• HOERBIGER equips approximately 4,300 PCs around the world with a new operating system
  • Dell develops a standard Windows 7 Client and defines the standard software catalogue for the migration
  • Dell also delivers server infrastructure for an automated migration process

The HOERBIGER Group, headquartered in Switzerland, is migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7 with the support of Dell. In order to enable HOERBIGER's IT to conduct a fully automated switch to the new operating system, Dell provided conceptual consulting and established the necessary server-infrastructure in advance of the migration. Windows 7 provides HOERBIGER with a future-proof standard, which allows the operation of modern applications like the latest CAD solutions, improves cross-site collaboration and simplifies global IT support.

HOERBIGER is active throughout the world as a leading player in the fields of compression technology, automation technology and drive technology. The Group operates around the world and employs approximately 6,700 people at more than 140 locations in over 60 countries. A powerful and robust IT infrastructure is a prerequisite for the smooth and efficient cooperation of all HOERBIGER locations.

The company was faced with the challenge of having to migrate 4,300 PCs across the world to Windows 7. HOERBIGER wanted to use this opportunity to standardise the clients across the Group. HOERBIGER sought a consulting partner with sufficient resources and experience in delivering similar projects to design an error free concept for the Windows 7 migration. HOERBIGER needed an international partner with the capabilities to deliver a project of this scale, which could be centrally managed from Germany.

Despite strong competition, Dell proposed a comprehensive overall package with a flexible pricing model. A decisive factor in awarding Dell the deal was the openness of Dell to cooperate with HOERBIGER's systems management suppliers. "We chose Dell because the company offered a fair and flexible contract. The whole package was built on partnership. This has absolutely convinced us", says Rainer Eisenwagen, Head of IT Infrastructure Services at HOERBIGER Holding Germany GmbH.

Dell developed a standard Windows 7 client that can be used across all HOERBIGER locations worldwide. In addition, Dell consultants conducted an inventory of all existing company applications and consolidated and defined a standard software catalogue, which will be supported by HOERBIGER's internal IT department.

In a parallel project, HOERBIGER created the necessary server infrastructure for a fully automated roll-out of Windows 7 by establishing Multi-purpose Location Servers (MLS) in individual countries. Serving as local communication interfaces, these Servers manage and carry out the migration to the new operating system in these local sites. For this project, the Group also chose Dell as its hardware-as-a-service-provider.

Dell took over the management of the complete logistics for the new MLS infrastructure. The company coordinated the procurement of Dell PowerEdge Servers as well as their delivery to over 60 international locations and took care of the set-up of the equipment. In the next five years, Dell will also provide ProSupport operational hardware support to the sites to ensure a smooth functioning of the infrastructure.

Through these two Projects, the Windows 7 Migration process was designed by Dell Services, HOERBIGER's systems management suppliers and HOERBIGER's own IT department following a "zero touch" strategy. "We have benefitted greatly from the wealth of experience from Dell's numerous global Windows 7 migrations and can execute it completely remotely and automatically. Not a single one of the approximately 4,300 affected PCs need to be touched by us", Rainer Eisenwagen explains.

By switching to Windows 7, the collaboration across locations as well as with customers and suppliers of the company is improved. The new MLS infrastructure allows better PC performance connected to the network and increases the stability of the entire IT infrastructure. Regular software updates are simplified considerably by the new server environment. By standardising their IT, HOERBIGER can also provide easier global support.

"Operating system migrations are - especially when they have to be performed worldwide - potentially the most expensive and risky IT projects. Therefore, many companies put the switch from Windows XP to Windows 7 or Windows 8 on the back burner," says Mihai Morcan, Head of Services at Dell, Germany. "The right consulting partner can help to simplify the transition to a new operating system and automate it, thus preventing downtime".

Dell Germany on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DellGmbH
The German version of this press release and images can be accessed at www.pr-com.de.

About HOERBIGER
HOERBIGER is the worldwide leading player in the fields of compression technology, automation technology and drive technology. 6,700 employees achieved a turnover in 2012 of 1.06 billion Euros. Focal points of its business activities include key components and services for compressors , gas engines and turbomachinery, hydraulic systems and piezo technology for vehicles and machine tools as well as components and systems for shift and clutch operations in vehicle drive trains of all types. Through innovations in attractive technological niche markets, the HOERBIGER Group sets standards and creates unique selling benefit for its customers.

About Dell
Dell Inc. listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. For more information, visit www.dell.com.

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