Siemens Nixdorf has staved off tough competition to clinch a R35-million contract with the SAB Group. In terms of the agreement, Siemens Nixdorf will install Microsoft software on more than 6 000 desktops throughout the group, provide services to SAB, run SAB`s helpdesk and maintain the SAB network. The intention is to provide similar services for the entire group.
In addition, Siemens Nixdorf will supply R1,5-million worth of services to SA Breweries and well as third party software to the value of R3-million.
The contract includes implementing an on-site helpdesk for SA Breweries. This will be manned by about 10 engineers providing first and second line support. While first line support covers basic issues, second line support will include the automation of templates, creation of Internet addresses, network maintenance and office automation. This portion of the services contract is not confined to Microsoft, as a great deal of non-Microsoft software is run on IBM`s WAN.
"Siemens Nixdorf will be responsible for hardware, software, networks and third party products," says Siemens Nixdorf`s Ann du Toit, business development manager. "Our company is able to provide the requisite skills to integrate new systems into the existing environment, creating a solution which incorporates various hardware platforms, operating systems and software applications."
"The SAB system runs 167 different applications, some custom-written. Siemens Nixdorf will implement systems to streamline management of diverse systems."
SAB has outsourced management of IT services for its beer division to IBM, for which Siemens Nixdorf has been sub-contracted for Microsoft and LAN administration. This portion of the project entails three phases, all geared to streamlining system management. Central Domain Administration (CDA) will be implemented to facilitate centralised administration of the entire country. Setting up single-seat administration of the entire enterprise from an IBM command centre will enable SAB to achieve massive savings, according to Du Toit.
During the third phase network station management will be implemented, enabling LAN management. At this stage, IBM will provide first line support with PQ Networks and Siemens Nixdorf providing second line support.
According to Du Toit, Siemens Nixdorf`s role in the project was clinched largely because of its strong ties with Microsoft, enabling it to provide the level of support the SAB Group demands.
Siemens Nixdorf is one of just four Microsoft Authorised Support Centres in South Africa, meeting stringent Microsoft criteria in terms of number of system engineers, sales specialists, turnover, infrastructure and training investment.
It is also a top Microsoft Solution Provider and has qualified as a direct Large Account Reseller (LAR), of which there are only about 10 in South Africa. This accreditation, according to Du Toit, means that Siemens Nixdorf is able to provide added value as well as full Microsoft solutions, rather than merely selling the products.
"With Siemens Nixdorf`s high level of Microsoft accreditation, clients are guaranteed to receive exceptional skills levels. This includes integration, development and support skills. This assurance is vitally important, as Microsoft no longer offers free support," says Du Toit.
In addition to regularly winning top Solution Provider and Support Centre awards, Siemens Nixdorf is also Microsoft`s sole premier consulting partner in South Africa. The company qualifies for this status on the basis of extensive Microsoft engineering and consulting skills, as well as ongoing training programmes.
Finally, Siemens Nixdorf has a contract with Microsoft`s UK support centre, which enables direct contact for immediate problem resolution.
"Outsourcing IT management provides SAB with a cost-effective, efficient support mechanism," says Du Toit. "Placing system management in the hands of specialists means that problems can be resolved quicker and with maximum effect.
"Siemens Nixdorf has access to Microsoft bug fixes from the UK. Our close ties with Microsoft in the UK also means that we are privy to insight on future technology directions - a benefit that we can pass on indirectly to clients.
"Not only does the agreement provide SAB with access to leading edge resources, it also keeps the company abreast of technology and ensures that systems are always up-to-date.
"SAB is free to focus on its core business, without the distraction of training and maintaining a support division." In addition, Siemens Nixdorf`s international infrastructure means that the agreement could potentially be expanded to include SAB companies worldwide. SAB embarked on the project initially in order to standardise technology platforms as far as possible, as well as to centralise maintenance contracts.
SAB companies involved in the contract include ABI, Afcol, Amrel, Appletiser, Conshu, Lion Match, PGSI, Southern Sun, SAB Group, SA Breweries and Harare- based National Breweries.
Siemens Nixdorf`s business development manager for the SAB account, James Murray, said the contract arose from a previous agreement with SAB`s beer division to provide 2 600 operating systems. When the initial contract expired, a two-year licensing deal spanning the entire Group was concluded.
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