Sahara Computers, a Proudly South African supplier of information and communications technology (ICT), has been identified by market research house BMI-TechKnowledge as the leading local brand within the notebook market in South Africa for the third quarter of 2006, with the highest year-on-year growth by any notebook vendor in SA.
The company received confirmation of its position following a review of the third quarter results which showed a 1 469% year-on-year growth in notebook sales when compared to Q3 2005. This represents a 15.5% share of the South African mobile PC market.
Gary Naidoo, deputy MD of Sahara Computers, is very pleased with this recognition and says it serves to reinforce the company's ongoing contribution towards this market segment and drive as a local brand to sustainably grow the mobile PC market.
"The Sahara brand is officially the number one local brand within the mobile computing market for this quarter of business and this is an important milestone for the company. It means that we must continue what we are doing in terms of our mobile and wireless solution strategy, building on core objectives in moving forward to retain this position and further strengthen our position in the local sectors," comments Naidoo.
Although a late entrant to the notebook market sector in South Africa, Sahara Computers continues to gain acclaim for its strategic business partnerships and its rise as a leading South African brand name with in the local ICT field.
The company recently made headlines with its broad-based BEE deal brokered with Tokyo Sexwale's Mvelaphanda holdings, and Unipalm Holdings, headed by Lazarus Zim. These results will assist in raising the profile of Sahara's mobile PC offerings and thereby offer more shareholder value.
Sahara has invested heavily in its mobile PC range, which Naidoo believes has been instrumental in helping the company achieve such rapid success in this market.
"We expanded our range to meet the growing demand of the user in applications including education, micro and small business, mobile professionals and users on the go," says Naidoo.
Naidoo emphasises the latest Stylebook series, a multimedia range of light and slim notebooks aimed specifically at the trend-focused user, as one such example.
"Features include one-touch multimedia which allows instant start of Windows Media Player, enhanced battery life and lightweight convenience," he adds.
"Sahara has also introduced the Durabook, a mobile solution that is ideally positioned to add value to the mobile worker. The Durabook has a rugged outer shell, spill-proof keyboard, touchpad, and buttons and is also drop- and shock-resistant," Naidoo explains.
Finally, Sahara has kept to its mission in making computers more affordable to all. "We are very proud to be one of the first local companies to release an entry-level notebook that retails at the same price point as an average desktop PC. By working closely with major telecommunications companies and our retail partners, we have increased our reach into the untapped mobile consumer market," Naidoo concludes.
For more information on Sahara Computers or Sahara products, visit www.sahara.co.za or call (011) 542 1000.
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Established in 1997, Sahara Computers assembles and markets PCs and peripherals through a global distribution network that covers both established and emerging markets.
The company is an official distributor and original equipment manufacturer for a variety of top international vendors including: AMD, Creative, Delta, Epson, Foxconn, Intel, Lexmark, Maxtor, Microsoft, Samsung, SMC Networks and Symantec.
The core focus of Sahara's operation is the consistent and effective supply of affordable, reliable and accessible technology.
This operation is managed via the company's head office in Midrand, Gauteng - considered a central business hub. The Sahara business network stretches across South Africa to include Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.
The company has successfully extended its reach to key regions and emerging global markets including Dubai, China and India. The Sahara brand is also well known across Africa, with established company presence in countries like Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique and Namibia.
Sahara's vision is to become a truly global brand and premier IT supplier throughout Africa.
Sahara is also an accredited member of the Proudly South African campaign as well as the SAVANT global SA brand awareness initiative. Corporate social responsibility is a key priority for the company and it continues to contribute towards projects and programmes aimed at individual and community upliftment.
The name Sahara is widely associated with the development of sport, including soccer, cricket, rugby and motorsport. This is considered a significant area of business development by the company.
As a result of hard work, commitment and unwavering dedication to its brand, Sahara has formed several strong alliances with key role players, stakeholders and representative bodies.
Most recently Sahara announced the signing of a groundbreaking sponsorship and technology supply agreement with Mamelodi Sundowns, a top ranking soccer club competing in South Africa's Professional Soccer League.
The sponsorship is underpinned by the provision of communications infrastructure and mobile technology - including laptops, notebooks and digital lifestyle technology - and signals Sahara's commitment to the club and South African soccer in general.
Effective marketing and generating awareness are significant elements of the company's ongoing marketing campaign.
Under the direction of Gary Naidoo, appointed as Deputy Managing Director at Sahara in December 2005, the company retains a focus on a number of growing market sectors including corporate, government, digital lifestyle, and mobile and wireless.
For more information on Sahara Computers, its products and services, visit www.sahara.co.za
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