AST Namibia, a subsidiary of the AST Group, has been awarded the Namibia Wildlife Resorts Limited (NWR) IT contract, with a value of N$2,71 million, which included a N$650,000 funding from the European Community.
The Namibian Government previously owned and directly operated some twenty-two resorts and campsites in or around the vicinity of national parks, game reserves and tourist attractions throughout Namibia. On 1 April 1999, these resorts and campsites were transferred to NWR, a company now owned 100% by the government and operating as a fully commercial enterprise.
As main contractor, AST Namibia will provide Wide Area Network (WAN) and Local Area Network (LAN) services at NWR Head Office, Central Reservation Office, Swartkopmund reservation office and six other resorts. In addition, a reservation system and an infrastructure procurement and maintenance solution will be implemented. The contract also makes provision for a three-year support program. All hardware was sub-contracted through Unisys Namibia.
According to NWR`s MD, Dr. Vicky Nicodemus, the timing of the project is crucial: the old system cannot accommodate changes brought about by new VAT legislation, nor cope with the latest technological advances in terms of efficient communication and prompt customer service. "The new system allows for better control and management reporting, efficient booking and empowers our resort managers to take control of the resorts."
"With this implementation, NWR will have to revise its procedures and processes and provide an improved service to our clients," adds Dr. Nicodemus.
"AST Namibia offers a comprehensive range of world-class generic information and communication technology solutions to NWR," says Cois du Plooy, MD of AST Namibia. "This allows us to contribute during every stage of NWR`s value creating cycle, and allows NWR to move to the next level of service, with more than 2000 IT professionals of the AST Group to assist it."
"This contract is also of strategic importance to AST Namibia, because it will provide an opportunity for us to grow geographically in Namibia," adds du Plooy.
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AST Group
The AST Group has also been awarded the contract for the total IT outsourcing of South African National Parks (SANP).
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