Case Study: Watson Institute achieves secure, cost-effective BYOD access to Windows desktops with Ericom Software

Watson Institute embraces BYOD: Utilizes Ericom to deliver secure access to desktops via smartphones and tablets

Watson Institute, a century-old education organization near Pittsburgh serving hundreds of K–12 students with special needs, needed a simpler, lower-cost way for staff to access their Windows 7 desktops while traveling, working after hours, or using personal iPads and Android devices as part of a BYOD initiative. After finding Citrix too costly and complex, Watson selected Ericom Software and deployed PowerTerm WebConnect together with Ericom AccessToGo to deliver mobile remote desktop access.

Ericom Software implemented PowerTerm WebConnect (with AccessToGo and Blaze RDP acceleration) to provide unified, secure access to desktops, applications and files across smartphones and tablets for roughly 175 users across three locations. The solution proved more affordable and easier to manage than Citrix, delivered consistent desktop experiences that reduced training and help-desk overhead, provided reliable sessions even on low-bandwidth connections, and has been running successfully for four years while Watson plans to add Ericom’s HTML5 AccessNow to broaden BYOD support.

Watson Institute

Ryan Young

Information Services Manager