Persetel Q Data Networks (PQ Networks), a member of the PQ Africa Group, has launched an electronic commerce initiative enabling customers to purchase Cisco and Nortel low-end products directly from a dedicated Web site.
"The electronic online purchasing initiative was launched to make the quoting and purchasing process more accessible to the industry and our customers. The service will streamline our business processes, providing a 24-hour ordering platform and access to various product ranges and prices," said Tim Knowles, managing director of PQ Networks.
"It is our objective to make it as easy as possible for customers to conduct business transactions with PQ Networks and to provide our customers with a range of value added services that makes the buying experience `extra special`. This will ensure that customers that purchase products from our Web site return to our site to make repeat purchases. Products ordered from our Web site are delivered free of charge within 48hrs of placing an order, provided the item is in stock.
Knowles added that companies need to continually evolve in the world of e-business. "The Internet age has brought manufacturers and end-users closer together and this has changed the way in which businesses operate. Our e-commerce site is one way in which costs are reduced and efficiencies in processing transactions are improved. By bringing suppliers and manufacturers closer together these cost efficiencies are translated into benefits for end-users.
He explained that PQ Networks` online fulfillment facility uses technology to reduce the cost of every transaction - which leads to improved efficiency and delivery.
"In addition to the wide product range, we will also be focusing on providing value added services that will include the installation, design consultancy and a range of support contracts to meet our customer`s diverse requirements," he added.
The electronic commerce solution is provided by ECnet, a member of the Comparex group of companies, and comprises two phases. Phase one will be launched in October 1999 focusing on business to consumer electronic commerce and is aimed at the small to medium enterprise market. Phase two will be completed by March 2000 and is aimed at incorporating business to business electronic commerce. Phase two is aimed at existing and potential new clients as a value add to their services.
"In addition to being an on-line purchasing and fulfillment facility, the Web site will also be used as a source of valuable information for the general public, vertical target markets and customers via the Internet. Our customers and business partners will be able to access this information via the extranet.
"In addition, it is a valuable source of information for PQ Networks` employees via the intranet," he added.
ECnet has ensured that the PQ Networks online purchasing process is protected by a totally secure Internet transaction processing service. Encryption technologies are used to secure personal details such as credit card numbers. ECnet safeguards transactions by using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption technology, VeriSign Digital Certificates and Account Security that allows users to create a profile with ECnet. Both Visa and Mastercard endorse ECnet`s encryption technology.
"All these security measures are in place to ensure our clients have peace of mind when purchasing products from our Web site," added Knowles.
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PQ Networks
PQ Networks is a member of PQ Africa, the largest black majority owned networking company in South Africa. The company has well-established relationships with the leading suppliers of information communications technology (ICT) suppliers. PQ Networks is a Cisco Gold Certified partner, and also has partnerships with Nortel, Newbridge, 3Com, Ascend, Controlware, Xyplex, Nanoteq, CNT, Motorola and Micom, to name a few.
PQ Networks is primarily a network integrator and as such believes that network integration is a vendor independent process that must meet business needs, linking islands of processing power and users to form a cohesive infrastructure upon which businesses may grow and remain competitive.
PQ Networks prides itself on being at the forefront of new technologiesand provides the following services:
. Telecommunications services
. Enterprise network services including campus networks; access networking; Internet, Intranet, Extranet and security; network management; and virtual private networks
. Network design
. Project management
. Network management
. Networks audit and baselining
. Security
. Commercial services
. Network consulting services