Compaq server hardware was the preferred solution for the implementation of a new business process and warehousing system at Siltek Distribution Dynamics (SDD).
John Gaydon, IT manager at SDD says the decision to choose Compaq equipment was twofold; firstly SDD is a distributor for Compaq and secondly because most of the Solomon 4 financial systems implemented world-wide are hosted on a Compaq platform.
"It would also be correct to say that at the time we started implementing Solomon 4, Compaq was the only vendor with an eight processor system that we required to meet our mission critical needs. We currently produce about 2000 invoices a day and that requires powerful processing," says Gaydon.
SDD`s new business process application, Solomon 4, is a US designed and developed financial software suite. A warehousing product, Savant - also from the US - has been integrated into Solomon 4 providing an all round business solution. It replaces the Impact financial system running on Unix architecture.
"We have now reached a stage of automation whereby we are using technology to facilitate the business process more efficiently. Orders are scanned in to the system and pickers are directed to the precise location. This has resulted in less human error while streamlining the process significantly. In a warehouse that has in excess of 600 tons of IT equipment at any given time that is no mean feat," says Gaydon.
Facilitating the processing power required for this vast operation is a Compaq ProLiant 8000 server with 7 Gigabytes memory and 190 Gigabytes storage. A 1 Gigabyte fibre-optic Ethernet connection links the server to SDD`s LAN.
The Compaq ProLiant 8000 has dual RAID controller to drive the SCSI array allowing for unattended fail-over computing. This is vital because of the mission critical nature of SDD`s operation. The configuration also includes an additional 15 Compaq ProLiant 1600 terminal servers connected to the LAN and SDD`s branches throughout the country and in neighbouring Botswana. Claude Sch"uck, Compaq product manager at SDD, says implementing a Compaq solution is in line with SDD`s policy of using vendor products distributed by the company.
"Not only does it reflect confidence in the products we distribute, but our IT installations can be used as reference sites that our channel can take advantage of when marketing to their customer base," says Sch"uck.
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Compaq NonStopT eBusiness solutions comprise the building blocks, the network system architectures and the service professionals, that help customers build, deploy and support their e-businesses. Compaq NonStopT eBusiness solutions enable customers to be "open for business", 24 x 7 x 365 by delivering faster deployment, reduced risk, and higher availability.
Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a Fortune Global 100 company. Compaq is the second largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of personal computers. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, networking and communication products, commercial desktop and portable products and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices.
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Compaq Africa Region was established in October 1994 and is headquartered in Sandton, Johannesburg with regional offices in Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Nairobi (Kenya) and Lagos (Nigeria). Compaq products and services are sold and supported through a network of marketing partners across South Africa, Southern Africa, East Africa and West Africa.
Product names mentioned may be trademarks and / or registered trademarks of their respective companies. This release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include the failure to close the contemplated transaction with Inacom; failure of systems associated with order fulfillment; the failure to close certain contemplated sales; changes in product mix; inventory risks due to shifts in market demand; continued competitive factors and pricing pressures; and market responses to pricing actions and promotional programs. Further information on the factors that could affect Compaq`s financial results are included in its SEC filings, including the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, and the latest quarterly report on Form 10-Q.