JSE-listed AST Group, through its newly established products division, has become an IBM SA systems integrator business partner - only the second South African company to do so.
AST provides comprehensive and integrated information and communications technology-based solutions to a range of regional and global corporate customers.
IBM SA`s channel executive, Johnny Gounden, who heads up the IBM Business Partner Organisation (BPO) says IBM`s qualification criteria for systems integrator partners are stringent, "so only companies with sufficient numbers of appropriately qualified staff, a solutions focus and access to a value net of other specialist IT suppliers are considered.
"And, as one of the top five ICT companies in the country, AST has the reach and experience to supply the quality of service we want for our customers in southern Africa."
Managing director AST products and member of AST`s executive committee, Henrik Stanley-Madsen, says that AST considers IBM as a strategic partner for a number of reasons. "Many of our customers are committed to IBM technology and architecture. For us to support them properly, we need close working relationships with all of IBM`s different divisions. Becoming a systems integrator partner enables us to achieve that. It also enables us to include IBM hardware in our offering.
"In addition, because we work on very large customer projects, the depth and breadth of the IBM product set is very important to us. We know we can trust the IBM technology we offer customers.
"And, on those big projects, the pre-defined structure of the IBM/AST partnership will help strip out the cumbersome red tape and administration that often bedevils project partners.
"Also, being able to co-brand AST offerings with IBM strengthens our go to market message."
Gounden says IBM`s approach to the market will be strengthened, too. "Market intelligence shows that 45% of business opportunities in the ICT market are identified by consultants and systems integrators. So, for us, AST is a major preferred route to market."
Share
IBM is the world`s largest information technology company, with more than 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key business partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers, large and small, to take full advantage of e-business in an on demand world.
IBM can be found on the Web at www.ibm.com/za.
AST
AST`s intellectual capacity, its business model and strong customer base form the foundation for the group`s integrated services solutions business. Ideally positioned as a leading technology solutions company and focused on selected industries, AST unlocks substantial value for its customers. The AST Group - a trustworthy and innovative ICT company.
Editorial contacts