Dimension Data Holdings plc has joined forces with VenFin, Remgro, Medi-Clinic and the newly formed Distel group to enable these companies to take advantage of opportunities in the new Internet-based economy.
The establishment of a new joint venture, CommsCo, will enable the VenFin and Remgro Groups to consolidate their information technology expenditure and align their IT strategies with the skills and expertise of Dimension Data.
The formation of CommsCo gives these companies access to the full Dimension Data and other VenFin technology partners` offerings including services and solutions in the cellular, satellite, and mobile technology arenas.
Remgro has interests in a wide range of companies in the tobacco, industrial, mining and financial sector, while VenFin`s portfolio incorporates interests in companies like Vodacom, Tracker, I-touch, Sail and e-tv. By partnering with Dimension Data in this venture, the companies will be able to roll out comprehensive IT services and solutions on a global scale.
Allan Cawood, Group MD Dimension Data Network Services South Africa, says the true value Dimension Data brings to the partnership is its ability to provide intelligent networks. This will give the Remgro and VenFin Groups a foundation on which to develop new markets and create new electronic channels to interface with customers.
"These include Customer Relationship Management systems with new multimedia contact centres, and linking the Groups to suppliers and customers via buy- and sell-side applications which will provide seamless integration to all users.
"We would then use our Global Online Services offerings to manage the new applications and infrastructure in realtime," he adds.
According to Frank Vivier, the newly appointed CEO of Stellenbosch-based CommsCo, the new joint venture will develop its business model in SA and then roll it out on a worldwide basis to interested associated Group companies and external markets.
"It was therefore important for Remgro and VenFin to partner with a global player like Dimension Data which has a clear strategy for providing solutions and services in the new online world," Vivier concludes.
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Dimension Data Holdings
Dimension Data Holdings is the South African operation of Dimension Data Holdings plc, a leading global network services and i-Commerce solutions provider, focused on enabling enterprises, telecommunications service providers and new economy companies to communicate and transact effectively in an e-enabled environment.
Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Dimension Data Holdings plc is ranked in the FTSE 100 and operates in over 30 countries on six continents. The Group has achieved a compound annual growth rate in US dollars of 78% in revenue and 38% in basic earnings per share over the past two years.
VenFin Limited and Remgro Limited
At an Annual General Meeting of Rembrandt Group Limited ("Rembrandt") held on 21 September 2000, the restructuring of Rembrandt was approved by the shareholders.
Rembrandt`s underlying interests have been re-organised into two separate companies namely Remgro Limited ("Remgro") and VenFin Limited ("VenFin"), with effect from 1 April 2000.
Remgro consists of Rembrandt`s tobacco, industrial, mining and financial interests whilst VenFin consists of Rembrandt`s telecommunication, media and technology interests.
Both Remgro and VenFin are incorporated in the Republic of South Africa and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa.