Client: Qasim International Container Terminal (Pakistan)
Project: Share Point Portal Server Implementation
Industry: Shipping
Technology: Share Point Portal Server 2003, Exchange Server 2003, Active Directory, C#, SQL Server 2000, .NET Web Parts

Client Overview
Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) is Pakistan’s first Dedicated and Modern International Container Terminal built at Port Muhammad Bin Qasim on a Build/Own/Operate (B.O.O.) basis. QICT was established on the basis of a consortium thus the members included were P&O Ports, Mackinnon Pakistan, P&O Containers Pakistan Limited, the Commonwealth Development Corporation of UK, and the Pakistan-Kuwait Investment Company. The total equity of this consortium was Rs.455 million. Subsequently P&O Ports demonstrating their commitment to the project, bought out CDC and Pak-Kuwait. The equity of the Company was later enhanced to Rs.1.1 billion, which was fully subscribed by P&O Ports. Presently P&O Ports has the major share holding and other share holders include ITHL and APM Terminals.

Problems Faced
Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) required the automation of their manually operated systems. These were considered to be highly insecure and unprotected as data was accessible by all. The work preformed was slow and monotonous, most of which was done in a repetitive manner. Documentation and data processing was non-verifiable as it was handled by many people within the department.

Implemented Solution
The solution was based on the provision of the Share Point Portal Server 2003, Exchange Server 2003, Active Directory, C#, SQL Server 2000 and .NET Web Parts. The integration of these systems allows the user to handle and categorize all documents and then store them on the Share Point Portal Server in predefined folders. The only source of input for these documents is through the application of a scanner. This allows Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) to digitally store their documents that can be stored effectively and efficiently. These documents can also be searched using a search facility. Users of the system can apply the SPS’s Document Management to create and manage electronic forms, set access rights on documents, locate and access documents, organize information and documents and integrate with MS Exchange Server 2003 to provide email facilities to users.

Benefits Provided to QICT

1. Faster Development of applications that work for businesses
2. Faster performance for interactive transactional internet applications
3. Flexibility to use developers across different target solutions
4. East deployment of the end solutions
5. Built-in support for XML and Web Services
6. Security features integrated within the frameworks
7. Enterprise-class reliability, scalability and performance
8. Provides operational efficiency, increasing customer satisfaction
9. SQL Server provides automatic tuning and optimization
10. Provides security and protection of data shared