2 September 2008

In matters of data security, we have put the highest standards in place. That is why we began considering making the switch to Windows Vista

Ursula Steinbrugger, IT project manager, Oesterreichische Kontrollbank Austria’s official export credit agency has enhanced its IT security with Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system.

As Austria’s official export credit agency (ECA), Oesterreichische Kontrollbank (OeKB) represents the Government, handling volumes of sensitive financial information on a daily basis. The agency is Austria’s central provider of financial services and information to exporters and capital and energy markets. Maximum precision and data security are a key requirement of OeKB’s operations.

OeKB’s systems ran on the Windows 2000 operating system, which was approaching its end of life. “While updates for Windows 2000 may still be available, the life cycle of the operating system is approaching its end,” says Ursula Steinbrugger, IT project manager at OeKB.

In order to continue to offer its customers and business partners the best security standards, OeKB decided to upgrade to the Windows Vista operating system and the 2007 Microsoft Office system. “In matters of data security, we have put the highest standards in place,” says Steinbrugger. “That is why we began considering making the switch to Windows Vista.”

With the assistance of Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Hewlett-Packard, OeKB updated its operating systems to Windows Vista in less than four months. The agency also installed Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 when it was released, making it possible for the 2007 Microsoft Office system to be installed on 370 client workstations.

Using Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption, OeKB was able to enhance security and safeguard data from unauthorised users. The agency has also seen an increase in productivity with the 2007 Microsoft Office system. Users gain additional time, and finding and sharing information is simple. In addition, with Windows Vista installed, service and maintenance will be easier and more efficient.