COMPAQ ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS: Marks and Spencer improves
customer service with Compaq in-store system
Story Filed: Monday, November 08, 1999 12:37 PM EST
NOV 8, 1999, M2 Communications - Marks and Spencer has chosen Compaq to supply the
platform for its new in-store IT infrastructure. The high-street retailer has invested UKP20 million in
the system, which is designed to make the company more efficient and improve customers' shopping
experience.
Compaq ProLiant 7000 servers are replacing IBM and ICL systems that were over ten years old
and not Year 2000 compliant. Together with Compaq Deskpro EN space-saver PCs, they will
provide access to email, stock management, finance and personnel systems. They also form part of
a new interactive in-store customer ordering system where, in furniture and curtains for instance,
customers can trial different selections on-screen before making their decision. The rollout to all 350
UK and European stores is expected to be completed by October this year.
A key issue for Marks and Spencer in its choice of PCs was extending the product lifecycle as long
as possible and ensuring the system was 'future proofed', as Keith Bogg, Marks and Spencer's
Divisional Director for IT, explains: "To make the most of our investment we want to keep our PCs
for up to five years, upgrading where appropriate to take advantage of advances in hardware
technology." Keith continues: "Enhancing applications and making changes to the platform to
improve the service to our customers will take place on a regular basis, so it's important that the
system has the flexibility to adapt when required. Compaq's PCs and their Lifecycle Management
programme give us just that."
Marks and Spencer evaluated several PCs but decided on the Compaq solution because of the
scaleability and longer lifecycle of the server, and small footprint of the desktop PC. This was
important in the space-constrained retail environment and was also a factor in Marks and Spencer's
decision to buy Compaq TFT 500 screens. "Not only do these very high quality 15-inch screens
take up less desk space," says Keith, "they also offer a brighter picture and revolutionise the look
and layout of the sales floors. And we'll make significant energy savings."
Marks and Spencer required the infrastructure for the in-store system to be reliable, scalable, easy
to upgrade and based on industry standards. This is achieved through using Compaq's high-end
Intel-based Proliant 7000 servers and Microsoft Windows NT. The system is designed to be easier
for staff to use - its intuitive nature ensures that it takes less time to train employees to use and
means that customers get through the tills much faster. "As we look to the future, the expansion of
retail services to include financial services and IT services such as Internet shopping requires much
broader integration of the supply chain. It is imperative that our IT infrastructure is open and has the
flexibility to cope with these developments. I believe with the solution we have chosen from
Compaq we are ready for this," Keith concluded.
Company Background Compaq is the second largest computer company in the world and the
largest global supplier of personal computers. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software,
solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant
business-critical solutions, networking and communication products, commercial desktop and
portable products and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly
programs and business practices.
Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of
authorised Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its
products are available at compaq.com. Compaq UK was established in 1984 and is
headquartered in Richmond, Surrey. Its products and services are sold and supported through a
network of marketing partners across the UK. Customer advice, reseller locations and information
about Compaq and its products can be found at compaq.co.uk or by calling the
Compaq Call Centre on 0845 270 4000. Electronic Press Office Would you like to receive
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