Microsoft, Cisco, HP and Blue Sky Networks today launched a joint initiative to bring complete IT solutions to medium sized organisations. This joint venture combines the best in hardware, software, network components and integration for the design, implementation and rollout of a complete IT infrastructure. News of this joint initiative will reach IT managers across the country in the form of a mysterious large brown suitcase containing the secret elements of a successful IT solution - the potential of which can only be unlocked with the help of the Blue Sky Networks sales team. These four equal partners each contribute complementary skills and expertise, providing IT managers a solution with the lowest possible cost of ownership and the best possible return on investment. Says Rob Abraham, managing director, Blue Sky Networks: "We are proud to be part of a significant event in our industry - the explicit acknowledgement by three global IT vendors of each other`s product contribution and of Blue Sky Networks as their integrator of choice for this initiative. Our four companies, working together, have all the ingredients necessary to offer and deliver a winning IT solution to every corporate in South Africa and beyond. Accordingly, we have put together an innovative direct marketing campaign to ensure we get the opportunity to take our alliance to market. Look out for us in board rooms across the country - we`ll be seeing you there." "Strategic partnerships that provide our customers with tangible business benefits are the core of Microsoft`s business, and we are particularly pleased that this initiative is specifically tailored to the demands of the South African industry," comments Albie Bester, sales manager - SME markets, Microsoft South Africa. "We have international strategic relations with both HP and Cisco and are pleased to be involved in this project with Blue Sky Networks, an entrenched partner who leads with Microsoft solutions." "For HP this project is an indication that customers, partners and channel integrators recognise HP as a strategic and integral part of any IT solution," says Darryl Brick, corporate channel manager, HP South Africa. "This initiative will communicate a clear message to the market that, to implement successful IT solutions you need to select successful vendors who can partner effectively and in a complimentary way." "The small to medium sized corporates is a tremendous market which we have not yet been able to target effectively due to its unique demographics and requirements," says Mailie Strauss, channel account manager, Cisco Systems. "By joining forces with other industry players we are able to tap into this market whilst offering a service and solution which matches a real requirement - truly a win-win situation." This initiative, nicknamed the SOLution will be rolled out nationwide over the next few months. Blue Sky Networks, Microsoft, HP and Cisco are excited about this groundbreaking application of direct sales in the South African industry and will be monitoring the project with great anticipation.
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