Do Macs Work in the World of IFMP?

Since inception, the Integrated Financial Management Program (IFMP) has received many questions as to whether or not Macintosh (Mac) users will have access to IFMP applications, such as SAP and the Business Warehouse. The answer to this question is yes. Simply put, Mac users will be able to access IFMP applications just as their PC counterparts will because every ODIN/Goddard computer possesses the prerequisite hardware and software necessary to run the IFMP systems - regardless of computer type.

The differentiating factor, however, is how Mac users will access IFM program applications. Since IFMP utilizes windows-based programs and Macintosh does not, a software package called Citrix will serve to connect the two. From a local server, Citrix will transparently allow Mac users to access Windows-based systems whether it's Internet Explorer or SAP.

The need for a product like Citrix is due to the fact that IFMP application vendors are unable to fully support the Mac environment. Knowing this, NASA's CIO charged NASA's Infrastructure Systems Services Utility (NISSU) group with ensuring that Macs would be equally viable tools for using IFMP's technology. As a result, NISSU chose Citrix as the preferred solution to the Windows vs. non-Windows issue. The IFM projects team will work with the non-ODIN desktop service providers to guarantee all computers are properly configured to support Citrix; thereby, allowing Mac users to focus on IFMP training while knowing that it will serve them as well as their PC-using colleagues.

If you have further questions or concerns, please call Jerry Esper, IFMP IT, at 301-286-0924.