Syrex, a specialist in the installation and support of various different network infrastructures, today announced it had invested in the schools sector of the education market through a strategic partnership with Applify, a consultancy that focuses specifically on it.
Applify's specialty is the integration of the Apple iPad and Android tablets into this market for educational purposes, and the ability to provide consultancy on the provision of appropriate infrastructure for schools including such things as maintenance, firewalling, VOIP telephony, wireless infrastructure and connectivity.
"We quickly recognised that the schools sector of the education market requires a focus that is 'schools-centric' and not 'business-centric'," commented Ralph Berndt of Syrex. "In order to address this market appropriately, we needed to find a suitable partner that was knowledgeable in this area, fully understood the unique situation that schools are in from so many different perspectives, and was able to complement that which we at Syrex have to offer in the market.
"As a direct result of this strategic partnership, we have already gained significant experience in this sector, including the migration of some 1 500 users at a well-known private girls college in Rosebank, Johannesburg," continued Berndt. "The benefits this relationship brings to this market include:
* Massively reducing the cost of Internet connectivity;
* The provision of Office 365 on a SaaS basis without the conventional licencing costs;
* The sourcing and delivery of suitable content;
* The provision of consultancy as to how education in schools can be enhanced through the provision of new devices and technology going forward;
* The provision and management of a safe environment with safe content; and
* The provision of technical advisory services appropriate to this market.
"We are increasingly concerned that many so-called ISPs are entering the local market with little experience, no formal licensing in place, no relationships with the major telecommunications providers and no real understanding of the specifics that are needed by users in this market," concluded Berndt. "We know we fully understand what the true role of an ISP should be, have many reference installations to support this claim and are thus capable of providing a full service capability to both the business community as well as the education sector."
For further information, please contact Ralph Berndt; tel. +27 11 721 1900; fax +27 11 721 1999; e-mail sales@syrex.co.za.
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