An HIV/Aids education and training service provider won a $40 000 (R314 174) network from Cisco SA as a part of its inaugural Cisco Extreme Makeover competition.
Redpeg hopes to use the makeover to improve its communication and data transmissions across the country.
The service provider was one of the 10 finalists that were narrowed down from 300 entrants, says Cisco regional sales manager Val Moodley. A panel of judges, from the ICT and SME industries, evaluated the entries against various criteria and determined the winner accordingly.
Redpeg founder and director Tracy Jean-Pierre explains that she started her company in 2003. "We currently implement HIV mitigation programmes for corporate companies nationally and in the SADC region.
"The new system from Cisco will allow secure data transmission from sites all over the country, where Redpeg works within organisations, to the main office. We need this level of support as we collect electronic and hard data for knowledge, attitudes and perceptions/behaviour surveys, as well as all the various information necessary for impact assessments," says Jean-Pierre.
Redpeg spokesman Kirsten Brindley says the prize was unexpected and the company had only thought of the implications of the competition as it filled in the entry forms. "We started to think to ourselves how we would use the makeover to improve our mission, which is to grow HIV/Aids awareness in companies."
"Cisco's technology solution will provide Redpeg with the tools needed to increase productivity and competitiveness, and develop quality materials and reports that will create competitive distinction," added Moodley.
A Cisco statement notes the company's technology experts will now conduct a detailed analysis of Redpeg's needs. They will then instigate a renewal of its technological platform with Cisco integrated solutions, including a fully-integrated Cisco network with voice, video, wireless communication and desktop applications.
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