The Internet Solution (IS), premier Internet solution provider in the R12-billion Dimension Data stable, has standardised on high performance Dell PowerEdge servers and OptiPlex desktops for pivotal areas of its business such as applications serving and enterprise messaging.
IS, the dominant player in the South African corporate Internet arena, provides holistic solutions covering a wide range of services and technologies such as connectivity infrastructure and electronic commerce. Through its ICON business unit, IS also addresses the dial-up Internet access requirements of thousands of South African consumers.
Since April 1997, IS has relied on built-to-order hardware from Dell Computer to ensure the smooth running of key facets of its fast growing business.
"Previously we had purchased clones from second tier suppliers but eventually got fed up with substandard quality and poor service," explains Glenn Maule, operations manager.
"Moving upmarket, we compared the leading tier-one PC vendors and opted for Dell and its direct business model. We felt that Dell, by cutting out the middleman, offered a remarkably competitive product at an extremely attractive price."
Some 20 Dell servers and 170 Dell desktops since have been supplied. Each unit was custom built and tested in Dell's ISO 9002-accredited factory at Limerick, Ireland, before deployment at the corporate head office in Gauteng or one of the regional offices in Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.
Under Dell's unique custom integration service, DellPlus, the systems were factory-configured with Windows NT Server, Windows 95 or Windows NT Workstation as the case may be. High-speed 3Com network interface cards were also fitted in the factory. In addition, some servers were equipped with RAID disk arrays, and the most critical platforms kitted out with dual RAID configurations.
"Overall, it's been a pleasure to deal direct with Dell," Maule notes. "We find their products extremely reliable and back-up and support prompt and professional.
Beyond delivering the latest relevant technology at unassailable prices, Dell's Internet-aware direct model offers all sorts of advantages. Not least of these is the ability to view the status of an order online through Dell's South African website, www.dell.co.za.
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