Datacentrix has completed the rollout of 185 HP desktops for private client wealth management company, Citadel Investment Services, to enable the company`s financial and administration staff to upgrade to Microsoft Windows 2000 and Office XP.
"The functionality of our in-house developed systems can be used on-line and off-line. We use Microsoft SQL on the server and MS Access on the client as database software and we also use Word and Excel for our reporting processes," explains Wikus du Plessis of Citadel. "As our business is to manage clients` wealth, it is critical that we have the functionality provided by Windows 2000 and XP for intensive reporting and Web enablement. We will upgrade to Windows XP and migrate to MSDE on client in the near future and the infrastructure needs to support that as well. "In line with this, we needed to update our IT infrastructure so that users could take advantage of the new software."
Citadel entered into a comprehensive Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Datacentrix, which covers repairs and maintenance, and guarantees a four-hour response time for equipment swap-outs.
"The organisation has elected to finance their IT needs over a two-year period with Peregrine Ltd . This financing option offers Citadel a number of benefits, chiefly facilitating our IT budgeting by eliminating any hidden costs and enabling us to upgrade equipment after two years, if needed," explains du Plessis.
Citadel selected HP`s E-PC model for administrative users and the Vectra VL420 desktop for its financial staff. "While the E-PC is ideal for the designated users because of its small form factor and role in reducing TCO, the performance-strong VL420s were necessary for Citadel`s finance employees because of their imaging and workflow needs," says Bernise Bates, senior account manager at Datacentrix.
"The HP technology was a good strategic move for Citadel. Not only does the selected equipment meet the company`s technical requirements, it also offers good value for money," she adds.
"We also offer Citadel the advantages of our logistics facilities, based in Centurion, where equipment is completed, imaged and prepped before implementation. This is especially significant to a sizeable company like Citadel, as it means that a large number of machines can be rolled out in a short time frame," she explains.
According to Du Plessis, Citadel`s existing relationship with Datacentrix had a strong influence on awarding the desktop project. "We have been a customer of Datacentrix for approximately 18 months now and have an existing SLA covering our notebooks with the company."
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