Scottsdale Community College Implements “mySCC” – New Citrix-powered Desktop Virtualization Solution for Students, Staff

~ New technology resource provides students, faculty and staff with free access to software applications, network resources, and files -- from any device with internet access ~

Scottsdale, AZ (July 13, 2009) – When Scottsdale Community College came due for another round of computer upgrades, the college decided to try a new approach.  Rather than constant spending on new hardware—which would limit funding for expanding availability, advanced technology or even new educational software, SCC implemented the full Citrix Delivery Center portfolio to power its “mySCC” portal.  mySCC provides students and staff with free access to software applications, personal files and network resources from any computer with internet access. 

“Whether it's an Architectural Technology student who needs access to AutoCAD software, a Graphic Design student who needs Adobe InDesign to complete an assignment, or an employee who needs access to MS Word from their personal computer to make a quick change to a meeting agenda, mySCC provides immediate and seamless entry to a world of information and resources,” said Dr. Jan Gehler, Scottsdale Community College president.

With mySCC, there is no need for the campus IT team to touch every computer when installing software, upgrades or patches.  There is only one desktop to manage, and that one ‘golden image’ is housed in the datacenter.  Applications are installed, upgraded or patched once, and that single image is delivered directly to student- or college-owned end devices.  Each student benefits from the fast, virtualized desktop, while SCC’s IT team can apply personnel and budget resources to other important projects.

"Scottsdale Community College sets the example for using virtualization technologies to give students access to the applications they need at any time, from any end device," said David Podwojski, Director of Government, Education and Health for Citrix Systems. "mySCC makes it possible for more students to experience greater access to the tools they need to succeed in college and, ultimately, in life. Citrix is proud to be a part of the solutions that make up mySCC."

Key benefits of desktop virtualization solutions like the one powering mySCC include:

Applications are implemented at the server level, with no need to physically handle each desktop or laptop. Data and applications reside safely in the datacenter, while only pixels and mouse clicks are transmitted over the network to the student's end device, creating an added level of security for the college's applications, data and hardware.

Virtualization's ability to deliver secure, on-demand access creates 24/7 availability. SCC students, faculty and staff enjoy the freedom of working when they want, where they want, and can use their own laptops to access college resources.

Desktops and other end devices last much longer, cutting the expense of replacing hardware. This also reduces waste and allows the college to gradually replace aging desktops with more energy-efficient thin clients – with no negative impact on performance.

The computer lab becomes a virtual experience, which frees up the on-campus lab space for other uses.

With mySCC, a consistent learning environment is maintained because all students in a particular class use the same resources.  For faculty who teach SCC’s online classes, for example, this ensures that their students will have access to the same version of the software required for their class – thereby leveling the playing field and providing an affordable, convenient solution for students to complete their class assignments.  Additionally, project files that are posted to a shared folder by an instructor can be read by everyone in the class.

“Many students were struggling to afford the required software, or a particular type of computer needed to run that software,” said Dustin Fennell, SCC’s Chief Information Officer.  “We wanted to make our resources more widely available and affordable for our students.”

Students, faculty, and staff have access to over 80 software applications.  Additionally, mySCC is platform independent, meaning users do not need new computers or operating systems to enjoy the benefits of mySCC.  Applications available to students through mySCC include:

AutoCAD modeling software by AutoDesk

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Visual Studio, Internet Explorer and Office

FinalDraft screenplay and screenwriting software

Maple 11 mathematics and engineering program

According to Fennell, SCC did not have to come up with new funding to finance this project. 

“We simply redirected money that would have been spent on PC upgrades to pay for the Citrix solution,” he said.  “SCC is saving approximately $250,000 per year on hardware refreshes by tapping into virtualization – a solution that benefits students greatly and makes good business sense for the college in the long run.”

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Scottsdale Community College offers over 1,500 academic and non-credit classes each semester. Located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the campus is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful plant and wildlife. With nearly 12,000 students, Scottsdale Community College is proud to offer high-quality, affordable programs in small class settings. From Motion Picture/Television Production and Culinary Arts to Nursing and American Indian Studies, students have a wide variety of programs from which to earn credits for university transfer, launch their careers, train for new ones, or pursue a special interest. The SCC Business Institute offers customized programs to meet the needs of local business. Scottsdale Community College is one of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges.

To learn about the many academic programs at Scottsdale Community College, call us at (480) 423-6000 or visit our website at www.scottsdalecc.edu.

Media contact:
Denise Kronsteiner
(480) 423-6567
denise.kronsteiner@sccmail.maricopa.edu

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