Dominating the academic IT market is JSE-listed Datacentrix, which has been appointed a Novell Academic License Agreement (ALA) reseller.
The appointment makes Datacentrix the first ALA reseller in Gauteng.
Datacentrix director, Klaas Lammers says: "Datacentrix is acknowledged as one of Novell`s largest accredited business partners in South Africa and this latest appointment serves to strengthen our relationship with the networking company."
Datacentrix is one of the leading suppliers of Novell solutions into the educational market, with sites including the University of Pretoria and Vista University.
Novell Sales & Licensing Specialist, Sandie Bonsor, explains that Datacentrix is the first reseller to have met the ALA criteria.
She says the ALA programme makes full use of the skills and expertise of an appointed ALA Education Partner. "These partners have attended comprehensive training on the ALA Programme, as well as having demonstrated success within the education market.
"They have the internal infrastructure necessary to support and manage the programme on behalf of Novell.
"Experienced Novell partners are able to play an active role in the initial introduction of the ALA programme to education customers. They will also provide continued support and guidance as the customers` utilisation of both the products and the features of the programme grow."
Bonsor says the ALA responds to the evolving requirements of higher education institutions to license, implement and maintain their Novell software investments. "This contract with Novell not only lowers software ownership costs, but also helps institutions to spend less time on software acquisition and more time focusing on education."
Lammers notes that the special needs of academic establishments have always been a priority for Datacentrix. "We have trained members of staff who focus on the education sector and we know through experience which products are best suited to learning institutions` needs."
He says the ALA accreditation is an acknowledgement of Datacentrix` strong position in the market. "The combination of preferential pricing through Novell and expert advice from Datacentrix makes this a winning formula for customers."
This latest appointment follows the renewal of the partnership agreement between Datacentrix and Novell. Commenting on Datacentrix` position in the local marketplace, Novell managing director Richard Beytagh says: "We work in close co-operation with Datacentrix to identify and leverage sales and services opportunities.
"They are very committed to Novell and have exceptionally high skill levels on our products. The Novell and Datacentrix partnership provides a wide range of benefits to our customers."
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Datacentrix
JSE-listed Datacentrix is a leading national provider of cost-effective IT Infrastructure solutions and services to major public and private sector customers. It is focused on the maintenance of strong strategic partnerships, superior services and enduring customer relationships. The company ensures success by investing in highly competent staff, maintaining profitability and recognising a social responsibility through economic empowerment initiatives.