In terms of innovation and the development of robust solutions, the local ICT market has a great deal to look forward to, says Atul Gupta, MD of Sahara Computers, host of the Sahara Convention 2005. Mobility, reliable solutions, security, information share, ergonomic and economic value and accessibility were just some of the themes raised at the event.
South Africa's Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka officially opened the Convention with a reminder of the valuable contribution the sector makes towards the socio-economic development of the country and also reiterated government's commitment towards further education and skills development initiatives.
Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka pointed out the necessity of these initiatives and outlined government's intention behind the Umsobomvu Youth fund and the creation of the Jobs Opportunities Seekers Database or JOBS. This is a registration facility to link unemployed young people, including graduates, on a youth portal (www.youthportal.org.za) with potential prospects.
"The development of skills is a crucial to the growth of the sector and the economy of the country. We are committed towards the government's call for more efforts towards job creation, learnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities," says Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka.
Chairman of Sahara Group, Ajay Gupta, also announced the group's support of the programme by taking on several interns.
The convention also provided an open platform for suppliers and resellers to engage with a number of established, internationally recognised vendors.
"It is a good opportunity to discuss the latest developments around technology, the level of innovation in tomorrow's solutions and how best to address the market," says Gupta. "We were honoured to host several prominent vendors and we received a very positive response from partners, especially towards emerging technologies and solutions."
Vendors who participated at this year's convention included AMD, Foxconn, IBM, Lenovo, Maxtor, Microsoft, Samsung Printers Division, Samsung Monitor Division and Symantec.
"This is the second year running for the convention. The level of activity throughout the year makes getting together in one place rather difficult and it is rare opportunity for channel partners, vendors and resellers to be in a position to convene and network. We hope to drive this process forward as much as possible and add value to the local channel," adds Gupta.
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Established in 1997, Sahara Computers assembles and markets PCs and peripherals through a global distribution network that covers both established and emerging markets.
The company is based in Midrand, South Africa and is the official distributor and original equipment manufacturer for a variety of top international vendors, including AMD, Creative, Delta, Epson, Intel, Lexmark, Maxtor, Microsoft, MSI, Samsung, SMC Networks and Symantec.
An accredited member of the Proudly South African campaign and SAVANT international brand awareness initiative, the Sahara business network stretches across South Africa to include Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.
The company has extended its reach to - and established presence in key global markets including Dubai and India, and continues to supply developing markets in Africa such as Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique and Namibia.
For more information on Sahara Computers, its products and services, visit www.sahara.co.za.
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