B.I.C. completes major project with Royal Group

B.I.C. Systems has recently completed a major IT project for the Royal Group of Hospitals, the Dental Hospital and the Health and Social Services Trust.

The project involved the complete overhaul of the Royal Group of Hospitals technology infrastructure, centralising its network resources for information and replacing the existing desktops with a standardised desktop and server environment.

Located in Belfast, the Trust has a staff of 6,000 including a quarter of all hospital doctors in Northern Ireland, and treats half a million patients every year.

Paul Duffy, Information Technology Manager for the Royal Group of Hospitals, said: "Working in partnership with B.I.C. Systems, we delivered a server and desktop solution in as many months, as other organizations do in years. The Royal Group of Hospitals views B.I.C. Systems as a strategic partner in the delivery of better IT services, which ultimately leads to better patient care."

B.I.C. Systems - in partnership with Microsoft Ireland - installed over 500 new desktops running a specifically designed version of Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Office XP Professional. In addition over 750 users were also upgraded to a desktop system approved by the trust.

Ed Vernon, Group Managing Director, B.I.C Systems, said: "B.I.C. Systems have enjoyed a long working relationship with the Royal Group of Hospitals. The scale of this project and the efficiency with which it was carried out is testament to both B.I.C System's stature as Northern Irelands leading technology solutions provider and the professionalism with which the Royal Group of Hospitals IT department carries out its work."

The company provided simultaneous training for all users who were migrated to a new platform in Windows XP Professional and Office XP Professional. This was complemented by an ITIL based infrastructure helpdesk and remote support for all servers and storage area networks (SANs) within the trust.

A key priority for the project was the centralisation of network resources for information within the trust in addition to the need for a standardised desktop and server environment.

Due to the critical nature of some of the data concerned exceptional backup and support were deemed vital elements of the new infrastructure. B.I.C. Systems installed Commvault Galaxy in conjunction with a HP automated tape solution, providing automated nightly backups. Core systems deemed critical to day-to-day operation were clustered over a number of servers.

Installation of the solution was completed in 2003 with B.I.C systems to provide service desk, remote and onsite support for three years. The new systems have led to enhanced communication and information sharing between the four hospitals - ultimately resulting in enhanced patient care.

For further information on B.I.C. Systems, visit www.bicsystems.com.

(SP)