Microsoft SA launches Direct Access Action Pack

Microsoft takes `Action` to build technology business solutions Microsoft South Africa has launched a tool that will enable resellers, IT consultants and VAP`s to `get to grips` with new technology. The Microsoft Direct Access Action Pack provides local channel members the opportunity to gain access to the latest products, enabling them to build technology solutions on Microsoft products so that they are `technically ready`.

"The Microsoft Direct Access Action Pack is designed to take advantage of business opportunities to increase revenue, better meet customers` needs and find out what`s new in the technology arena," says Maureen van Jaarsveldt, channel director at Microsoft South Africa. "It helps organisations optimise the use of the wide range of Microsoft support, training and reference resources available that is needed to build a strong knowledge foundation."

The Action Pack includes 12 full versions of Microsoft products which can be installed for internal business use, giving employees hands-on experience and a better understanding of how to use the product. In addition, Microsoft has included additional licences for each of the included products. For all the Server products, Microsoft has also included five client access licences, as well as five additional licences for desktop products. Added to all of this are two no-charge support incidents.

"With the Microsoft Direct Access Action Pack, our channel members will be able to evaluate and test our products, enabling them to understand and sell the products more effectively," says van Jaarsveldt. "Another advantage is that full benefits of the product can be demonstrated to prospective purchasers, giving the customer a stronger understanding of how to utilise Microsoft products to build comprehensive business solutions.

"New products and product additions are constantly being developed. This means that to stay abreast of new products you have to be kept updated - especially if you sell, consult or provide support in the software industry. You need to fully understand the product, its benefits and most importantly how it works for your customer. With this knowledge it becomes easier to add value by providing the right technology to meet customer needs," says van Jaarsveldt.

The Microsoft Direct Access Action is available for R2 500 through Microsoft`s authorised distributors: FSA, Siltek Distribution Dynamics (SDD) and Workgroup Distribution. Once a person purchases a Action Pack through a distributor, they will be given an air box which contains a redemption form that needs to be completed and sent through to the number supplied in order to receive fulfillment of the relevant products.

Products included in the Microsoft Direct Access Action Pack:

.         Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server 4.5

.         Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5

.         Microsoft Office 2000 Premium Edition

.         Microsoft Project 98

.         Microsoft Proxy Server 2.0

.         Microsoft Site Server 3.0

.         Microsoft SQL Server 7.0

.         Microsoft System Management Server 2.0

.         Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0

.         Microsoft NT Terminal Server 4.0

.         Microsoft Windows 98

.         Microsoft NT Workstation 4.0

.         Two no-charge support incidents

Workgroup Distribution

Johannesburg

Tel: (011) 233-1111

Fax: (011) 802-1086

Cape Town

Tel: (021) 418-4240

Fax: (021) 215005

Durban

Tel: (031) 579-1974

Fax: (031) 579-2183

Port Elizabeth

Tel: (041) 513515

Fax: (041) 513583

FSA

Johannesburg

Tel: (011) 444-0225

Fax: (011) 444-0233

Cape Town

Tel: (021) 551-0570

Fax: (021) 551-0545

Durban

Tel: (031) 309-5306

Fax: (031) 309-5310

Port Elizabeth

Tel: (041) 33-0413

Fax: (041) 33-0415

Siltek Distribution Dynamics

Johannesburg

Tel: (011) 652-8222

Fax: (011) 652-8200

Cape Town

Tel: (021) 658-6300

Fax: (021) 685-7865

Durban

Tel: (031) 263-0121

Fax: (031) 263-0108

Port Elizabeth

Tel: (041) 352838

Fax: (041) 352865

Bloemfontein

Tel: (051) 473193

Fax: (051) 474020