PM Tech has completed a wide area network (WAN0 project at the newly extended, Randburg-based head offices of Interwaste, one of South Africa`s leading waste management companies.
The network is the first phase of a five-phase project, which includes the implementation of thin-client local area networks (LANs), a WAN linking Interwaste`s branches in Germiston, Mozambique, Cape Town and Nelspruit, and the implementation of workstation consoles that will enable managers to see a truck`s location via a new satellite tracking system.
"We`ve seen Interwaste grow from a company with a small Novell NetWare-based network to one that is now deploying some of the most advanced networking and satellite-based systems.
"Today they`re using innovative computing technology and systems designed to keep them on the leading edge of their market," says Michael Lazenby, technical consultant, at PM Tech, the software solutions development, management, networking and IT consulting company
One of those innovations is the use of thin client networking technology based on Citrix Metaframe and Microsoft NT terminal server software.
"With no local, desktop-based applications or storage, thin client technology is a more secure and manageable network solution than having PC-based workstations linked to the LAN.
"As Interwaste is a company that provides a 24-hour a day, year-round service to help clients in the event of emergencies, such as hazardous material spills, it was vital that we implement a robust, trouble-free network that was both affordable and secure, which was why the thin client solution was chosen," says Lazenby.
"This is line with PM Tech`s support structure which is in turn available 24 hours a day via their 0800 toll free number."
The head office solution at the multi-million Rand head office building at Boskruin, Randburg, included a fully functional AV boardroom and more than 40 network points. "Included in the deal is a electrical power solution that is supported by a generator and an Uninterrupted Power Supply unit, thus eliminating down time," adds Lazenby.
Interwaste has also outsourced systems management, network maintenance and support to PM Tech, which has been managing the installation for the past four years.
Says Nick Britz, GM, Interwaste, "We asked several companies to quote on the project. We chose PM Tech because its` proposal was the most serviceable and we had a relationship with them going back several years. So we knew their capabilities and their commitment to being with us for the long term once it had been implemented."
Britz estimates that the cost of PM Tech`s thin client solution is as much as 50% that of a conventional PC-based solution.
"It wasn`t only a cost factor. It`s much easier to manage and upgrade software when it`s located centrally rather than distributed on the desktops, plus it`s much easier to control security and monitor who is accessing the system," Britz adds.
Share