Sahara launches christmas carnival into retail channel

Sahara Computers has announced the launch of their latest marketing campaign. The campaign is collaboration between Sahara’s retail customers aimed at encouraging consumers IT uptake. Consumers who purchase the selected Sahara PC or Laptop from its retail partners qualify for the chance to win great cash prizes in the Sahara Christmas Carnival competition.

Sahara’s new range of computers based on Windows 7 platform is aimed at attracting consumers into its retail channel this Christmas. The new range also offers great value adds such as Microsoft Windows Live, Kaspersky Internet Security, Nero Express6 and a 12 months free internet connectivity pack. Free additional hardware such as 3-in-1 colour printers, MP4 players, Digital cameras and Digital Photo Frames will further enhance the user experience.

End Users will find that buying a Sahara PC will create an unforgettable user experience and they will be fully equipped to use their PC immediately. The inclusion of Microsoft E-Learning tools empowers first time users by teaching them the basics of computer hardware and software applications. Sahara’s offering is geared for students, home and home office consumers, providing them with the IT tools to suite their needs.

The Sahara Christmas carnival competition runs from the 16th November 2009 to 31st January 2010 and is available through retail stores such as OK furniture, House and Home, Electric Express, Morkels, Joshua Doore, Russels, Price and Pride and Best Electric.

Sahara Computers Offering Kaspersky

Sahara Computers will now be offering its customers with the entire range of Kaspersky products and services in South Africa through mass distributor channel, Africa SD. Antivirus software market is gradually inching its way to become the next boom industry in emerging markets and through this distribution pact Sahara will only add more value to its customers and channel partners.

Sahara Computers will be offering the complete range including the Kaspersky Anti-virus, Kaspersky internet security 2010, Kaspersky Mobile Security 8.0, Kaspersky Anti-Spam, Kaspersky Hosted Web Security and Hosted IM Security.

Kaspersky Lab was the first to develop many technological standards in the antivirus industry, including full-scale solutions for Linux, Unix and NetWare, a new-generation heuristic analyser designed to detect newly emerging viruses, effective protection against polymorphic and macro viruses, continuously updated antivirus databases and a technique for detecting viruses in archived files.

Sahara Computers recognises the growing need against computer malware and will be running aggressive sales campaigns consisting of bundle deals with its range of products like desktops and laptops to provide a complete protected PC package to its customers. The package deal is designed to meet the needs of today’s Internet users –without slowing down their computers.

Through this distribution pact Sahara Computers aims add more value and attract more customers to its current database by setting new standards in safe use of the computer and the internet. Sahara will be targeting all market segments including Home, Business and Office. Kaspersky products will be available through all Sahara channel base and branches nationwide.

http://www.crn.co.za/pebble.asp?relid=5661

Vote Sahara in the CRN Outlook Awards

Hello Sahara People please note that today is the last day to vote for us in the CRN Outlook Awards Remember Your Vote Counts !

http://www.crnoutlook.co.za

VOTE Sahara in the CRN Outlook Awards Closing Tomorrow

Hello All Sahara People please Vote for us in this years CRN Awards

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The Voting closes tomorrow

Thanks Guys

VOTE FOR SAHARA ON THE CRN AWARDS

Hello Guys Please go and vote for US for the CRN Awards

http://www.channelawards.net/votingsel.asp

Dont miss out on this Event

Meet the Stars at our Mall tour

Sahara at HiFi Corporation in Pretoria

Sahara takes to the mall

Sahara Computers, in association with Intel, has initiated a technology awareness campaign targeting consumers at retail outlets throughout Gauteng.
Called 'Get IT at the Mall', the initiative will focus on information transfer and product demonstrations to educate the consumer on the latest available PC infrastructure, processor technology and peripheral devices.

The strategy is to engage with resellers and use on-site resources to promote the features of the technology and offer end-users advice on critical aspects of the purchasing decision.
"'Get IT at the Mall' is a concept that both retailers understand and consumers can relate to. It has been organised to follow a very successful campaign aimed at users within the education environment, specifically at learners within a number of tertiary institutions. We anticipate an equally strong response from the retail sector," says Gary Naidoo, deputy MD of Sahara.
Sahara attracted a strong response at a number of institutions visited recently, including The University of South Africa (Unisa), The University of Johannesburg and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).

Naidoo is keen to capitalise on the interest in technology within the retail space as operators seek to streamline their businesses, enhance service and delivery to compete.
"The retail sector has been identified as a top priority for our company and the quest to drive awareness about the latest available desktop and mobile solutions, education around important elements of the campaign such as the Talk to Sahara initiative and Fetch and Repair Warranty Program," says Naidoo.

Sahara and its reseller partners will display the latest in available desktop, mobile and gaming solutions, digital lifestyle technology and information pertaining to services designed to bolster end-user/ consumer support.

