Antioch U gives BYOD, browser-based access to IBM's SPSS and other Windows apps

CLOSTER, USA: Ericom Software, a global leader in application access and desktop virtualization solutions, announced that Antioch University have selected Ericom AccessNow and PowerTerm WebConnect to provide students with browser-based access to hosted Windows applications such as IBM's SPSS predictive analytics software.

Ericom PowerTerm WebConnect is an advanced connection broker that provides secure, centrally managed access to desktops, applications, files and content on a wide range of platforms including Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (Terminal Servers) and desktop virtualization (VDI) platforms. Integrating AccessNow, doctoral students at any of Antioch University's five campuses have the flexibility to access the tools and environment necessary to conduct their research even when not on campus or in the lab.

Bolstering BYOD efforts, Ericom AccessNow enables students to log in from Chromebooks, iPads, iPhones, Android devices, as well as Macs and Windows laptops and desktops.

Chancelor C. Chao, Technical director at Antioch University, explained: "We already invested in the software and did not want to place any further burden on students. A lot of students use SPSS. We did not want to force them to come into the campuses to access the program; instead, we wanted to enable students wherever they are, and using any device, to be able to access the program.

After researching several options, Chao and his team opted for Ericom over Citrix and Windows Terminal Server. "The Ericom solution was simply more cost-effective, both in terms of deployment and maintenance," said Chao. "By offering universal access to applications such as SPSS, Ericom AccessNow and PowerTerm WebConnect enable Antioch University to deliver on promoting student-centered education."

Ilan Paretsky, Ericom Software's VP of Marketing, commented: "We are pleased to be a part of Antioch's philosophy of bringing education to the student, making learning more accessible from anywhere and on any device. PowerTerm WebConnect with AccessNow's HTML5 capabilities provides an ideal solution for extending the learning environment beyond the campus as well as for implementing BYOD programs."