Finavia, the authority that develops and maintains Finland's network of airports and air navigation system, realised an exceptionally large-scale reform of its work stations. Finavia acquired 1,300 new computers, with the reason for the upgrades in the colourful mix they had back then: Windows 95, 98, 2000, and NT.

The competitive bidders were asked to offer a package that included, in addition to the equipment itself, warranties, maintenance, a changing service for the work stations, as well as reclaiming the old work stations.

- What made the offer particularly challenging was the fact that we operate around the country. The supplier needed to prove that it could serve even the Enontekiä airport in Northern Finland, explains IT chief Eva Björklund

The value of the delivery contract was over one million euros, but the supplier selection was not based on price, but on more comprehensive economic grounds. Businessforum was the company of choice, and based on its recommendation, Finavia chose IBM equipment.

The schedule for pre-installations and deliveries was tight, as the project proceeded without any breaks from one airport to the next. According to Björklund, the project stayed under control because the schedule was not unnecessarily stretched out.

Businessforum employs IBM Global Services in the nationwide maintenance that Finavia requires, but Businessforum is the go-between that is responsible for all contacts with Finavia.