Internet and intranet access," he continues.

Adds Langley: "A major criterion for us was that we didn`t want to increase our IT staffing, so we didn`t want PCs on every desk. We opted for thin-client terminals instead as almost half of our staff countrywide have terminals which would have to be replaced anyway."

Supply Chain Services has five major branches around South Africa, as well as several third-party warehouses and suppliers who also need access to the system. All in all, there are about 150 users on the network.

"OAS`s association with Intel was important in our choice of partner, as was the fact that they are a Gold Citrix reseller. In addition, the systems integrator`s high level of technical expertise left us in no doubt that our choice was correct."

Langley expects the entire rollout to be completed by mid-2000.