Comztek Zambia and MGE UPS Systems take the lead in providing total power protection as businesses are urged to implement measures to protect electronic and computer equipment before the onset of the rains.
Electrical distribution systems are prone to atmospheric and industrial interference which can cause service interruptions and variations in voltage that wreak havoc on companies.
For Zambian companies, this problem is elevated during the summer months when electrical storms occur almost daily.
"Power-cuts are more than just an inconvenience because they result in considerable down-time that companies, particularly smaller ones, can ill-afford. Furthermore, service interruptions can result in the loss of critical business data.
"As such, protecting computer and electronic equipment from electrical surges and black-outs should be a key priority for small and large businesses alike," says John Middlewick, MGE Product Manager at leading communications systems distributor, Comztek.
According to Middlewick, the voltage supplied by electrical power providers is intended to supply a stable 230 volts. However, various phenomena can cause excess voltages of over 260 volts or cause voltages to drop below 180 volts and this seriously jeopardises the operation of electrical and computer equipment.
He says that UPSs (uninterruptible power supplies) are the best way to protect electronic and computer equipment while ensuring a consistent and high-quality power supply.
"Thanks to the use of powerful communications programmes, today`s UPSs are extremely sophisticated and are now able to collect and report on information relevant to their management such as battery charging, remaining operating life and loads levels. They are also able to collect and report on information related to their environment such as temperature fluctuations. Similarly, they are able to shutdown files by automatic control should there be a mains failure," he says.
Middlewick points out that there are numerous vendors offering UPS systems but there are very few that provide a complete power solution and service.
Recognising this, and as part of its ongoing drive to provide customers with a IT total solution, Comztek Zambia has joined forces with MGE, a leading manufacturer of best-in-class UPS systems.
"MGE UPS Systems has been a Comztek vendor for many years in South Africa and it made sense to extend this relationship to the Zambian operation to provide customers there with the same top quality power protection solution available to customers in South Africa. Comztek Zambia is the only IT distributor of MGE solutions in the country," says Middlewick.
He explains that MGE focuses on delivering an end-to-end solution (from 400VA to 1000KVA) that is designed to provide businesses with total protection. It also has solutions to fit the requirements of single users, right through to large industrial applications. MGE`s offering includes a PowerServices programme and a full range of equipment including UPS, PDUs Power Supply for VOIP and WiFi, static transfer switches, harmonic filters and surge protection.
MGE also offers advanced Power Management Solutions - a comprehensive communication suite for all MGE ranges - which enable users to manage critical situations using pre-set automatic actions, monitor equipment and control the power supply to equipment.
"UPS protection is only partially effective if the user is unable to control situations that arise. With MGE`s advanced power management solutions, the user is notified immediately of the status of the equipment and can initiate automatic actions depending on the events, control the power supply remotely and manage electrical equipment more effectively," says Middlewick, adding that it is offering that puts MGE`s solution heads and shoulders above the rest.
He points out that there is a third-party warranty centre available to customers in Zambia, which is another key differentiator.
Says Middlewick: "It can be a nightmare if a UPS goes down and the correct warranty and after-sales services procedures are not in place or are not fully supported by the vendor. MGE identified this as a critical component in their market offering in Zambia and a third-party warranty centre has been established. This not only gives customers peace of mind knowing that an independent, specialist service agent will be responsible for this important function, but also demonstrates MGE`s commitment to its Zambian market."
"With the rainy season just around the corner and power-cuts as well as surges and brownouts imminent, our Zambian customers can rest assured that there is a solution available to help them protect their electrical and computer equipment, avoid costly down-time and ensure business continuity," concludes Middlewick.
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