Continental AG Chooses IBM Lotus Software for Unified Communications and Collaboration

Strategic Insights -

Continental AG, a leading automotive supplier, embarked on a significant change by adopting IBM Lotus software as their common messaging platform after acquiring Siemens VDO. Over 40,000 Microsoft Outlook and Exchange users were migrated to IBM's Lotus Notes and Domino software in just four months. The decision was driven by lower licensing and operating costs, as well as greater platform independence. Continental also opted for IBM Lotus Quickr and Sametime for collaboration and unified communications, which will become the new default platform for team and project collaboration.

Key Takeaways:

  • Continental AG acquired Siemens VDO and had to integrate 40,000 new Microsoft Exchange and Outlook users with their existing 37,000 IBM Lotus Domino and Notes software users.
  • After evaluation, Continental chose IBM Lotus software due to its lower licensing and operating costs, as well as greater platform independence.
  • IBM Lotus Quickr and Sametime were selected for their ability to provide a simpler, more direct integration with Lotus Notes, access to directories and calendars, integration with Lotus Sametime, and lower infrastructure and licensing costs.
  • Continental intends to expand its use of Lotus Quickr and Sametime to enhance on-line and real-time collaboration within the company, and to employ new Enterprise 2.0 functions such as tagging and alerting.
  • Continental is one of the world's leading automotive suppliers, with revenue of more than EUR 24 billion in 2008, employing nearly 140,000 people at around 190 locations in 35 countries.

Statistics:

  • Continental AG had 37,000 IBM Lotus Domino and Notes software users and 40,000 new Microsoft Exchange and Outlook users from the acquired Siemens VDO company.
  • The migration of 40,000 Microsoft Outlook and Exchange users to IBM Lotus Notes and Domino software took just four months.
  • Continental AG expects to see cost savings due to the lower licensing and operating costs of IBM Lotus software.

Sources:

  • MARKET WIRE via COMTEX (Apr 02, 2009)
  • IBM (NYSE: IBM)
  • Continental AG
  • Dr. Bernhard Thomas, head of IT Infrastructure Strategy at Continental AG
  • Paul Schwefer, Chief Information Officer at Continental AG