"We are looking very forward to engaging with consumers and providing information that will help in decision making behind investment," says Naidoo.
"We will also have our technical support services partner available to assist people that may be encountering problems with their technology. Consumers will have an opportunity to view and handle solutions and we will have staff available to fulfill the sales process, including details on the Sahara Fetch and Repair warranty program."

Centurion Mall is the first venue earmarked for the Get IT at the Mall campaign which starts on 28 May 2009.

SA must focus on greater access to wireless, digital lifestyle technology

The proliferation of next generation wireless infrastructure and digital lifestyle product is critical to the country’s efforts to address a shortage of skills within the ICT sector.

This is one of the challenges associated with the current slump in worldwide economies.

At the same time the advent and growth in mobile technologies represents a real avenue of opportunity.

Independent research house Gartner hosted a symposium during the first quarter of this year under the theme ‘emerging trends’.

Among the outcomes discussed was the assertion that 68% of the world’s population is women and children – this market is identified as a key priority in terms of the transfer of benefit associated with mobile & wireless infrastructure.

Emerging generations of users of technology must have access to infrastructure now if they are to seriously engage and interface with global markets of the future.

As such one of our main objectives, from an ICT sector perspective, is to ensure the roll-out of as much technology as possible in order to skill up a wider base of end users.

The principle is straightforward: the more product/ basic infrastructure available, the more opportunity there is for direct tuition and practical education.

It is encouraging to see that whilst many technology vendors across the world are intensifying their emphasis on ‘green consciousness’ in research and development, there is also a strong focus on skills development and transfer.

Evidence of this can be seen in the higher levels of functionality in newly introduced product, improved levels of connectivity and more practical ergonomic structures. It all points to ease-of-use, a concerted effort to ensure that users experience as little difficulty in managing their devices as possible.

This trend has helped to boost the proliferation of netbooks, for example, a growing segment of the market that shows immense promise as a channel for the distribution and supply of cost effective, feature-rich mobile solutions.

Added to this is the benefit of the increase in adoption of robust wireless technologies such as 3G, 4G, HSDPA and much more.

Manufacturers are paying closer attention to the user requirements for versatility in devices.

This means that users do not have to invest more capital into increasing memory or capacity and being able to take advantage of the versatility of the device. The concept of ‘all-in-one’ is being taken to the market very aggressively.

The idea is that by presenting the user with more wireless ports, with aesthetic, ergonomic and higher capacity solutions, there is the opportunity to really use technology on a far broader scale than ever before.

Remote connectivity, access to resources like the Internet and e-mail is changing the way we interact and respond privately, as well as in the formal business sense.

Now people from all walks of life, from various backgrounds can tap into the benefits that stem from the ability to retrieve, store, manipulate and manage large volumes of multimedia.

The application of technology within the education environment is the cornerstone of international approaches to skills development.

The fact is that the latest mobile infrastructure, from notebooks to PDAs, is geared towards independent, anytime, anywhere personal computing. Teachers, lecturers, students and learners are being supplied with digital equipment to fulfill their responsibilities.

Infrastructure from desktop PCs to notebooks to video conferencing has underlined the importance of interaction and multilevel, multimedia instruction. There is so much that can be achieved if we network and link those who need skills with that which can provide it.

However, we still need to walk before we can run, and the immediate need is to provide basic infrastructure (hardware and software, digital equipment) and then progress to more intricate, technology based hubs and centres.

It is clear that technology, specifically mobile and wireless, will continue to shape the quality of education for the future.

Sahara Systems in support of New Jerusalem Children’s Home

Management at Sahara Systems, part of the Sahara Group, recently paid a visit to the New Jerusalem Children’s Home to donate provisions and technology as part of its ongoing support of the organisation.

New Jerusalem is based in Gauteng and provides residential care for abused, abandoned, traumatized, orphaned, HIV-positive and vulnerable youth.

Having identified the Section 21 organisation as a primary candidate for support and contribution, Sahara Systems initiated a campaign in the form of a collection drive within the company.

“Many staff have contributed to this initiative, their time, resources and provisions in support of the children at New Jerusalem. As Sahara Systems we have been to the organisation to present food parcels, clothing, toys and other goods that will hopefully make life a little easier during what are really difficult times,” says Ashok Narayan, Managing Director, Sahara Systems.

The company also brought through a large consignment of Easter eggs ahead of the Easter weekend - much to the delight of the children.

However it was the recent donation of a Sahara mobile solution that really put a smile on the faces of those who dedicate themselves to the running, management and marketing of the organisation.

“We are very happy and grateful to Sahara Systems for all they have done and this solution. This mobile technology will assist us with our information technology and digital communication capability, which is critical to our ongoing marketing and awareness strategy,” says Anna Mojapelo, Founder and Managing Director at New Jerusalem Children’s Home.

