The success of a company`s communication has a lot to do with the speed of its network, the reliability of its connection and the management of its bandwidth. Network integration specialist Integr8 IT has, once again, proven the success of its model with reliable, powerful connective service reinforced through its relationship with MTN Network Solutions.
Going back over two years, the relationship with tier-one ISP MTN NS came about as a direct result of the contact made between Integr8 IT and CiTEC.NET, which was acquired by Johnnic e-Ventures and MTN in June 2001. MTN NS`s Business Development Consultant and Integr8 IT Account Manager Natalie Knol has played a significant role in helping to establish the relationship and mould it into the partnership it is today.
The partnership with MTN NS has allowed Integr8 IT to include local and international inter-branch connectivity, Internet and e-mail access as part of its service offering in addition to its own focused offerings of LAN, desktop support and application platforms.
"Based on the many requests from our clients in terms of the service offering, Integr8 IT narrowed its focus towards forming a partnership with a player in the tier-one Internet access provision space. At the time we felt that CiTEC.NET demonstrated the most focus as far as infrastructure and connectivity from the router outwards was concerned. Since the Johnnic Group acquired this business, the infrastructure and capabilities of MTN NS have also been improved dramatically. From Integr8 IT`s perspective, this business partnership has allowed us to concentrate on our core business and provides us with access to the best of breed services and offering from MTN NS," says Robert Sussman, director at Integr8 IT.
"Most of our clients outsource their entire inter-branch connectivity to Intergr8 IT and the benefits include a significant reduction in the total cost of ownership. This is achieved by the use of MPLS-based virtual private network (VPN) services, which are backed by continuous monitoring and round the clock support. It also means that if connection is lost or lines are affected, it is our responsibility to ensure fast, effective service and control. At the same time, where Integr8 IT remains focused on network integration and application platforms, MTN NS provide the data transport via its high-availability core network," he adds.
According to Mike Brierley, CEO of MTN Network Solutions, one of the key aspects of the partnership is the IP managed network.
"The IP VPN is key here. One of the reasons Integr8 IT was attracted to us was because we were one of the first companies in SA to introduce MPLS-based IP Managed networks. I believe that Integr8 IT was looking for these kinds of QoS based services for their clients. If one had to stack this up against the frame relay alternatives that were dominant in the market at the time, I think that it was the MPLS technology that enabled us to differentiate ourselves from other players. The benefits of this relationship are that we work together in terms of expertise, and we provide the core national network infrastructure and the 24x7 support. The partnership relationship means that we each get to focus on our strengths, MTN NS on network infrastructure and management, and Integr8 IT on their products and services, as well as building and maintaining the client relationship," says Brierley.
Aside from VPN and ISP products, Integr8 IT is also excited about the new mobile access services that are available from MTN, including exciting options like GPRS, and see a great deal of potential for growth within their existing IP managed networks.
"Our partnership with MTN NS has and will continue to open up new opportunities for business. We look forward to being able to explore a range of mobile access services. In a nutshell, Integr8 IT would like to make sure that our clients move onto a solid backbone through MTN NS. The added benefit is that any time we have a client that would like to establish inter-branch connectivity, we do not have to go into the market to find the right partner. We have faith in each other`s ability and service levels, and the relationship is working really well," adds Lance Fanaroff, Integr8 IT director.
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Integr8 IT (Pty) Ltd is a wholly owned network technology services and solutions company in southern Africa. Based in SA, the company employs a wealth of highly skilled and certified system engineers who are directly involved in high level consulting, support and integration.
With offices located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and representation in Port Elizabeth, East London and Port Elizabeth, Integr8 IT spans nationally across Southern Africa and Africa continent. It has the people and expertise to plan, deploy, manage and maintain an information technology environment.
Whether a client seeks better control of its networked environment or is in need of practical solutions, complex or simple, Integr8 IT provides the answers with enhanced information technology services.
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