Internet Solutions (IS), a leading converged communications services provider, and LayerOne, IS subsidiary and Intellisync Africa distributor, have launched their push e-mail solution with Kenya`s largest cellular operator, Safaricom. Nokia Intellisync is a leader in platform-independent wireless messaging and applications for mobile devices.
Launched as Safaricom Pocket Office, the solution includes a bundle of LayerOne`s Intellisync offering as well as a GPRS data offering. The service is initially aimed at providing push e-mail to corporate companies with certain devices like the iMate Windows range, Palm and Nokia devices. Once this product has launched successfully, IS and LayerOne will look at the possibility of extending some of its other services into the market such as the Intellisync Data Sync and File Sync Modules.
Stuart Hardy, MD of LayerOne, says: "We have been working with Safaricom for the last seven months planning the roll-out of the solution to the Kenyan market. It`s been an interesting time for us and we have learnt a lot about the cultural challenges of launching a technology like this into other markets in Africa."
"Safaricom Pocket Office is an e-mail and personal information management (PIM) solution that connects any mobile device to e-mail servers such as Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino. This service is tailored for the user to simplify the process of accessing e-mail, calendar, tasks and contacts. Supported by Safaricom`s GPRS/EDGE technology, Pocket Office allows users to realise the full potential of a smart device," says Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph. "We are delighted to be the chosen Kenyan partner to offer this exclusive product."
"From an IS perspective, this roll-out in Kenya is part of our overall strategy for mobile and other communications services in Africa," says Paul Schonborn, Manager Mobile Solutions at IS. "There are a couple of African markets that have reliable and stable business partners for us who can support and maintain systems locally to clients in accordance with our stringent quality of service standards. Kenya is a growth market for IS and we`ll be monitoring the success of this project carefully. Through LayerOne we can deliver tried and tested technology that is implemented locally by Safaricom."
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Safaricom Limited is Kenya`s current leading mobile telephone operator. It was formed in 1997 as a fully owned subsidiary of Telkom Kenya. In May 2000, Vodafone group Plc, the world`s largest telecommunication company, acquired a 40% stake and management responsibility for the company. Safaricom`s aim is to remain the leading mobile network operator in Kenya. In order to achieve this, a strong focus has been placed on quality of service to our customers. Safaricom is and will continue implementing best practices based on Vodafone`s vast international experience and Telkom Kenya`s unique knowledge of the Kenyan market. www.safaricom.co.ke
LayerOne
LayerOne Telecommunications provides e-mail and complex company data and information to handheld devices for South African corporate users. The LayerOne Solution was built using one of the largest mobile data solution providers in the world, Intellisync. www.layerone.co.za
Internet Solutions
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 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 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 www.is.co.za.
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