Cape Peninsula University of Technology chooses locally assembled HPs

After the establishment of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology early last year, the newly formed institution embarked on a massive refresh of the technology used in their computer laboratories. HP`s locally assembled DX6120 platform was selected as the most suitable candidate, both from a pricing and a functionality perspective.

"While our Bellville campus had previously utilised `white-box` computers, the rest of the University`s campuses had standardised on internationally branded hardware," explains Leon Davidse, Network Supervisor at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology`s Bellville campus.

"After some deliberation, we decided to take the latter route and standardise on internationally branded hardware resulting in the University putting out a tender for the replacement of 1200 workstations," he says.

"Our requirements in terms of specifications were fairly simple, namely Celeron-based computers for our general computer labs; and Pentium 4-based computers with flat panel monitors and DVD-ROMs for our multimedia labs.

"We also had some odd challenges to contend with," he chuckles, "for example, we needed the replacement computers to fit into the same space as the previous computers and their USB ports had to be located at the front of the casing."

After reviewing the tender submissions, the proposals from 101 Technologies and National Management Systems (NMS), both based on locally assembled HP computers from Tarsus, attracted our attention.

"In terms of pricing and meeting our rather specific requirements, HP`s DX6120 offering was the most attractive," he adds. "The proposals from 101 and NMS were so attractive in fact, we`ve purchased 1600 computers since our procurement cycle started last year, with another 750 computers in the pipeline.

Trek to the summit

00Days

:

00Hrs

:

00Min

:

00Sec

"We are extremely satisfied with the level of reliability and performance these HP workstations deliver," he says. "Tarsus has even gone so far as to set up a special servicing agreement with M-IT, allowing us to log calls with a service partner directly instead of utilising the centralised HP helpdesk. This has allowed us faster turnaround times on service and support."

Andre Wollheim, HP product manager at Tarsus Technologies says that Tarsus is exceptionally proud of the combined effort that the two resellers put in to win this deal. It is nothing short of commendable.

"We are very pleased with the level of service that our combined team effort has provided the University, while simultaneously creating a knock-on effect which will benefit the local market," he says.

"Since the computers supplied are locally assembled, the University is inadvertently creating job opportunities for South Africans and contributing to the local economy."

Wollheim says that the University is not the only institution, which has chosen the locally assembled HP PC range, however.

"Other institutions include the Universities of KwaZulu Natal, Northwest Province and Free State. The best part however, is that there`s no trade off whatsoever," Wollheim continues.

"The locally assembled DX6120 range was the most cost-effective solution for all of the institutions and is clearly delivering a high level of reliability to Universities and their students. The range is furthermore also serviceable through local engineers with no shortage of spares and is contributing towards economic change in the country - it`s a win for all parties involved," he concludes.