Johannesburg, 13 Jul 2010
Stuttafords International Fashion Company has added a touch of style to its ICT set-up and management of digital communication with an investment in the integration of a new unified messaging and collaboration solution, as well as support and helpdesk services from its ICT managed services partner, the Integr8 Group.
The local fashion company, an established brand and retailer, was running a Linux-based e-mail system. The company experienced issues with remote access to their mailboxes, including the fact that users could not share calendars, read mail via the Web and/or download mail to their mobile devices.
Over and above these limitations, users also experienced unacceptable time delays when attempting to open up company mail.
Decision-makers at Stuttafords International Fashion Company sought to acquire a reliable platform that delivers the widest range of deployment options, integrated information leakage protection, and advanced compliance capabilities, that combined to form the best messaging and collaboration solution available.
To stay protected and comply with all security regulations, The Integr8 Group recommended and installed a Microsoft Security and Acceleration perimeter Firewall and Web Security Analyzer.
This infrastructure not only blocks malware, spyware, phishing, anonymising proxies and other unwanted applications, but also offers simple enforcement of Internet user policies. This functionality ensures a seamless user experience, providing a comprehensive level of control required for safe, productive Web browsing.
From a technology point of view, in accordance with the service level agreement in place, Integr8 personnel have also been tasked to manage the entire infrastructure at head office and across the client's national branch network.
This agreement extends to the company's branches in Africa, including Namibia and Botswana.
“They are connected to our Nerve Centre, a digital hub of innovative technology, people and ITIL process, that will manage, maintain and regulate their complete ICT environment. Furthermore, our offices throughout South Africa and Africa are engaged via the Nerve Centre to report on trend analysis in order to reduce their ICT expenditure and gain efficiency. We have implemented a client-centric specific helpdesk number and they are also logging calls via a Web page for the Stuttafords Group,” says Robert Sussman, joint CEO at Integr8 Group. “The page has drop-down menus that help to specify exact categories for the call.”
Sussman adds that the Integr8 Group is also assisting the client with the rollout of a new POS (point of sale) machines built with HP technology at branches, beginning with the new Gateway Store in Umhlanaga Rocks.
“This infrastructure will eliminate the issues that our client has been experiencing with regard to its previous e-mail platform. We have also connected our client with the Integr8 Group helpdesk, through which we will ensure proactive, reliable service and support, with a guaranteed turnaround time,” he said.
Alistair Thrussell, Group IT Manager, Stuttafords International Fashion Company, believes that Integr8 Group has proven its value as an experienced, proactive and highly competent service provider.
“We are very pleased with the partnership we have in place with the Integr8 Group. This is an established and effective services provider that has assisted us greatly with a vastly improved communications infrastructure and helpdesk support services,” Thrussell concludes.
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