Siemens forms an alliance in Swaziland

Johannesburg, 01 Jun 2001

Siemens Telecommunications, Southern Africa's telecommunications equipment and infrastructure giant, announced today it has appointed TSS Communications (Pty) Ltd, the leading independent PABX service company, as its local agent in Swaziland.

TSS Communications, an associate company of Ubambo Investment Holdings Ltd, specialises in the supply of PABX and Payphone installations, commissioning, maintenance and repairs, as well as provision of voice and data cabling infrastructure.

TSS will represent Siemens sales and service business focusing on existing PABX rental and maintenance contracts as well as providing new communications solutions to the market.

Jorg Hinke, Director for Siemens Regional Strategy Southern Africa, said: "Our focus is on service delivery to our customers through establishing co-operative strategic alliances that will add value to the businesses of our customers. The appointment of TSS as our local agent is confirmation of our commitment to Swaziland and the local economy in general."

Commenting on the appointment, Carlos de Oliveira, Managing Director of TSS, stated: "We have a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Siemens and we are pleased to expand this into Africa. The main objective of TSS in Swaziland will be to ensure that our joint customers receive efficient and professional service. We have already initiated the process of establishing contact with each and every customer to assess their business communications requirements and we will deliver the appropriate solutions."

In addition to its head office in Johannesburg, TSS has branches in Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth with further expansion into Africa planned in future, including diverse areas such as Namibia and Eritrea.

The Swaziland branch, based in Matsapha, is already staffed with a comprehensive technical support team. In line with future growth, the company will identify local personnel to supplement existing manpower. TSS recognises the business potential in Swaziland, including the demand for payphones and PABX systems. Both these businesses are expected to grow in the medium-term.

Since the establishment of a local company in Swaziland in 1981, Siemens has been instrumental in developing the business and economic infrastructure in Swaziland, confirming its commitment to Swaziland and its communities.

Siemens I and C Group

Siemens I and C Group (Siemens Telecommunications Pty Ltd) Siemens Information and Communications Group (I and C) in South Africa is a leading provider of voice and data networks with a comprehensive portfolio of IP-based products and solutions for enterprises, carriers and service providers. It is an integral part of the Information and Communications (I and C) business segment of Siemens AG, which also comprises Information and Communication Mobile and Siemens Business Services. The I and C Group is divided into Carrier and Enterprise Solutions which focus on providing customised solutions, including the integration of products, systems and technology, to suit both business and individual needs. With a strong foundation in the mobile networks arena, which includes established GSM infrastructure, products, solutions and services for the Next Generation Internet, and electronic business solutions, Siemens provides the full spectrum of mobile business solutions, allowing users to communicate and be connected to information and services any time and any place.

Further information about Information and Communications is available at: http://www.ic.siemens.com/networks/index.htm

Enterprise Solutions

Enterprise Solutions is a division within the Siemens Information and Communications Group (I&C). There are over 1 million customers in 160 countries for this division. With 70 million connections and 2.5 million Hicom communication servers, Siemens is a key player in this highly competitive and dynamic market. New convergence solutions such as HiPath convergence architecture provide customers with an end-to-end strategy for integrating voice and data networks on the basis of IP protocols.

The spectrum of products offered by this division included PABX systems, contact centres, digital, analogue and IP compliant terminals, as well as specialised business solutions for the hospitality industry, telephone management as well as a variety of cordless solutions.

Enterprise Solutions also offers professional services, consulting and integration services.

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