Korbi.net, a company that provides enabling services for Application Service Providers (ASPs) or web hosters, has installed a Cabletron network solution.
The network solution was designed and implemented by Cape-based Enterprise Connection and supplied by Enterasys Networks SA (a Cabletron Systems group subsidiary).
The network enables Korbi.net, a subsidiary of Korbitec Holdings, to provide server hosting and an infrastructure platform for ASPs and their end-user clients.
It has enabled Korbi.net to create a packaged ASP solution that is able to serve as a cost-effective outsourced IT department for smaller users as well as an attractive alternative for larger companies.
Enterasys, a supplier of networking solutions, through its Cape Town distributor, Duxbury Networking, supplied the components for the Korbi.net network. These include Layer 4 SmartSwitch Routers and Remote Switches.
Korbi.net`s network enables its ASPs to deliver quality of service (QoS) and uptime guarantees to their end users, many of whom run mission critical applications.
Wolf Laudien, MD of Korbi.net, confirms that the principal business benefit resulting from new network implementation is that Korbi.net can now offer a top-quality service to its clients assisting them with the delivery and end-to-end support for business applications.
He explains that Korbi.net removes the barriers associated with the cost of technology and infrastructure management for its clients. "Our long-term vision is to offer as many benefits as possible to our clients in Africa. With the predicted explosive growth in the ASP customer base, our goal is to remove all our clients` up front costs."
He reveals that Korbi.net has also created an alliance with UUNET and Hewlett-Packard, which resulted in the creation of a platform on which any ASP can successfully launch their products.
"The Alliance allows for a specialised, multi-tiered business offering. In the infrastructure layer UUNET and HP provide the bandwidth, data centre and hardware while we provide services to allow e-businesses the highest level of uptime," he says.
"Together with our ASP clients, we provide solutions to fast growing companies from all sectors of business and industry, enabling them to obtain the specific applications and services they need, without the accompanying concerns about computer network reliability, scalability and in-house IT resources."
Laudien says that while Korbi.net`s core focus is on the ASP community, the company also offers corporate network design, installation, management and maintenance services.
Paul Stuttard, sales director for Duxbury Networking (Cape), says: "Solutions are based on business needs. Enterprise Connection professionally defined the exact business requirements and needs for the Korbi.net solution.
"Key aspects were a scalable solution providing reliable and redundant switch routers to ensure the availability of the Korbi.net service. The availability of the network had to be at wire speed with full Quality of Service guarantees, and a high level of security to ensure that Korbi.net`s clients` information is not compromised.
"Korbi.net evaluated many products based on their ability to overcome the above issues, but opted for the Enterasys solution since it was able to satisfy all the business requirements."
Johan de Villiers, GM of Enterprise Connection Cape, agrees: "As a leading ASP enabler in the country, Korbi.net required the highest possible throughput, coupled with a closely integrated IP shaping and traffic billing system. Our mandate was to spec a system with an effective zero downtime in terms of reliability, while allowing the customer to scale in the future.
"We found that the Enterasys products complied fully with the customer requirements while Duxbury was able to provide post-sales support."
Martin May, sub-Saharan regional director of Enterasys Networks SA, says: "To be successful in the e-business era, companies need to have the right e-business platform to enable the added value their customers require in today`s competitive business environment.
"To this end companies need to leverage technology which is scaleable to accommodate future growth, which allows for the highest level of uptime and which provides security. These are areas in which Enterasys is a strong marketplace contender."
Laudien adds: "Although Enterprise Connection and Enterasys were new players in implementing Korbi.net`s business requirements, the experience proved to be significant in terms of consolidating a long-term future relationship between the various associates.
"Ultimately our decision to go with Enterprise Connection and Enterasys was based on the emphasis placed on the relationship aspect and on being able to have access to the top people at all times."
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