Sun announces 'pay per use' solution for SA corporates

Sun Microsystems has announced a first for its customers in SA - a solution whereby Sun equipment can be procured through a capacity on demand scheme.

"This means that companies will only pay for the capacity they need to utilise, and not necessarily for the full Sun system," says Stefano Mattiello, managing director for Sun Microsystems, sub-Saharan Africa.

The offering is available through RentWorks, Sun's Authorised Finance Leasing Partner. RentWorks provides a leasing solution for technology through vendor programs, which provides real flexibility to customers.

"The solution enables corporates to finance any Sun equipment - from Sun Ray 'hot-desking' appliances to top-end Sun Fire 15K servers - in a 'pay-per-use' capacity," says Steven Probert, strategic alliance manager at RentWorks.

"There is also the option to make changes at any time, thus giving customers the flexibility to expand, according to demand, or to upgrade their systems as and when needed," says Probert.

Leasing of IT equipment is in line with a worldwide move towards outsourcing various areas of one's operations, and brings with it many benefits, including a reduction in tax implications, insurance hassles and upgrade costs.

Mattiello adds: "This pay-per-use offering makes Sun's solutions more accessible to a broader spectrum of organisations. Offering our products on a per-capacity-required basis also adds value to our existing customers by providing them with extra options to procure the correct capacity of equipment required, without having to outlay large sums of money up-front."

Companies can keep their cash on hand by avoiding the costs related to full system ownership and disposal as well as being able to eliminate the risk of having technology stand unused.

Says Probert: "RentWorks can also offer a 'sell and rent back' plan for organisations with an existing inventory of Sun Microsystems equipment. We will buy the existing equipment at its current market value and rent it back to the customer for the remainder of its useful 'life'."

The 'sell and rent back' plan allows companies to realise the remaining value or full purchase price, if less than six months old, of the equipment they use.

"Technology and communication platforms are constantly being upgraded," says Mattiello. "Leasing Sun equipment gives companies the benefit and opportunity to use leading-edge technology without having to fully own the systems."