JSE-listed Altron has signed a channel partnership agreement with Nokia and joined the Nokia global partner programme.
According to a statement, as a direct reseller and systems integrator under Nokia's global partner programme, Altron will market, distribute and service Nokia's network solutions portfolio to enterprise and public sector customers. Altron will draw on the strength, skills and experience of Nokia to extend the availability of Nokia's carrier class solutions in South Africa, it adds.
According to Willie Oosthuysen, Altron Group executive for technology and strategy, the partnership with Nokia will enable Altron to offer its customers significant experience and knowledge in network solutions.
"With Nokia, we are looking at building networks and then adding Altron's value proposition, namely what do we do with the networks. An example is licensed and unlicensed WiFi networks. Telecoms operators increasingly want to own and roll out WiFi networks their subscribers can link into seamlessly in public spaces. Currently, operators lose the revenue when subscribers offload content through public networks."
Furthermore, once LTE arrives in SA, people will want to use voice-over-LTE and voice-over-WiFi, says Oosthuysen. Soon other applications will follow, such as two-way radio traffic over public LTE networks and many other applications, he adds.
"We are excited about the partnership particularly with regard to the extent and robustness of the technology and solutions portfolio, the strong culture of innovation and the partnership model. The partnership model suits Altron as we complement each other's strengths very well.
"Through carrier grade solutions from Nokia and proven expertise and systems integration experience from Altron, our customers can comfortably entrust their mission-critical networks to our partnership."
Ismael Hassa, Nokia head of partner management Middle East and Africa, says with Altron already supporting large Nokia enterprise and public sector customers, this partnership will grow from the current customer base, into a far more comprehensive partnership. "Altron surpasses our partnership selection criteria and we are proud to be associated with them," he says.
Says Oosthuysen: "Given Nokia's capabilities, ours is a partnership for the long term. In fact, we already know what we will be selling four of five years from now on the strength of our joint offering."
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