Sahara first to market with ultra high-speed Samsung 18x DVD-writer

Issued by MicroZone for Sahara
Johannesburg, 19 Jan 2007

Sahara Computers is pleased to announce the availability of the Samsung 18-speed LightScribe DVD writer to the local market.

The high-speed device supports a number of media formats including CD and 12 x DVD RAM and also features the internationally-acclaimed LightScribe Direct Disc Labelling technology.

"Aside from the speed at which it enables users to read and write DVDs, the fact that this product can accommodate a range of multimedia formats sets it apart from competition," comments Gary Naidoo, deputy MD of Sahara.

These formats include DVD+R, DVD+R Double, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-R Double, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW.

"DVD and CD burning, multimedia application and manipulation are the demands of today's consumer," comments Naidoo. "The market today wants a product that is the fastest, most affordable and reliable product that vendors and manufactures can offer. It is this more mature, techno-savvy consumer base that is driving such innovation in optical media, and as a result, the local digital lifestyle market is as strong as ever and shows no sign of slowing down in the near future," states Naidoo.

"There is no doubt that LightScribe is a leading technology within the disc writing, optical drive and multimedia storage space and we at Sahara are pleased to be in a position to offer it as part of our portfolio of premier product offerings," adds Naidoo.

Also a key feature to this new 18x DVD writer from Samsung is its incorporation of LightScribe technology. This is a revolutionary system, unique to Samsung, that allows users to directly print onto their DVD/CD optical media. "We view this technology as a crucial value-added component to our current optical portfolio and we are confident that it makes a difference in the lives of consumers," explains Naidoo. "Users can record DVDs via the PC using software programs linked to the LightScribe package and then burn the movie onto a disk and create a monochrome picture and label for the disk."

Until recently the LightScribe technology has only been available in laptop and PC optical drive systems; however, according to Sahara, agent of LightScribe technology in SA for Samsung, there are plans in place to incorporate it into consumer electronic products, such as set-top DVD recorders.

"DVD and CD writing technology has advanced and is becoming more affordable and accessible. We relish the position to inform our clients and also supply related technology that brings in a new dimension to the entire digital experience," Naidoo concludes.

For more information, click through to www.sahara.co.za or call (011) 542 1000.

Sahara Computers

Established in 1997, Sahara Computers assembles and markets PCs and peripherals through a global distribution network that covers both established and emerging markets.

The company is an official distributor and original equipment manufacturer for a variety of top international vendors, including: AMD, Creative, Delta, Epson, Foxconn, Intel, Lexmark, Maxtor, Microsoft, Samsung, SMC Networks and Symantec.

The core focus of Sahara's operation is the consistent and effective supply of affordable, reliable and accessible technology.

This operation is managed via the company's head office in Midrand, Gauteng - considered a central business hub. The Sahara business network stretches across South Africa to include Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.

The company has successfully extended its reach to key regions and emerging global markets including Dubai, China and India. The Sahara brand is also well known across Africa, with established company presence in countries like Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique and Namibia.

Sahara's vision is to become a truly global brand and premier IT supplier throughout Africa.

Sahara is also an accredited member of the Proudly South African campaign as well as the SAVANT global SA brand awareness initiative. Corporate social responsibility is a key priority for the company and it continues to contribute towards projects and programmes aimed at individual and community upliftment.

The name Sahara is widely associated with the development of sport, including soccer, cricket, rugby and motorsport. This is considered a significant area of business development by the company.

As a result of hard work, commitment and unwavering dedication to its brand, Sahara has formed several strong alliances with key role players, stakeholders and representative bodies.

Most recently Sahara announced the signing of a groundbreaking sponsorship and technology supply agreement with Mamelodi Sundowns, a top ranking soccer club competing in South Africa's Professional Soccer League.

The sponsorship is underpinned by the provision of communications infrastructure and mobile technology - including laptops, notebooks and digital lifestyle technology - and signals Sahara's commitment to the club and South African soccer in general.

Effective marketing and generating awareness are significant elements of the company's ongoing marketing campaign.

Under the direction of Gary Naidoo, appointed as Deputy Managing Director of Sahara in December 2005, the company retains a focus on a number of growing market sectors including corporate, government, digital lifestyle and mobile and wireless.

For more information on Sahara Computers, its products and services, visit www.sahara.co.za.

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