Gen-i lands big 'thin client' deal in Australia

6.15pm - By RICHARD WOOD

New Zealand system integrator gen-i has landed one of the biggest Citrix "thin client" software deals in Australia involving 10,000 users with IAG Group's NRMA Insurance subsidiary.

The deal is believed to be worth around A$2-3 million for the software licensing alone, not including architectural design or implementation work which could double the value of the business.

The enterprise licence agreement is for the use of Citrix Metaframe XP software and follows from a 1300 seat implementation at IAG's New Zealand subsidiary State Insurance last year.

Citrix thin client technology allows Microsoft Windows to be used via low cost terminals or through terminal emulation on lowly specified PCs. In doing so it also centralises control of applications on central servers, so tends to be accompanied network redesign work. Businesses adopt thin client implementations because they can reduce the costs of IT infrastructure, particularly in the area of delivering desktop applications.

Sources said the licensing is initially for 10,000 users but allows for extension to IAG's other subsidiaries. This means it may yet eclipse the only larger Citrix deal downunder of 10,320 "seats" at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, done in conjunction with Citrix and systems integrator EDS last year.

NRMA general manager for IT services Gary Transfield was not available for comment. Gen-i Australia managing director John Bessey confirmed the licensing agreement is signed but would not comment on the price or size of the deal or on any other work being done by Gen-i at NRMA.

Gen-i, which is building its entire Australian operation on thin client business, currently employees 43 staff but Bessey anticipates it will grow to 110 staff over the next twelve months.