Intel has re-affirmed its commitment to the South African software community in developing solutions that maximise the benefits of manageability and security in its new Intel vPro technology platform through its close co-operation with local company, Columbus Technologies.
Columbus Technologies, together with its Swiss technology partner Brainware AG, is a tier one OEM co-developer in South Africa of an internationally award-winning enterprise solutions designed to provide comprehensive, centralised lifecycle management of IT infrastructure from new operating system and software roll-out, updates and security patches.
The company's solutions, distributed through its BEE channel partners, have been deployed by major clients in all sectors locally as well as internationally and its flagship product, Columbus Enterprise, has won InfoWeek's coveted "Preferred Product" international award two years in a row against some of the IT industry's leading international management solutions.
Says Ricus Ellis of Columbus Technologies: "CIOs today are challenged with increasing the efficiency of PC management and control. Intel's new vPro technology platform introduced a new paradigm in PC manageability and security, two particular areas in which costs can escalate. Intel's vPro technology platform brings to the desktop remote management techniques that previously have only existed on servers.
"The new secure remote management capability will significantly reduce the number of expensive desk-side visits and will enable the end customers to achieve and better control over configuration, security and anti-virus software compliance.
"Our Columbus technology leverages Intel Active Management Technology (iAMT), which is built into the Intel vPro platform, to enable organisations to significantly drive down overall operating costs of their IT systems by controlling areas such as the deployment of operating systems, software management, inventory management and asset management, including secure remote access to assets even when the operating system is inoperable and perform remote diagnostics, replication and synchronisation of critical services, applications, configurations and data, coupled with uniquely embedded workflow and help-desk, incident management and call centre technologies.
"Columbus worked closely with Intel, which supplied extensive support and software development tools to enable us to further develop our products around vPro technology. In addition, our support for legacy technology will enable our customers to migrate seamlessly, effortlessly and cost-effectively to the new Intel vPro platform."
A major concern of many local outsourcing companies is the demand for South African IT skills. According to Columbus's John Makhetha, Intel's co-operation has helped to underscore the company's intense commitment to the local IT market not only in terms of bringing new technology designed to lower costs to markets but also in the development of local IT talent.
"I believe Columbus has ensured that South African software developers can compete with the best global players and it is through relationships with companies such as Intel that the playing fields are now becoming level. Intel has clearly demonstrated that they are serious about the emerging markets and do not apply lip service to our market needs but instead Intel presents a serious and compelling process of upliftment and knowledge transfer to South Africa such as the case with Columbus."
Says Devan Naidoo, country manager for Intel South Africa: "Intel has recognised the need to meet the increasing demand for more South African developed world class software products and services. By working more closely with local software houses in developing new solutions around our various platforms we enable them to bring their technology to market faster and more cost-effectively while at the same time helping the industry tap into and grow local IT skills."
Intel, the Intel logo, Intel vPro are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Intel Active Management Technology requires the platform to have an Intel AMT-enabled chipset, network hardware and software, connection with a power source, and a network connection.
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