Following the switch from HCL Notes to Microsoft Outlook and the launch of our new SharePoint-based employee portal, our IT department is currently dealing with the development and provision of a new IT workplace concept. This is oriented towards the principles of what is called the “modern workplace.” Its roll-out is tentatively scheduled for 2025.

What does “modern workplace” mean?

Modern workplace, digital workplace, workplace of the future – there are numerous designations. We understand a modern workplace to mean the holistic interaction of devices, software, and services. It is concerned with flexible, networked working and access to the information that is relevant at that moment – from anywhere and at any time. The core of this concept is the use of cloud technologies. Bischof+Klein is relying on Microsoft 365 solutions for this.

What is the difference compared to the current IT workplace? 

Today, in the Citrix environment concept that is currently used, access to the IT applications (e.g., SAP), documents, and information takes place via what is called a “virtual desktop.” This is run on the Citrix servers in the Bischof+Klein computer center. The required computing power is made available entirely by the Citrix servers. The computing capacity of users’ own end devices is barely used. A constant connection to the Bischof+Klein computer center is necessary. 

In the future in the new concept, the IT applications will be installed directly on the end device (notebook, PC). This will be done fully automatically and in the background using software distribution technologies. The Citrix environment will remain available until the modern workplace concept has been completely rolled out and for IT applications with special requirements. 

Are there any other new Microsoft 365 applications?

Besides updating the operating system to Windows 11, further IT applications will also be made available:

• Microsoft OneDrive (to replace Nextcloud)
• Microsoft Teams (to replace Zoom)
• Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft Office documents and e-mails will be stored entirely in the cloud and can be synchronized with users’ own end devices. This means that work on the content can also occasionally be carried out “offline.” As soon as an Internet connection is established, the changes are transferred to the cloud. In addition, it will also be possible to work on certain document types simultaneously and together with other colleagues. The IT applications that are run in the Bischof+Klein computer center will be accessed via what is called a VPN (Virtual Private Network; a secured, protected connection).

What is the current status? 

The project is currently in a pilot phase in which the practical feasibility of the concept is being tested. To do this, a limited number of new end devices equipped with the modern workplace concept are already in use.