Through a joint initiative with Sun Microsystems, World Online today launched a bundled solution designed to give small and medium-sized South African businesses fast and effective Internet access.
The solution features Sun's Cobalt Qube 3, a complete Internet and intranet server in a box which is ideal for small businesses or individuals with a network and heavy Web service requirements.
Demonstrated today at the Live Exhibition* in Sandton, the package provides SMEs with a simple and affordable way to leverage the Internet through dialup, ISDN or leased-line connectivity.
Realising that SMEs require speed, have extremely tight budgets and need further functionality, World Online and e-commerce player Sun together devised a solution that works with all three connectivity options.
Graeme Victor, managing director of World Online, explains: "Subscribers can now purchase Sun's Cobalt Qube 'plug-and-play' server from World Online and have it installed. Once installed, for a cost-effective monthly subscription fee, subscribers will have connectivity with the functionality of a comprehensive network server.
The server's out of the box functionality enables it to launch Web sites and serves as a secure gateway to the World Wide Web. "Quite simply, the Cobalt Qube server integrates all of the necessary tools and applications to get an organisation up and running with a powerful Web presence," says Peter Castle, senior systems engineer at Sun Microsystems SA.
In addition, Sun's Cobalt Qube has the ability to share files and documents across the network. The server also processes network management functionality traditionally handled by a more complex and expensive general-purpose servers.
Says Victor: "This offering by World Online is the first that is really focused on SMEs. And as this is such a breakthrough venture, we are partnering with a credible vendor such as Sun to ensure technology that is guaranteed to work smoothly, reliably and with quality after sales service.
"Sun, unlike many other solution providers, has offered us a complete solution. The Sun Cobalt Qube server appliance is a 'one-stop box', that is sure to provide businesses with that much wanted small business server with Internet connectivity at a fraction of the price," says Victor.
For a demonstration or for more information, visit the World Online stand at the Live Exhibition. Alternatively log onto: www. worldonline/business or visit www. sun.com.
*The Live Exhibition, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 4 to 6 October, focuses on SMEs and the impact of the Internet.
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