Nortel Networks and AST Distributed Technology Services (DTS), the distributed technology services company of the AST Group, have signed a back-to-back service agreement.
Rick Rogers, Country Manager for Nortel Networks South Africa, says this agreement will enable AST to have a direct service relationship with Nortel Networks, and to offer Nortel Networks` support services to its clients.
"We are delighted to have a company of AST`s stature on board as a service partner. AST has always been a supporter of Nortel Networks products and has a highly experienced skills base dealing with Nortel Networks products. Our partnership with AST is mutually beneficial and I hope it can be extended in the future," comments Rogers.
"The agreement with Nortel Networks will ensure that AST DTS is equipped with the latest and most up-to-date information about industry trends from Nortel Networks," adds Willie Stegmann, MD of AST DTS "To succeed in our market, it is important to have all the information you need at your fingertips to help clients make well-informed decisions about the future of their business.
"AST aims to offer single-point accountability to the client, who stays in command, with full visibility of technical and service level status of network and related systems and the ability to drill down to the level of detail required. Risk is visible, managed and reduced," adds Stegmann. "Our relationship with Nortel Networks will help us deliver on this promise." AST DTS` clients will benefit from 24-hour fault reporting and telephone assistance; assurance online; access to the latest software upgrades from Nortel Networks and replacement/repair of faulty hardware.
AST DTS sets the pace in the rapidly growing market of desktop and distributed systems outsourcing. It covers Networking Infrastructures, Cabling, Servers, PCs, notebooks and peripherals and provides infrastructure, software and information systems support. Services include consultation, procurement/rental, implementation, support and upgrading of end-user equipment, including preventative maintenance and management. AST DTS employs world-class best practices that are adapted to local market conditions, advanced tool-sets and a progressive continuous improvement regime as it exploits economies of scale to drive down total cost of ownership (TCO) while improving service levels for its clients.
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In just three years the AST Group has established itself as one of the leading information and communication technology companies on the JSE Securities Exchange. Its consistent creation of value for shareholders, clients and employees has resulted in a steady increase in monthly revenue to the R100 million plus mark.
AST is now the fourth largest South African IT company by market capitalisation, and is one of the top three in terms of physical infrastructure (mainframes, servers, desktops, and networks under management) and geographical footprint with over 62 physical locations. Counting almost 90% of the top 100 JSE-listed companies among its clients, the AST Group services mostly large corporate and government clients, but is increasingly offering services to rapidly evolving small and medium enterprises.
Nortel Networks
Nortel Networks is a global Internet and communications leader with capabilities spanning e-business and optical, wireless, local, and personal Internet. Nortel Networks is creating a high-performance Internet that is more reliable and faster than ever before. It is redefining the economics and quality of networking and the Internet, promising a new era of collaboration, communications and commerce. Nortel Networks serves the emerging and existing needs of service providers, carriers and enterprises in more than 100 countries around the world. Nortel Networks has offices and facilities in Canada, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean and Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and the United States. More information is available at www.nortelnetworks.com.
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