The launch of Novell`s new Lighthouse Project at the opening of the Department of Land Affairs` (DLA) new network support facility in Mowbray, Cape Town recently, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing relationship between the software vendor and the government department.
"The Lighthouse Project is effectively a collaborative partnership between Novell and the DLA," explains Novell major accounts manager John Greef. "Novell will install its latest cutting-edge software for implementation in a real-world scenario by the Department. The DLA benefits in that it gains the use of the latest-generation XML technology, while Novell is able to showcase this technology in a live environment to other government departments and corporate companies."
The software consists of the latest range of Novell products, including DirXML, Novell`s latest Internet Caching System and e-directory.
The DLA has been a user of Novell technology since 1998, when it implemented a wide range of Novell directory-enabled products leveraging the Novell Directory Services (NDS).
"We believe in trying to leverage every ounce of functionality out of the software we purchase," says Gerald O`Sullivan, director of information services at the DLA. "The DLA runs a mixed environment of operating systems which include NT, UNIX and Novell. Novell`s cross-platform technology enables us to pull all these disparate servers into the NDS tree, using it more productively as an organisational tool. By learning to manage our network using what we have, we have substantially benefited the DLA in the delivery of its business objectives."
This, O`Sullivan continues, is in line with government`s policy of moving away from vendor-specific solutions. "We want to keep our `mix-and-match` setup, and the way Novell is positioning itself in the market as a supplier of cross-platform technology, suits us very well. We don`t want to take on other vendors, but would rather work with them to improve our service delivery."
Today, the department boasts a stabilised network, comprising 63 sites and around 3000 workstations, all of which are managed from the Department`s head office in Pretoria. "Because we intend to reduce our reliance on support consultants in remote areas, we have built up a strong skills base at the head office center to remotely support our staff in the district offices across the WAN," says network manager Peter Harms. "Consequently, we are now in a position to manage the network proactively from a central point, and are beginning to roll out more ambitious database projects than we were able a few years ago, as well as integrating our network with other systems, such as our helpdesk operation."
"Additionally, electronic service delivery is now a reality, as we are able to expand our internal operations to far-flung rural areas through the Internet," adds O`Sullivan. "This is in line with the DLA`s decentralisation strategy - to extend nodes of excellence to outlying branches, and then support them through effective remote management tools. The opening of the Mowbray facility, soon to be followed by a facility at the Poyntons building in Pretoria, are clear indications of the successful implementation of this strategy."
This sentiment was echoed recently by Director General Gilingwe Mayende. "The Department of Land Affairs is leading the way in service delivery," he said, "and I am confident that the technology being laid down will take the Department forward in terms of its strategic objectives."
"By deploying technology with a proven track record, from a company like Novell who are committed to our partnership, we have succeeded in stabilising our network, reducing costs and improving our service delivery to the public. We are looking forward to using Novell`s new software, which promises increased functionality and enhanced robustness," O`Sullivan concludes.
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