Customer Case Study
Austereo Pty Ltd
7/24/2006
No More Fixes–How a Radio Network Saved Time and Money Turning off Linux and Tuning into Microsoft
It was good enough while it lasted at Austereo, but there came a time at Australia's largest radio network when management had to face the fact that its combination of Linux software and Netware would not be adequate to propel its future growth. Driven by business imperatives, such as software integration, security, and new applications for its advertising sales team, Austereo replaced its entire technology platform and moved from a Linux and NetWare environment to a Microsoft® environment. Project 'Seachange'—a new lease of technology life—allowed Austereo to leave behind those days of spending too much time and money on IT fixes and maintenance. The new platform has helped the company to improve collaboration, be more responsive to clients, maintain its sales leadership, reduce costs, and grow revenue.
Industry: Broadcasting
Size: Large, 1000 employees
Country: Australia  Australia

Customer Profile
http://www.austereo.com.au/
Austereo is the largest radio broadcaster in Australia, operating stations in all mainland capitals and some major regional cities. With two national networks aimed at an under-45 audience, Austereo rates first or second in the vital 18-39 age brackets in most markets. In the first half of financial year 2005, the company earned revenue of $136.8 million.
Business Situation
Austereo needed an IT refresh to provide new sales applications, improve security, and cut IT maintenance time. The company wanted to free staff from administrative and operational tasks, and to provide a platform for future growth that would not restrict the company's choice of business applications.
Solution
Austereo implemented Microsoft® software as its infrastructure: Microsoft Office 2003 Editions, Exchange Server 2003, Office Live Communications Server 2005, Office Outlook® 2003, Office SharePoint® Portal Server 2003, SQL Server™ 2000, Operations Manager and Systems Management Server.
Benefit
  • Integrated IT environment
  • Fast and easy implementation
  • Saving of IT staff time
  • Better computing mobility
  • Availability of training and trained staff
  • Clear technology road map
Software
  • Microsoft Active Directory
  • Microsoft Exchange Server 2003
  • Microsoft Office 2003
  • Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005
  • Microsoft Office Outlook 2003
  • Microsoft Office SharePoint Server
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2000
Quote
"We were a hard win for Microsoft. Before I commit to something, I need to be certain the service is reliable. The systems we employ help create our end product—the programs our listeners hear. So our IT has to be rock solid."
Ross Forgione
IT Systems Manager, Austereo