Purchasing new computer equipment can be a veritable minefield - and usually, this is only to be discovered should there be a problem after the sale. "The issue of aftersales support can be a rather contentious one," says Mark Forbes, brand manager for Xylo PCs, the locally manufactured range of computer systems from SDD.
Forbes notes that when making a technology purchase it is of vital importance that you establish the credibility of the dealer from which you choose to procure your equipment. "Your PC is supposed to be a productivity tool. It is paramount that, in the event of a component failure or other problems, you have access to dedicated support to get your machine up and running as fast as possible," he declares.
The perception of the end user is that support is the responsibility of the manufacturer, says Forbes. "However, this is not the case - it is the responsibility of the dealer to cultivate relationships with his clients and to provide the necessary support after selling the box. It is in this way that an astute dealer will ensure repeat business," he explains.
"The bottom line is that when buying a PC one must remember that delicate and sophisticated components are contained in the machine. In the event of any problem, you need to satisfy yourself that your dealer can guarantee effective support at a rapid pace," he says.
Forbes says Xylo PCs, assembled in SDD's ISO 9002 facility in Midrand, are available countrywide from a network of more that 4, 500 approved dealers nationwide. "Our focus has been to equip our dealers with the knowledge and capabilities to provide first-line support. As a value-added service to our customers, SDD also offers a one-year, on-site warranty with all our machines," he concludes.
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SDD
Siltek Distribution Dynamics (SDD), the focused IT company in the Siltek Technology Supply Chain Group, is South Africa's largest broad-based distributor of information technology. SDD encourages black empowerment opportunities and is the partner of choice of several leading vendors. It distributes a wide range of 'best of breed' hardware and software products, as well as peripherals, components and consumables. SDD configures branded hardware and builds-to-order Xylo, its own range of PCs. With a backbone of 429 staff, SDD has branches in Gauteng, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban, Bloemfontein and Nelspruit. Outside South Africa, the company has partnerships in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Siltek Limited
Siltek Limited is the leader in the Southern African Technology Supply Chain with projected turnover of R3-billion in the year to end-June 2000. Listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Siltek comprises several complementary operating divisions, each of which is a dominant player in its niche area.
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