The AST Group has successfully completed a $2.5 million implementation of its `Telco-in-a-box` solution for Vodacom International Holdings` operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Earlier in the year, the AST Group was appointed as one of Vodacom International`s operational and business support partners for the DRC.
The solution entails a billing and customer care application, an ERP application, a MIS solution and a fraud management solution. By linking these systems together, AST provides the integration backbone, integrating systems, data and information with end-users for Vodacom.
"Our `Telco-in-a-box` solution for Vodacom Congo assists in the timely deployment of its pre-integrated systems," explains Edrien Smith of AST IT Solutions, the business unit responsible for the development of the solution. "Because the systems are pre-integrated, Vodacom are benefiting from a low risk rapid implementation."
AST`s extensive experience in the telecommunications industry allowed it to produce an industry-first mobile services solution that enables network operators in emerging markets to get to market quickly with wire-line voice, wireless voice and messaging services.
Introducing the first system to tightly integrate all the needed components into a complete, turnkey package that telecommunications operators can deploy almost immediately and cost-effectively. The 'Telco-in-a-Box" solution can be installed in less than half the time of a conventional component-based IT solution.
"With this offering, our African telecommunications drive is now starting to bear fruit with a wide product range at our disposal," adds Smith. "Telecommunication organisations will benefit from reduced operating costs, lower operational and financial risk, enhanced customer satisfaction and more accurate management information.
"Taking these business components in to consideration, operators can achieve an estimated potential saving of 50% to 80% of their development time, resulting in significant cost savings both in the initial development phase and for subsequent revisions," continues Smith.
The fraud management solution implemented at Vodacom in the Congo, called ContinuAM, has been developed by AST. It has a modular structure, which effectively allows the product to grow as Vodacom`s requirements increase. The effects of fraud are visible in the bottom line, and the ContinuAM Fraud solution initially focuses on fraud and risk management, which can easily be extended to provide valuable MIS information. The fact that this system was developed locally allows for fast turnaround for support and for modifications for local conditions.
AST`s involvement in Vodacom International Holdings in the Congo`s billing and customer care application included implementation and support, with AST staff on site in the DRC.
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In just three years the AST Group has established itself as one of the leading information and communication technology companies on the JSE Securities Exchange. Its consistent creation of value for shareholders, clients and employees has resulted in a steady increase in monthly revenue to the R100 million plus mark. AST is now the fourth largest South African IT company by market capitalisation, and is one of the top three in terms of physical infrastructure (mainframes, servers, desktops, and networks under management) and geographical footprint with over 62 physical locations. Counting almost 90% of the top 100 JSE-listed companies among their clients, the AST Group services mostly large corporate and government clients, but is increasingly offering services to rapidly evolving small and medium enterprises.
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