Newsletter 2010Vol1

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  2010 Vol.1 An ICT Service Provider Dedicated to  Business Customers Strictly  Business Awards: Award and Recognition Hong Kong Leaders’ Choice 2010 - The “Excellent Brand of Corporate IT Management'' Corporate Social Responsibility Earth Hour - Do Your Share in Saving the Planet! Customer Highlight Improved Claims Processing Using Enhanced Health Benefit Management System (HBMS): Pacific Insurance Increased Competency Through COL's IT Outsourcing Service Event Snapshot Wharf T&T 2009 Results Announcement  The 6th Banking & Finance Technology Foru m ''+EN'' Project Launch Celebration Feature Story Wharf T&T Launches +EN

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Newsletter 2010Vol1

Transcript of Newsletter 2010Vol1

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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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