Sahara Systems has committed to continue to interact with the children’s home and other not-for-profit organizations in the surrounding area going forward.

The company believes this not only fulfills its corporate social responsibility but also reinforces its standpoint and positioning as a community-focused and driven company.

“The campaign is ongoing and there are plans in place to organize a family fun day, in association with our vendors, which will encourage unity and support in communities. This exemplifies the basis and ethos upon which Sahara is built – the empowerment of people through the provision of access to affordable, quality technology,” adds Narayan.

Sahara fires up the local netbook market with latest offering

Latest in extensive range of high quality, affordable mobile solutions to meet growing user needs

Sahara Computers, global suppliers of information, communication and digital lifestyle technology, proudly announces the availability of its latest offering to the burgeoning netbook space, a growing and active market segment defined by low cost, feature-rich mobile solutions.

“Consumers have become quite used to workplace computing and are now looking at offerings at home for internet and email applications. The credit crunch has affected consumer budgets but this is where we believe the netbook offers a solution to meet their pocket,” explains Naidoo.

Netbooks, initially brought out to address the ultra low cost PC market segment, have now become fully functional mobile computing devices that can address the SOHO and education markets. It is an affordable option for education, photo and video viewing, social networking, e-mail, messaging, browsing, and numerous other Internet activities and basic applications

The incorporation of Intel® Atom™ technology ensures an easy-to-use mobile device that offers a seamless online experience.

The Sahara Imagebook, with 10.1” LCD widescreen, is powered by Intel® Atom™ technology and features 1GB memory, a 160GB hard disk drive and a built-in webcam. With models featuring built-in 3G, the Sahara Imagebook offers a complete anytime, anywhere computing experience.

The Sahara Imagebook offers the option of Ubuntu Linux or Microsoft Windows® XP Home Operating system as well as a one-year fetch and repair warranty.

“These benefits reflect Sahara’s ongoing effort to transfer the benefit of high powered, reliable, cost efficient mobile resources to a growing market place. The launch of this solution is timed well against the company’s ongoing Get IT services and support campaign, aimed at assisting the market, the channel and consumers to extract maximum benefit from technology investment,” says Naidoo.

Sahara Computers connects with Comsa

Sahara Computers, global suppliers of information, communication and digital lifestyle technology, has established a long-term alliance and formal relationship with the Communication Students Association (Comsa) with a view to providing access to technology, exposure to the possibility of workplace experience and the dynamics of trade.

The initiative was launched recently at Sahara and marked by the handing over of a Sahara mobile solution to enthusiastic members of the Comsa executive management council.

Gary Naidoo, deputy MD at Sahara, said the initiative was another very important step forward for the company and its continued support and sponsorship of education in South Africa.

“Education, incorporating training and PC literacy, remains an important market segment and area of interest for Sahara,” says Naidoo. “We are pleased to have entered into a joint initiative and partnership with this established student representative organisation and believe our early donation of a mobile solution signals our intent to fully support efforts to bridge the gap between learners and workplace opportunity.”

Bheki Mdhluli, Comsa chairperson, said the Association was established in 1993 as a structure to strengthen links between theory and practice within communication studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

“The relationship with Sahara is an ideal mechanism to expose students to the opportunities such as internship programs, mentorships and training initiatives. As we serve to assist Sahara in its brand awareness campaign in education, we also fulfil our mandate to transfer the benefits of exposure to the employment sector,” says Mdhluli.

“We are going to ensure that we include other student structures in the initiative in order to benefit many university students. This is a strategic long term relationship and we will be in discussion with management at UNISA including the head of our Department, as well as corporate communications at the institution to ensure that all stakeholders are involved and can add their input,” adds Mdhluli.

The partnership is an ongoing initiative and both parties believe there is scope for a long term relationship going forward.

The Sahara Technology show at WITS University today Outside Matrix Building, East Campus

Come and join the fun. Get an autograph by a sporting icon or Miss South Africa, Bring your PC /Laptop for a FREE Check up or get the latest deals on latest mobile & desktop technology.

Sahara chalks IT all up to experience at Unisa

Sahara Computers, a national supplier of information, communication and digital lifestyle product, has added impetus to its ongoing Get IT campaign, with a recent visit to one of the University of South Africa’s (UNISA) satellite campuses based in Sunnyside, Pretoria.

The ICT company wasted no time in setting up a two-day product and information demonstration which offered students and visitors an opportunity to view the latest available mobile and technology lifestyle solutions.

Sahara’s Technical support partner Nerds on Site was on hand to offer visitors free technical information, advise and assistance with their products and devises

“The on-site support and service team work through our established Sahara Service Camps, another very successful and key element of the Get IT campaign. The Service Camps have done exceptionally well at the tertiary institutions that we have visited to date and it is clear there is a demand for this level of interaction between the market and learners with regard to technology and how it can be best utilized on a practical, day-to-day basis,” says Gary Naidoo, deputy MD at Sahara.

