During 2007, Vedior achieved improvements in many areas of ICT provision including risk management, better company inter-cooperation on IT projects and services, the development of innovative applications to improve and automate back-office tasks, further enhancements to websites with increased reach and numbers of candidates seeking jobs, a strategic review of ICT functions, and, a better understanding of the Group’s portfolio of business applications.
An independent study conducted by IDC Consultants in July 2007 indicated that our technology costs are lower than our major competitors and also that spend was more targeted towards growing and transforming the business rather than simply maintenance issues.
Risk Management
With the assistance of our auditors, Deloitte, we enhanced our annual pre-audit survey of ICT control statements. This online process provides senior ICT personnel with the ability to identify and report technology issues as they relate to our Terms of Reference in a transparent manner.
During 2007, we continued our global software asset management programme which commenced in September 2006. Only a few smaller and newly acquired companies now remain to be audited. In 2008, once the entire software estate has been audited, the programme will transition to an advisory role with spot checks to ensure continuing compliance. This extensive audit process, alongside our Microsoft Enterprise Agreement has greatly lowered the risk of licensing non compliance.
During 2007, we increased the awareness of the need to meet minimum disaster recovery and business continuity requirements among company managers and ICT staff and are working with smaller operating companies to ensure further uptake of appropriate email archiving solutions.
In the final quarter of 2007, we initiated a pilot programme to review the security of company networks. Qualified engineering staff tested and monitored our largest company networks for any security issues which could lead to unwanted penetration. This initiative will be extended in 2008 to include all company networks.
Cooperation and collaboration
In March 2007, the ICT Directors of our largest operating companies met in Amsterdam to discuss current issues. Given increased external scrutiny and regulation, it was agreed that we should consider a more focussed approach to corporate governance, standards and policies through the establishment of best practice frameworks and improved supporting mechanisms for information technology governance. Vedior already provides a comprehensive set of ICT policies by which operating companies have to comply (See Risk management: Terms of Reference, policies and procedures).
As part of our International Management conference held in Rome in May 2007, a number of operating companies were invited to exhibit innovative custom-built software applications. Following this event, a number of other operating companies have shown interest in utilising the products displayed including a flexible and sophisticated work rules interpreter, as well as advanced applications for customer relationship management, business information and enterprise relationship planning.
During the course of 2008, we anticipate a more cooperative ‘opt-in’ approach to IT development, which combines the resources of several operating companies. For such projects, Vedior facilitates appropriate risk management, cooperative investment, and the development of products with wide potential for low-cost adoption by our operating companies.
In November 2007, as part of the Group-wide strategic review, a project group comprising a number of senior ICT personnel met in Bangalore. The strategy group discussed measures that could further improve the effectiveness and efficiency of ICT delivery within Vedior. This included the enhancement of in-house development resources, outsourcing of some commodity IT services, and the more proactive development of our shared service centre network wherever we can identify a proven business case.