Stratus Technologies, which makes continuously available servers, has partnered with Symetrix Information Technologies to make its ftServer more available to local businesses. This is the first step in augmenting Stratus' channel strategy for the ftServer product range, which was launched into the local market in June 2001.
Danny de Beer, managing director of Stratus Technologies South Africa, says: "This is the first time that Stratus has pursued a channel strategy in SA. The introduction of ftServer exposes a new, larger potential market, which can offer real benefits to channel partners. The reduced cost of ftServer, which allows companies, regardless of size, to have access to highly reliable server technology which is becoming vital to businesses that need uninterrupted computer processing."
Symetrix was appointed as a channel partner in October 2001 and has already completed four ftServer implementations. Ben Swartz, managing director at Symetrix, says: "Symetrix's strategy has been to extend its customer base, particularly targeting second-tier financial institutions. We felt that ftServer was a technology that would enable us to enter new markets and the reaction from the market over the past three months has proven this decision to be correct."
Customers will have access to technical skills from both partners as Stratus will monitor the equipment 24x7 and alert Symetrix to any irregularities.
"Symetrix wanted to introduce products that would complement its core business of offering IT services," adds Swartz. "With the reliability of ftServer, we are able to ensure that the service our customers are receiving is of the highest quality."
De Beer says a key component of the partnership between Stratus and Symetrix was the synergy in their business strategy for expanding their offerings into the local market. "Symetrix being an accredited implementer of MS Windows 2000 applications also facilitated the rapid formalisation of the partnership. In the near future we hope to appoint other channel partners who are able to benefit from Stratus and offer value to our customer base as Symetrix is proving to do," concludes De Beer.
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Stratus Technologies offers the world's most proven range of continuously available computer platforms, application solutions, professional services, and technologies for mission-critical business operations. Stratus serves customers worldwide, focusing primarily on financial services, retail, travel, electronic commerce, healthcare, public safety and gaming industries. Many of Stratus' customers are highly visible industry leaders such as prominent US securities firms, major credit card companies, the largest stock exchange in Asia, the largest options exchange in the world, and 15 out of the world's 20 largest banks.
Stratus Technologies International, S.`a r.l., through the 24-7 Technologies Division of Stratus Technologies, Inc, licenses technology for fault tolerance to other companies. The Stratus companies have offices and a comprehensive network of customer service centres worldwide, and 1 130 employees. For more information, please visit the Stratus Web site at www.za.stratus.com.
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