Propero's says its workSpace virtualisation platform enables firms to manage how applications and resources are delivered to end-users in complex distributed environments. The system unifies management of all applications that are accessed across the enterprise via thin, thick, Web or virtual environments, into one infrastructure.

DrKW will use the Propero technology to replace and extend an existing in-house system. The deployment will affect 7000 users at DrKW, starting with its operations in New York.

"WorkSpace will enable us to unify the user experience as well as to simplify support," says JP Rangaswami, DrKW's global CIO. "An additional benefit is that workSpace should help us to simplify our application portfolio and access applications from other platforms."

Steve Peskin, co-CEO of Propero, says distributed computing environments are becoming too costly for large enterprises to maintain. The WorkSpace system enables organisations to migrate to a more flexible, lower cost IT infrastructure without impacting end users.

The platform consists of the vendor's WorkSpace Analyzer software, which provides complete visibility into end-user behaviour and usage of applications, while the WorkSpace Manager system delivers personalised applications and data to end-users, regardless of location or application platform.

The package also features the vendor's workSpace Server application which simplifies infrastructure operations and provides cross-platform load balancing and management along with single sign-on capabilities, secure access, portal support and extensions to Microsoft terminal services.

Merrill Lynch rolled out virtualisation technology from VMware in 2003 which it uses to manage its software development environments. The VMware technology is able to run multiple operating environments from a single consolidated system.

JPMorgan Chase is also using virtualisation technology to support its credit derivatives operations.