Thales, along with a big-name roster of partners including Raytheon Trusted Computer Solutions (RTCS), Microsoft and Citrix, will deliver the Next Generation Desktop (NGD) project to the Department of Defence.

The adoption of virtualised desktops and thin clients is expected to save tens of millions of dollars in acquisition and operational costs. Existing software and hardware will be integrated with NGD.

The use of RTCS' Trusted Thin Client (TTC) will allow the replacement of multiple terminals for different networks with a single computer as it provides the required separation between systems with different security levels.

Rollout will begin with a 500-user pilot ahead of the full deployment to approximately 100,000 desktops.

Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia chief executive officer, said "NGD is a key element of ICT reform in the Department of Defence, and an important generator of savings. We will work closely with the customer and our partners to introduce this innovative technology into the Defence Information Environment in a streamlined manner, so users can benefit from its numerous advantages as quickly as possible."

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"Raytheon Trusted Computer Solutions is very pleased to be partnered with Thales Australia and others in delivering the Next Generation Desktop to the Australian Department of Defence," said Ed Hammersla, chief operating officer. "As the leading provider of cross domain solutions in the United States, we are excited to see rapid adoption of our technology within the 'five eyes' nations."

Michael Gration, director of public sector at Microsoft Australia, said "By taking advantage of this innovation in the Microsoft platform and the consolidating purchases of software and hardware products across its enterprise, the Department of Defence will be able to significantly enhance its entire IT operations with a clear technology roadmap. We look forward to collaborating with our partners to ensure a smooth path to realising the benefits of its investments on the Microsoft platform."

Peter Brockhoff, area vice president for Australia and New Zealand at Citrix, said: "The Next Generation Desktop project will provide the Department of Defence with an innovative, forward-looking solution to improve security, mobility and flexibility of its systems while simultaneously driving down the total cost of ownership of its desktop fleet. We look forward to piloting and then continuing the rollout of Citrix XenDesktop and XenApp to support the Department of Defence and the Next Generation Desktop initiative. Throughout the project Citrix will be working alongside our partners Thales and Microsoft to drive a truly pioneering implementation of Citrix technology."