The implementation of data cards and Intellisync software, for what is claimed to be Africa`s largest mobile e-mail deal, is on track, says Internet Solutions (IS), and its subsidiary LayerOne.
About 1 000 KPMG employees have already been connected, notes Stuart Hardy, MD of Layer One, the African distributor for Nokia`s Intellisync products.
Implementation of MTN EDGE data cards began about six months ago, he notes, adding there is a possibility the cards will be upgraded to 3G or HSDPA cards. "However, when using Intellisync, you actually don`t need anything faster than EDGE - compression reduces the requirements for large data bundles," he says.
The project should be completed within the next three or four months, Hardy adds.
At R75 per user per month, KPMG will pay almost R2 million a year for the mobile e-mail service, plus a R1.8 million once-off Intellisync licence fee.
KPMG, like many large organisations, struggles with space issues at its offices, and has historically lacked the ability to bill clients while out in the field, Hardy notes.
Trend
Hardy says contracts for a similar mobile e-mail service are in the pipeline for Rand Merchant Bank and Nashua Mobile.
Phil Hartridge, associate director at KPMG responsible for developing and deploying the initiative, says: "Developing our processes to enable employees to have improved connectivity and availability will mean enhanced customer communication.
"It removes the need for staff to have to return to base to check e-mail or submit time and expense claims - and, in addition to e-mail access, our staff will also be able to access a wealth of key applications," he adds.
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