Consumer retail chain Woolworths South Africa will roll-out a pilot Internet and multimedia centre in its Century City shopping centre branch in Cape Town - one of its largest stores.
The retailer will provide customers with the facilities to browse the Internet, play games and purchase gifts. The project is also expected to promote Woolworths` Inthebag.co.za Internet initiative.
Running on eight IBMNetVista X40 machines, supplied by IBM premier business partner Faritec, the project`s success could result in similar multimedia centres being built around the country, also using the IBM X40.
Lynette McGuire, business partners organisation executive at IBM SA, says: "This deal represents a strategic win for IBM at one of Woolworths` flagship stores.
Although the value of the deal has not been disclosed, the IBM NetVista X40 retails for R15 496 for the Windows 98 version, and R15 933 for the Windows 2000 model. It includes an integrated 15-inch flat panel display, a 667MHz processor, and a 10/100 low-profile network interface card. IBM classifies the machine as "ultra-compact".
Woolworths opted for the X40s because of their aesthetic appeal. "After evaluating several bids from PC suppliers, we opted for the IBM X40s because they fitted our requirements for a robust and attractive machine," comments Amanda Foster, project consultant at Woolworths.
"In addition, we have a strong relationship with Faritec and IBM as technology suppliers. The level of service and after-sales support we receive from the two companies was another strong factor in our decision."
Simon Waterkeyn, account manager at Faritec, says Faritec in the Western Cape has enjoyed a long relationship with Woolworths as a supplier of IBM desktops and mid-range servers. The company supplies and supports the IBM eServer pSeries and xSeries range, as well as technology infrastructure at the Woolworths head office and stores.
"We expect to develop an even closer relationship with Woolworths as one of its primary technology suppliers in the coming months," says Waterkeyn.
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