In a deal worth R1.5 million, national insurance broker, Prestasi, has selected I-Fusion to install a countrywide voice over data network.
Vincent Webber, Call Centre manager at Prestasi, says the main business motivation for installing a voice over data solution was to improve client service levels, cut costs and strengthen customer relations. "Prestasi previously used a virtual private network (VPN) which did not sufficiently address our growing business requirements and was too costly an option," he comments.
I-Fusion, a provider of IT services, systems and infrastructure, successfully completed the nationwide roll-out in just nine weeks. David Slater, operations manager at I-Fusion, explains that over 28 Motorola Vanguard routers were installed at all of Prestasi`s branches, including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
"By implementing a voice over data solution, Prestasi was able to centralise specific skill resources without incurring additional costs. This means that a customer in Cape Town can phone the local branch of Prestasi, but can be rerouted to a Johannesburg agent if necessary - and the inter-branch call from Cape Town to Johannesburg is free of charge."
According to Webber, I-Fusion was chosen on the basis of its experience and credibility as a complete solution provider. "Prestasi based its selection on the company`s overall expertise and ability to work with accuracy - within a very short time period. I-Fusion not only met the criteria, but also showed a clear understanding of the data-dependent nature of our industry and the business needs that drive it."
"With monthly calls to the Prestasi Call Centre totalling 30 000, it was clear that a reliable and high performance solution was needed," concludes Slater. "By nature, the insurance industry is data-intensive and customers demand speed and efficiency when calling about premiums and policies. I-Fusion aimed to provide Prestasi with the ability to completely meet customer needs while reducing unnecessary costs."
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Prestasi is an affiliate of listed financial services company Alacrity Financial Services, and is a short-term insurance broker. Established in 1972, it provides tailor-made short-term insurance packages.
Prestasi also pioneered other product development such as the implementation of the NoClaimDiscount system, the all comprehensive Package Policy and together with Compass Insurance Company Limited, the Invesure product. www.prestasi.co.za
I-Fusion Holdings
Addressing the needs of medium-sized businesses across SA, I-Fusion Holdings is a leading provider of IT services, systems and infrastructure. The group offers a complete IT solution including consultation and evaluation, supply, service, support, implementation of equipment and ongoing management.
Its comprehensive range of products and services extends from local to wide-area networks - with a specialist emphasis on outsourcing services, which includes hardware, software, networks, services, management and support. Based in Midrand, I-Fusion has national coverage in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban and points of presence in all the main business centres in SA as well as in Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana.
In July 2000, I-Fusion Holdings Limited became a member of BIDVest Group Limited, a multibillion-rand investment holding company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in the services sector.
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