Problem

Block 5 were engaged to identify operational cost savings for a client’s virtual desktop environment. A complex review and analysis of the client’s billing data indicated a significant increase in wastage in certain areas of the business over 2 years. Block 5 identified that this kind of waste should have typically reduced over time through proper asset management and use of monitoring tools.

Block 5 Actions

Block 5 used their analysis skills and industry experience to undertake a thorough examination of the client’s activities and data to uncover anomalies and identify areas for improvement. Analysis performed by Block 5 included:

• Detailed analysis and review of the customer’s licensing billing data;
• Identification of abnormalities in the billing trends;
• Analysis of the raw data and reports;
• Communication with key users and stakeholders;
• Coordination with the service provider for backup and restoration strategies;
• Documentation and creation of an audit register for traceability;
• Decommissioning of excess virtual desktop infrastructure; and
• Identification of processes and specific monitoring tools to prevent reoccurrence of the same issues in the future.

Block 5 identified areas for quick operational cost reduction by eliminating unused/unmonitored virtual desktop infrastructure and resources. Block 5 worked with the client and its service providers to ensure that processes were developed, and continued monitoring was implemented to prevent a repetition of operational cost wastage.

Outcome

Block 5 identified a large number of virtual desktop resources that could be quarantined and later decommissioned. With a 70% reduction in the client’s virtual desktop infrastructure and resources, Block 5 identified up to $250,000 in savings for the client to reduce future operational expenditure.