How does Microsoft turn the contractual obligations of its NHS deal into a positive and fruitful interaction with NHS employees?
The Story
In 2007 Microsoft signed an agreement with the NHS, entitling NHS employees to deals on software and training.
They asked us to create a site that would help NHS staff sign up to their software and online training entitlements and network with one another, which sounds simple. But remember that the NHS is the third largest employer in the world and we had to comply with all of Microsoft's internal coding requirements.
We were also keen to do something that was more than form-filling; positioning Microsoft as a partner, not just a supplier.
So we built something that took full advantage of people's increasing familiarity with social software services.
We made a site that was fun, friendly and interactive, allowing people to chat with each other, create personas, help each other out and talk directly to Microsoft.
We turned something bureaucratic into something special.
The Result
We had a target of 5,000 registered users. So far we've got to 75,000. And we did this huge, complex project on time and on budget.