Transtel keeps in touch with Microsoft

Transtel has simplified the management of its computer and peripheral equipment for 1 100 users throughout its 26 national branches through a customised deployment of Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0, resulting in cost and productivity savings for the company.

The distributed branch layout has presented a problem when running software audits, installing new software or providing support to users who are typically 300 km away from the closest IT office. The company turned to Business Connection for a solution which could collect accurate audit information, provide faster support response times over a remote connection, as well as deploy the latest software updates simultaneously and seamlessly across its branches.

The result was a Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0-based hierarchy that was initially rolled out over the Cape Town region with minimal impact on user downtime, with a Port Elizabeth, East London, Bloemfontein and Kroonstad roll-out planned to be completed by the end of September 2000. Business Connection worked closely with Transtel`s existing regional IT services team, to ensure that all new processes and standards were documented for future use.

"We require a tool that can deliver timely asset management reports, on which business decisions can be based for possible future upgrades or redeployment of under-utilised systems," said Fred Schmiedeskamp, IS manager of management systems at Transtel. "Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0 remote tools also means that it is no longer necessary for a technician to drive to a distant office to solve a problem, but can troubleshoot directly from their own desktop, which gives us guaranteed turn-around time for IT problems."

From an asset management perspective, Business Connection expanded on Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0 functionality by designing custom forms which provide user and machine-specific information to Transtel, assisting in keeping track of licence usage throughout the company. The Compaq Collect.exe utility which is used in Transtel extends the inventory capability of the Microsoft platform, providing a reporting tool that queries information such as serial numbers of desktops, CPUs and monitors. For the non-Compaq machines, specialised forms were designed by Business Connection which provide user and machine-specific information. The inventory was then extended to provide user information such as which building the machine is in, the street address and relevant contact number for technicians to use when visiting the various sites.

To ensure maximum performance of Transtel`s infrastructure, the logon features in Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0 have been customised for an unobtrusive client installation. By synchronising the client logons on the local servers with the domain controller, Business Connection ensured that all site configuration information can be updated and validated, without slowing down the response time on the desktop side.

"Remote management and detailed asset management is the smart way of working for companies that have a distributed infrastructure such as Transtel," said Benjamin Mophatlane, chief operating officer at Business Connection. "The solution we designed has made full use of the functionality provided by the Microsoft technology platform and Transtel can now continue to deploy the solution internally with minimal assistance from us, resulting in associated cost savings."

"Our partners are central to the customisation of solutions which meet our customers` needs and Business Connection has delivered on Transtel`s unique requirements," says Guy Pryce-Jones, partner strategy consultant at Microsoft South Africa. "Keeping track of hardware and software in a distributed environment, while deploying the latest updates is now as easy as a few mouse clicks for Transtel. Our software is designed to make running a business easier and this customised deployment demonstrates this."