Microsoft Canada Co. Recognizes IT Heroes of Innovation
One Year After the Launch of Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003, Canadian Businesses in diverse industries increase operational efficiency with Windows Server System™
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MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 22, 2004 — Microsoft Canada Co. today announced it is recognizing Canadian IT professionals who have overcome business challenges by taking an innovative approach to IT with its Heroes of Innovation Event. One year after the launch of Windows Server 2003, this event showcases how customers and partners are leveraging the integrated innovation found in the Windows Server System integrated server software to do more with less.
The Microsoft Heroes of Innovation Event examines the unique approach companies and partners have taken to streamline operations, increase productivity and better manage IT costs. From speeding up a drug development process to getting skiers on the slopes faster, Canadian companies like Isotechnika, Intrawest, Canaccord Capital, the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board, Niagara Health Systems, Azimuth Environmental Consulting, InDimensions and the Marc Anthony Group have each used the Windows Server System to help overcome business challenges and strengthen the bottom line of their business.
"Intrawest was an early adopter of Windows Server 2003 and the benefits we have seen to date are unparalleled. Using Windows Server System we have been able to simplify our IT infrastructure and consolidate 153 servers and 37 separate domains - ultimately lowering hardware and IT maintenance costs," said Philip DeConnick, system architect, Intrawest. "We can now focus on using IT to enhance the resort experience for our customers by speeding up guest services like rental counter and ski schools."
The Microsoft Heroes of Innovation event also honors technology partners like NexInnovations, Dell, Intel, Compugen, Sunaptic, CYGCOM Integrated Technologies, ComputerTalk who work with businesses across the country to solve their IT challenges.
"Canadian businesses are focused on taking the complexity out of their IT infrastructure," said Hubert Kelly, chief executive officer and president, NexInnovations. "Software providers and partners are working with businesses' to push the envelope and develop new applications that help them better meet the needs of their customers and stay ahead of the competition."
"IT professionals have told us that they are spending 70% of their budgets on running existing applications and only 30% driving new applications," said Kevin Hunter, senior product manager, Microsoft Canada. "By using Windows Server System customers are now able to decrease the cost of running their infrastructure and focus on delivering real business value through new applications."
The Canadian Heroes of Innovation have leveraged the Windows Server System to solve their different business challenges. Highlights of their heroic deeds are included below:
IT Rocks Music Fans
InDIMENSIONS builds and manages online communities for major entertainment brands such as the Cranberries, Blue Rodeo, Eagle Eye Cherry, and Ziggy Marley. Working with Interland, InDimensions switched from Linux to the Windows Server System and can now deliver 99.9% Web site uptime to its artists and can create new sites two to three times faster than before.
Leading Financial Firm Stays Ahead Of The Pack With New Security Program
Canaccord Capital, Canada's largest independent investment firm, used Windows Server System to reduce it patch management process from 20 days to five and saved over $86,000 annually.
IT Raises The Bar For Quality Patient Care Across The Niagara Health System
Niagara Health System, Ontario's largest and most complex hospital amalgamation, provides quality patient care to people throughout the Niagara Region. Leveraging Dell servers and Windows Server System, Niagara Health Systems was able to bring seven separate hospitals with separate IT infrastructures onto one IT platform. The new platform resolved the organizations' file sharing issues and allowed it to better manage its 1,500 desktops and ensure information is securely transmitted across the organization.
IT Speeds Up Environmental Assessments
Azimuth Environmental Consulting Inc. provides environmental consulting services from environmental impact reports to groundwater studies. Working with Open Storage Solutions and Intel, Azimuth Environmental Consulting was able to replace its peer to peer network with a scaleable IT infrastructure that can grow with the company. The deployment of a Xeon server and Microsoft Server 2003 solution saved significant time and money letting Azimuth partners focus on their core business.
Skiers Get On The Slopes Faster With Integrated IT
Intrawest, a leading developer and operator of 11 ski, golf and beach village centered resorts, used Windows Server System to consolidate 153 servers and 37 separate domains - lowering hardware and IT maintenance costs. It was also able to enchance the customer experience by speeding up guest services at the ski rental counter and ski schools so guests spend less time in line ups and more time on the slopes.
IT Helps Canadians Quench Thirst For Mike's Hard Lemonade
The Mark Anthony Group (MAG) manufactures and distributes premium wines and alcoholic beverages, including Mike's Hard Lemonade. Working with Sunaptic Solutions, MAG leveraged Windows Server System to track the use of raw materials like sugar in its products. This has helped MAG identify overages by co-packers and reduce business costs.
IT Moves To The Head Of The Class
Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board replaced its mix of Linux and Windows®-based servers with Windows Server System, reducing IT support time and costs. Its new reliable IT system allows teachers to integrate technology into the curriculum providing students with a positive learning experience.
About Windows Server System
Microsoft Windows Server System is integrated and interoperable server software that helps reduce IT complexity to enable IT professionals to deliver innovative solutions that meet the changing needs of business. With Windows Server 2003 at the foundation, Windows Server System is engineered from the ground up for XML Web services based on Microsoft .NET connection software to connect information, people, systems and devices. Based on a common software architecture that spans all facets of IT from design, development and deployment through ongoing management and usage, Windows Server System provides comprehensive IT infrastructure for operations (security, systems management, networked storage), applications (data management and analysis, e-business) and information work (messaging, communications and collaboration). More information on Microsoft Windows Server System can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/
About Microsoft Canada Co.
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Co. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Microsoft Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario with MSN.CA offices located in Toronto and eight regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. Visit Microsoft Canada's Web site at www.microsoft.ca
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Server and Windows Server System are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
