MGX launches Storage Training Academy, brings training to PDI sector

MGX has announced the launch of its Storage Training Academy and its accreditation to offer training on the VERITAS NetBackup solution. In line with this accreditation, the first in SA and covering all of Africa, it has partnered with a number of black companies to uplift skills in the data storage market. Through this, MGX aims to make a major contribution to the IT market, which is underserviced in the storage arena.

Specifically, MGX has partnered with TISC Technologies and Everest Systems Solutions, two black-owned companies, to uplift the skills levels in the previously disadvantaged individual (PDI) sector, by offering this training free of charge to select candidates.

"Storage remains a growth market, and upskilling PDIs in the right companies is the responsible and correct thing to do," says Morris Kotzen, director of Storage Solutions Professional Services at MGX. "We will do this through the provision of accredited training on the one hand, and on-site experience at MGX client sites. This approach ensures that we bridge the gap between theoretical and practical training."

TISC has been working with MGX since October 2001, making the new agreement an extension of its existing relationship. 64%-owned by black directors, it employs 15 people and has specialist expertise in a number of vertical sectors, including gaming, telecommunications and healthcare.

Chris Lithole, CEO of TISC, says its joint venture with MGX has a great deal to offer. "We have complementary skills and the right calibre of people for MGX, and can help them to reach certain customers, while gaining access to far bigger projects than we currently manage."

In terms of TISC`s JV, it has put two employees on the five-day VERITAS training course at MGX in Midrand.

Everest, which has been in operation since 1996, is a 42-person company historically focused on the public and parastatal sector and now broadening its focus. As a company it is committed to meaningful partnerships, says MD Solomon Ngubane.

"The market is littered with partnership agreements that have gone nowhere," comments Ngubane. "That is the last thing we want. In terms of our partnership with MGX we will identify opportunities where one of us is the prime contractor and subcontracts to the other party. We will be looking for joint opportunities, and expect to close our first mutual contract soon."

Everest has put an initial five people through VERITAS training. "We want to build capacity to the point where we can deliver on VERITAS projects, and we own the resources," adds Ngubane.

Elizabeth le Roux, channel manager for VERITAS, says that before MGX`s certification, the nearest certified training centre was the UK office.

"Being able to use our solutions properly is of great importance to customers," says Le Roux. "But getting skills to the right level was an inconvenience, as people had to go to the UK for training. The fact that MGX is certified for training means greater convenience and far less disruption now."

MGX, through its Storage Solutions business unit, has been certified to perform NetBackup training, and is in the process of being trained up for other VERITAS solutions.

"We expect strong demand from end-users and resellers for this training, based on the requirement to keep systems up and running optimally," adds Le Roux.

"Training and knowledge transfer are important to sustaining high standards of IT service levels," concludes Kotzen, "while ensuring that technology investments deliver requisite return on investment."