Specialist freight services group The RAM Group of Companies has reinforced its wide area network (WAN) connectivity and security by opting to run its lines through Integr8 IT`s IP managed network.
The group`s main function is to transport high-value merchandise such as gold and diamonds. It has recently been awarded the contract to handle all Vodacom distribution including prepaid cards, cellphones and regular courier services.
RAM Solutions, which forms part of RAM Group of Companies, handles the majority of the groups internal IT. It is also a Microsoft Certified Partner and has its own customer database. The group knew what kind of technology it wanted to implement and felt that Integr8 IT possessed the necessary expertise required to fulfil this need.
RAM has entered into a service level agreement with a guaranteed response time of four hours with Integr8 IT. The choice to run lines through Integr8 IT`s IP managed network, which in turn leverages off partner Tier One ISP CiTEC.NET`s IP managed network, was made in order to ensure the continuous support of its WAN and the establishment of secure, stable connectivity between all RAM offices. The level of line security is of paramount importance to a client such as RAM Group of Companies. Integr8 IT has helped to create a highly secure environment through its basic handling of a solution supplied and managed by Obsidian Systems, and by the constant, 24-hour monitoring of lines in order to detect any hackers involved in port scanning. The firewall solution helps protect the network from the Internet.
Integr8 IT is fully aware of the fact that hackers do attempt to port scan, but the company`s IT director Robert Sussman is adamant about the company`s infrastructure and its ability to pick up any wrongdoing. "We have not had a failure to date," he says.
According to Sussman, the successful work with RAM Group of Companies is indicative of a strong increase in the shift from WAN to IP managed networks. He says people are starting to realise the potential involved in outsourcing what is normally a costly in-house function.
"The way that is done is an office in the Cape, Durban and Johannesburg will each run lines into a corresponding IP managed network. That means that anything from the router onwards is our problem - if that router or line goes down, it is our problem. We will notify a client when the line is down. The beauty of this meshed network system is that if Johannesburg goes down, communication with Cape Town and Durban is not effected."
This is just one of the areas where Sussman and Group IT Manager of the RAM Group Lance Soller find common ground. "I agree with the sentiment expressed regarding a general shift from WAN to IP Managed Networks. It is better having someone else worrying about the up-time of the IP Managed Network. You can also see what is actually going on with your bandwidth," explains Soller.
Soller adds that through the RAM Group of Companies close relationship with Integr8 IT, it is able to conduct its business with efficient, smooth-running IT infrastructure.
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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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