InfoVu and Microsoft show SMEs embracing ASP services in SA

InfoVu, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paracon, has announced that it will build on the success of its 14 signed-on application service provider (ASP) customers by shortly hosting Microsoft Office and Exchange through its software rental model. The indication from the 4 700 users connecting daily to infoVu`s hosting servers to access its Microsoft-based human resource (HR) and financial management software, is that the small to medium enterprise (SME) market is ready to reap the benefits from online software rental.

infoVu`s customers in the recruitment, manufacturing and accounting industries are currently accessing VU2000, its modular enterprise operational and financial management system, as well as HR Success, the personnel management and recruitment package through the rental model. Developed specifically for the SME market, the software is based on Microsoft SQL Server and Windows NT Server technology. Access to HR Success is quite unique since it is one of the first examples of HR software rental online in the local market. The next step is then to take this offering forward and infoVu will be providing its customer with an alternative to accessing their Microsoft applications.

"We have a very focused approach to the SME market through our software solutions which offer the same functionality as enterprise systems, but which are tailored and priced according to their requirements," says Gordon Leibbrandt, a director at infoVu. "Monthly rental of these packages is attractive for the SME market since they can budget for a set technology expense every month. Additionally, 24-hour uptime is provided through set service levels, which can`t necessarily be guaranteed if the infrastructure is managed in-house."

Planned technology expansion at infoVu includes online fault logging and integration with the call centre which currently runs on Exchange 2000 and Visual Basic, allowing customers to interact with infoVu through e-mail. An anticipated upgrade to Windows 2000 will see the clustering of servers for increased redundancy. The functionality built into the Microsoft operating system will also assist infoVu in the planned automation of the customer service centre while providing improved fault tolerance of the hosting platform.

"By using our facilities and network, customers can grow their business at their own pace with a minimum of investment in infrastructure on their part," says Leibbrandt. "The ASP model also allows our customer`s business to grow quickly without having to accurately plan the technology, because we are able to provide scalability with low start-up cost."

As part of its service level guarantee to its customers, infoVu`s ASP offering conforms to third party endorsed standards, such as COBIT, the international audit standard and ITL, the technology standard. "In addition to being a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider (MCSP), our commitment to international standards ensures that customers are guaranteed of the highest possible levels of service," says Leibbrandt.

"The momentum for Microsoft`s local ASP strategy is being propelled by our partners such as infoVu creating specialised hosting solutions for customers," says Cyril Belikoff, network solutions group manager at Microsoft South Africa. "The indication from infoVu customers who are already reaping the benefits of this alternative way of accessing their software, is that the ASP model provides a solution that suits their business and their pockets. In particular, customers are able to focus on business objectives while speed of application implementation is good for the technology adoption rate."