Johannesburg, 24 Jul 2007
Integr8 IT, South Africa's largest privately owned national BEE information technology network integration and infrastructure management specialist, continues to compete directly with larger global counterparts in the provision of Microsoft-focused services.
Since its inception almost seven years ago, management and staff of Integr8 IT have collectively elevated the company's profile as a leading provider and integrator of Microsoft-based technologies, related managed services and support.
In 2004, Integr8 IT made headlines when it became the 'youngest' local Microsoft Premier Partner. It is now seen as being on an equal footing with top international enterprises in the quest for enhanced service delivery with Microsoft-based infrastructure.
This position enables the company to provide a holistic, proactive and reactive-based service. It also allows the group the benefit of a direct channel of interaction with Microsoft in Redmond, USA.
"This adds value to our service offering and ensures we retain a leading edge on a global level. For example, in the unlikely event that we need direct assistance from Microsoft, in support of a client, our Premier status offers us the scope to do this," explains Jan Roux, technical director of Integr8 IT. "From a reactive point of view, our international partnerships add credibility to our delivery model, a key differentiator in today's marketplace."
Robert Sussman, joint MD of Integr8 IT, reiterates the value of the Premier Partnership status, saying it is pivotal to the company's business expansion strategy.
"The market has matured to the point that investors in technology, especially new investors, are a lot more astute in their selection of service providers and infrastructure suppliers. Certification of competence and linking with the latest available global vendor programmes, adds invaluable credibility to the local offering," he says.
As a Premier Partner, Integr8 IT is part of the Microsoft Premier Support family of offerings that provide managed support, professional services and technical expertise to help maximise business value and minimise total cost.
"Integr8 IT continues to emphasis technical skills, product knowledge and the importance of keen understanding of critical business requirements of our clients. The premier agreement with Microsoft is valuable to our business because it helps to secure the most up-to-date understanding of products and a high level of service around the solution," comments Sussman.
Credibility linked with service and delivery within the ICT industry remains an issue for all stakeholders, he adds.
"Partnerships with technology suppliers, specifically those that have established, global presence, must translate into genuine, tangible value-add for the consumer. Our game-plan from the start has been to attract and retain the services of people with sought-after product skills sets. This has ensured we remain competitive as we improve levels of service in existing markets and break into new areas of business," says Sussman.
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