Case Study Details

Client Requirement :

• Eliminate Microsoft Liscences by migrating to linux & openoffice
• Linux OS customization like user level locking for applications & settings changes
• Printer support for Epson , HP , TVS
• Easy mass deployment by creating Ghost images

Solution Proposed to Client :

Thin Computing Thin Clients with Linux Embedded Minix OS

Benefits :

• Microsoft Liscences were eliminated as their ERP runs on linux Thin Client locally
• Save on antivirus liscences
• IT calls were reduced by 70%
• Security at client end without installing extra third-party softwares
• Save power consumption by 80%

Client Requirement:

• Easy to manage Lab training technology (support in case of failure is costly)
• Low power consumption (as it has to work mostly on UPS due to power outage)
• Lockdown of OS to prevent virus attacks & repeated formatting of Hard Drives.

Solution Proposed to Client:

Thin Computing Mediastation Thin Client - Mediastation Thin Client works on ISCSI technology. It uses the server as HDD and is completely diskless. A single Virtualized image can boot multiple Mediastation thin Clients and all applications work as if they are working on desktops. Mediastation TC can run high definition HD Videos & Sound with good quality as all applications run completely on Thin Client hardware.

Benefits:

• Image besed technology hence single image can boot all thin clients
• No problem of virus as image is locked
• Low power consumption as thin clients are completely diskless & embedded hardware
• No support needed at location as users cannot damage thin client OS
• Save power consumption by 80% (more backup time on UPS as Mediastation works on 18 W power)

Problems faced by Client :

• Being a government organisation IT department was very short on resources hence needed centralized management
• Since users were not tech savvy lot of IT calls were generated due to client errors
• All mills spread accross india needed access to centralized Tally server Virus spreading was a major concern

Solution Proposed to Client :

Following Suggestion was given to Customer.

• Migrate from Desktops to Thin Clients
• Install Windows 2003 Terminal server for hosting Tally Server & user data
• Convert some of existing desktops to Thin Client
• Convert some of existing desktops to Thin Client

Challenges :

• Making their ERP system work on minixOS
• Client had lot of different make printers attached to billing department (Epson, TVS, HP Laser, Samsung)
• Also client had custom printing in their DO challans (we had to make it work in linux)

Benefits :

• Client saved 50-60% on TCO for 3 years
• No Antivirus need on Thin Clients
• Saved 100% on Microsoft liscencing Costs as entire infrastructure was migrated to Minix Linux OS & Libreoffice
• IT calls reduced by 90% as TC Hardware is Sturdy & there were no virus attacks
• Client saved approximately Rs 4000000/- on entire hardware & software Save power consumption by 80%