Software as a service (SaaS) is defined as the delivery of fully functional, outsourced and centrally hosted applications through the Web. SaaS offers the availability of feature rich applications at lower cost allowing enterprises to leverage off a "pay-for-use-only" cost model.
Internet Solutions (IS), a leading converged communications services provider, offers its clients the latest SaaS solutions, and has recently upgraded to Microsoft Hosted Messaging and Collaboration 3.5 - the first Microsoft Partner worldwide to do so.
"There is an increasing demand, growing acceptance and recognition within South Africa of the benefits of SaaS," says Hayden Lamberti, manager, IS Applications Solutions. "More and more businesses today are in the market for hosted messaging solutions. IS Application Solution division has been providing HMC as a business tool to its client base for more than five years so we have a good track record and extensive skills in-house for our clients to utilise - from large enterprises to SMEs."
Industry analyst firm IDC forecasts that by 2007 the number of hosted business e-mail mailboxes worldwide will surpass the number of in-house operated e-mail mailboxes for the first time.*
The Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration (HMC) enables SaaS service providers, such as IS, to roll out an enhanced hosted messaging offering that includes seamless and transparent delivery of:
* Hosted exchange - an anywhere, anytime enterprise quality e-mail service including calendaring, tasks, global address lists and mobile device synchronisation.
* SharePoint Services - a solution that enables centralised document and knowledge collaboration, version tracking and intranet functionality.
"Specifically, IS Hosted Exchange offers breakthrough advances in performance, stability, productivity and reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) along with providing the highest return on investment through its mobility offering. The solution offers a robust, hosted, outsourced and fully managed implementation of Microsoft Hosted Exchange. Located within the IS Data Centre, the service incorporates a range of security, content and management features in addition to a redundant network infrastructure system and the best engineering staff in the country," says Lamberti.
* Source: IDC: Worldwide E-mail Usage Forecast, 2003-2007
Share
Internet Solutions (IS) has transformed its business model and become a leading converged communications service provider in South Africa.
The business was founded on the principle of developing a robust infrastructure in order for corporates and other organisations to conduct e-business. Over the past 13 years IS has established itself as a leader in this space, attracting over 80% of South Africa`s top businesses as clients. From listed companies to non-governmental organisations, local and national government and smaller companies, IS is delivering solutions to meet the business needs of hundreds of customers, including the appointment by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) to provide the national and provincial governments with Internet services.
During its 13-year life span, IS has evolved and grown its service offerings. Today, the company is the leading hosting service provider and security service provider in South Africa, as well as having significant market share in the virtual private network, mobile solutions, VOIS, African solutions and application service provider (ASP) space.
Internet Solutions, with an Empowerdex BBB rating, has earned an impressive collection of accolades, including eight First National Bank "Most Admired" awards, two Financial Mail "Best Company to Work For" awards, a place in the Top Unlisted Company Awards, first place in the ISP category for ComputerWeek Strategist`s Best of Breed IT Awards, 2004, and eighth in the Top ICT Companies, 2005.
The company partners with major players such as Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, BT and AT&T, and in 2002 was certified as a Cisco Managed Security Service Provider, the first and only company outside of the US to be awarded this accolade.
For more, visit us on www.is.co.za.
Editorial contacts