Datatec Ltd acquires Integrated Technologies Institute, a market-leading Cape-based IT training company.

Datatec Ltd, the South African listed networking technology and services company, today announced the acquisition of the Integrated Technologies Institute (ITI), a Cape-based IT training company with operations in Cape Town, Durbanville and Port Elizabeth. ITI will operate within the framework of Datatec Performance Services (DPS) - a division of the Datatec Group.

The combination of Datatec Performance Services and Integrated Technologies Institute will be able to offer countrywide training through more than 45 fully equipped classrooms and in excess of 60 qualified lecturers. These facilities and resources will now not only cover the full spectrum of Microsoft Systems Engineering and Solution Developer, Novell and Lotus authorised training, but will also shortly include specialised hardware and networking product training.

DPS is the people development division of Datatec (South Africa). It consists of the combined strengths of the Workgroup Institute, SysComm, Windows Academy, Systems Education and Network Academy, and focuses on making people effective in the IT workplace, through the offering of a range of world-class IT people development services. The organisation is not only focused on specific high-end technology training, but also incorporates the full spectrum of career development services that include:

• Corporate Services - Services which enable the design and implementation of comprehensive people development strategies aimed at making people effective in the IT workplace. Through these services Datatec offer organisations the opportunity of co-sourcing or out-sourcing their IT people development.
• Advanced Technology Services - Services through which DPS maintains its advantage as a company at the leading edge of hardware technology. Here we are able to train and support people in the understanding of the hardware used in the corporate environment.
• Career Services - Services through which those seeking IT related careers benefit from a range of career development services which include: potential testing; career counselling; career pathing and workplace experience.
• Recruitment Services - the service of project managing recruitment requirements for businesses is offered, as well as the opportunity for career customers to be placed in jobs in the marketplace.

As a result of the acquisition of ITI, Datatec will now enjoy close to 50% market share in Microsoft technical training, and a considerably greater market share in Novell and Lotus authorised training. With the additional product training capabilities in leading vendors such as Cisco, 3Com, Intel, Motorola, Bay Networks, Compaq and A+, Datatec now boasts the most comprehensive technical training operation in Africa.

This acquisition greatly strengthens Datatec`s worldwide training portfolio, which also includes operations in the United States and the United Kingdom all of which will shortly become amalgamated into one common international organisation. South African companies, IT professionals and people seeking a career in the IT industry, will shortly have access to truly international facilities unified under a single Datatec brand.

Ossi Rubin, MD of ITI indicated that this acquisition represents the realisation of a long held desire for ITI to grow its national influence. Equally, Datatec Performance Services MD, Alan Brews believes that incorporation of ITI into the Datatec training operation significantly extends the national capacity of the operation.

Editors Note

Datatec Ltd is South Africa`s fastest growing technology company and the country`s largest networking, software and Internet distribution and services group. Datatec was listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 1994. Since that time the company`s valuation has climbed by over 2000% and during that four-year period, its CAGR in earnings has exceeded 100%.

The company`s principal focus is to exploit the opportunities provided by the exploding Internet/Intranet marketplace and as a result has become a major Internet-orientated technology group, focusing on networking and related products and services. Datatec`s intention is to become a major international player in the computer networking and communications sector.

The company employs more than 2000 personnel worldwide and has revenues exceeding US$1B. Currently more than 50% of the group`s total operating profit comes from its international operation, a proportion that is set to grow as Datatec continues its international expansion programme.