Small to medium-sized operations are aggressive in their adoption of technology to make their presence felt in the market. A Cape-based office supplies and stationery business, Trade Factor, has contracted Integr8 IT to support its launch into this competitive space and maintain its IT infrastructure.
Lance Fanaroff, Director at network integration and infrastructure specialist Integr8 IT, says this is just one example of how businesses within various industries and regions continue to raise the levels of communication in order to reach target markets.
"Analysts predict a far more stable scenario for the industry in general in 2004. Networks and infrastructure will continue to impact on the growth and development of businesses, especially within the SME arena. From a regional perspective, the Cape Province - especially the Western Cape - has experienced rapid development as far as ICT and its place in business is concerned. We see our role as a guide or mentor and the strategic ICT support for our clients," explains Fanaroff.
Trade Factor opened up shop in March last year and required an IT partner to help with the set up. The business grew and soon Trade Factor required networking and infrastructure expertise to help with the expansion.
"We initially turned to Integr8 IT and have since never looked back. They help us maintain our systems and any challenges that do arise from time to time. They offer unbelievable service and are always available and attend to our logged call in the shortest possible time," says Nina Weltman, General Manager at Trade Factor.
According to the deal, Integr8 IT manages the integration of SBS (Small Business Server), anti-virus software and a backup solution to complement the supply of hardware and related skills.
The technology in place provides Trade Factor with a fully centralised platform with a server that can accommodate a great deal more, says Naweed Kazi, Cape Manager at Integr8 IT.
"One of the more immediate effects of this technology on a company is the fact that productivity is increased because communication is centralised and there is less impact because systems are correlated. Trade Factor has an established database of clientele and was in the market for a new solution to help cover and reinforce the company`s networking and communications. The SBS environment was the best option for this client because it suits the existing technology and provides the necessary functionality and services required for this type of operation," says Kazi.
Trade Factor is in the process of opening up offices in the Johannesburg region and will again utilise Integr8 IT to manage the project.
"We want to ensure a smooth and efficient rollover so neither office experiences any downtime. In today`s market it is service that counts and this is where we find synergy between ourselves and Integr8 IT," adds Weltman.
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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, and representation in Port Elizabeth, Durban and East London, Integr8 IT spans nationally across the southern Africa region. 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 IT services.
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