Page 27 - Sphere No.11 (Apr 2004)

Hutchison GlobalCenter owes its very existence to the Internet, due to a core
business that revolves around the provision of managed data hosting services and
total IT outsourcing solutions to its customers.
In recent years, the trend towards outsourcing a company’s IT processes has
taken firm hold around the world, accompanied by a pressing need for increased
data centre capability. In meeting these demands, Hutchison GlobalCenter uses
secure, best-of-breed IT applications to position itself as a market leader.
Cost-effective Internet infrastructures enhance the sales & marketing processes,
streamlining communications channels and
improving customer service management.
The security of its data-hosting
systems is of critical importance
to Hutchison GlobalCenter’s
success, and the company has
been awarded British
Standard (BS) 7799 certifi-
cation. It incorporates
the world recognised
information security
practice to assure
its customers unob-
structed operations
and bullet-proof infor-
mation protection.
S PHERE
1225
ESDlife (www.esdlife.com ) is a pioneer-
ing award-winning one-stop public
and e-commerce services to Hong
Kong citizens. It can be accessed
through the Internet and a network of
Internet kiosks. ESDlife allows people
to book, apply and pay for government
services — ranging from wedding reg-
istration, sports facilities and appoint-
ment booking for smart identity
card replacement to filing tax
returns. In total, ESDlife offers
bilingual access to over 180
government services from
more than 50 departments
and public agencies.
ESDlife also operates
a fast-growing e-shop,
selling a variety of
products and services
through its website
and is developing
a successful online
advertising business
AGE OF THE I NTERNET
At Hutchison Whampoa
Property Group (HWPG),
Internet and networking technolo-
gies have been used extensively
to improve business efficiency and
effectiveness. Today, HWPG has built
an advanced IT infrastructure based
on its corporate intranet, enabling
it to effectively centralise its
global operations.
Nowadays more and more business
processes rely on the architecture for
information that provides intelligence
for operational efficiency and deci-
sion-making support. For example,
there is a single full-fledged web-
based flat sales system serving all
sales operations and management.
A new class of video-conferencing
service is also provided to offices in
HWPG through the corporate
intranet over which other mission-
critical business applications are being
delivered concurrently.
Hong Kong-based office sup-
plies provider bigboXX.com
uses the Internet to enhance its
competitive edge in the B2B arena.
Deploying state-of-art technology
with an integrated distribution sys-
tem, bigboXX offers corporate
clients a value-added online procure-
ment solution that reduces their
administrative workloads and
enhances operational efficiencies.The
company sells and delivers a range of
some 8.000 office supplies — from
paper and stationery to furniture and
business machines.
The IT platform enables bigboXX to
take orders directly and process pay-
ments over the Internet. By operating
a “virtual” shop front, supported by
efficient IT-enabled backroom, ware-
housing and delivery operations,
bigboXX achieves significant savings
on operational costs, which are
passed on to consumers.
Based on the extremely successful US
model selling airline tickets, hotel accom-
modation and car hire, Hutchison owns
and operates Priceline in Hong Kong and
Singapore, with rights to expand into
other Asian countries. Deploying a
sophisticated IT platform, Priceline
matches buyers with sellers via its
Internet portal, selling air tickets and
hotel rooms at substantial savings and
convenience to customers.The IT system
can “match-make” offers with some 9,000
hotels and over 30 airlines, creating
a win-win situation for buyers and
sellers alike.The services are available at:
priceline.com.hk and priceline.com.sg
T hroughout its divisions, Hutchison has
been able to effectively leverage the
remarkable power of the Internet to
streamline communications, create business
opportunities and enhance competitiveness.
At a basic level, the ability to communicate
and exchange data via the Internet has brought
marked improvements in terms of efficiency
and cost-savings. The Internet also serves as
a valuable information resource for both the
Group and its customers through the use of
interactive websites.
In the e-commerce arena, Hutchison has
been quick to realise the sales opportunities
afforded by the Internet. Priceline, bigboXX.com
and ESDlife are all prime examples of business-
es that utilise the Internet as a virtual shop
floor to provide customers with convenient
access to products and services.