Kingdom first deployed endpoint devices in 1999 to all system users and had used various manufacturer’s devices. A key objective to improve business continuity was met in May 2015 by implementing a new MPLS network and moving its server infrastructure and storage to a remote secure data centre. The ICT team then looked at meeting another key objective of improving the desktop experience for its 100 or so users spread across nine different office locations.

“We wanted to provide smooth and intuitive multimedia and internet services to our users at the desktop,” explained Gary Haldane, Head of ICT at Kingdom Housing Association. “Our employees were using online and multimedia services such as YouTube more frequently for research and learning but had to move away from their desk to use these services in training rooms or on a laptop because their existing endpoints did not handle multimedia well. They were experiencing a lot of drag and buffering. We wanted to radically improve this user experience.”

The organisation decided to test a range of leading midlevel endpoints. IGEL Technology came out on top but the decision to buy was also swayed by other factors, explained Gary. “Many of the other leading endpoint manufacturers offer a wide range of different hardware and software. We chose IGEL Technology because they focus their business on endpoint. We knew we would get better support from a dedicated provider and that has proven to be the case.”

Kingdom chose the IGEL UD6 endpoint and has now deployed over 160 across the organisation. IGEL’s most powerful hardware series, the UD6 sets a new standard in endpoint computing. With its fast quadcore processor and flexible expansion capability, the UD6 is the device of choice for the most demanding uses including video playback in full HD, computer-aided design (CAD) or 3D applications.

The IGEL devices connect to virtual servers at the remote data centre using Citrix XenApp 7.6 over a MPLS network. The ICT team has created one desktop image, which includes Microsoft Office applications; Orchard’s housing systems and some other specialist applications. Access to applications is governed by permissions run through Microsoft Active Directory

The ICT team used the IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS) software, which comes included with every device, to set up and configure the desktops. The software is a simple to use tool, which can have clients up and running in minutes. Intuitive to use, secure and scalable up to 100,000 endpoints, the IGEL UMS drastically reduces management time for IT administrators.

“The roll-out took just a few days,” said Gary. “We preconfigured and then it was simply a case of plugging in the devices and using the UMS. Using the same software, the devices can be centrally managed for any updates. We have used other endpoint security and optimization software in the past and they were terrible to use but this software couldn’t be easier.”

“…we have used other endpoint security and optimization software in the past and they were terrible to use but this software couldn’t be easier.”

In the first 6 months, Gary added that there had been very minimal desktop management required for his small ICT team with no device failures or helpdesk calls and with the IGEL endpoints coming with a five year warranty, Gary said he expected IGEL endpoints to be on the desktops for many trouble-free years.

“Users have been pleased with the new IGEL devices,” reported Gary. “They are so much faster than the previous endpoints and they no longer have to leave their desks to view video or training materials.”

“And now that Kingdom has a quality network infrastructure and desktops, the ICT team is not spending time firefighting and is concentrating on delivering strategic objectives and further business improvements through optimizing technology.”