KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Dec. 7, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Neoware Systems (Nasdaq:NWRE), the leading supplier of award-winning software, services, and appliances for thin client computing, today announced that Groupe S Social Secretariat, one of Belgium's leading human resources consulting and services organizations, has replaced its entire fleet of desktop personal computers with Neoware software and thin client appliances.
Deploying Neoware's thin client appliances enabled Groupe S to heighten the productivity of their employees in 27 locations with efficient access to the company's business applications, including Microsoft Office, Web browsing, e-mail, and the company's proprietary HR and account management applications. The increased reliability of Neoware's server-based computing approach allowed the company to eliminate hours spent fixing crashed personal computers, while enabling the IT department to centralize administration of applications, data, and remote workstations on the company's servers.
Now, administrative tasks such as upgrades, deployments, and support are performed remotely, without having to send IT professionals into the field, saving time and money. And Neoware software and thin client appliances also are strengthening overall system reliability by preventing users from accidentally reconfiguring settings or using unapproved software.
"Neoware simplified our entire IT system, and made it more reliable than we ever thought possible," says Alain Pierre, Technical Manager at Groupe S. "Deploying Neoware thin client appliances put an end to the extensive, cumbersome, and costly tasks of personal computing maintenance. Now we can deploy new applications or fix any problem with the push of a button. And we don't have to worry about desktops going down due to user errors or personal computer hardware failures."
Founded in 1939, Groupe S Social Secretariat provides human resources recruiting, personnel management, and benefits services for Belgium companies of all sizes, including payroll, administrative management, and legal support. Groupe S has 26 remote agency offices throughout Belgium with up to 30 employees at each location. Every remote office is in constant communication with the corporate headquarters in Brussels, where another 250 people, including the IT department, are staffed.
Before deploying Neoware, Groupe S used personal computers at all 27 of its locations, which made the network unreliable, difficult to manage, and a serious hindrance to employee productivity. Applications and data were stored locally across hundreds of personal computers distributed throughout the organization. Hardware and software failures were commonplace, preventing employees from accessing critical software applications, and blocking crucial e-mail communications with clients and headquarters. Personal computer crashes required Groupe S headquarters to send IT technicians across the country, where repairs could take hours or even days to complete. In addition, software and hardware updates required IT personnel to sit at each personal computer to install applications or some upgrade components.
By replacing the personal computers with Neoware thin clients and software, Groupe S was able to move all applications and data to centrally managed servers, so IT staff can remotely deploy and administer virtually every desktop in the organization, anywhere in Belgium. Deploying Neoware also greatly improved the reliability of the network, while maintaining complete compatibility with Groupe S's investment in PC software and custom applications. That's because Neoware thin client appliances are secure from standard PC viruses, and prevent users from accidentally reconfiguring settings or using unauthorized software. Better still, Neoware thin clients can be installed and configured in minutes. Software is installed and updated on a central server and centrally managed, making deployment as simple as plugging into the network and accessing the server.
"We're proud to be a key component of Groupe S's success," says Michael Kantrowitz, Chairman and CEO of Neoware. "Service organizations like Groupe S are increasingly turning to Neoware to gain the reliability and manageability they need to maximize employee productivity. Whether it's a single office or a widely dispersed organization like Groupe S, Neoware's centralized management reduces system complexity, eases administrative tasks, and lowers costs, while delivering increased reliability and manageability that's just not available from personal computers."
About Neoware
Neoware's software, services, and thin client appliances make computing more secure, manageable, reliable and affordable by enabling global enterprises to fully leverage server-based computing. By incorporating open, standards-based technologies and eliminating the obsolescence that is built into standard PC architectures, Neoware provides enterprises with increased flexibility and choice, as well as lower up-front and total costs.
Neoware's software products enable enterprises to gain control of their desktops, and to integrate mainframe, midrange, UNIX and Linux applications with Windows(r) and the web. Neoware's thin client appliances enable enterprises to run applications on servers, and display them across wired or wireless networks on secure, managed, reliable appliances that cost as little as one fourth the price of today's typical business PC. Neoware services enable corporations to benefit from server-based computing with training and end-to-end support.
Neoware's products are available worldwide from IBM, as well as from select, knowledgeable resellers. More information about Neoware can be found on the Web at http://www.neoware.com or via email at invest@neoware.com. Neoware is based in King of Prussia, PA. Neoware is a registered trademark of Neoware Systems, Inc. TeemTalk is a registered trademark of Neoware UK. All other names products and services are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
From: For: Gregory FCA Communications, Inc. Neoware Systems, Inc. 27 W. Athens Ave. 400 Feheley Drive Ardmore, PA 19003 King of Prussia, PA 19406 Contact: Contact: Tim Cifelli Sharon O'Shea (610) 642-8253 (610) 277-8300, ext. 1743 email: tim@gregoryfca.com email: sharon.oshea@neoware.com