The Oregon State Legislature has been using a Novell GroupWise messaging system since 1998. E-mail and calendaring have been a mission-critical part of accomplishing the work of the Legislature. Legislators and staff wanted improved interoperability and a shorter learning curve. Challenged with the task of selecting and transitioning from GroupWise to a new messaging platform, the Legislature determined that consulting services were required from a vendor who possessed expert product knowledge and an understanding of how that technology is best leveraged within state government.

Solution
Avanade provided consulting services to the Legislature IT staff to help them conduct a feasibility study and provide them with a high-level design of a Windows/Exchange platform. Then, Avanade assisted with the design, construction, testing and migration procedures for the new Windows/Exchange environment. Avanade’s recommendations provided the Legislature with three key characteristics of the Microsoft Windows/Exchange platform that were critical to its business:

• Flexible, easy to use client interface (to reduce the cost of training)
• Seamless integration with the Legislature’s other desktop productivity products
• Widespread adoption of the technology in the marketplace

• Shorter learning curve
• Improved communication