Following Madge Networks` decision last year to restructure the organisation, providing individual, focused business units for the Token Ring, Video and ISDN and Ethernet markets, the company has now launched its Ethernet division as a separate entity which will be badged as LANNET in South Africa, offering Solutions in the Ethernet and ATM markets. "LANNET is already an internationally branded company operating under the Madge Networks banner and enjoys high recognition in the Ethernet and ATM markets," said Angus Peacey, who has been appointed Country Manager of LANNET in South Africa. The Israeli-based company, acquired in 1995 by Madge Networks, has had significant growth and market acceptance in South Africa, with growth in both the channel and the customer base, Peacey said. Madge Networks Africa Managing Director Peter Turvey says the establishment of LANNET as a separate entity had been a natural evolutionary process following Madge`s international decision to create focused business units. "The growth in business has fully justified the establishment of a new local LANNET office, which will provide support to the channel," Turvey said. "Initially we planned to run Ethernet solutions as part of the local Madge operation, however it became clear that growing international acceptance of the new restructured Madge and the performance of individual business units mitigated strongly in favour of creating the new entity," "This move means significant benefits for Token Ring customers in South Africa, given that Madge Networks Africa will be focused on the Token Ring and ATM customer base," Peacey added, "hence there will no longer be a splitting of resources to handle both the Ethernet and Token Ring product lines - all of which adds credence to the original decision to promise the customer highly focused solutions." The new LANNET investment includes new offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and the establishment of a focused local channel of Value Added Resellers. Peacey will be based in Cape Town, with Steve Casey - who has been appointed Sales manager - operating from Johannesburg. New programmes to support the channel include the ramping of marketing assistance, training programmes and direct LANNET technical support and assistance in providing solutions to the end-user customer where needed. Peacey said local VARs will now have direct access to international LANNET resources and will be in a position to offer solutions and after sales service to customers - an immediate benefit to the end-users who will see higher levels of technical skills, support and service from the channel. LANNET will launch its new offices and programmes during the week starting March 30, with planned activities including briefings for the channel partners and specific briefings for both the sales and technical teams of its VARs. International technical and sales experts will be in the country to assist and brief the channel on new programmes, product developments and methodologies to build new business opportunities and win new customers.
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