Following its recent commencement of operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Vodacom International Holdings has appointed the AST Group as one of its operational and business support partners in the region. The contract value is estimated at $2.5 million.
The project entails the successful implementation of a billing and customer care application, an ERP application and a fraud management solution. AST refers to this as its `Telco-in-a-box` solution for the telecommunications industry.
"We have packaged our `Telco-in-a-box` solution for Vodacom Congo to assist in the timely deployment of its pre-integrated systems," explains Keith Bothma, Sales Manager for AST Telecommunications. "Because the systems are pre-integrated, Vodacom will benefit from a low risk rapid implementation.
"Technological advances in the telecommunications industry continue to be spectacular. AST has extensive experience in this industry and is ready to enter into a strategic partnership with Vodacom," adds Bothma.
The fraud management solution to be 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 will initially focus on fraud and risk management, which can easily be extended to provide valuable MIS information. The fact that this system has been developed locally will allow 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 includes 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 its 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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