Newsletter 2010Vol1
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Transcript of Newsletter 2010Vol1
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2010 Vol.1
An ICT Service Provider Dedicated to
Business Customers StrictlyBusiness
Awards:
Award and RecognitionHong Kong Leaders Choice 2010 - The Excellent Brand of Corporate IT Management''
Corporate Social ResponsibilityEarth Hour - Do Your Share in Saving the Planet!
Customer HighlightImproved Claims Processing Using Enhanced Health Benefit Management System (HBMS): Pacific Insurance Increased Competency Through COL's IT Outsourcing Service
Event SnapshotWharf T&T 2009 Results AnnouncementThe 6th Banking & Finance Technology Forum''+EN'' Project Launch Celebration
Feature Story Wharf T&T Launches +EN
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Pioneering ITaaS for Hong Kong SMEsCan you imagine your business life without a computer
and Internet connection in this modern age?
In fact, information technology (IT) has infiltrated into
every aspect of our daily lives. The developments in fibre-
optic communications technology have created a world
without frontiers where business can be conducted
anywhere, anytime. When we look into the situation here
in Hong Kong, what is the IT penetration rate for the
commercial sector? Are SMEs taking advantage of the
benefits offered by the increased availability of IT and
network infrastructure?
Statistical FindingsThe latest statistics from the Census & Statistics Department released in December 2009 showed
that IT penetration in the Hong Kong business sector remains relatively low with only around 60% of
business establishments having personal computers or an Internet connection and only 20% having
their own websites or web pages.
A report from the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) in December 2009 further
highlighted the fact that together the five new Fixed Network Operators (FNOs) have only achieved
a coverage of slightly below 60% of all commercial buildings in Hong Kong. These results reveal
that 40% of Hong Kong business customers still rely on the legacy copper-based fixed network
infrastructures in their buildings for their telecom services.
Feature Story
Wharf T&T Launches +EN
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The Need for an Advanced Network InfrastructureUnimpeded access to high-speed broadband connection is vital to business growth in this information &
communications technology (ICT) era. ICT is very often embedded in commercial commodities as well as the
business process. The increase of trade and economic integration between Hong Kong and the Mainland also
calls for closer cooperation in the ICT field. How can we help play a role in maintaining Hong Kongs edge as the
worlds digital city for technological innovation and adoption?
As a leading ICT service provider and SME IT partner in Hong Kong, we envision that a complete Fibre-to-the-
Desk fixed network infrastructure with extensive coverage coupled with superior but affordable ICT services
are critical in helping SMEs increase global competitivity.
Wharf T&T has launched the +EN project in January 2010 to expand its fully fibre-optic network infrastructure and pioneer IT-as-a-Service (ITaaS) to the business sector, especially SMEs.
Fibre-to-the-Desk Go! stands for + Enterprise Network, which represents an investment of HK$1 billion to expand Wharf T&Ts network infrastructure, with potential to be
upgraded to 10G per connection, supporting at least 10 core ITaaS applications.
It is a 3-year territory-wide project. When the project is complete, 95% of business
customers in Hong Kong will be able to enjoy the benefits of various advanced
IT applications through a secure and ultra high-speed Fibre-to-the-Desk (FTTD)
network connection.
By using the concept of cloud computing, Wharf T&T provides an advanced ITaaS
for SMEs on the basis of an on-demand usage and subscription based model, all
delivered via our ultra high-speed fibre-optic broadband network.
ITaaS Model for Hong Kong SMEsLaunched in May 2010, ITaaS solutions cover a wide spectrum of cloud applications including security (Cloud
Secure, Integrated Firewall, PC Secure, Web Filtering), storage (Cloud Backup), enterprise email (Business Email),
communications (iCommunicator, iVoiceMail, iFax), web-enabled solution (Web Builder, Web Hosting) as well
as e-marketing (WeB-eM). For a low monthly fee, the on-demand usage and subscription model will help
SMEs to increase their ICT usage with a better-equipped ITaaS service. SMEs no longer have to worry about
maintenance, service upgrades or IT expertise.
For more information about the +EN project and the ITaaS solution, please contact our hotline on 121-888.
