barona

challenge

Even before working with Cloud2, Barona had considerable experience with Citrix in a traditional data centre environment, which had been used to publish various applications to users. Barona was heading towards the cloud, and Cloud2 was invited to explore different options and build a cloud-based implementation model for the traditional Citrix.

Cloud2 became Barona's virtualization partner in 2019, when Citrix Cloud was chosen as the cloud environment for logical reasons due to the Citrix environment previously in use. Barona's user base was growing steadily, and the main reason for choosing Citrix Cloud was the scalable alignment to the number of users it allowed.

Citrix Cloud worked well, but in 2022, due to updated needs and potential cost savings, it was decided to re-evaluate the package.

solution

Cloud2, which had already been Barona's virtualization partner with Citrix Cloud and had already deployed various virtualized environments, was the clear choice for exploring and implementing new solutions. 

Different desktop virtualisation solutions and their potential were examined from the perspective of optimising the needs and functions of Barona's remote desktop solution. Citrix was also compared to the existing Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).

For AVD, a proof of concept (POC) was conducted to ensure that the functionality of the Citrix Cloud-based environment could be implemented on AVD.

Based on the POC, AVD was found to enable all the previous functionality, and the cost savings of the AVD license was one clear reason for selecting AVD as Barona's new remote desktop solution.

AVD will provide Barona with virtual machines/desktops on demand, and their rapid setup, deployment and connectivity is essential to Barona's business.

Turnkey cooperation with Cloud2 Managed Cloud Workspace -service. As Cloud2 had also built their previous virtual workspace environment in the cloud on Azure, the migration to AVD was easy. Testing and piloting of the environment was carried out in collaboration between Cloud2 and Barona to ensure that AVD worked on the same principles and to guarantee easy deployment.

Cloud2 implemented an autoscaling solution for Barona's AVD that delivered clear cost savings without losing the benefits of the previous solution. AVD eliminated the need for additional load-bearing layers and virtual machines by automating the entire process through Microsoft AVD.

benefits

Barona has a Microsoft 365 E5 licence, which gives all its staff access to the AVD environment at no extra cost. The main benefits for Barona of adopting the AVD environment have been financial. As a lightweight solution, AVD is well aligned with Barona's needs and at the same time its cloud and licensing costs have been lower than before. 

Cloud2's existing automation for building the AVD made AVD deployment quick and cost-effective. The automations, which can be used as code, have improved the management of the whole, making further development of Barona's AVD environment easier in the future, should the need arise. Cloud2 is continuously developing its own AVD automations and AVD management to make it easier, more cost-effective and more reliable for the customer.

company info

Barona is the largest staffing company in Finland, employing more than 30 000 people annually in both its own and its clients' companies. Founded in 1999, the company operates in more than 30 locations in Finland and internationally in ten countries. Barona's services include recruitment, outsourcing solutions, work-life training and coaching.