Audio version

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NEWS

February/March 2014 • www.esb.ie/em

WINDOWS 7 UPGRADE - TIME RUNNING OUT ON XP SUPPORT

The Microsoft Upgrades Programme covers an extensive set of improvements to IT tools which impacts most users in ESB in some way. Currently, the programme is concentrating on the rollout of Windows 7 as the deadline for Windows XP looms large.

Paul Mallon and Frank Gllmartln, ESB Networks IT Team, discuss the merits of Thin Client with Jerry O'Sulllvan, Managing Director, ESB Networks and Thin Client user

FROM APRIL 8TH Windows XP will no longer be supported by Microsoft, therefore all XP desktops and laptops in ESB are being upgraded to Windows 7 compatible devices.

With over 13 million external attempts to access our systems and approximately 20 laptops per month being treated for viruses, the risk of not upgrading to Windows 7 would mean we would be unable to rollout regular security patches to defend ourselves from such attacks.

ONE USER, ONE DEVICE

ESB began to deploy Microsoft Windows 7 at the end of 2012, however it quickly became apparent that many of our existing computing devices would not be compatible with Windows 7 and would need replacement. In support of ESB's desktop strategy, the decision was taken to move staff to one device per user. The device selected for you is based on your individual requirements:

• Office Users: Staff who are based in an ESB location with access to the ESB network and use standard applications via MyDesktop will receive a Thin Client.
• PowerUsers: StaffbasedinanESB location who require specialised applications or elevated rights to manage applications will be assigned a Desktop PC.
• Mobile Users: Staff who cannot usually access the ESB network without dialling in via MyOffice, or who need laptops to make presentations or run specialist applications off the network, will be assigned a Laptop.

THE BENEFITS OF WINDOWS 7 AND THIN CLIENTS

Windows 7 is a huge improvement on the existing Windows XP platform. It simplifies many of the everyday tasks we all do to carry out our jobs, it is speedier to use and has a number of brand new features. The benefits of Windows 7 and Thin Clients can be summarised as follows:

Less cost

• With over 5,500 devices for just 4,500 users we must pay per software license, therefore reducing the number of devices saves us on the cost of licencing.
• Thin Clients cost just €290 in comparison to approximately €800 for a desktop PC or €1,200 for a laptop. Installing 2,000 Thin Clients will save €lm over the next three years.
• Windows XP license expires on 8th April - extending it for 2014 would cost up to €900K!

Greater efficiency

• Thin Clients boot up in just 40/50 seconds - desktops can take 4-5 minutes!
• New streamlined encryption for laptops will deliver significant improvements on their current boot up times.
• With our enhanced Citrix / MyDesktop environment, staff can log on at any PC quickly and easily without the need to reset/install personal settings, enabling hot-desking across the organisation.
• No repeated anti-virus updates/ scans saturating hard drives and slowing devices.
• Improved application performance (64 bit Operating System).

Anne O'Connor (Microsoft Upgrades Programme Manager), Lorna Davey (Windows 7 Project Manager), Michelle Nolan (Change Manager), Declan Lannon (Transition Manager) and Leonard Walsh (Technical Lead) receive the BSC & Electric Ireland Sustalnablllty Award on behalf of the Windows 7 Project from Pat Naughton, Executive Director, Group People & Sustalnablllty

Paddy Hayes (Executive Director, GWM) pictured with (l-r) Karen White (IT & BP Team Member), Michael Kealy (Business Analyst, Governance, GWM) and Elaine Ryan (IT & BP Team Leader). Michael, an office based user, recently received a Thin Client as part of the Windows 7 upgrade

Windows 7 is a huge improvement on the existing Windows XP platform. It simplifies many of the everyday tasks we all do to carry out our jobs...

Enhanced security

• Enhanced Windows 7 security features will protect our systems and data from the threat of viruses and hacking.
• Streamlined Citrix environment means we can implement essential security patches much more rapidly than before (weeks as opposed to months).

Easier support

• All users via Citrix on standard hardware and software platforms.
• Call out rate to date for Thin Clients is a fraction of the existing call out rate. Calls to the 26699 Customer Support Centre are also significantly down.
• The right support for staff based on their user profile.

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD FOR THIN CLIENTS

As well as being cheaper, faster and easier to support, the environmental benefits of a Thin Client are clear to see:

• A Thin Client uses 10% of the energy required by a standard PC - that is a €56K per annum saving in energy costs for 2,000 Thin Clients.
• Thin Clients running off a server network produce a third of the impact in terms of CO² emissions of PCs. A PC will emit 3781bs of CO² in a year, compared to just 1201bs for a Thin Client.

“ESB's policy of ‘one user, one device’ will save the Company significantly over the coming years - both in terms of licencing and hardware costs”. - Liam Molloy, IT Manager and Chief Information Officer, BSC.

“The list of benefits are considerable, but the success of Windows 7 and the new Thin Client devices is really apparent when speaking to users. Feedback has been very positive, with staff pointing to the speed, reliability and enhanced features of the new upgraded devices”. - Jerry O'Sullivan, Managing Director, ESB Networks and Thin Client user.