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Improved Claims Processing Using Enhanced Health Benefit Management System (HBMS): Pacific Insurance Increased Competency Through COLs IT Outsourcing Service
Rising costs and increasing complexity drive healthcare and insurance
organisations to reassess their HBMS. These organisations strive to provide
excellent services and find innovative ways to make their HBMS more efficient
and effective. Smart outsourcing can definitely help optimise the business
process. Pacific Cross Insurance Company Limited (Pacific Insurance), a subsidiary of Everest International, has
made a smart choice for its health benefit management outsourcing process.
Pacific Insurance is an international medical and travel insurance firm with its head office in Samoa and
third party administration offices located in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Document management is a key task in the health insurance sector as there are considerable amounts of
claim forms and documents required to be handled daily. A centralised, well-designed and systematic HBMS is
essential for Pacific Insurance to manage members personal data, policy details, product information, claims
history, and payment record.
Pacific Insurance used to have different health benefit management systems in each of its branch offices
managed by different vendors. As our business spreads across the Asia Pacific region, we need a more
sophisticated and centralised HBMS to help manage our insureds data systematically. Company-wide access
to data and information sharing among different locations is important to us, said John Casey, CEO of Everest
International. Data velocity, security and reliability are our main concern and we want to maximise business
value of our technology investment to enhance our operation performance which in turn further increases
customer satisfaction, so we need a reliable outsourcing partner to work with us hand in hand to enhance our
HBMS.
Powerful HBMS that Brings Substantial ValuePacific Insurance needs an experienced outsourcing vendor who understands
how the industry works. It is not easy to locate a vendor who possesses
extensive industry know-how and solid experience in cross-country claims
process, commented Mr. Casey. COL has gained a strong foothold in the finance
and insurance sectors and has established a solid reputation for its excellent
IT outsourcing and data centre services. It is believed that with COLs strong
capability in data centre service and proven track record in managing the IT outsourcing process particularly
for the insurance sector, we can develop a robust HBMS with their professional advice and support.
COL has helped Pacific Insurance to develop, implement and run the HBMS at COLs data centre. The
HBMS handles all claim requests, payments, memberships, and policy information for all Pacific Insurances
offices across the Asia Pacific region. By centralising, standardising, and automating work processes in one
single system, OPEX is trimmed, data security is enhanced, and work efficiency has been greatly improved.
Centralised process management also facilitates tighter security control and maximises the output of
resources management. The new HBMS is equipped with sophisticated analytical tools plus various reporting
formats which allows us to analyse business scenarios from various points of view, said Mr. Casey.
Customer Highlight
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Value-added Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is In PlaceIn view of the high security risk, COL has also helped Pacific Insurance
design and implement business continuity planning to step up emergency
preparedness. Production data is hosted in COLs site while data backup
is mirrored in another site. COL also provides regular drills for Pacific
Insurance to ensure the plan is practical, up-to-date, and reflects the
insurance companys current business needs. Risk management is one
of our priority tasks at Pacific Insurance. We need a well-designed plan
which can perfectly match our business model and requirements. We are
impressed with the insights, advice, and helpful support COL has given us
and using which we can work out a practical continuity plan very quickly,
commented John Casey.
We are very pleased that our professional and IT consultation service has
been able to help Pacific Insurance centralise their health claims process
and develop an effective health benefit system. We can analyse needs from
the customers point of view and provide them with the right tools for the
job. We believe our management solutions can bring together technology,
analytical applications, and best practice that help companies increase productivity and strengthen resources
management. With us, our clients can stay focused on their core business development and compete in the
changing global environment, said Norris Hickerson, Vice President of COL.
Sector: Insurance Solution: Health Benefit Management System (HBMS)
Benefits:
Operational efficiency enhanced by centralising and automating work processes
OPEX and resources reduced by handling administration of several locations in one single system
Reliable and secure IT management service at COLs data centre
One-stop-shop service with business continuity planning (BCP) and disaster recovery (DR) in place
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The 6th Banking & Finance Technology ForumBeing an industry leader in IT security and
business continuity services, Wharf T&T and COL
showcased its wireless security solution at the
6th Banking and Finance Technology Forum Asia
2010 held on 10 and 11 of March 2010. The Vice
President of COL, Mr. Norris Hickerson, shared
his views on the implementation of Business
Continuity Planning (BCP) and Disaster Recovery
Planning (DRP) in the banking and finance
industry.
