New version of ITS system runs on latest Oracle platforms

Integrated Tertiary Software (Pty) Ltd (ITS) has completed installations of a new version of its locally developed higher education administrative management system running on Oracle technology. ITS v12 was recently successfully installed at Technikon Northern Gauteng and Technikon Pretoria, both of whom were beta test sites.

"ITS v12 provides institutions with enhanced, rich administrative functions," says Mr Frans van den Berg, Marketing Manager of ITS. "It incorporates an enhanced Graphical User Interface, accessible via industry-standard web browsers based on the Oracle8i database and Oracle9i Application Server." The ITS system manages student, financial, human resources, and facilities management functions at both Technikon Pretoria and Technikon Northern Gauteng. All system modules are fully integrated and deliver extensive, flexible management information.

"Version 12 has a host of added benefits," says Van den Berg. "Faster and easier data entry will result in greater efficiency. Technical training required to use the system will be greatly reduced and the ease of navigation will allow a greater audience to utilise the system. The introduction of business process definitions, which are totally customer definable, will allow institutions to structure business processes, thus assisting staff in performing their administrative functions with greater efficiency."

Technikon Northern Gauteng (TNG) users who assisted during the test phase commented that "...version 12 is far more user-friendly, easy to use and a marked improvement compared to the character-based version of the previous ITS software". According to Mr Jan Niezen, the IT director at TNG, "TNG aims to be a leader in ICT technology in the higher educational market. The benefit from version 12 is that staff is buying into the system. With this new version, the staff recognises that their demands of enhanced user-friendliness have been met. Now more staff, including senior management, will make better use of the system, resulting in more reliable management information."

Mrs Amanda Lubbe, Deputy Director: ITS Systems at Technikon Pretoria, project managed the implementation for the technikon. She remarked, "Going the ITS version 12 route gave us the opportunity to access a middle tier application server architecture which will enhance future integration with other systems."

Bev Scott, independent software vendor (ISV) manager at Oracle South Africa, adds that ITS is one of a growing number of ISVs in South Africa who are adding significant value to Oracle products in vertical markets. "ITS has taken full advantage of Oracle`s technology suite to design applications specifically suited to South African conditions. This positions ITS as a leader in the tertiary institution sector."