AST Networks` unique evergreen policy has enabled The Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of SA (Pty) Ltd (Petro SA) (formerly Mossgas) to upgrade its original communications systems installed for the original plant to the most modern technology to meet its current requirements with minimum costs.
AST Networks is a business unit of the JSE-listed AST Group.
Petro SA has been an AST Networks` client since inception when the refinery and the platform were originally equipped with a SOPHO S2500 which has subsequently been upgraded through package 805 and it now runs the latest 810 Call@Net software version.
Petro SA currently operates some eight systems from AST, including those at the Transport yard, one at the West camp, one at the Central Control Room and off-site at the Voorbaai Tank farm as well as the Centre of Excellence (Training Centre), which together with the Montagu guest house is the most recent installation to be supplied by AST Networks.
The continuous upgrading and additions have been necessitated by development at Petro SA and the plant`s need to keep up to date with the latest technology. This has resulted in the Mossel Bay plant standardising on Philips voice equipment utilising a combination of SOPHO iS3030 and SOPHO iS3010 depending on the sizes required to meet the particular needs.
The SOPHO iS3000 series is a modular iSPBX system designed for any type and size of business or plant.
The SOPHO iS3000 series system software accommodates a set of standard features and provides a uniform platform for additional applications and open interfaces to third-party equipment. The applications can be added to the platform according to specific user needs. When installed these applications are fully integrated with the system software.
One of the biggest advantages has been the evergreen policy, which has long been associated with Philips equipment. This ensures that users can upgrade facilities to the latest technology without replacing original equipment resulting in major financial savings.
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The AST Group is one of SA`s largest information and communication technology (ICT) services companies independent of any vendor. It is the fourth largest company overall, by market capitalisation, listed in the technology sector of the JSE Securities Exchange.
The AST Group, operating from more than 60 sites, services large corporate and government clients throughout SA and has expanded to other Southern African states, Australia and the UK. Employing more than 3 500 ICT professionals, exploiting best-of-breed technology and applying international best practices, the AST Group provides services across the entire plan-build-run-leverage value creating cycle.
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