Microsoft and Iscor show their technology metal

Iscor is currently in the process of migrating its entire Novell and Groupwise IT infrastructure to a Microsoft-based platform. Consisting of 8 000-plus seats, the phased deployment plan for Microsoft Windows 2000 comes merely a week after the launch of the product. This in addition to the Microsoft Exchange 2000 deployment which is currently in the planning phase, will provide a Microsoft-based standardisation and is expected to significantly reduce IT costs for Iscor.

The migration of Iscor`s IT infrastructure is part of an effort to standardise a fragmented technology environment, reduce support costs and maximise business efficiency. "Our decision was based on optimising total cost of ownership (TCO) through the use of Microsoft technology," said Charles Meintjies, Iscor`s general manager for corporate information management. "Cost saving is an important priority for any company and Iscor is no exception. The benefit to our stakeholders by standardising on Microsoft, enables us to reduce costs, while improving productivity, which will ultimately have a positive effect on our bottom-line."

As an early adopter of Microsoft`s newly-launched operating system platform, Iscor is also the only Southern Africa customer to be involved in the worldwide Microsoft Joint Development Programme for Exchange 2000. This Programme places Iscor directly in the product design feedback-loop to Microsoft, allowing it to evaluate the product as it is developed and then adapt its IT strategy accordingly to gain maximum advantage. "A further benefit of the Programme to us has been direct access to the Microsoft Exchange 2000 teams at Microsoft`s headquarters in Redmond, Seattle, which has resulted in various exchanges between us and the United States," says Meintjies.

"By choosing the Microsoft platform, Iscor can expect to significantly drive down its TCO costs," says Trevor Smart, account manager at Microsoft South Africa. "The deployment of Windows 2000 and Exchange 2000 as the standard platforms will deliver benefits such as increased control of the IT environment, as well as enhanced reliability and performance offered by the products."

Having outsourced its IT department to AST-A as part of the company`s re-engineering process, Iscor decided to standardise on its hardware and software infrastructure. The deployment is being achieved by the pooling of various implementation resources, including the engagement of Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) to assist with the architecture and deployment plans, AST-A to assist with the implementation and support, with Datacentrix involved in the licensing.

"As an international reference site for the deployment of Microsoft Exchange 2000, Iscor is leading the TCO drive for companies worldwide," says Smart. "Often viewed merely as a buzzword in the industry, Iscor has proved that with Microsoft, TCO is a business reality that local companies are taking very seriously."