High levels of quality, reliability and customer satisfaction have seen Telkom achieving the Cisco Powered Network (CPN) status for virtual private data networks (VPDN), virtual private networks over Internet Protocol (VPN/IP), VPNs over frame relay and integrated data, voice and fax over IP services. CPN accreditation is also based on the fact that Telkom is using an end-to-end Cisco infrastructure for these services.
The CPN endorsement follows closely on Telkom`s recent recognition as a Cisco Gold Partner. Telkom is only the fourth service provider to achieve CPN status in SA, and its inclusion in the CPN programme will further enhance its competitiveness in the managed wide area network (WAN) solutions industry.
Telkom`s National Network Operations Centre (NNOC) executive, Pierre Marais, cited ongoing technological innovation and strategic partnerships as the keys to the company`s success in this area.
"A centralised management system forms the focal point around which we control our network. We obtained Cisco Gold certification in December last year, and Telkom`s National Network Operations Centre allows us to use our most highly trained and skilled staff to solve problems anywhere in the country. These specialists advise field operators who are on site, ensuring rapid and lasting solutions. Cisco certification has also enabled us to increase the breadth and penetration of our services, " he said.
Cisco Gold Partner status gives Telkom access to Cisco`s development and system engineers worldwide, ensuring quick response times and efficient solutions to any customer problems that may arise.
"Being endorsed as a CPN on top of this means Telkom`s customers will be able to take advantage of the seamless integration the network offers, enabling them to grow their networks and implement applications with ease. We are committed to building a network infrastructure that will accommodate and even facilitate customer growth," said Marais.
Cisco Systems South Africa account manager, Thorsten Busacker, said: "The CPN programme was developed as a way for Cisco to endorse partners that have been identified as having achieved high levels of quality and reliability for customer satisfaction. Telkom has met these stringent requirements, and we are pleased to give it Cisco`s stamp of approval."
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Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. The South African office was started in late 1994, with a single office in Johannesburg and two members of staff. Growing significantly year-on-year, Cisco is now represented in all major South African centres by local offices and/or partner organisations.
The South African team offers support in sales, pre-sales, marketing and promotions as well as a pre-sales helpdesk. By breaking the team into these segments, it allows Cisco to focus on the unique requirements of each individual target market, so that it can ensure that it is providing its individual customers with products and services that meet their needs.
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For further press information please contact:
Thorsten Busacker
Cisco Systems South Africa
(012) 663-5831
Melody Blackbeard or Sarah Rice
Text 100
(011) 803-2800
email: nickyh@text100.co.za
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