DATA FORT, a joint ASP project of leading systems integrator IBS and global telecommunications group Cable&Wireless, has commenced the project to provide remote access and support services to Navision Attain ERP system for the Russian representative office of Gedore Werkzeuge GmbH — one of the largest professional hand tool manufacturer in the world. The contract signed by the companies covers a three-year term.

The outsourcing model proposed by DATA FORT will allow Gedore Werkzeuge to optimize its enterprise resource planning automation investments, reduce risks of unexpected costs and reduce the solution's total cost of ownership, including costs associated with having highly skilled IT staff on the payroll, purchasing expensive equipment and enforcing information security policies.

The contract will see DATA FORT providing Navision Attain application services, as well as constant monitoring of application availability and basic server parameters, performing daily backups, upgrading server hardware and software to ensure the required level of functionality, etc. Access to the solution is provided via the Internet thanks to the state-of-the-art Cable&Wireless data center.

According to Gennady Kulev, Financial manager, Gedore Werkzeuge, the choice of Navision Attain ASP was not a mere coincidence. "Our company is growing dynamically, that is why when choosing an ERP solution our primary focus was on flexibility and ability to integrate international standards with Russian practices. Navision Attain platform completely satisfies our requirements, and its availability as an ASP solution was just another benefit of this fine product. The ASP model was especially attractive because it implied a financially sound payment distribution model, and allowed us to outsource technical support and application performance monitoring. Before making an executive decision our IT department had thoroughly analyzed the services and approved this mode of operation."

Navision Attain is an integrated end-to-end business solution for middle-sized enterprises and dynamically growing companies that need to uncover their full potential and realize their capabilities to the fullest extent. IBS was chosen as a consultant by Gedore Werkzeuge from 8 Navision Solution Centers. Navision Attain implementation process allows controlling and testing the settings via the Internet.

In the nearest future DATA FORT is planning to sign several more ASP contracts to provide complex applications.