IT infrastructure and solution provider, Datacentrix, has clinched a 36-month desktops hardware upgrade and maintenance contract with the South African Broadcast Corporation (SABC) - a project estimated at R30 million.
Rolling out approximately 3500 HP P4 desktops, 350 notebooks and 500 multi-function printers (MFPs) across its entire South African user base, the deal will see the SABC gain significant cost savings over the next three years.
Dion Visagie, Divisional Director at Datacentrix, describes the agreement as a strategic partnership with the SABC.
"We are providing the SABC with a complete infrastructure solution. With the implementation already under way, the SABC will offer its desktop and notebook users a single platform infrastructure that is consistent throughout. Our solution carries a host of value-added services that assist the SABC in reducing costs while adding value in every aspect of each products lifecycle from beginning to end," he says.
Visagie says this deal is unique because it`s a total IT infrastructure roll-out. "It gives the SABC the opportunity to start afresh on a clean slate, and to rid itself of redundant technology and outdated applications, assisting the SABC to maintain its leadership role in broadcasting in southern Africa," says Visagie.
Datacentrix will guarantee a continuous up-time service of SABC`s hardware infrastructure, and will manage and fix or replace faulty equipment within an agreed service level agreement.
According to Thabo Ndlela, General Manager: Broadcast Information Technology at SABC, the organisation`s main concern was to find a technology partner that could assist the company with its growing IT requirements, and importantly to drive down total cost of ownership (TCO).
"We contracted Datacentrix because the company has a national footprint and is one of the few organisations in SA that has the capacity to roll-out, service and add value to a project of this magnitude. Additionally, the company offers a good fit with our black economic empowerment (BEE) strategy," says Ndlela.
Through Datacentrix, the SABC has opted for HP`s Managed Print Services, whereby the printing requirements are outsourced to HP.
"HP is responsible for the whole printing infrastructure and continually improving TCO and customer service," says Val Brown, Corporate Account Manager: Imaging and Printing Group, HP South Africa.
"HP has extensive knowledge of business output needs and a unique understanding of printing and imaging technology, which enables the company to provide the right management resources and know-how," says Brown.
The deal is financed through HP Financial Services by providing flexible innovative financial management mechanisms, to help the SABC to manage their technology requirements effectively.
"The finance solution makes the deal affordable by spreading upfront costs over time, conserving cash flow, lowering initial budget requirements and guaranteeing buy-back value to effectively reduce TCO," says Brian Rengasamy, Financial Area Manager for HP Financial Services.
Datacentrix, together with the SABC, has initiated a joint management team of skilled engineers to facilitate the implementation of the new equipment.
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