Enterasys Networks, the Cabletron subsidiary that focuses on enterprise network solutions, has completed the first phase of a planned R30 million investment in the South African computer industry.
Martin May, Enterasys Networks SA sub-Saharan regional director, says Enterasys has committed to expanding its footprint in Africa and has earmarked around R30 million for training and skills development in southern Africa.
"The first phase of the project is nearly completed," says May. "This is the establishment of international-class Enterasys training centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
"All are established, equipped and commissioned, with the exception of the Durban centre which will open its doors in early 2001."
May says the centres, which are operated jointly by Enterasys SA and its local partner, Duxbury Networking, are geared to address training needs across a broad spectrum of the IT industry in a bid to develop a new generation of service technicians and support personnel.
Enterasys and Duxbury Networking will also partner on the establishment of a joint research and development facility.
"Our first priority was to establish a nation-wide emergency parts infrastructure to cater for mission-critical network users. This entailed the establishment of `emergency` product storage warehouses or "depots" in Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and Botswana.
"These depots carry a minimum of R5 million in stock at any time and complement our bonded warehouse facility in Gauteng," says May.
"The idea is to allow dealers and installers to gain immediate access to key products to support their clients` networks in times of crisis, obviating slow, traditional shipping routines."
May says that another objective was to increase the size of the Enterasys support team in South Africa.
"We are currently training technical employees of reseller companies who are involved in the sales, support and installation of Enterasys networking products and equipment," adds May.
"As part of the programme, we are working with our channel partners in South Africa to address training needs in rural, underprivileged communities with the aim of equipping previously disadvantaged individuals with the skills so desperately needed by the IT industry in southern Africa."
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