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Antenna adopts desktop virtualisation

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Sanghamitra Kar
New Update

LONDON, UK: Antenna International, a provider of audio and multimedia visitor experiences, has achieved an increase in IT availability while reducing technology related costs by using 2X ApplicationServer XG to publish its applications globally.

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Antenna International is a multimedia group tour systems provider to some known venues in the world. It operates audio and multimedia tours at over 1,200 sites in more than 50 countries.

Antenna's IT system was faced with logistic issues while running a global multi-currency operation. They needed a consistent and robust software solution for their disparate sites to input costs and profit. With a staff of 80 to 120 per site, their infrastructure was not scalable with the company's growth plans.

To solve their issues, Antenna turned to 2X ApplicationServer XG for virtual application publishing globally from its major US hub and its finance/operations facility in London.

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2X ApplicationServer XG and 2X software clients enables Antenna to run its Microsoft and client environments across different devices. The new cohesive and portable solution is flexible  to be used with the existing infrastructure at client sites, to enable staff to log in, enter data, and generate reports.

The key for software delivery is the ability to work globally and cross-platform with an eye on mobility. Antenna users have a mix of OS and infrastructure from iOS to Windows XP, 7, and 8; and some sites have no infrastructure at all.

Sean Lentner, chief information officer at Antenna International, said: "The question for us was, how do we deploy virtual desktops in a cost-effective way, providing a homogenous environment for users that doesn't require infrastructure or dedicated Internet/VPN? We realized we needed 2X, and it has proved to work faultlessly."

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Having moved over to "thin" clients, the cost savings are huge, and both business efficiencies and security have improved. Because not everyone needs to be in the system at the same time, concurrent licensing helps the company be more flexible with thin clients.

By virtualizing its key business apps, Antenna estimates that it has made IT savings of at least 50%. Business efficiencies have significantly improved, and there are additional cost reductions in staff and in moving to a single accounting system.

The IT complexities of troubleshooting numerous VPN connections were time-consuming and inefficient for both site and central support staff. Users found that VPN connections were inconsistent-they might work today but not tomorrow-which is frustrating for staff on the move and working remotely.

Now, they all run over SSL using a standard port, with all data encrypted, which is more secure and much easier for staff members.

Antenna is planning further expansion in the Americas and EMEA later this year, and it will continue to roll out its virtualized finance system and Microsoft Office productivity suite to a large and growing audience across the globe.

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