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This Is How We Do It: Softchoice’s CIO Kevin Wright talks about using technology to stay ahead in tough times
Q: From a cost-management perspective, how has the recession changed the way you do things as an IT organization?
A: With every crisis there’s an opportunity to innovate and be more efficient. And that’s how we approached it. We made it a priority to address the things we could control directly by focusing on three key areas: rent and power, travel and IT infrastructure. And, as a solutions company, we really wanted to leverage the technology we sell to our customers to accomplish these goals.
Q: Since Softchoice has more than 40 locations across North America, travel costs must be pretty significant. What have you done to address this issue?
A: This last year we’ve probably reduced expenses by about 60 per cent using a variety of tactics.
In our experience, the old-fashioned “don’t spend money” and getting on everyone’s case approach never works too well. What’s made us successful has been combining this mentality with some strategic IT investments – particularly with Microsoft – to give people other options besides getting on a plane.