Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops create dynamic, collaborative workplace environment as Turkish energy leader pursues digital transformation
EnerjiSA is the largest energy supplier in Turkey. It reaches 9.6 million customers in 14 provinces and provides distribution services to more than 21 million users.
Like energy suppliers in markets worldwide, EnerjiSA is exploring new, sustainable production methods. It wants to drive innovation but must control operational costs. Plus, in a competitive market, EnerjiSA needs to engage with its customers. Increasingly this requires call centers, online and social channels.
Digital transformation is critical to future success. EnerjiSA wants to create a work environment that is consistent, responsive and efficient. It wants to allow flexible working for staff and to encourage collaboration, but, as a critical piece of national infrastructure, it must ensure robust data security.
“Security is our primary concern,” says Murat Yesilkaya, IT Systems Manager, EnerjiSA. “We hold the data of millions of citizens. The protection of this data is paramount.”
EnerjiSA wanted to allow seamless access to business applications for 1,000 of its users and third party contractors, from engineers to C Level, analysts to office administrators. “We want the business to be more dynamic and more flexible, but remote access has to be secure,” says Yesilkaya.
Application access where security is paramount
EnerjiSA considered a number of solution providers, but Yesilkaya said only one was approved: “Security is paramount. We couldn’t accept VPN access to our internal networks; only Citrix was cleared.”
Citrix provides a complete virtual app and desktop solution to meet EnerjiSA’s needs. Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops allows users the freedom to work from anywhere while cutting IT costs. It is flexible enough to deliver Windows, Linux, and web business applications or full virtual desktops from any cloud - public, on-premises or hybrid.
For Yesilkaya, this creates a modern digital workspace. It is also a platform that aligns with long-term strategy. The Citrix solution promises to go beyond security. Centralized desktop management will allow EnerjiSA to adopt a more evolved approach where it can focus on optimizing the user experience. This will help increase adoption, maximize capabilities by minimizing the number of consoles to manage, and develop BYOD programs where users access apps and data from personal devices.
Simplifying the deployment of applications and desktops
The solution was designed and implemented alongside VAS Information Technology, a local Citrix partner. In addition to Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops it includes Citrix App Layering and Citrix ADC.
Citrix App Layering uses a single virtual appliance to manage layers and then hands them off to other platforms for image and application distribution. Citrix ADC is an application delivery and load balancing solution that provides a high-quality user experience for web, traditional and cloud-native applications regardless of where they are hosted.
“Citrix App Layering is very useful,” says Yesilkaya. “It makes it easy to deploy new images and manage standards. It’s convenient, flexible… and we love it.”
Making third party collaboration secure and compliant
EnerjiSA often needs to work with third parties but must also comply with strict regulations and standards around the sharing of information. With Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, partners can remotely access the apps and desktop environments they need, whilst EnerjiSA can control what is accessed and record their screens in order to remain compliant.
“With Citrix I can deliver only what is needed. It is easy to manage and secure. The solution has passed every penetration test,” explains Yesilkaya.
Supporting innovation and continued digital transformation
The engagement supports a wider, digital transformation of the business. EnerjiSA has a history of pioneering innovation. Having established Turkey’s first micro energy grid, billed as the most innovative project in the last ten years in Europe, it is also the first company to use unmanned aerial technology in the distribution industry.
“We are investing in R&D and innovation to support the efficiency and sustainable development in the electricity distribution industry,” says Yesilkaya. “Citrix enables faster deployment of innovation, more securely and more consistently.”