United Kingdom–based Aviva wanted to rationalise the number of software management systems in line with the company’s aims of reduced IT costs and greater effectiveness. With Microsoft® Services Premier Support and a designated Technical Account Manager (TAM), Aviva deployed Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 across its network in a timely manner. Today, the company has reduced IT costs and continues to drive efficiencies with the help of its TAM.

Based in the United Kingdom, Betfair is the world’s biggest online betting community. To address issues with an aging operating system, such as system performance lags that negatively impacted employee productivity, the company decided to migrate to the Windows® 7 and Windows Server® 2008 R2 operating systems. Still early in its deployment, Betfair has increased system performance, improved user experience, and streamlined IT management.

Getronics is a leading international provider of IT and services and solutions. The pilot program was part of the company’s initiative to make remote and mobile PC connectivity easier to use and less expensive to support, and to make remote computing more accessible from satellite or home offices. The solution uses capabilities of Windows 7, including BitLocker®, BitLocker To Go™, AppLocker™ and BranchCache™, as well as Microsoft® Application Virtualization, part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack. A business value analysis projected benefits, including direct IT savings of €77 (U.S. $111) /PC/year, and PC user productivity benefits of 20 hours/PC user/year. About 1,000 PCs are expected to run Windows 7 by the end of 2009. Getronics is so pleased with the outcome of the pilot program that it plans to migrate its entire enterprise environment to Windows 7 by the end of 2011.

Like many city governments, the City of Miami faces mounting pressures to deliver more city services with less budget. City IT managers saw in Windows 7 the opportunity to deliver significant benefits, even in an environment of scarce staff and increasing demand for IT services. The city expects an estimated return on investment (ROI) of 151% and internal rate of return (IRR) of 78%with payback in less than 15 months based on direct IT labor savings alone. Benefits include direct IT labor-cost savings estimated at U.S.$89/PC/year, made possible by automated deployment, enhanced security, and desktop management tools. When power savings are included, the business case is even more compelling, with an estimated net present value (NPV) of $250/ PC during a 3-year cash-flow period and a payback period of approximately 9 months.

Sporton International provides testing and certification services for makers of mobile phones, computers, and other devices. The company employs automated efficiencies wherever possible to control headcount and optimize profits. Recently, it streamlined the work involved in deploying and managing 500 client computers in 11 locations by using Microsoft® System Center Configuration Manager 2007 SP2 and Microsoft Application Virtualization. With an optimized desktop infrastructure, Sporton has cut desktop management chores by 40 percent, freeing its small IT staff to focus on new services. In addition, because Sporton engineers can set up certification test systems 80 percent faster, they can service 33 percent more customers a day, increasing profitability. The Sporton network is also safer, because IT staff can centrally deploy security software and block unauthorized applications.

The Ministry of Defense in the Netherlands upgrades its client operating system during its normal hardware refresh cycle. The organization started a pilot with the Windows® 7 operating system, and has planned an upgrade to 50,000 computers through 2010. Users have reacted positively to the user interface enhancements, and the organization looks forward to improved information access and easier IT management.

StatoilHydro, an international energy company based in Stavanger, Norway, wanted to make sure that workers in its increasingly global operations could fully collaborate with their colleagues. Operating in a fiercely competitive market, StatoilHydro recognizes that delivering the information that employees need to do their jobs helps give the company an edge. To address remote access issues that could hinder employee productivity and collaboration, the oil company is implementing the Windows® 7 operating system and the Windows Server® 2008 R2 operating system, which together offer features such as BranchCache™ to improve data access at branch offices and DirectAccess to simplify remote connectivity. As a result of the upgrade, StatoilHydro will deliver seamless access to the corporate network for traveling employees, improve information access at branch offices, and enhance IT security.

Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) promotes the latest technology to ensure students’ readiness for the work world. In addition, the institute wanted to extend the life of its desktop hardware, so it adopted the Windows® 7 operating system. With Windows 7, Wintec staff and students can be more productive, thanks to an improved user experience. Plus, Wintec will delay retiring at least 200 computers, saving upwards of U.S $225,000.

T-Systems uses the latest technologies to develop network and communications solutions for enterprise businesses and public sector institutions around the world. To remain competitive in the global marketplace, the company became an early adopter of the Windows® 7 operating system. After the pilot program is complete, T-Systems expects to benefit from reduced costs, enhanced security, improved IT management, and more flexible deployment options.

The New South Wales Department of Education and Training decided to give high school students and teachers a computer as part of the Australian government’s Digital Education Revolution initiative. To give students access to the latest technology, the department has begun upgrading its computers to the Windows® 7 operating system. As a result, the department has improved the educational experience, reduced costs for new devices, and enhanced IT security.