A recent study conducted among 120 companies identified technology forecasting and insufficient vendor support as some of the major challenges facing network managers in the future. Other worries included hardware and software incompatibilities and finding suitably trained staff. These are just some of the headaches that Microsoft seeks to alleviate with TechNet, the communications programme designed to meet the needs of the IT professional.
Designed to put the people responsible for installing, supporting and managing technology in contact with the Microsoft experts on the products, TechNet aims to offer IT professionals the resources and tools needed to better engage Microsoft technology. The TechNet programme builds on the success of the TechNet CD Subscription product, providing IT professionals with how-to information, tools and the resources needed to take full advantage of existing Microsoft technology investments and plan for future deployments.
The Computerweek '98 Network Managers Survey cites budget restrictions as the primary challenge facing SA`s network managers and highlights the difficulties in stretching cash and staff resources to accommodate ever-expanding IT demands. With personnel and training costs consuming a large portion of IT budgets, the problem is exacerbated by the fact that training is often the first area to be cut back when finance is needed for hardware spend.
"We believe that TechNet offers a programme that can alleviate many of the support, information and training requirements of South African IT professionals," comments Danny Opland, SME marketing manager of Microsoft South Africa. "Our selection of online resources, quarterly technical briefings and enhanced CD reference product provides information when and where it is required.
"Furthermore, TechNet brings IT professionals and Microsoft together to share experiences and gain further insight into the challenges being faced by both parties, enabling Microsoft to provide solutions that best meet the IT professionals` needs."
As information technology integrates itself more completely with the business process, organisations of all sizes have a greater need for technology information. TechNet provides information at various levels of depth and technical detail, catering for IT professionals of all descriptions.
"Microsoft believes that anyone responsible for IT, in organisations of any size, faces the same challenges - if only on a different scale. TechNet provides the forum to share experiences, enabling action to be taken to alleviate or solve these challenges," concludes Opland.
For more information regarding Microsoft TechNet, view the TechNet Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/. Register for the South African TechNet event at http://www.microsoft.com/southafrica/ie40/events/technet.stm.
Editors note
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use; each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day. Microsoft South Africa was launched in January 1993 in Johannesburg and now has sales offices in Durban and Cape Town.
If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at www.microsoft.com and the Microsoft South Africa home page at www.microsoft.com/southafrica.