Chrysler Group CIO Scott Sandschafer was one of the speakers this week as Microsoft Corp. formally opened a new Microsoft Technology Center (MTC) in Southfield, Mich.
Chrysler Group is in the midst of one of the largest deployments of Microsoft Office 2010 in the world -- impacting as many as 25,000 users when the initiative is complete. We have also migrated more than 30,000 users to Microsoft Outlook email. The move gives each user 40 times the email storage space compared to the previous email software – and it provides more efficient ways to search for information.
Sandschafer talked about the benefits of having a MTC in the area, including its ability to offer onsite expertise – such as the Envisioning Center and strategic planning sessions. Both services have allowed Chrysler the resources to give 15 minutes back to employees to do other, more important tasks.
In addition to improving efficiency within Chrysler Group, the company’s implementation of the Microsoft software will enhance its ability to collaborate with alliance partner, Fiat S.p.A., which also uses these technologies.
As the ninth MTC in the U.S., these centers allow customers to work closely with Microsoft technology experts to envision their future IT needs, and then design and deploy solutions to meet specific customer goals.
(L to R): Director - Microsoft Technology Center Drew Costakis, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, Microsoft VP & GM John Fikany, and Chrysler Group VP & CIO Scott Sandschafer cut the ribbon to officially open Microsoft’s Technology Center in Southfield, Mich., on Feb. 1, 2011.
