As organizations grow, so do their IT infrastructure. However, most companies make do with quick-fixes on their existing base. This puts pressure on their IT department which then spends all their time running from desk to desk trouble-shooting. Our task was to introduce and generate sales leads for System Centre & Forefront, two new solutions from Microsoft which would greatly reduce the amount of time IT people spend on maintenance every day. These solutions would also allow upkeep of systems to happen from one central point, i.e. right from the comfort of the IT person’s desk.

Our idea was based on the biggest advantage the new system offered: breaking down all the barriers of communication that exist between different departments in the office. After their regular meeting, Microsoft Account Managers left behind a large black, shiny tool box for IT managers. Inside the box was a branded Microsoft Office System hammer that asked him to break down the office walls between departments. The tag around it built the analogy between the hammer and the powerful new system, which would literally break down all communication barriers in an organization and create a smooth and seamless workspace.

Since this was targeted to a very specific audience, only 165 pieces were distributed. We received enquiries from 53 companies about this revolutionary new product, just the impact we had set out to achieve. At a very small investment, we got a response rate of 32.12%.