Citrix access essentials enriches remote access possibilities for small businesses with newest release

The latest version creates new possibilities for organizations with 5 to 75 users to interact with their central billing, scheduling, customer relationship management and similar line-of-business applications when they are at home, at a remote office, at a hotel, or traveling with a mobile PC. The new version also streamlines configuration setup for more elaborate customer environments. In all, the 1.5 release makes it even more attractive for employees to "go into work" over the Internet using just a Web browser.

Business managers and owners in small organizations cite several problems that prevent them from working effectively when out of the office. Poor response times over slow lines, security threats from public networks, and improperly configured equipment at the remote end are just some of the impediments they face when trying to access business critical applications remotely. Rudimentary remote access tools force them into difficult work/life choices such as spending long hours at the office, commuting to the office during the weekend, and long delays in responding to customers and suppliers. Access Essentials can help them remove these obstacles to increased productivity.

Access Essentials builds on the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 platform to deliver a central, secure and convenient access point for internal and external users of Windows-based applications, files and intranet sites, including those hosted on SharePoint services. Licenses for Access Essentials include Windows Terminal Services Client Access Licenses (TS CALs), thus streamlining license procurement and saving small businesses time and money.

"Small businesses have a high percentage of remote workers, but rarely have full time IT resources to support them," said Raymond Boggs, SMB and Home Office VP at market research firm IDC. "Small businesses have almost 5 million branch offices and 15 million mobile workers, which represents a major support challenge, especially as remote workers and remote sites clamor for access to the kinds of resources available at company headquarters."

"We are excited about Citrix Access Essentials for the Middle East market where there are a large number of companies who can reap the associated benefits," said Ian Cochrane, Marketing Manager, Citrix Middle East "The enhanced capabilities in this new version make it even easier for timely and accurate information - even rich multimedia content - irrespective of whether the employee is mobile or in a remote office. As the Middle Eastern SMB sector embraces solutions and technology with the ongoing growth in the region, Citrix Access Essentials will play a pivotal role in empowering the organizations with remote, uninterrupted access."