When the Azerbaijan Republic gained independence, it inherited a slightly modified version of the pension system operated by the former USSR. This system had been designed for that centralised economy but could not provide adequate and financially sustainable social security services for the population of the country.

Challenge
• The pension system of Azerbaijan Republic was a modified version of the system inherited from the former USSR. Designed for a centralised economy.
• It could not provide adequate and financially sustainable social security for the population of the country.
• A new system was needed.

Solution
• The Government of Azerbaijan Republic, the United Nations Development Programme and World Bank signed an agreement on financial assistance for the State Social Protection Fund (SSPF) to reform the pension system and introduce a practical contribution scheme.
• HP won the contract for supplying HP hardware and to provide consultancy on the efficient use of HP technologies in the new system that will serve about 2500 employees and cover the central office in Baku, ten regional offices and 75 branches across the country.
• It includes 95 HP ProLiant DL380 servers running the Microsoft Windows operating system, two HP Integrity rx7620 servers running the HP-UX11i v2 operating system and 1,600 HP Compaq 5125 thin clients. Vital social security data is stored on two HP StorageWorks 4000 Enterprise Virtual Arrays with a total capacity of 1.1TB.

Results
Efficiency
• The new thin client-based Information Management System will enable ICT staff of the SSPF to maintain better control on the efficient use of hardware and software and increase security.
Agility
• By creating a highly available fund of relevant employment data, Azerbaijan Republic is well equipped to provide efficient social security services that can grow in line with the national need.
Value
• Using thin clients saves money on valuable electricity resources and on the acquisition of software licences. It also offers a cost-effective upgrade path.

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