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Computer industry

Alcoa Launches Ambitious IT Project with Microsoft and HP

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Alcoa, a leading producer of aluminum, has embarked on the most ambitious information technology project in its history, aiming to create a world leader in leveraging information to generate higher economic value for the company and its customers. The project, called the Common Infrastructure Initiative (CII), is a collaborative effort with Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard (HP) to connect over 15,000 computer users across Alcoa's operations in 26 countries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project, known as the Common Infrastructure Initiative (CII), will connect over 15,000 computer users across Alcoa's operations in 26 countries.
  • The initiative will provide a standardized client-server computing platform, enabling high-level electronic communication and improved personal productivity.
  • Alcoa will deploy 10,000 Microsoft Windows NT workstations and 450 servers running components of Microsoft's BackOffice.
  • The project is expected to boost Alcoa's competitive position by enabling faster business decision-making, improving communications with customers and suppliers, increasing computer user productivity, and reducing long-term information technology costs.
  • The estimated return on investment (ROI) for the project is expected to be excellent, with a total investment of $150 million over five years.
  • The project involves a five-year contract with HP, which will provide planning, deployment, asset management, maintenance, technical support, and system administration services worldwide.
  • Microsoft will provide various software solutions, including Windows NT Server, Microsoft Exchange Server, and Microsoft Systems Management Server.
  • The project is expected to be completed by mid-1997, with the first phase involving the installation of 250 servers and the replacement or upgrade of 4,000 desktop computers.

Statistics:

  • 15,000: The number of computer users that will be connected across Alcoa's operations in 26 countries.
  • $150,000,000: The estimated total investment for the project over five years.
  • 10,000: The number of Microsoft Windows NT workstations that will be deployed.
  • 450: The number of servers running components of Microsoft's BackOffice.
  • 20: The number of countries where the project will be implemented in the first phase.
  • 150: The number of locations where the project will be implemented in the first phase.

Sources:

  • [Alcoa]
  • [Microsoft PressPass]
  • [HP PressOffice]

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