The small to medium segment of the information and communications technology (ICT) market continues to dabble in comprehensive solutions designed to enhance critical business operations. In this respect, this area of the market has come a long way and its sense of identifying technology that adds real value and won't break the bank is far keener than it used to be.
In the past, the SME arena has been perceived as being rather difficult to pin-down as far as service provision, reselling and other channel activities is concerned. Part of the difficulty has been in accurately assessing its size and proportion, therefore making logistics a challenge. With time this situation has improved and many manufacturers, distributors and their resellers have begun to initiate strategies aimed squarely at this growing market.
The smaller business requires something unique yet uncomplicated, something of value that will help drive revenue and improve operations, but will have to be within budget. Their case is relatively straightforward - like top tier, large-scale enterprises, they look to technology to enhance business while ensuring a return on investment and a lower total cost of ownership. The difference is in requirements, in how the technology is integrated and how many resources will it take to invest, and, ultimately, what short- and long-term impact the technology will have on the environment.
Control is one of the chief underlying factors that remains part of a decision by an SME operator to invest or not invest in technology. It is paramount that whatever infrastructure is brought into the picture is easy to install, will pose no overwhelming difficulties in terms of management and daily operation, and can be overseen without requiring highly developed technology skills. Many operators within this segment, while their knowledge and insight into today's technology is on the up, do not house the latest technical expertise and may not have the additional resources on hand to deal with any potentially problematic issues that may arise.
Issues could mean downtime and downtime means a loss in time and money - something that businesses, especially small to medium-sized operations, can ill afford.
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Established in 1997, Sahara Computers assembles and markets PCs and peripherals through a global distribution network that covers both established and emerging markets.
The company is based in Midrand and is the official distributor and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for a variety of top international vendors including AMD, Creative, Delta, Epson, Intel, Lexmark, Maxtor, Microsoft, MSI, Samsung, SMC Networks and Symantec.
An accredited member of the Proudly South African campaign and SAVANT international brand awareness initiative, the Sahara business network stretches across SA to include Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. The company has established presence in key African countries like Kenya and Botswana, and is focused on an aggressive strategy to expand into this growing market.
For more information on Sahara Computers, its products and services, visit www.sahara.co.za.
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