Outsourcing business Steria wanted to standardise processes and provide clients with a transparent view of performance improvements. It selected business process content management software Control from Nimbus, which initially delivered the software as a service for the pilot client account. After successful testing, it was migrated to systems hosted by Steria where it is helping the company deliver the standardisation and transparency required within a collaborative environment.
From November 2008 till July 2009, S-OIL built an enterprise-wide communications and collaboration platform. S-OIL not only upgraded its existing groupware but also from an integration perspective, chose to a method to link a single platform for portal, collaboration, groupware, mobile, search, messenger and video conferencing as well as IP telephony utilizing Microsoft’s technologies and solution. In addition, it deployed 2007 Microsoft Office System in the business user environment and laid the groundwork for comprehensive enterprise security system with Active Directory and Forefront product families. With this project, S-OIL achieves more about 121% of ROI effects including innovation of conference culture, improvement of payment related work processing speed and real time support of decision making.
The Botswana Ministry of Local Government needed to automate its business management systems to reduce a huge backlog of unclosed manual accounts in local authorities. The ministry worked with Microsoft® Certified Partner PSU International in deploying Microsoft Dynamics® GP 8.0 business management software. Today, 60 per cent of local councils are up to date with their returns compared to zero in 2002, when the project started.
COSTEL, which is a company in the built-in electronic devices area, focused on the robust security of Windows Vista as an alternative for providing high levels of security on desktop that can easily remain as a blind spot of management. COSTEL, which was reviewing enterprise-wide deployment perceived some burden in acquiring application compatibility, so it applied Vista in limited parts. In the middle of this, it saw the emergence of 2009 Window 7 Beta and conducted reviews. Results showed that it can guarantee compatibility with various options and confirmed the existence of alternatives, so COSTEL began expanding enterprise-wide distribution. Currently as of October 2009, having completed distribution to about 10% of all PCs, results showed that COSTEL will be able to reduce time spent for managing PCs by two folds if it uses Windows 7.
Microsoft Partner, Mamut, provides integrated software solutions and Internet services, including CRM, sales force, logistics, accounting, e-commerce, domain name, e-mail, and Web hosting services, for small and medium-sized businesses in Europe. Mamut chose to implement the Windows Azure platform in order to extend its on-premises solutions with scalable computing power and mass data storage capabilities to create hybrid solutions that will allow the company to offer more services and reach more customers. With Windows Azure, Mamut can now expand its offerings and customer base without investing in additional servers for increased scalability and availability.
E-learning specialist Aula Salud wanted a highly available, robust, and cost-effective solution to deliver education programs with video streaming for healthcare professionals in Spain. Aula Salud chose Atnova, which offered this kind of solution based entirely on Microsoft® technologies, rather than open-source development tools. With these solutions, Aula Salud achieved increased student numbers and a return on investment in the first year.
TWP Projects in South Africa needed a single integrated system for project management and accounting, including a tool to integrate employee timesheets with invoices. The company replaced its Softline Pastel and open-source systems with Microsoft Dynamics® SL business management software. Now, it has an integrated view of operations and revenue streams, which is boosting its ability to maximise profits and eliminating the risk of billing time incorrectly.
To drive continued growth, Plante Moran, a leading U.S.–based financial services firm, needed to automate business development efforts. The company sought to replace its IBM Lotus Notes contact management system with an easy-to-use customer relationship management system built on a flexible, scalable platform. After evaluating a number of packaged solutions, Plante Moran chose Microsoft Dynamics® CRM based on its intuitive interface, powerful built-in toolset, and integration with line-of-business systems and productivity applications. Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner Ascentium helped Plante Moran tailor the solution to automate key business functions, such as its client acceptance process. Since deploying the solution to 1,600 consultants, Plante Moran has strengthened its business development efforts and gained the agility to pursue strategic growth initiatives.
Genea provides energy management solutions to commercial property owners. Its Building Optimization Platform provides visibility into and control over energy consumption from the point of demand through billing for property managers and tenants. When it decided to create a Web-enabled, hosted version of its solution, Genea chose to use the Windows® 7 operating system for its performance, security features, scalability, and built-in Microsoft® .NET Framework 3.5 technology, along with Windows Server® 2008 R2 Enterprise for high availability. Genea noted that key software components of its solution run 35 percent faster on Windows 7 than on previous operating systems. The company is streamlining management of the Building Optimization Platform through enhanced remote access capabilities, while delivering a highly reliable solution that can handle large transaction volumes.
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.