Browns Group signs Microsoft Enterprise Agreement with H One

The Browns Group and H One (Pvt) Ltd. recently announced the signing of an Enterprise Agreement for Microsoft Solutions. This encompasses a 3 year technology roadmap for the Browns Group that was developed based on a comprehensive infrastructure assessment carried out by H One and Microsoft.

Under this agreement H One is responsible for implementing a phased technology upgrade while also providing a centralised licensing solution across 250 desktops and 11 servers. This agreement will rationalise IT procurement and implementation across the group resulting in improved cost and operational efficiencies.

H One will implement the latest Microsoft products which are geared to improving operational efficiencies including Active Directory, Exchange 2010, Office 2010, SSCM, OCS, Rights Management and SharePoint server. The goal is to improve collaboration and better management while also ensuring standardisation of software versions across the Group ensuring all users run on the same platform and making support and maintenance functions more efficient, reducing IT costs and downtime.

In addition the streamlined procurement services and predictable licensing fee will ensure further cost reductions in administration, as well as resulting in easier auditing for compliance, a primary requirement for large organisations today. H One will also be providing comprehensive support services to manage the groups Microsoft Infrastructure. The planned implementation will also incorporate a comprehensive user training programme to ensure that the Group reaps a maximum value for their staff from the technology upgrade.

 “With a history of over 135 years, Browns Group is one of the most diversified conglomerates in Sri Lanka. The Group today holds a portfolio of over 70 reputed global brands. The company’s core activities revolve around trading, manufacturing, service innovation, plantations and finance. Managing such a diverse infrastructure is no easy task and we believe that this new technology roadmap will take efficiencies and collaboration between employees to greater heights further strengthening our growth,” said Murali Prakash – Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Browns Group.

Browns Group is the market leader in the seven product segments which it operates namely, vehicle batteries, two and four wheel tractors, marine engines, office automation, radiators and power tools. The Browns Group has been recognised as a Super brand and is within the top 25 corporate entities in Sri Lanka.

A Hirdaramani Group venture, H One provides a range of information technology services and products to clients ranging from Banking and Finance to Hospitality, Manufacturing and a host of other industries. The company has grown in leaps and bounds in a short period of time and has also achieved considerable success with their solutions partners moving rapidly from Licensing Partner status to Enterprise Solutions Provider status across the board. This includes achieving Tier 1 partner status with Microsoft, a distinction held by a select group of companies, they also partner with other industry leaders such as Adobe, Symantec, Checkpoint and Kaspersky.