The Shell Group is to standardize its desktop computing, telecommunications, and IT support environment at approximately 1,000 Shell locations in over 135 countries around the world. The project involves the upgrade of some 90,000 desktops. The new Group Infrastructure (GI) Project will provide standard PC infrastructure and support, enabling all Shell companies to “increase the range and reach of their operations.” The project sets out to ready Shell for a world of e-business and to facilitate new ways of working.
Roels
Shell MD Harry Roels said “Shell will be breaking new ground with the GI Project. We are the first major company to undertake a full migration of this technical depth and global breadth. By implementing a Group Infrastructure that is standardized throughout the world, we are taking a critical next step in preparing our organization to compete successfully in the future. The GI will improve the stability and performance of our desktop computing and telecommunications systems while lowering our total cost of ownership and will result in a platform that enables better ways of doing business globally.”
Getronics
Shell Services International (SSI), the Group’s IT services company, is delivering the project and has just signed a multi-million dollar contract with Getronics to assist in the delivery and support of the new infrastructure over the next three years.
Van Luijk
Getronics president and CEO Cees van Luijk said “We are excited and proud to have been awarded this contract to deliver global services on behalf of Shell, that will enable them to execute their business development more rapidly. Shell has been one of our major clients for the past 30 years and this win demonstrates the position of Getronics in the marketplace as a major, vendor-independent, supplier of global services.”
30% savings
Standardization of the computing environment across the Group is projected to achieve an approximate reduction of 30% in the average desktop total cost of ownership. This will be realized through global procurement contracts and economies of scale, streamlined and automated web-based supply chain processes, rationalization of telecommunications facilities and networks, and rationalized information technology support services. Shell expects the project to be fully completed during 2002.