Increasing efficiency

No one enterprise can do everything. That's why we have outsourcing.

But outsourcing is not just about focusing on your core activities; it's also about creating new value and growth over time.

The fact is that just about all enterprises today use some form of IT outsourcing. The ability to adapt quickly to change is absolutely vital if they want to avoid missing out on new opportunities, though not at the expense of secure and stable access to their IT solutions, which are becoming increasingly more complex. That is why enterprises let a third party take care of one or more of their functions; so that they can meet demanding IT needs and requirements and at the same time focus more on their own core activities.

Outsourcing is relevant for all industries, regardless of size. Small enterprises often decide to buy all their IT functionality needs as a service via the internet right from the start (ASP/cloud). This reduces the investment threshold and avoids tying up too many resources in technology management. Large enterprises outsource their IT functions according to a defined sourcing strategy for what they want to do themselves and what can be handled by others. The aim is to obtain a more needs-based and fastrt access to IT services, and to avoid a lot of the complexity and vulnerability this entails. Depending on circumstances, cost reductions and quality enhancement may also be key objectives when outsourcing.

In practice, outsourcing consists of an agreement, delivery and collaboration model. Previously, agreements involved a lot of customisation, but the trend now is to base as much as possible on standard services. Over time, this new development offers the best possible benefits to both parties. Our consultant community provides support for planning and implementing a strategically managed outsourcing process.

The services areas that are often included in an agreement are:

Infrastructure servicess (data centre, client, communication, security, migration)
Application maintenance
Applicaton management
Advisory and consultancy services
Software and IT infrastructure as a service via the internet (cloud services)

Relevant cases

Efficient business

Swire Oilfield Services Group (SOS) is no small fry. The company is part of the British Swire Group, which has more than 120,000 employees, and is the largest supplier of cargo carrying units in the North Sea. In order to maintain control over its business, the company has to be able to rely on good IT systems.

Containers, transport tanks and chemical processing are the keywords for SOS' activities. The company has a total of 40,000 cargo carrying units that are rented out to major oil and service companies around the world. In addition, the company stores and processes oilfield chemicals.

"We are the global leaders in our field," says Åsmund Krokstad, Head of IT Scandinavia at Swire Oilfield Services in Norway. He can look back on 25 years' experience in the North Sea and in the company in Scandinavia.

A more efficient company

SOS has been one of EVRY's customers since 2001. It began with operation of its WAN (Wide Area Network), Internet server, e-mail and consultancy services. SOS is now a customer for the business system Lawson M3, one of the market leaders in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and business management.

Lawson M3 is a program that improves business administration, just the thing SOS needs. The ErgoGroup division in Stavanger is a so-called "Centre of Excellence" for IBM and Lawson M3.

Strategic IT partner

In addition, EVRY helps SOS with the introduction of electronic coordination tools from IBM.

IBM Lotus Notes, Sametime and Quickr are included in the package that SOS is now in a pre-project with. EVRY is an IBM Premier Business Partner and delivers software and applications, among other things within the area of portals and electronic coordination, information management and security.

"EVRY is undoubtedly a strategic IT partner here at SOS. Apart from being an operations provider for Lawson M3, the company is also highly proficient in other IT-related areas."

Good ICT solutions - a winner factor

Swix Sport AS chose to outsource its IT operations in order to be able to focus on its own core business. The company has now taken the next step: To move all equipment to EVRY's cavern hall in Gjøvik, in order to achieve greater security and improved uptime.

Wins with good ICT

"Good ICT solutions are one of several winner factors for Swix Sport AS," confirms IT Manager Petter Vike.

Swix products are one of few Norwegian industrial products that can be found in stores around the world, wherever there are winter conditions and snow. The company's head office is in Lillehammer, Norway, and it has subsidiaries in the USA, Japan and Germany. It goes without saying that Swix Sport AS is dependent upon stable computer access and good logistics and financial management tools. As early as 1994, the company decided to enter into collaboration with EVRY.

"Outsourcing was vital for us if we were to achieve stable and secure operations, so that we could focus fully on manufacturing and delivering excellent sporting equipment," says Petter Vike.

There is hardly a Norwegian who has not bought ski wax, a cap or other sports equipment that does not sport the Swix logo. Fewer of them think about what the company has done to get so famous.

Outsourcing secures stable operations

The contract started small, but was expanded in pace with Swix Sport AS needing more and more servers and more advanced equipment. Now, nearly all computer equipment and most solutions are operated by EVRY.

"We have grown, and the world of computers has become more complex. 10 years ago we only had three servers. Now, we have more than 20! On the way, we have had to outsource in order to maintain stable and secure operations, managed by people with expertise in the field," Petter Vike sums up.

New and better solution

To begin with, Swix Sport AS had its servers in-house. The company chose, however, to move them to EVRY's cavern in Gjøvik in 2011.

"We came to a point where the equipment began to be old. It was expensive to run, and had to be updated regularly. Instead of keeping the old solution, we chose to rent computing power from EVRY. By renting new technology that was cheaper to run, we get a better solution at around the same cost, states Petter Vike.

At the same time he points out the new solution provides greater data security and improved uptimes.

"With EVRY at our backs, I can concentrate on giving my colleagues the best possible computer day on a daily basis. That is how to create satisfied users," Petter Vike smiles.

About Swix

Swix Sport AS is a Norwegian manufacturer of ski waxes, ski poles, ski clothing and other skiing accessories. Its head office is in Lillehammer, Norway. The company also has subsidiaries in the USA, Japan and Germany. Swix products can be found in ski equipment shops around the world, and they are used by both world-leading Norwegian and international skiers in various ski disciplines.