Independent IT solutions provider First Technology, which specialises in software development, is partnering with leading cellular network operator MTN South Africa to develop applications and solutions for the general packet radio service (GPRS) mobile communications protocol.
MTN leads the market in mobile data services with GPRS and HSCSD (high-speed circuit switched data) and has the ability to offer these and other innovative services to an increasingly sophisticated market. Currently more than 85% of all non-SMS data traffic in SA is carried on the MTN network.
According to Clark Coetzee, MD of First Technology Software and Consulting Division, the agreement will see First Technology design, develop, demonstrate and assist with the deployment of solutions and infrastructure for companies in the small to medium enterprise (SME) sector, which MTN defines as 200 or less mobile users.
"There`s a tremendous amount of potential in this market, and MTN has indicated that it is serious about providing value added services for business over its mobile networks," says Coetzee.
"MTN Business Solutions provides South African companies of all sizes with innovative, simple mobile data solutions and we seek to form alliances with companies which assist us to deliver these. First Technology is one of these companies," says Sifiso Dabengwa, managing director at MTN South Africa.
"With its skills set in developing, implementing and launching innovative software products, First Technology will be adding further value to MTN`s mobile business product line," he adds.
Dabengwa explains that with the convergence of information technology and telecommunications, and the development of additional services, access to office applications from mobile devices will become increasingly important.
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First Technology is one of SA`s largest, independent IT solutions providers, offering customers solutions and services that maximise business productivity, reduce the risk associated with deploying new technologies and minimise the total cost of IT ownership. The company has fully-fledged branches in every major business node across South Africa and maintains one of the largest teams of highly skilled technical personnel in the country.
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