Square One's structured infrastructure solutions keep lights on for all

There is an old clich'e in technology circles that says technology is like electricity - all you want to know is that the light will shine when you flick the switch and you really don't care how it happens. But now, advances in technology have brought the light switch and the computer switch into the same ambit, both dependent on power and communication cables and good environments to give the consumer what they want.

Square One's Structured Infrastructure Solutions (SIS) is the local market leader in all the activity that goes on behind the switch. With a non-product-centric approach to providing a full turnkey solution to the structure that underpins our IT environments, reliance on their suite of products ensures the light will go on every time the switch is flicked.

There are three key areas that lie between the on-switch of the technology and the failure to launch scenario that all CIOs fear most. These are the communications conduits, the electricity or power and the very environments that all this pricey equipment is stored.

For technology to function at an optimum speed and performance level, the cabling, fibre or wireless communication channels need to be installed to the highest standards. One slip-up here and an entire network can be compromised. Got right, a network will function effectively, efficiently and deliver a seamless standard of service.

Power is also critical. Of course in any location across the globe, power failures can be experienced, bringing production and operations to a grinding halt. In South Africa, this has been a particular problem for our economy and society. Power back-ups, alternatives to conventional power sources and disaster recovery solutions are also superior offerings from SIS.

And the third key area lying behind the switch is the physical environment that the technology resides in. Environment, security and management need to be appropriate for the physical conditions in which the technology is found. South Africa has a harsh climate, high levels of crime and a dispersed economy. SIS has become expert in implementing a solution developed for our harsh climactic conditions where computer systems are required to function in remote locations and in situations where maintenance is difficult and expensive because of distance.

“The Dectorack system monitors, records and transmits temperature, humidity, mains power, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), air conditioning and audible noise levels, signal strength, luminosity levels and fire detection among other parameters, to ensure that company data centres operate within optimum conditions and in accordance with warranties,” says SIS Managing Director, Clinton Cowley.

“By taking all of these factors into account, the CIO can trust that the physical requirements for the network are in place and rolled out to the highest standards. The CIO can also believe that the light will come on when that switch is flicked.”