New Zealand -green" power generator and retailer Meridian Energy is to pilot new workplace technologies, including a unified IP communications platform, to be fully deployed after the company moves to a new Wellington waterfront headquarters next September.
The strategy behind the trials is to define and test what it calls -Workplace Environment Technologies" that support the company's strategy and its statement of principles called -The Meridian Way".
Company spokesman Alan Saey said when Meridian is sourcing or entering into partnerships it is looking for shared values and a willingness to get onside.
He said as a heavily outsourced organisation with a relatively low internal headcount, the ability to build strong relationships is important. The Meridian Way, he said, included being -hotwired": a willingness to draw on different skill sets within the organisation and outside and to work as a team.
Meridian, which generates electricity through renewable resources including hydro electricity and wind power, has been progressively positioning itself as a sustainable energy company in a series of advertisements on local television. The new showcase headquarters building Kumutoto will use 60 percent less energy and 70 percent less water than comparable buildings.
The state-owned generator has issued a call for information from organisations capable of delivering IP communications and audio-visual solutions to create a short-list of prospective integrators before proceeding to a full request for proposal.
The solution sought will include voice over IP, be fully integrated with Microsoft Office and Outlook, allow interaction from the desktop and laptop and in addition to voice will include videoconferencing, email and instant messaging over a Cisco network. The system must also minimise energy use.
On deployment, the system will initially support 200 users in three locations including Wellington but will then be rolled out to up to support up to 700 users across New Zealand including remote locations.
