Mazars corporate data always securely available with Bring Your Own Device
Mazars Accountants and Tax Advisors was looking for a secure way to make company data available to employees, clients and strategic partners. For data sharing, PQR proposed a Citrix technology-based business file sharing system. The success of this solution resulted in the implementation of a centralized virtual workspace that is accessible anywhere, anytime and via any device.
About Mazars
Mazars is gespecialiseerd in accountancy, belastingadvies, consultancy en auditing. Mazars creates opportunities for international companies, public sector organizations, SME entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals from knowledge in these fields. Mazars aims to inspire, analyze, create, control, innovate and value. With an entrepreneurial spirit, the company creates value for its customers. Mazars has 10 offices in the Netherlands, employing 45 partners and 600 employees. For medium-sized organizations, Mazars is the compact accountancy organization with short lines of communication and a Dutch office nearby. Large organizations find at Mazars the international expertise and network that can provide support in many countries.
Business file sharing
Frank Keessen, Director of ICT at Mazars: “With PQR, I embarked on a process of optimization. My colleagues were increasingly asking for the ability to access and deliver documents digitally. So we needed an on-premises file sharing system.”
This file sharing solution needed to be easy to use, but also secure and compliant. Giving and denying access again had to be easy to manage. PQR suggested the implementation of Citrix Sharefile, as it makes integration with mobile devices, SharePoint and Outlook no problem. Moreover, it fits within Mazars’ existing technical architecture and philosophy. In a Proof of Concept, a group of colleagues started working with it. “The test group was so enthusiastic that we didn’t have to think about this concept for long and soon started using it as a file-sharing solution.”
Case study
“PQR created implementation specifications based on the information we provided. The work required to realize the design was put into a project plan. The result is a centralized virtual workspace that can be accessed from any device anywhere, anytime. Employees and externals can now work smarter, communicate and share information among themselves.”
Work smart with centralized virtual workspace
Mazars was very pleased with the role PQR played as a knowledge and implementation partner in this project, that it was asked if PQR could also help design and implement a mobile workplace. “PQR created implementation specifications and a project plan based on the information we provided. These plans were discussed and adjusted so that the implementation process could be started. With a private cloud solution based on Microsoft System Center and Hyper-V and a virtual Citrix XenDesktop environment with Microsoft Exchange, Lync, File services and Active Directory, we now have a central virtual workplace that can be accessed anywhere and anytime from any device. Our employees and externals can now work smarter, communicate and share information among themselves.”
Training, training, training
Meanwhile, the entire Dutch Mazars organization is working with the new workplace. Rollout and training took place in phases so that adjustments and adjustments could be made in the interim. “The first phase consisted of nationwide training on the use of ShareFile, distribution of the manual and rollout of the ability to send and receive large files via e-mail,” Keessen says. “In the second phase, the mobile devices were made suitable for mobile data and application management and the link with SharePoint took place. Specific training was provided for each user group so that all the possibilities offered by the new central virtual workplace with its applications and programs could actually be used. Our IT administrators were also trained in knowledge transfer sessions.”
Mobile first
Mazars is now working with PQR to implement a “mobile first” strategy. “PQR is fulfilling the role of consultant and the platform is being implemented to our full satisfaction. The final result will be that all internal services will be available to our employees via this mobile platform and can be accessed via cell phone. We are continuing to optimize our IT infrastructure so that we can continue to meet internal demand and provide that coveted secure access to needed files anywhere, anytime. In this project, PQR has again demonstrated that they know what project management is; we will definitely work together again in the future.”
Chosen technique
- Citrix Sharefile
- Citrix XenDesktop
- Microsoft System Center and Hyper-V
- Microsoft Exchange, Lync, File services en Active Directory
Business outcome
- Always access via any device
- Easy and secure business file sharing
- Collaborate and communicate smarter