The Zahid Tractor and Heavy Machinery Company has implemented Linux across its systems spanning the Kingdom with the help of Saudi Business Machines (SBM), the general marketing and services representative of IBM WTC in Saudi Arabia.
By replacing its Microsoft Windows servers with Linux, Zahid Tractors has reduced its technology costs by as much as 25 percent, and demonstrated the value, flexibility and security of open-source software.
The new IBM x-Series servers running Linux handle Web services, file and print services, messaging and business applications for Zahid Tractors, which is the Kingdom’s largest dealer in heavy machinery and vehicles, acting as agent for such famous brands as Caterpillar, Ingersoll-Rand, Demag, Lorain, Peerless, Ameise, Volvo Trucks, Volvo Cars, Daewoo Motors, Renault Cars and AMG's Hummer.
With over 1,500 employees providing many different products and financial services, as well as professional services and 24-hour technical advice and emergency service, the demands on the company’s information systems are massive.
As the company grew and developed, the IT department became increasingly concerned about the steadily increasing costs of software licenses, as well as security and reliability concerns about the Windows infrastructure it was using. Zahid Tractors has many servers running Windows 2000 connected through a large scale Wide Area Network, running applications based on IBM’s Lotus Domino messaging and collaboration technology.
After studying various alternatives and presenting these to management, the IT department was given the go-ahead to develop a Linux Research & Development project in 2001. It established a Linux Lab on its premises with its own dedicated network, and partnered with SBM and IBM Global Services to define a solution in 2002. Once the solution was scoped out, it worked with SBM to roll out a pilot project to identify the implementation issues and find solutions before mass roll-out in late 2002.
Zahid Tractor and Heavy Machinery represents Caterpillar, Ingersoll-Rand, Demag, Lorain, Peerless, Ameise, Volvo Trucks, Volvo Cars and Renault Cars. It has a nation-wide network of over 30 facilities. Its products and services are utilized in the private sector, the construction industry, manufacturing, shipping, the oil industry, ports, airports, steel works and transport. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
