The Challenge
After a merger with Stuttgart-based SEL BKK, BKK futur had to quickly and efficiently merge two diverse IT environments. BKK futur had a client-server network with PC workstations, while SEL BKK had adopted a server-based computing architecture.

The short time available for merging the two environments placed the head of Organization & Services, Peter Salathe, under considerable pressure. “In order to modify the health insurance cards within the time allowed, we had to consolidate the IT environments within two months,” explained Salathe. “Aside from the tight time frames, the rapid doubling of user numbers was also a huge challenge Considering cost issues associated with replacing outdated PCs, and the shortage of time, we decided to expand the server based computing environment that had been in place at SEL BKK.”

The IT team was also faced with the daunting task of supporting double the number of users with access to 20 applications, including an electronic document management application with over 500 documents and the central information system of the statutory health insurance schemes (ISKV) with various add-ons, scan-copier-fax solutions and network printers. “Instead of the existing 100 thin clients at 10 SEL BKK locations, our server farm now had to enable 200 workstations spread over 25 sites with access to key applications,” added Salathe. To prevent the expenses that would result from procuring an automatic software distribution solution, and to support more users, the company was looking for a solution that would support 64-bit systems. 

Benefits With IGEL thin clients and four new terminal servers running on the 64-bit version of Windows 2003, BKK futur was able to double its users per server. The simultaneous use of thin clients and 64-bit technology has helped BKK futur to significantly reduce its energy consumption. Over the next three years, BKK futur anticipates a five-digit savings in kilowatt hours. Thanks to the intuitively designed IGEL Remote Management Suite, the IT team has also been able to manage all its thin clients remotely across 25 locations.

The Solution - IGEL Winestra and Compact Thin Clients
BKK approached consultancy firm, NetScript Binary Works in Stuttgart for advice. NetScript had successfully completed similar migration projects. “SEL BKK had used IGEL thin clients throughout the company since 2003,” recalled Salathe. “IGEL thin clients, one of the first in the market, had already met our requirements in terms of function, implementation and management. We decided to expand our IGEL solution across the organization.”

A fundamental condition for the timely implementation of the migration project was the relevant know-how of NetScript which, in addition to contributing the 64-bit concept, also made purchasing recommendations. NetScript also offered a self-developed log-on management system, nLogon, which allowed the 64-bit system, only available in English, to work in German and also control printer allocation. IGEL Winestra and XPe-based IGEL-3610 XPe Compact thin clients were easily integrated to the existing IT environment of BKK futur.

IGEL and 64-bit Environment Improve Scalability and Energy Efficiency
Thanks to its new 64-bit environment and IGEL thin clients, BKK futur is able to rely on a scalable and cost-conscious infrastructure. With four new terminal servers running on the 64-bit version of Windows 2003, BKK futur was able to double its user numbers per server.

The simultaneous use of thin clients and 64-bit technology has helped BKK futur to significantly reduce its energy consumption. “Over the next three years, there will be five-digit savings in kilowatt hours,” predicted Salathe. “Responsible for this are the energy-efficient IGEL thin clients, which reduce electricity costs by 50 percent when compared
to PCs.” In addition, 64-bit systems reduce operating costs by 50 percent when compared to alternative 32-bit versions. The same ratio applies to server-related software licences such as anti-virus solutions.

BKK futur was also able to retain its data centre infrastructure, including uninterruptible power supply and air conditioning equipment at no extra cost. “With our new solution, even the hardware- and software-related service and administration expenses on the server side remain constant despite twice the number of users,” said Salathe.

Technical Details Together with IT consultancy firm and systems house NetScript binary works, BKK futur has developed a server-based computing environment with the following components: 4 Dell PowerEdge 2950 servers with 8 GB RAM, 2 Intel dual core processors and SAS discs in RAID 10 array Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x 64 Standard Edition Citrix Presentation Server 4.5 x 64 Approximately 200 IGEL thin clients (mainly IGEL 3210 LX Compact, a number of IGEL 3610 XPe Compact for card readers 4 PCs for the administrator and scanner Approximately 20 notebooks

IGEL Solution Saves Valuable Money and Resources
“The IGEL XPe devices offer us a robust, reliable and elegant solution for the operation of our Series II health insurance card readers,” praised Salathe. “Although this key application was not compliant with terminal servers, IGEL firmware enabled us to run the application without investing in a new solution. In addition, we were able to eliminate the need for terminal emulation for access to host systems, which was also integrated into the firmware. This has saved us valuable money and resources.”

The IT team at BKK futur is impressed with the wide range of integrated digital services and the simplification of administration and configuration with IGEL thin clients. “Thanks to the intuitively designed IGEL Remote Management Suite, we can manage all our thin client models remotely from any location,” explained Salathe. “We have been able to make considerable savings in terms of support.” In addition, IGEL Remote Management Suite, with NetScript Zero Client Configuration rollout management tools enabled the thin clients to become individual workstations simply by being connected to the network. IGEL Remote Manager has helped the company to simplify administration and lower costs.

Conclusion
With IGEL thin clients, BKK futur has been able to merge two diverse IT environments, while improving scalability and reducing costs. BKK futur believes that IGEL thin clients will play an important role in its future plans.  “We are now maximally equipped to merge or expand our net work in the future,” concluded Salathe. “And we haven’t even exhausted the full potential of the solution.”