Pyrotechnical product specialists and Denel division, Swartklip Products is set to significantly reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of its IT infrastructure. Through an integrated project with both Dimension Data Networking and Dimension Data Consulting, the company is also positioning itself to take advantage of significant performance improvements and benefits.
The company will be migrating to the Microsoft Windows 2000 Server environment and moving its IT infrastructure to a fully managed environment, under the guidance of Dimension Data Networking Western Cape.
"This new managed environment builds on Dimension Data`s proven best practices regarding desktop management developed under Windows NT 4.0, while taking advantage of the enhanced management features now standard in a Windows 2000 environment," explains Jack Smith, account manager at Dimension Data Networking Western Cape.
According to Ismael Hendricks, IS Manager at Swartklip Products, the primary requirement of the project was to successfully implement a server and desktop infrastructure meeting the business requirements of Swartklip Products. These conditions included manageability, predictability, scalability, security, and optimal utilisation of existing bandwidth.
The new environment will allow the company to provide policy based security systems, remotely distribute desktop application software, inventory both hardware and software across the organisation and manage change control.
"We were particularly impressed by the level of integration achieved by the Microsoft Back Office products implemented," says Hendriks. "Messaging services were converted from Novell GroupWise to Microsoft Exchange Server, while Microsoft Proxy Server was installed to provide Internet authentication and better control. For enhanced desktop management and software distribution, Microsoft`s Systems Management Server (SMS) has been implemented."
When using SMS in conjunction with products such as Compaq`s Insight Manager, Swartklip will realise significant cost savings on managing the desktop environment more effectively.
The SMS, Windows 2000 and Insight Manager combination will also enable Swartklip to remotely take control of users` workstations.
"Swartklip Products users will be more productive due to minimised downtime on server, desktop, and application platforms, which translates to a direct cost saving to the company," adds Hendriks.
Says Smith: "By using Microsoft`s application products such as Microsoft Proxy Server and Exchange Server, Swartklip Products are providing an excellent communication system with both internal users as well as with suppliers and customers. The collaboration provided by these products in conjunction with Windows 2000 also serves to lay the foundation for full-blown Knowledge Management and Ecommerce solutions."
The solution has been built on Compaq`s desktop, Proliant Server and back-up products along with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional desktop products.
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Swartklip Products
For nearly 50 years, Swartklip Products, one of the world`s leading manufacturers of pyrotechnics and related products, has not only met every challenge face to face, but has continuously sought new ways to meet the needs of its customers at home and abroad. Swartklip`s technology base has been developing continuously and today this dynamic division manufactures more than 300 products - some of which are unique in the world. Swartklip`s design and quality process conforms to international standards. The company has an ISO 9001 listing. Swartklip`s capabilities include design, research and development, industrialisation, production and marketing. Over the years, Swartklip has shown sustained growth - particularly in the export market.
Swartklip`s product range includes
- artillery 155 mm carrier shells ;
- 40 mm LV and HV rounds;
- rifle grenades and hand grenades;
- illuminating flares and signals;
- riot control munitions;
- smoke generators;
- electronic warfare decoys;
- practice ammunition and components; and
- mining and civil non-detonating rock breaking systems.
Dimension Data
Dimension Data Holdings is South Africa`s largest Information Technology integration company with turnover of R4,7-billion (1997/98). Based in Johannesburg and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Group is fast becoming a global organisation with offices in Asia, Australia and the United Kingdom. Its subsidiary, Datacraft Asia, is listed on the main board of the Stock Exchange of Singapore.
Dimension Data Holdings` key business areas focus on the technologies associated with electronic commerce, voice/data convergence and customer relationship management.