National advertising agency Ogilvy SA has commissioned 70 new desktop computers using Microsoft Active Directory. The commissioning exercise was undertaken after IT-based business enabling solutions provider, the JSE-listed Square One Solutions Group, completed an implementation and skills transfer contract that has positioned Ogilvy to maximise its investment in Microsoft AD for the control, security and management of the desktop network at its Cape Town branch.
Once the new desktop computers (running Microsoft Windows XP and various specialist applications software) had been installed, Ogilvy's IT department looked to its existing MS Active directory infrastructure as a means of effective PC network management.
Square One was contracted to recommend and design a directory system to automate the desktop roll-out process and at the same time transfer to Ogilvy knowledge and skills that would enable the agency to implement and maintain the AD solution in-house.
"After briefings from the Ogilvy IT department on what they wanted to achieve, our software engineers designed a system that provided Ogilvy with a solution through which they could themselves deploy, manage, control and support their desktop infrastructure," said Square One account manager Oscar Frutuoso.
"One of the major challenges we faced was the deployment of legacy applications using the remote installation services facility within Active Directory. We assembled a team of software engineers with the necessary experience and know-how to successfully complete this complex task."
A major time and cost saving was achieved because each PC took just seven minutes to deploy - a total of about eight hours as opposed to more than 100 hours if the set-up had been executed individually.
A broad base of pre-determined user settings was loaded through the Active Directory, including diverse applications, anti-virus and security controls, passwords, access rights, internet use parameters, downloading rights and controls right down to the availability and selection of screensavers.
"The implementation methodology was designed to ensure the specific needs of each of the different users, relative to their job descriptions and functions, would be met while all desktop interfaces and appearances would be standardised and operate the way Ogilvy IT management wanted them to," added Frutuoso.
The Cape Town branch acted as the "guinea pig " for Ogilvy's implementation of MS Active Directory and national IT director for the company, David Breytenbach, said the intention is to now install similar AD programs at all of the company's offices in main centres.
"We see many benefits and efficiencies stemming from having controls and standardisation in place on our network. It is particularly useful that Square One has been able to transfer skills into our company so that we are able to properly manage and maintain the system ourselves."
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