Addressing increasing market demand for targeted outsourced technology services, Artec Computer Systems has announced the addition of a Managed Services Provision (MSP) capability to its product range.
"Many organisations are looking for innovative ways to run their computer networks from a proactive perspective," notes Andrew Tucker, CEO of Artec Computer Systems. "However, while businesses need the services of highly skilled systems staff, it is simply not financially viable - or, for that matter, easy - to find and employ full time workers."
Tucker says this applies particularly in the areas of networking and product support for popular Microsoft products such as Server 2003 and Exchange 2003, which many companies depend upon for their day-to-day operations.
Artec`s MSP service is provided through its Network Operations Centre (NOC), which is linked via an Internet gateway to MSP clients. The NOC system includes a full network description/layout for these customers, while a PC running the Artec monitoring software is installed at the client site.
Critical factors are continually monitored at the client site, alerting skilled technicians at the NOC to any potential or actual failures. "Intervention is often carried out proactively, and most issues can be solved remotely. This allows clients to benefit from considerably improved uptime, while costs are kept to a minimum owing to the instant reaction that can be achieved via the remote control tools," explains Tucker.
Typical proactive actions include the reorganisation of storage space, if it identified as an issue, and the handling of memory allocations.
Only when physical intervention is necessary will Artec dispatch a technician to the client`s premises.
Tucker notes that the service does not include support for applications such as the financial software or ERP systems that the user may be running, as it is clearly not possible for any single company to field such diverse knowledge. However, Artec has concluded a strategic partnership with Exordia to provide support across a range of popular ERP solutions.
"We believe we are the first organisation to offer this type of complete service within the local market. Demand for reduced-cost, advanced support services is considerable, and to date, we have concluded several deals with our client base," concludes Tucker.
For further information, please contact Sharon le Page at tel. (011) 706 8075; fax (011) 706 8077; email slepage@jhb.artec.co.za.
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Artec Computer Systems is a primary IT consultancy and networking service provider in South Africa, with the expertise and skills that empower it to re-organise, re-engineer and re-structure IT networks and computer systems. Together with its business partners it also offers outsourcing and ASP capabilities. Artec is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and was one of the first certified Microsoft Server 2003 companies in South Africa. Additionally, Artec is also a Microsoft associate consultant company for Africa as well as a Microsoft Licensing Management Program (MLMP) partner. The latter allows Artec to audit clients on behalf of Microsoft, and as a Microsoft Certified Partner, the company can deliver business solutions built on the Microsoft platform. Through this last program, Artec has priority access to a support team of Microsoft CSEs, non-disclosure evaluation of new products and technologies as well as planning tools and events on the latest Microsoft product developments and future directions.
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