Working in Africa poses many interesting infrastructural challenges. Certainly this was the case when Business Connexion`s Q Data Division was contracted to develop and provide a network management system for the fledgling Vodacom cellular network in Mozambique.
"It was challenging because we were given only two months to develop voucher management and IVR systems, a task that normally would take six months," says Q Data senior manager, Johannes May.
Not only that, but with little infrastructure and a head office in Maputo that was still being refurbished, there was no place to install the hardware.
The solution was to install the equipment - HP Tandem servers, Proliant desktops and network interface equipment, into containers. Five containers were fitted out by telecoms supplier, Siemens, complete with their own generators, air conditioning and UPSs, and shipped to Maputo.
"The timing was incredibly tight and the containers were in place for the 1 December deadline. With the network interfaces into the building, the system was completely operational by 15 December in time for the January 2004 switch-on.
"It was a tough implementation and a resource challenge, given that we were already committed to delivering five other systems to Vodacom in the same period," says May.
"Today, Vodacom Mozambique is successfully providing an efficient cellular phone system out of containers."
The voucher management system (VMS) caters for recharges and PIN generation. Supporting the VMS is an IVR system in both English and Portuguese. Both systems also interface to the billing and administrative systems inside the head office.
The IVR system is developed to service 1 million users with Vodacom Mozambique.
A similar VMS is also being developed for Vodacom Tanzania.
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