German-based VBG selects Fujitsu Siemens Computers and Linux
as basis for IT Infrastructure
Insurer ensures a secure and cost-effective future with
desktops and servers from the IT provider
Munich/Germany, June 17, 2004 —The Hamburg-based VBG (Germany’s statutory accident
insurer for the administrative sector) has extended its
client/server infrastructure as part of its medium-term IT
strategy. The basic idea was twofold: to simplify the system
landscape and increase cost-effectiveness. This is why SuSE LINUX,
an open source operating system used on desktops and servers, was
selected as the platform used on the 2,200 SCENIC PCs and 40
Intel-based PRIMERGY RX300 and RX600 servers supplied by Fujitsu
Siemens Computers. The leading European IT vendor was supported by
its partner Entitec, a software and systems house, during
installation of the new systems.
How can an IT infrastructure with some 2,000 users best adapt
to economic, organizational and technological change? The
VBG’s response was simple: through systematic evolution
rather than a series of short-term ad-hoc reactions. In 2000, when
the insurer’s IT department was planning for the next few
years, it was evident that the Internet and open source issue would
be critical factors in shaping the future of IT infrastructure.
“"What we were hoping for from the Internet was
that it would help us to optimize our organization’s
efficiency, improve service quality and incorporate customers and
partners more tightly into our business processes,” explained
Dr. Bernd Kieseler, head of IT at the VBG. “On top of this,
we were looking to save on licensing and maintenance costs by
switching to the open source Linux operating system.”
Today, the VBG has met its objectives. It now has an
efficient IT infrastructure that is not only economical and
future-proof, but also simple to manage. All this is based on the
systematic deployment of open source software in conjunction with
Intel-based systems from Fujitsu Siemens Computers, whose customers
benefit greatly from its many years of Linux experience.
About the VBG
The VBG uses all resources at its disposal to fulfill its
many and varied duties, including avoidance of industrial
accidents, work-related illness and health risks, as well as
providing healthcare and paying worker’s compensation. The
association provides all-around coverage to some 7 million people
at over 500,000 member companies. Employers and those insured share
the responsibility for meeting these obligations, and are equally
represented on the VBG’s self-governing committees, including
the delegate assembly and executive board.
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About Fujitsu Siemens Computers
Fujitsu Siemens Computers is the leading European IT provider
with a responsible strategic focus on next-generation Mobility and
Business Critical Computing products, services and solutions. With
a portfolio of exceptional depth, our offering extends from
handhelds through desktops to enterprise-class IT infrastructure
solutions. Fujitsu Siemens Computers has a strong presence in all
key markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Leveraging
the strengths, innovation and global reach of our joint
shareholders, Fujitsu Limited and Siemens AG, we make sure we meet
the needs of customers: large corporations, small and medium
enterprises and private users. For further please visit::
www.fujitsu-siemens.com
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