Citrix releases updated cost comparison tool for thin client computing

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. – Citrix Systems Inc. has announced availability of the global version of the Application Computing Environment (ACE) Cost Analyzer , a Web-based cost comparison tool for analyzing the economic impact of Citrix implementations. This new version of ACE, which is freely available for use by Citrix customers, prospects, and partners, includes enhancements that improve ease of use and internationalization.

Developed in conjunction with independent strategic consulting and technology research firm, Kaptronix, the ACE Cost Analyzer was created specifically for analyzing the economic impact of Citrix MetaFrame XP for Windows and Citrix MetaFrame for UNIX application serving software and Citrix NFuse Classic portal software on an organization’s computing environment. Nearly 20,000 users from over 100 countries have accessed the tool since it was initially offered in October 2001 with more than 50% participation from companies outside the United States.

In response to interest from international customers and prospects, Citrix has updated the ACE Cost Analyzer with several new features, including currency conversion support for more than 150 currencies, salary information to accurately represent country-level cost structures, and the ability to tailor default human resources data for the average number of working days per year. In addition, ACE now includes expanded reporting capabilities and a stand-alone user’s guide, which enhance the tool’s user-friendliness and effectiveness for evaluating computing costs.

‘The new features of the ACE Cost Analyzer allow organizations to more quickly evaluate the potential cost and impact of IT implementations on a global scale,’ said Atul Kapoor, a principal at Kaptronix Inc. ‘The tool clearly quantifies the economic benefits of server-based computing and gives IT managers easy access to the data they need to validate potential implementation options – all tailored to their specific technical and business requirements.’

The Citrix ACE Cost Analyzer was created to help IT professionals evaluate the economic impact of Citrix application serving products, without requiring them to perform complex calculations themselves. The ACE Cost Analyzer collects and verifies key cost elements related to an organization’s unique end-user computing environment, resulting in a personalized set of high-impact tables and charts ready for printing or e-mailing to colleagues. By performing calculations using a wide range of variables that work together to affect the total cost of deploying and managing applications, the ACE Cost Analyzer helps organizations understand the effects of relevant factors in order to intelligently deploy applications in the most economically sound manner.

‘The ACE Cost Analyzer has been an invaluable tool for demonstrating the financial benefits that our customers and prospects can expect to receive from a Citrix-based IT solution,’ said Tracy Butler, president of Acropolis Computers Inc., a Gold-level member of the Citrix Solutions Network. ‘Being able to realistically evaluate the potential cost savings of an implementation, and then use the analysis as a baseline comparison, really translates the value of Citrix software into a language IT decision makers can understand.’ Acropolis Computers, located in Southern Illinois, specializes in network integration solutions for business and academic institutions.

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Gary A. Mintchell, senior editor
gmintchell@cahners.com

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