Vodafone sees success with HP partnership

The implementation was done in a phased manner and was completed by enhancing the existing HP network with a fleet of 40 Multi-Function Products (MFPs). Vodafone confirmed that initial estimates have shown savings of US$ 20,000 in paper and print consumables in a year by applying the solution to just over 1000 users.

HP selected Dar El Computer for Technology (DCT) as the implementation partner for the project. DCT installed the revolutionary secure solution for printing, copying and digital sending built on the HP MFPs integrated printing with FollowMe, provided by solutions provider, Ringdale. This enabled DCT to achieve a near zero down time office printing service whilst supplying and maintaining 100% of their All-HP imaging and printing environment.

Mr. Amr Hassan, General Manager, Imaging and Printing Group, HP Middle East said:

'Vodafone is yet another corporate that has chosen HP for it's growing IT needs. Vodafone was looking for a solution to eliminate unnecessary wastages, maintain confidentiality of documents and remain user-friendly and convenient at the same time. HP's industry leading MFP solution guarantees a high return on investment with huge savings of paper and print consumables and eliminates potential security risks.'

Mr. Mohamed Fahmy, IT Operations and Support Director, Vodafone Egypt, said: 'Our partnership with HP has proven to be extremely successful. Since our initial installation, we have doubled the solution size, by increasing the number of locations as well as the devices being controlled. For users, the new solution makes it easier than the conventional printing allowing them to print from virtually any place with multiple printer options. As an organization, we are able to achieve substantial cost and time benefits giving us a strategic and competitive advantage going forward.'

Prior to the implementation, Vodafone users printed documents and forgot to collect them resulting in confidential data falling into unauthorized hands. Another issue involved roaming users with configurations in various sites printing documents out of remote sites. The HP MFP solution will help Vodafone manage fewer consumables and streamline communications with digital sending services (DSS) and content-management capabilities that help optimize workflows. Moreover, the solution reduces physical-space requirements and provides remote-management capabilities.

According to IDC, business professionals spend 60% of their time handling paper-based documents, plus more than 40% of internal office communication is still handled via hardcopy. IDC also reports producing, distributing, and storing documents accounts for up to 40% of an organization's labor costs and 15% of its revenue. With U.S.-based businesses spending up to $100 billion per year processing paper, according to IDC estimates, the paperless office so sought after in the 1990s remains an elusive myth for the vast majority of organizations.

HP is investing huge sums of money across the region to help IT decision makers better understand their business issues and help them achieve synchronisation between business needs and IT capabilities, with the ultimate aim of lowering IT costs while improving business efficiency.

Amr added: 'We continue to invest in the Middle East market which is going through rapid changes. Our aim is to help customers undersatnd how technology can help lower IT cost, and make businesses more flexible and responsive giving them vital competitive edge. Vodafone is just one example of a growing number of enterprises acrross the Middle-East that are partnering with HP for success.'