PQ Africa`s networking division, PQ Networks, recently installed a video conferencing system at the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (Pty) Ltd, (PBMR) head office in Centurion.
The PBMR project required a video conferencing system to enable the team to communicate with business partners globally. One of the key objectives of utilising a video conferencing system was to control the logistics of the component design of the power plant, and to conference with overseas partners and related companies.
The Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) is a small, safe, clean, cost-efficient, and adaptable nuclear power plant. It uses silicon carbide coated uranium particles, 15 000 in all, encased in graphite to form a fuel sphere (60mm in diameter). In addition, the PBMR design makes use of helium gas as the coolant and as an energy transfer medium in a closed cycle gas turbine.
"Since the implementation of the video conferencing solution, PBMR experienced a number of cost-saving benefits. The project is on a tight schedule and productivity is one of the project`s measurements to stay on track. With the video conferencing solution, the PBMR team`s productivity has increased, engineers do not have to travel so often, and can spend more productive time at the office," comments the CEO David Nicholls at PBMR."
"Technology lies at the core of PBMR`s business, which is why we believed in video conferencing as the technology that would enable us to take our business further into the future."
The PBMR project is has a number of stakeholders, namely Eskom with a 30% stake, British Nuclear Fuel (22.5%), Exelon (12.5%), Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (25%) and the remaining 10% is reserved for black empowerment investment.
The roll-out had a number of teething problems, with PQ Africa working closely with the PBMR`s Information Technology team to sort out various technical product concerns, as well as issues relating to Telkom lines.
"Our good relationship with Telkom assisted us in ensuring negotiations regarding the roll-out went smoothly," comments Tim Knowles, managing executive at PQ Networks. "PQ Networks played an important role in facilitating permission for voice communication over its telecommunications network."
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PQ Africa is South Africa`s leading provider of competitive, innovative and flexible business solutions based on information and communication technology.
PQ Africa`s networking division, PQ Networks (PQN) has become the foremost network systems integrator and solutions provider in SA. PQN has established an enviable track record in providing world leading networking solutions encompassing both the wide and local area environs. This incorporates all aspects in the communication technology arena, from Telecommunications infrastructure and virtual private networks to Internet technology and all the related services.
Through direct representation of the world`s top network product manufacturers PQN provides through effective sales and pre-sales qualification processes, the most appropriate technology and design to meet the customer`s business requirements.
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PQN is actively supplying competitive and innovative solutions to diverse industries such as finance, retail, insurance, telecommunications, manufacture, travel, utilities and government services.
With a support organisation spanning some 33 locations throughout Southern Africa, PQN have the capability to service and maintain the computer networks of companies in all market segments supporting differing geographical and service level requirements.
This extensive support organisation and the sophisticated Customer Care Centre enable the outsourcing of network services, such as network management, network operations and maintenance, and bandwidth management.
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