SPECIAL FOCUS - Integr8 Group

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Integr8 Telecoms Putting the C into ICT Integr8 Telecoms positions for long-term prosperity with its telecoms company. WORDS Donovan Jackson and deliver last-mile connectivity over whatever technology they choose, this market is going crazy. There is massive opportunity; those companies that have the ability to provide the telecoms aspect in conjunction with IT infrastructure solutions are able to provide their customers with a compelling value proposition that meets all their needs,” he says. Pointing out that IT and communications are no longer disparate, he notes that the industry at large has been seeking It’s not just the old parastatal boys and the like from the telecommunication business who are looking at tapping into the new opportunities presented by the deregulation of the telecommunications industry. Companies like Integr8 Telecoms, which came from nowhere and was born out of Intergr8 IT, at the turn of the millennium looked to bolster their offerings to clients to provide a complete solution set which encompasses both the IT and the C. This, confirms Michael Vorster, head of telecoms at Integr8 Telecoms, is a reflection of the reality of convergence. “As a growing company with a solid foundation of clients and services in the IT environment, adding telecommunications is a sensible step for the Integr8 Group,” he says. More than that, it also secures the medium- to long-term future of a company that has grown steadily from its inception and intends to build on its blue-chip client base and present trajectory to become the country’s preferred ICT solution provider. Vorster points out that in the present environment in this country, where deregulation is finally taking hold, telecoms is exploding. “With new licences being awarded, which enable holders to self-provision to present combined services to market. “This is evident in, for example, the efforts noted in the local industry with the telco’s attempt to absorb local IT companies and skills. There is a definite understanding that without the telecoms component, it is not possible to handle the needs of enterprise clients.” That said, Vorster points out that it is not only the larger customers that are demanding complete ICT solutions. “Right down to the SME, there is demand for ICT solutions that lower operating costs. This is perhaps more relevant now than ever before where tightening economic conditions are putting pressure on companies to control costs as a tactical measure to improve profitability,” he explains. A full range of solutions With Integr8 Telecoms (PTY) Ltd company being added to the fold, Vorster says offerings are focused around complete telecommunication services and solutions. These include innovative services right down to the standard incumbent offerings of Premicells, least cost routing, voice over IP and PABX management. “The primary area of value creation is that we can reduce telephony costs by up to 45 percent. That’s a big saving that speaks for itself,” he says. Backhaul connectivity, he says, is carried on Transtel’s fibre network or Neotel’s Metro Ethernet. Through various licences 14
and joint ventures, Vorster explains that Integr8 Telecoms is able to offer a full range of telecoms service to its clients, including last-mile connectivity. “Essentially, our agreements take care of our licensing obligations. We are free to deliver connectivity to our clients over the technology that is best suited, most convenient or most appropriate, whether that is WiMAX, fibre or OFDM – and without using Telkom’s infrastructure at any point.” He adds that interconnect agreements are already in place with Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom and MTN. With the successful launch of Integr8 Telecoms into the Integr8 Group stable, Vorster says it is also researching niche products for introduction into the African market. “For example, we have identified a product that makes personal cellphones integrate 100 percent with the PABX, so there is no need for a different device when a worker comes into the office. With built-in WiFi, making or receiving calls in the office on the cellphone doesn’t touch the GSM network – it is all VOIP for low cost and full PABX functionality,” he says. VoIP: From hype to demand In addition, Vorster says the telecoms division is very busy with the existing Integr8IT client base, which he says is perfectly positioned to take advantage of LCR and VOIP solutions. “There is no question that VOIP is a big story right now. It has gone from a much-hyped technology to a solution that can and does deliver the voice connectivity that every company, large or small, depends upon. And it does so with the levels of quality and reliability associated with traditional telephone networks.” He adds that while its corporate clients are clearly benefiting from VOIP solutions, there is also growing demand from SMEs that are seeking to reduce their communications costs. “We also offer PABX supply, service and maintenance. In effect, with the addition of the Integr8 Telecoms business, we are geared to provide ICT infrastructure.” B Michael Vorster, head of telecoms at Integr8 Telecoms “There is an understanding that without telecoms, it isn’t possible to handle the needs of enterprise clients.” Integr8 IT - special focus AUGUST 2008 - 15
Page 1 and 2: special focus an independent report
Page 3 and 4: 4 Keeping it real By Samantha Perry
Page 5 and 6: OVERVIEW keeping it real “Each mo
Page 7 and 8: FINANCIAL clients’ requirements t
Page 9 and 10: Tami Sussman, Integr8 IT regional d
Page 11 and 12: the need arises. “We have plans t
Page 16 and 17: ental Why own ICT? In only three ye
Page 18 and 19: Integr8 PROPERTY After nine years o
Page 20 and 21: HR Work or play? While Integr8 IT m
Page 22 and 23: africa and international Heading no
Page 24 and 25: BEE Close to the heart For Integr8
Page 26 and 27: case study The value of optimisatio

SPECIAL FOCUS - Integr8 Group

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