The rollout of new computer systems and networks can cost companies millions in terms of downtime and lost productivity. Unisys South Africa has addressed this problem with the recent launch of its Centre of Excellence (CoE), a technology laboratory that allows for technology solutions to be comprehensively tested before final rollout in the corporate environment.
Computer Associates` Unicenter TNG has proven to be an important partner in the success of the Sunninghill, Johannesburg based CoE, the sixth set up by Unisys internationally and the first facility in Africa to make this type of technology available as a platform to conduct proof of concept and viability studies on hardware and software solutions for South African enterprise organisations.
The advantages of being able to test and evaluate systems in the CoE are numerous, as Centre manager Monica Reed explains: "The CoE is in effect a lab equipped with the latest in networking equipment and infrastructures.
Unisys clients who are looking at a particular solution to a business problem can come in and pilot proposed solutions virtually as they would run in the field. This takes any guesswork out of IT, allowing the client to observe in real time the benefits and solutions that proposed installations will have, while at the same time any potential problems can be ironed out before an installation is even implemented at the actual site."
Computer Associates Unicenter TNG software is crucial to the success of the Centre of Excellence, says Reed. "Through the Unicenter GUI, a client can see exactly what is happening on the network configuration being evaluated, from utilization of system resources, the pinpointing of any potential problems and the management of users on the network. We are using CA`s Unicenter to manage the entire enterprise management aspect of the project."
Computer Associates` regional partner manager, Paula Kilby says: "CA`s global strategic alliance with Unisys has been very successful and we are pleased to add South Africa to the worldwide list of CoE`s. Unisys South Africa`s commitment to the CA Channel Partner Program is nothing less than 100% and we are currently working jointly under a strategy which we believe will offer a solution second to none in the enterprise systems arena. We believe by adding Unicenter to both the Unisys product portfolio and the CoE we will be able to ensure Unisys` customers and prospects are kept aware of the very latest available technology."
Typical activities undertaken in the CoE include developing the methodologies, skills and designs necessary to provide enterprise-class applications. This includes the focus on achieving mission-critical attributes such as availability, scalability, security and the ability to handle high-volume transaction processing on open industry standard platforms.
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Unisys
Unisys has 34,000 employees helping customers in 100 countries apply information technology to solve their business problems. Unisys solutions are based on a broad portfolio of global information services including electronic business, systems integration including custom and "repeatable" application solutions, outsourcing, Microsoft Windows NT services, network services, and multi-vendor maintenance and support, coupled with enterprise-class servers and associated middleware, software and storage. Repeatable solutions are focused on key vertical markets including financial services, transportation, telecommunications, government, publishing, and other commercial markets. The company is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, in the Greater Philadelphia area. For more information on the company, access the Unisys home page on the World Wide Web at www.unisys.com.
Computer Associates
Computer Associates International, Inc. (NYSE: CA), the world leader in mission-critical business computing, provides software, support and integration services in more than 100 countries around the world. CA has more than 17,500 employees and had revenue of $5.3 billion in fiscal year 1999.