As is the case with many emerging markets, the South African market shares a keen interest in the take up of mobile and wireless infrastructure. MD of Sahara ComputersAtul Gupta believes there is still a major opportunity to leverage off the increase in adoption of wireless applications, devices and network technology.
"We have identified this space as a key growth area. International vendors have been quick to market product that enhances the mobile and wireless experience for the user. Cost, resources, productivity and accessibility remain driving factors," says Gupta.
Sahara Computers has tailored its offering towards this anticipated growth. The company's chief aim going forward is to entrench its PC brand within the continent. This strategy coincides with a focus on supplying lifestyle-oriented product designed for immediate connectivity and related services such as e-mail.
Gupta points to the company's recently launched five-in-one eDVR USB Flash device, one that provides the functionality of five applications in a single device.
Says Gupta: "This is where technology is moving today. Consumers require robust, accessible technology that is practical and delivers results. Technology like the eDVR empowers the individual by providing the means to utilise digital recording facilities for voice and pictures at the touch of a button. Budget and accessibility is what matters and we are slowly but surely moving towards making mobile technology available to a wider market. The wireless local area network (WLAN) has reached a point where it has become cost-effective and quicker. Companies and individuals are more aware of the advantages and are reacting accordingly."
"The trend is moving towards the replacement of the desktop PC. Although there will always be a demand for the desktop, there is a growing need to provide technology and product to cater for the advent of the mobile office," he adds.
As an example of the calibre of mobile and wireless product entering the market now, Sahara Computers has introduced the Supernova Centrino Notebook powered by an Intel Pentium M processor with an Intel Wireless LAN adapter. The product features a CDRW and DVD- Rom combo drive with 256MB DDR Ram, a 1.44MB stiffy drive and 15-inch TFT screen.
The market's strong reaction to Intel's Centrino mobile technology offering suggests that this analysis rings true.
"Centrino houses several features that enhance the wireless environment. Extended battery life on notebooks, versatile, lightweight and robust devices, instantaneous connectivity, including wireless LAN capability, cover some of the main requirements today. In addition, it would be short-sighted to overlook the influence 'hotspot' technology and the role this could play in promoting mobile and wireless sales. There is already an impact on the retail sector," says Gupta.
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Established in 1997, Sahara Computers assembles and markets PCs and peripherals through a global distribution network that covers both established and emerging markets.
The company is based in Midrand and is the official distributor and original equipment manufacturer for a variety of top international vendors, including AMD, Creative, Delta, Epson, Intel, Lexmark, Maxtor, Microsoft, MSI, Samsung, SMC Networks and Symantec.
An accredited member of the Proudly South African campaign and SAVANT international brand awareness initiative, the Sahara business network stretches across SA to include Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. The company has established presence in key African countries like Kenya and Botswana, and is focused on an aggressive strategy to expand into this growing market.
For more information on Sahara Computers, its products and services, visit www.sahara.co.za.
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