Chapter Eight: Case Studies

The best way to fully understand where and how the thin-client/server computing model can fit within your company or organization is to see where and how the technology has already been applied. Companies currently taking advantage of thin-client/server computing using Citrix technology include LaSalle Partners, Omnes, Honeywell Europe S.A., Pyramid Breweries, Standard Forms, Anne E. Biedel & Associates, Clarion Health, Mecon, Claimsnet.com, Pro Staff, ReloAction, Bell Mobility, and Vodac. Thin-client/server technology is also used in such organizations as the Orange County Public Defender s Office, Florida Water Services, and Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona, at the Tulsa City-County Library, and at educational institutions such as Idaho State University.

In this chapter, we ll examine how each of these companies, organizations, and schools uses the thin-client/server model. As you ll see, the thin-client/server technology is versatile and is useful in a broad range of situations. The case studies in this chapter are drawn from the following general areas:

• Accounting and financial reporting
  
  
• Sales automation
  
  
• Health care services
  
  
• Thin-client/server use on the Web
  
  
• Human resources management
  
  
• Communications and remote computing
  
  
• Legal services
  
  
• The public and nonprofit sectors
  
  
• Education

So read on for a closer look at some of the innovative ways in which thin-client/server computing with Citrix WinFrame is currently being used. Each case study is set up in a similar manner: first, the presenting problems are introduced; second, the software and hardware used to solve the problems are listed; and finally, the overall solution is described and its results are assessed. The cases are presented in terms of the vertical problem that was addressed.

This chapter examines solutions using Citrix WinFrame.