National network integration and support specialist Integr8 IT has implemented a complete IT networking infrastructure for the Johannesburg-based Social Housing Foundation (SHF). The IT replacement project forms a major part of the foundation`s growth and development initiative.
The SHF is a Section 21 company established in 1997 by the National Department of Housing with the intention to provide capacity-building and technical support services to emerging and existing social housing institutions. The organisation also has to facilitate the development of a policy framework for the sector and promote social housing as an alternative form of tenure in SA.
The organisation is divided into Finance, Operations, Policy and Research, and Job Summit sections.
Andrew Higgs, General Manager Finance and Support at the SHF, says for the first few years of existence the SHF shared offices and facilities with the National Housing Finance Corporation. However, in 2001 it became clear that it needed to act more independently in order to service its broader mandate.
With this growth and the imperative need to service the requirements of the donor programmes, and in particular the European Union Capacity and Development Programme, the SHF saw the need to move offices. This necessitated the procurement of new service providers - which is where Integr8 IT came in.
Following a meeting at the Computer Faire this year between Higgs and Mark Levy, director at Integr8 IT, the SHF was impressed with Integr8 IT`s staff, in particular their determination and willingness to provide information, explanation and service right from the start. The project took place during October and began with the installation of a Small Business Server 2002 and related software services.
"SHF required new IT infrastructure from scratch. We deployed a SBS Server and backup machine that will run the organisation`s e-mail requirements as well as a tape backup system. They now run Inoculate IT [virus protection] and Acrserve [backup software] - both Computer Associate products," says Bennie Strydom, network engineer at Integr8 IT.
By acquiring this package, the SHF saved a considerable sum of money that otherwise would have had to be laid out had each package been obtained separately. In addition, comfort has been given concerning protection from viruses and unauthorised tapping into the system.
"Our approach is based on service level agreements and a network outsourcing service that encourages people to focus on their core competencies. Our motto is `don`t let IT be a cumbersome problem - let us take care of this for you`. In the case of the Social Housing Foundation, the small business server has provided the ideal and cost-effective platform for the organisation to concentrate on its core business, and not worry about IT infrastructure, online services and connectivity - an absolute must in today`s corporate and social environment. Integr8 IT has the skills on board to handle the latest networking technology and has the expertise to provide the right type of infrastructure to fit in and deal with specific business requirements," says Levy.
"Integr8 IT arranged leased-lines and a cabling company for the cabling that was required. They also assisted in the setting up of our e-mail system by linking in with our existing Web provider. With the move it was carefully planned that the cabling, ISDN lines and network points for the new office be pre-installed. Integr8 IT also prepared the servers and other equipment in advance. The servers were installed in the new premises on Friday, 18 October. The move itself took place over the weekend of 19 and 20 October and Integr8 IT had staff on hand at the time to start configuring computers and printers for staff. Throughout the following week they also had staff available to continue with the installation process and to debug all problems. The accounting software was installed on the server, as was the software for electronic banking and one or two other specialised programmes used by specific users," adds Higgs.
The SHF has also signed a service level agreement, with a guaranteed response time, for maintenance and support on a monthly basis from Integr8 IT and has already had the first report and meeting.
"As a result of the above, the SHF believes that it has installed a system that will cater for all its current and immediate future needs. It was planned and set up in a professional manner and support to date has been efficient and friendly. The SHF also feels that this configuration was the most cost-effective," says Higgs.
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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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