The Banking and Finance Technology Forum
Asia offers a platform for senior bank executives
to network and share experience in IT usage and
its latest technology offerings applicable to the
banking and finance industry.
Event Snapshot
Wharf T&T 2009 Results AnnouncementAt the Results Announcement Conference
on 12 March 2010 chaired by Mr. Stephen Ng,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of i-Cable
and Wharf T&T, Mr. Vincent Ma, President of
Wharf T&T and Mr. William Kwan, Director and
Chief Financial Officer of i-Cable presented the
2009 business results and the 2010 outlook for
Wharf T&T and i-Cable respectively.
Vindicating its deliberate Strictly Business
focus and ICT transformation over the past few
years, Wharf T&T has made new history in 2009
and is very well positioned to take over as the up and coming leader for business customers. Buoyed by
a noticeable rise in profits and cash flow, Wharf T&T outperformed the competition despite unfavourable
market conditions. Total turnover rose slightly to HK$1,650 million (2008: HK$1,641 million). Record high
net profit of HK$213 million (2008: HK$140 million) and free cash flow of HK$366 million (2008: HK$223
million) was reported in 2009.
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Project Launch CelebrationWharf T&T announced the launch of its +EN project at a celebration held on 19 January 2010. The +EN project represents an additional investment of HK$1 billion to leapfrog its fixed
network infrastructure and to pioneer the development of IT-as-
a-Service (ITaaS) for business customers. Mr. John Tsang Chun-
wah, JP, the Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, Mr. Stephen Ng,
Chairman & CEO of Wharf T&T, and Mr. Vincent Ma, President of
Wharf T&T officiated at the launching ceremony.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Earth Hour Do Your Share in Saving the Planet!The Earth is our only home. Everyone knows what is happening to our Earth today warmer temperatures,
rising sea level, adverse climate events, and retreating glaciers. This is the place where we now live. Although
the concept of environmental conservation has been promoted for a long time now, the effect of tackling
climate change is unlikely to be seen in the near future. It is time for us to practise what we preach to save
our planet!
Led by the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, Wharf T&T participated in the 2010 Earth Hour. A
series of internal and external promotions were carried out two weeks before the campaign. Messages were
posted on the corporate website and staff Intranet to help encourage individual participation while at the
same time five sets of a well-designed messages with the excellent comic strip from Earth Hour Ambassador
Andox & Box were sent via email to all staff to promote five ways towards a low carbon lifestyle.
The peak of our event was t he Dress Black Day and the Earth Lunch Hour on the 26 of March 2010. Staff
members were encouraged to dress in black and switched off their printers, computers, and monitors
during their lunch hour. Taking small steps towards a low carbon lifestyle can make a real difference in
fighting against global warming.
Lets keep the momentum going!
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Award and Recognition
Wharf T&T and COL have been named the Excellent
Brand of Corporate IT Management in Metro Finances
Hong Kong Leaders Choice Award for the second year
running. The accolade further recognises our continual
commitment to providing innovative and professional
ICT solution and consolidating our position as a leading
ICT service provider in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Leaders Choice, organised by Metro
Finance, recognises outstanding brands with exceptional
performance in their respective industry. Winners were
first nominated by the public and voted by a group
of industry professional judges formed by corporate
leaders, business tycoons, and representatives renowned
in their respective sectors.
Hong Kong Leaders Choice 2010 The Excellent Brand of Corporate IT Management
Wharf T&T Limited11/F, Telecom Tower, Wharf T&T Square
123 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2112 1121 Fax: (852) 2112 1122
www.wharftt.com
Wharf T&T is committed to environmental protection. This publication uses FSC Certified paper.
COL Limited11/F, COL Tower, Wharf T&T Square
123 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2118 3888 Fax: (852) 2118 3088
www.col.com.hk
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