Orchard helps firms slim down

VAR devises a strategy to implement a cost effective and painless thin-client migration

Reseller Orchard Information Systems has devised a strategy for migrating end users painlessly to a thin client system.

The Newcastle-based Citrix partner recently completed a 350-user project to migrate Cheshire's largest social landlord, Weaver Vale Housing Trust from PCs to thin client.

Though the arguments for such a project – reduced admin costs, improved security and cost and waste savings stemming from improved hardware shelf life – were compelling enough, part of the challenge is always getting users onside, according to the reseller.

Orchard’s IT consultancy team leader, Andrew Johnson, reported that a subtle migration plan evolved, which the rest of the channel might want to emulate in the interests of smooth technology roll-outs.

“We took five people at a time for training on the new thin client system. And while they were out the office, we took a screwdriver to their PC and whipped in a Citrix card,” explained Johnson.

The card converts a fat and tired PC into a fast thin client. By extending the life of a PC, thin client also helps companies to be more environmentally aware, saving the end user from the expense of PC replacements and the hassle of land filling their old machines. The green argument may sway many an eco conscious public sector organisation, suggested Johnson.

Ian Lee, IT manager at Weaver Vale Housing Trust said the deal
will save time and money and saves on hardware being junked. "Citrix will make admin of our IT estate much easier," he said

Orchard’s upgrade by stealth policy clearly worked. Though the original roll out of Citrix think client was only intended for remote workers, the client was impressed enough to extend the project to its entire IT infrastructure.

Meanwhile Citrix silver partner Orchard is looking to move itself up the value chain. If Johnson passes one more Citrix accreditation, the firm will become the North East’s only Citrix gold partner.