Continuously striving to reflect its best-of-breed policy, BMW expects its technology to be top notch. In line with this policy, BMW South Africa has been the first of the international BMW network to migrate to Microsoft XP, with the help of local infrastructure solution provider, Datacentrix.
Datacentrix completed the roll-out of Microsoft XP at the company`s local operations, providing software training, skills and resources. Datacentrix also upgraded the automobile giant`s desktop environment earlier in the year.
Johann Folscher, support engineer and project manager at Datacentrix, says the infrastructure solutions provider`s longstanding relationship with BMW facilitated a smooth transition to the new system. "We are familiar with their IT environment and its operations, which enabled us to pre-empt and reduce user impact during the migration, thus ensuring full customer satisfaction."
Microsoft`s announcement to cancel support of NT systems during 2002 was a determining factor in BMW`s decision to migrate to XP.
"Datacentrix installed XP Professional and Office XP at our Midrand and Rosslyn operations, as well as at the Vehicle Distribution Centre (VDC) in Rosslyn," explains Fernando Santi, Desktop and Software Support Manager, BMW SA. "Not only has this ensured technological quality and functionality but, being the first to migrate, came as an extra boon for us."
Santi says that all BMW`s local operations were affected by the software upgrade. "Our Midrand offices alone handle finance, marketing, distribution, MotorPlan, training, parts and accessories, as well as our call centre. All of these operations would have been at risk should services have been disrupted. Datacentrix, however, ensured minimal systems impact."
Timing was also a consideration as BMW has a three-year Microsoft Enterprise agreement, stipulating that the company can upgrade its systems to the latest available software during this period.
"Datacentrix strictly adhered to the roll-out schedule, ensuring that the project was completed within the estimated timeframe. We had no negative impact on our overall operations and are waiting to calculate the return on investment."
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