Total South Africa, has selected JSE-listed Datacentrix as its preferred supplier of desktop PC hardware, network file servers, peripheral equipment and software systems.
A key element of the deal is the support of the oil company`s corporate-wide network covering 55 depots country-wide, as well as administration centres in Durban, Cape Town, Windhoek and Botswana. Total`s recently commissioned Johannesburg head office is included.
Christo Fourie, Information Technology manager at Total South Africa, says the function of the Total network is critical as a depot which is off-line, or has a non-operating computer system is unable to dispense fuel, oil and other petrochemical products. Total supplies more than 750 resellers nation-wide on a daily basis with a wide range of offerings.
"The cost of down-time is considerable," he confirms. "Central to this cost is the disruption in product flow from refineries which is often via direct pipeline supply."
Because the management of product movement is critical to Total, with a direct and measurable impact on the "bottom line", it has categorised its depots into three areas of importance. Fourie explains: "Our `A` class depots have a 2-hour maintenance support agreement with Datacentrix, `B` class depots have a six hour window and `C` depots 24 hours.
"We have recently added an `A+` category, included in which is our head office, disaster recovery and other mission critical sites which have enhanced network redundancy, power protection and firewall security - all administered by Datacentrix."
In its capacity as an accredited Microsoft Solutions Provider (on a senior partner level) a Direct Large Account Reseller and one of Microsoft`s Regional Support Points in the country, Datacentrix has recently supplied Total with 250 desktop PCs as part of Total`s Y2K upgrade programme. The units were custom configured and pre-installed with Microsoft software to Total`s specification.
Datacentrix is also responsible for software licensing at Total and in addition to Microsoft Windows and Office offerings, supports Lotus Notes groupware and Norton antivirus systems. All upgrades are capable of being performed from a central workstation across the Microsoft NT based network.
Fourie adds that the move to standardised PCs and server offerings (from Compaq) as well as structured network management and maintenance from a single supplier has resulted in significant cost savings in the first three months of operation.
"Already we have recorded substantial savings in downtime and virtually eliminated problems associated with network line failings, lack of PC performance and compatibility issues related to non-standard applications.
"The signing of a preferred supplier agreement with Datacentrix has resulted in significant benefits over and above those related to network availability.
"For example, we have a very open arrangement with all principal suppliers, in that all transactions are transparent from a billing perspective. And Datacentrix has added considerably to our Y2K roll-out in terms of streamlined logistics, as well as the management and physical security of new equipment installations countrywide."
Total will place further emphasis on e-business initiatives in 2000, with a focus on e-commerce implementations which will include new-generation technology such as voice over data lines (VoIP).
The company also has an eye on the impending telecommunications deregulation - slated for 2002 - and is looking to significant upgrades to its national and international links over the next three to four years.
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