BSW concludes services deal with Positron

BSW Business Solutions has concluded an agreement for the local support, supply and maintenance of emergency services technology from Canadian-based company, Positron.

First to use this solution equipment in South Africa was the Cape Metropolitan Council (CMC) earlier this year when it implemented the 107 emergency number. It was this successful tender bid by BSW Business Solutions that formed the basis of the partnership agreement between BSW Business Solutions and Positron.

CMC was looking for an emergency services solution and was in discussion with telecommunications company Plessey, a large stakeholder in BSW.

Positron offered the technology solution and after a fierce tender process BSW Business Solutions emerged the victor.

After implementing the CMC emergency services solution BSW Business Solutions and Positron began talks in February this year around the possibility of a partnership. These talks were concluded earlier this month.

Jose-Luis Menghini, International President of Positron Public Safety Systems, says: "We identified many opportunities with BSW locally and first-line support is critical to a call center solution. BSW satisfied our requirements in this regard and more. We have now solidified a partnership with BSW locally, an achievement not usually accomplished in this short a period."

Karl Campbell, Executive Director of BSW, says the Positron technology Will be serviced and marketed through both Positron and BSW Business Solutions, with BSW Business Solutions handling pre-sales support, implementation, integration, support.

The emergency services solution, provided through the combined local efforts of Positron and BSW Business Solutions, is aimed at the Metropolitan Councils throughout South Africa, as well as national projects.

Due to Positron`s extensive experience in this arena, as well as having well-established roots in Canada, the Canadian Government is involved in discussion around its possible involvement in implementing emergency services in South Africa.

The Canadian Government offers a funding scheme to promote national business offshore and to this end is considering sharing its experience in emergency services with the local Metropolitan Councils.