Dimension Data provides integrated services to SA`s newest specialist higher education institution

Dimension Data has recently implemented the total IT infrastructure for SA`s newest specialist higher education institution, in a deal worth R1.8 million. In addition, the leading global technology services company won the contract to manage the entire site remotely.

CHN Campus Port Alfred, allied to the CHN University of Professional Education in The Netherlands, will offer a four-year degree in hospitality management. The campus is located in the former Kowie Grand Hotel, which has been re-modelled to serve as a teaching and residential venue.

The site had absolutely no IT infrastructure, and CHN placed the order for a complete solution with Dimension Data.

"We provided an end-to-end solution, which included everything from the infrastructure cabling, the complete computer room and desktop environment, to auditorium equipment, anti-virus security protection and project management," says Quintus Moolman of Dimension Data. "In addition, CHN did not want to employ IT staff in-house, so the control and management of the infrastructure was outsourced in its entirety to Dimension Data."

Stoffel Goosen, managing director of CHN Campus Port Alfred, says Dimension Data was chosen for the implementation as the group was able to enter into a strategic IT partnership.

"We believe that outsourcing is the way of the future, and ideally we did not want to have to employ our own IT resources," says Goosen. "Dimension Data understood this, and converted this vision into a services solution that met our requirements. They were awarded the deal due to their expertise, understanding of the environment and cost-effective solution."

"Implementation, completed by end January, was extremely well planned, with most of the preparation work done off-site utilising a Microsoft Active Directory design blueprint," says Moolman. "Design is critical for successful implementation and Active Directory is powerful, increasing productivity and reducing manpower by creating a single point of control for directory services. This made the installation on-site very quick and seamless. All equipment was rolled out according to strict project management methodology, and we used only leading brand equipment."

This included Compaq servers using Microsoft Windows 2000 with Active Directory; Cisco LAN, WAN and Internet connectivity equipment; Cisco PIX firewalls; Compaq PCs for the library and computer laboratory; as well as a number of printers, backup devices, audio-visual components and application software.

Dimension Data also provides CHN with an ongoing remote monitoring service, Insite, which is delivered as part of the company`s Global Services Operating Architecture (GSOA).

"Using Insite we are able to pick up any hardware alarms on the system which may be network, power or server related," explains Moolman. "We have also implemented Compaq Insight Manager, which integrates with our management systems.

"We can react to alarms remotely, repair or reset the error/alarm, assist users via remote control, and if necessary, send an engineer out to do a physical repair or replacement. We also repair any faulty components under warranty on site, and take care of the back-to-back arrangements with the vendors."

CHN Campus Port Alfred is in the process of finalising its registration as a private higher education institution with the Department of Education and the process should be completed in time to register students for 2003.

CHN Port Alfred is the result of co-operation between the CHN University in The Netherlands, and two local private commercial enterprises, Kowie Development Company and Halyards Properties.

"Its establishment meets the vision of both the international education partner and that of its local partners," says Goosen. "CHN University in The Netherlands is developing international satellite campuses to assist in the globalisation of the hospitality industry, while locally the vision was to establish an internationally recognised institution offering degrees in hospitality to help overcome the critical shortage of properly trained managers in the hospitality industry."

CHN Port Alfred students will gain hands-on experience in hospitality management by working in the Halyards Hotel, and at Barnacles Pub on the Peer thus receiving practical training by working in fully operational hospitality businesses.

"We believe we are a few steps ahead of anything that has ever been done in education in SA, and Dimension Data has given us excellent support and service throughout," says Goosen.