CA announces appointment of additional Sterling distributor in SA

Computer Associates Africa (CA) has affirmed its commitment to Sterling Software`s South African operations by announcing the appointment of an additional distributor for Sterling products in South Africa.

Dan van der Westhuizen, senior divisional vice president for Computer Associates Africa and the Middle East, has revealed that Supported Software, a member of the Datacentrix Group, has been appointed an approved reseller of Sterling`s SAMS storage management and SOLVE network and systems management suites.

"Because Supported Software has an existing relationship with Sterling, CA has resolved to continue distribution through Supported Software under the auspices of CA Africa," reveals van der Westhuizen.

"Incorporated into this arrangement is an agreement that Supported Software will, in time, add appropriate CA products to its portfolio in line with its core competencies," he adds.

"The SAMS storage management suite is an ideal addition to the existing CA storage offering, giving us the most comprehensive enterprise-wide storage solution," says van der Westhuizen.

Leon Theron, managing director of Supported Software, declares that Supported Software is highly enthusiastic about the distribution arrangement with CA: "Supported Software has a long history with Sterling Software products and has built a considerable client base," he begins. "Because of the arrangement with CA, we can meet our prime objective of continuity of support for our existing clients, while access to the broader portfolio of CA products augments the Sterling solutions very well."

Van der Westhuizen adds that CA is taking ownership throughout the Sterling acquisition to guarantee appropriate support for the local user base. "CA is particularly committed to the support of Supported Software`s Sterling clients as we have a similar client base and would like our common clients to perceive continuity in the support that they receive from CA," he says.

In line with this objective, CA is establishing itself as the support centre for SAMS and SOLVE users. "Support issues will be handled directly from CA`s Johannesburg offices; additionally, reporting and operational support, previously based in Europe, will be handled directly from within the country, effectively shortening the supply chain for users."

Van der Westhuizen notes that the addition of Sterling Software to its product offering puts CA in a particularly strong position in the storage management arena. "Our investment in Sterling is secure and we are confident of a successful and fruitful relationship with Supported Software," he concludes.