Local IT communication and security specialist Biodata IT has struck a sub-distribution deal with local software solutions value-added distributor Prisma Solutions. The deal contracts Prisma Solutions to bundle Biodata`s ISDN card product portfolio, developed by AVM, with the acclaimed ZetaFax solution.
According to the terms of the deal, Prisma Solutions will integrate Biodata IT`s passive ISDN cards Fritz!Card USB and Fritz!Card PCI, as well as the active ISDN controllers AVM B1, C2 and C4, into its fax solution offering.
Ingrid Reimsch"ussel, director at Biodata IT, says Prisma Solutions has committed itself to incorporating the AVM products with the ZetaFax solution, and will receive significant discount on the dealer price as well as service, support and training by Biodata IT.
"This is a mutually beneficial partnership. We have agreed to support Prisma Solutions with reliable service, support and training on the product in return for the company`s support of the AVM ISDN Card range. The advantage is that the card has been tested and works well and we are excited about its uptake in the market."
Germany-based developer AVM last year secured a 55% share of the European ISDN board market selling 5.1 million devices. According to Christian Runte, director at Biodata IT, the company provides a solid platform for added value in SA.
"This is a quality-based product range with five years warranty, free support, maintenance and updates. The bundle represents a cost-effective solution aimed at the SME environment. Our aim is to increase the number of fax server solution licences and benefit local business. The South African market tends to be cost-driven and if you are in the position to offer a compete solution at a better price, there is definite opportunity for growth," explains Runte.
"The Zetafax fax server solution enables users to send and receive faxes from the desktop. The central fax server solution sends out all the faxes and in order to do this, the solution requires an analogue or ISDN modem. ISDN is preferable because it supports several channels," he adds.
"There is obviously powerful synergy here. We are aiming the ZetaFax server product particularly at the SME market. It is an affordable product and commands a number one position in that arena, worldwide. The solution has matured and is currently in revision eight and will be shipped this month with a host of new features. In the past this fax solution has suffered because it has been bundled with inferior fax technology, specifically cheap analogue fax modems. With the proliferation of ISDN in SA and widening access, the AVM product portfolio has been rigorously tested and we believe there is a great deal of value in this marriage of technologies," explains Hugo Leuner, MD of Prisma Solutions.
According to Leuner, the Zetafax previously sold into relatively high volume, demanding fax environment that necessitated an expensive processor-based fax board. This became cost prohibitive with the board itself often being more expensive than the software.
"Our intention as appointed sub-distributors is to encourage a one-on-one sale with every ZetaFax system we are promoting. At the same time we would like to vigorously discourage the use of inferior, analogue fax modems," adds Leuner.
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Biodata Information Technology provides network, PC and communication security products. The company`s portfolio incorporates Internet servers that each include a firewall, router, Web e-mail and file server as well as high-speed data and e-mail encryption products for IP-based systems and network services.
In the IT security market, Biodata positions itself as a one-stop shop supplier of communication and network security. Encryption secures the transmission of data packets via public telecommunication networks. Firewalls protect computer networks from unauthorised access (hacking) and data theft via the Internet. E-mail encryption and PKI solutions cover the security of communication.
Biodata`s activities stretch to each of these growing markets including ISDN. The company distributes a router, developed by Bintec Communications, designed to provide quick and reliable Internet connection via ISDN line. The company intends to achieve a total competitive advantage in all market segments by strong global expansion.
Biodata`s concept and market approach is to develop proprietary products for the individual areas of IT security including routers and content security.
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