Independent IT solutions provider First Technology has won the contract to roll-out and administer the entire IT infrastructure at Centurion Ho"erskool.
Johan Barkhuizen, deputy principal at Centurion Ho"erskool, says First Technology installed the software on desktop PCs at the school, configured the network and server following major problems with the previous system.
"First Technology successfully installed and configured 70 existing PCs in two classrooms, in addition to 45 new PCs at the school, 35 of which are networked with printers in a computer lab classroom. Our administration offices and the heads of department use the remaining PCs. The installation also includes Microsoft Office and Symantec software," he says.
Barkhuizen says First Technology was approached by Centurion Ho"erskool after the school experienced constant problems with its computers, network and e-mail.
"We had used the services of several small companies and some individuals, but it didn`t work for us. We needed a company that could provide us with a one-stop solution at a highly competitive price. Once the quotations for the new system had come through to us, selecting First Technology was not a difficult choice to make," he adds.
Having completely overhauled the school`s computer systems, First Technology also helped to ensure that the school`s software was correctly licensed and that it was up-to-date from a security perspective.
"We had a few licensing issues at first, but First Technology helped us resolve these and ensured that, under the Microsoft schools agreement, all software was legal and in line with our requirements," Barkhuizen adds.
First Technology is also providing technical expertise and training where required.
Taryn Thorp, account manager at First Technology, says First Technology has signed a service level agreement (SLA) with the school to ensure that all systems remain stable and glitch-free. The SLA provides the school with technical skills and network support on a `nine hour per day, five days a week` basis.
"The SLA ensures that if we are needed for any technical problems, we are there to provide support at the drop of a hat," Thorp adds.
Barkhuizen concludes: "With the system now fully configured, our administration staff have access to e-mail and the Internet, while students have access to the Internet at the computer lab. Our goal for the future is to expand our network to all the classrooms, thereby providing every scholar with access to e-mail and the Internet."
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