The changing networking and infrastructure landscape both in South Africa and internationally has prompted the JSE-listed IT-based business enabling solutions provider, Square One Solutions Group, to introduce a new client engagement strategy called IP2 (IP Squared) coupled with a service management process called NetFlex.
"Our objective is to have our customers, suppliers, partners and the IT industry at large recognise this strategy as something innovative and refreshing that will produce results and add value," said Square One chief operating officer Craig Alexander.
He added that the networking and infrastructure market is going through another disruptive, as opposed to sustaining, phase.
"Not only are we seeing the convergence of technologies such as data, voice, video and image but, just as importantly, the offerings of the entertainment and media, telcos and cellular industries are converging rapidly in both the business and consumer markets.
"Gartner, among other industry watchdogs, has recognised the rapid development of so-called 'next-generation networking' in both the enterprise and service provider spaces and has described the NGN as one that enables the delivery of a broad range of communications formats via standard protocols and platforms such as Internet Protocol (IP), converging the transmission of voice, data and image, handling more varied content in a unified way."
Alexander said NGN value, which is presently confined to the transport and policy layers, will over time also extend to the services layer as the technologies mature.
"We have recognised the absence of, and the real need for, a networking infrastructure integrator which can span the inevitable knowledge gaps associated with convergence and be fully focused on IP-based solutions, thereby providing enterprise clients with a far broader range of networking infrastructure solutions and more meaningful value propositions."
Square One's IP2 strategy has been laid out in a "specific engagement framework" collectively known as "MAPS", meaning model, approach, process and structure.
"By clearly defining these engagement areas, the solution issues at hand can be dealt with holistically. The IP2 engagement model is designed to achieve a single, fundamental objective - to clearly define the overall requirement for effective delivery of IP solutions in a repeatable manner, while also encouraging Square One to engage its clients at a more business-centric level than other integrators might be inclined to do."
Alexander added that the company's approach focuses on the transition from business objectives to a functional definition and then from the functional definition to operational deliverables. "Many IT projects fail because of a breakdown of communication in these areas, while our approach definitions ensure that we pay them pedantic attention during the lifecycle of solution development. After-sales service also required a total re-think and has been addressed with the NetFlex service management process operating symbiotically with IP2."
He said that NetFlex is both a reactive and proactive service delivery to ensure true added value and real business value, achieved by placing huge emphasis on the structure put in place to engage clients.
"The structure framework is provided by Square One's Executive Partner Programme, underpinning all of our client contact processes. It even defines very specifically how we engage with a client on a person-to-person basis and it enables us to align our sales and technical resources, management and executive-level engagement in a very client-focused manner. The result is that clients receive the best attention in accordance with their real needs."
Through IP2 and NetFlex, Alexander said clients would have a partner with the resources, structure and capability to: assist them in attaching a value to and maximising opportunities brought by IP convergence; evaluate and maximise investments already made in IP technology; successfully integrate complementary IP technologies; and provide the operational flexibility to fulfil their diverse needs.
"The strategy ensures clients will enjoy an environment in which they can build a relationship of trust with an integrator who sees bottom line profit as an outcome of adding value, not adding orders. It also provides justifiable reasons for entering into service agreements and ensures clients can deal with influential decision-makers within Square One.
"A compelling benefit of NetFlex is that it offers clients a comprehensive range of modular services that are not only flexible but also quantifiable in value. The modularity enables the assembly of a service offering tailored to effectively meet the real needs of each individual client."
The NetFlex service management process is being offered in two versions, Classic and Lite. Classic is a comprehensive bouquet of services bundled together to suit individual client needs and charged monthly, quarterly or annually. It includes the holding of spares. The Lite option is a flexible usage and token-based service that offers clients a wide choice of options to suit circumstances and budget.
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Square One Solutions Group is listed on the software and computer services sector of the JSE Securities Exchange. It focuses on providing IT-based business enabling solutions, has a national footprint and more than 20 years of experience in the South African market. Square One Solutions offers value-based solutions centred around IP infrastructure solutions, policy solutions, power solutions, product coding and marking solutions, mobile and wireless solutions, storage, telecommunications and service provider solutions to its key target market of enterprise, SME, corporate and government clients. The company also distributes document solutions, colour input and output devices and provides 24x7 national support and service.
For more information, visit www.sq1.co.za.
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