South Africa`s largest independent insurer, Hollard Insurance, has signed a deal with Dimension Data for the implementation of IntraCS, the intranet and extranet knowledge management framework developed by Intervate and currently used by MedScheme, Microsoft, Dimension Data, Anglo Platinum, Unisys, Deloitte & Touche, Prism, AFA Systems and Alexander Forbes.
The deal includes roll-out to 1 000 seats countrywide, expected in April, and a pilot project is currently underway within Hollard`s marketing division.
According to Jenny Retief, General Manager of IT at Hollard, what made IntraCS such an attractive option was the fact that it could be implemented very quickly, with a rapid return on investment, and being a South African product, IntraCS was cost-effective.
The primary benefit of implementing IntraCS at Hollard will be control of information. "In the past it has been difficult for individuals and divisions to take ownership of information. IntraCS will now provide them with a framework that supports effective content sharing, changing and updating, making all information instantaneously available to those who need it and can use it," says Retief.
According to Donovan Drew, sales manager for Dimension Data`s collaborative solutions division, there were various offerings that could have provided Hollard with an enterprise knowledge management solution. However, when considering Hollard`s existing IT infrastructure and requirements, it was clear that IntraCS offered 80% of the necessary functionality out of the box.
IntaCS will give each department, division and individual at Hollard the ability to effortlessly customise and update the intranet for themselves, and bring all existing systems together in one view. The look and feel of the application will allow individuals to be creative, while remaining within the boundaries of what the company requires.
IntraCS will also assist Hollard with its communication and internal knowledge management initiatives. "IntraCS encourages information sharing from several different groups within the organisation while allowing for coordination from central point, so from a KM perspective it is an ideal tool," says Retief. "In addition, an organisation as large as ours with a number of different offices relies on effective communication. IntraCS lets us communicate with everyone, at their desktop, everyday, as well as enabling individuals and divisions to effortlessly communicate to specific user groups."
Hollard have called its intranet FIDO, an acronym for Find Information Directly Online.
Intervate focuses on the development of strategic Internet products targeting areas of knowledge management and collaboration. With a strong commitment to the Microsoft platform, Intervate as Microsoft Certified Gold Partner focuses development on leveraging platforms and products to build value on existing infrastructure, rather than creating bespoke developments for every client.
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