Sahara Computers is an established provider of technology infrastructure to the global marketplace and has identified education as on of its core areas of interest.

The company is working with the Communications Students Association (COMSA) with regard to the possibility of further joint initiatives to bring technology into learners and drive the awareness of benefits and investment in IT infrastructure.

Valencia Nxele, who is in the process of finalizing her second year modules for Communication Science course at Unisa, believes that technology is a very good thing for students and the initiative taken by Sahara is worthwhile and of significant value.

Bheki Mdhluli, also Communications Science student, agrees: “This is a very good idea. It is valuable for the business and commercial sector to engage with us directly, not just for the sake of technology alone, but also for our career development and opportunities in the workplace.”

Naidoo adds that this initiative is an important step towards building lasting partnerships in the industry and with educators / learners in order to provide greater access to technology and also improve the understanding of what technology can do for individuals and the installation of basic education in general.

The education-focused facet of the Sahara Get IT campaign continues and will be covering a number of institutions in the Gauteng region.

Sahara Service Camp personnel and members of the Nerds On Site team assist Unisa students with their technology. The two-day initiative at the institution has been described as a great success by all involved.

Communications Sciences students Bheki Mdhluli and Valencia Nxele, visit the Sahara Computers stand to engage with the company over technology.

Company Announcement: Sahara, Wavestone Computers in distribution partnership agreement

Sahara, Wavestone Computers in distribution partnership agreement

Sahara has confirmed its appointment of Wavestone Computers as a distributor of the full range of Sahara PC infrastructure, including desktops and mobile & wireless solutions.

Wavestone Computers is a Pretoria-based supplier of ICT infrastructure sourced from a number of recognised vendors.

These globally acclaimed brands include Foxconn, Jaspa, Lexmark, Maxtor, Microsoft and Samsung. The company already enjoys a relationship with Sahara based on ongoing support for the Sahara mobile solution offering.

Gary Naidoo, deputy MD at Sahara, says the partnership is a very positive step in the company’s effort to extend is reach, particularly from a regional perspective.

“We have a very well established presence in Gauteng, and have decided to emphasise our services and offering, and add value to the channel by reinforcing support for retailers and partners in the northern regions of South Africa,” says Naidoo.

“Wavestone Computers is an experienced, established provider of PC infrastructure services and support. It enjoys a wide regional reach and we believe has the experience, knowledge and resources to assist us in growing our market share. It is also understood that the long-term agreement will benefit both parties in penetrating the market space,” he continues.

Gary Gradwell, General Manager at Wavestone Computers, is pleased to have entered into an agreement with Sahara and believes it will certainly reinforce his company’s existing service to its dealer base.

“In the last few years we have not been able to leverage off a desktop solution in terms of a branded PC. We have been in the business of white box distribution and obviously would like to transfer the benefits of warranty and technical support. The objective is to match the volume of distributed machines with the required level of technical support. This is where we expect the branded PC to make a significant difference to our reseller and dealer base,” says Gradwell.

“The choice to partner with Sahara is based on the company’s credentials as an established vendor with a proven track record in technical support and value to the channel, as well as the strength of its mobile solution offering. It was important for us to associate and partner with a local company, one that has the capacity and resources to fulfill the criteria. We believe Sahara is exactly the partner we have been looking for,” he adds.

Visit our website for more information www.sahara.co.za or www.wavestone.co.za

Sahara launches fetch, repair program

Sahara Computers has launched its recently improved Fetch and Repair warranty program.
The program represents a change to the conventional customer relationship management process that involves a customer having to return a faulty product, as an example, to the point of purchase, which is then sent directly to Sahara.

The new program is set to enable the customer to engage with the Sahara call centre to notify the company of the situation. A courier is then dispatched to collect the product and return it to Sahara after which a warranty fulfillment process is completed and the repaired/ replaced product returned to the customer.

Gary Naidoo, deputy MD at Sahara, says that the warranty service option offers numerous benefits and will be of value to both dealers and end customers alike.
“We have refined our warranty process and incorporated a strategically developed fetch and repair program. For the end customer it means that the product is picked up eliminating the need to incur transport costs, there is no third party and therefore a faster turnaround, and the product is being repaired at the company where there is a high level of expertise and resources available,” says Naidoo.

The repair warranty program emphasises the company’s ongoing focus on sales and service to leverage off opportunities within growing market segments. These include government, corporate, mobile and wireless, education and digital lifestyle.

“Essentially we have developed a system that pays dividends to everyone involved. It is designed to alleviate bottlenecks, to make processes and procedures associated with product delivery and supply expedient and hassle-free, and to add value to the end consumer via the channel.”

“Our role is to ensure that customers emerge satisfied and empowered from their experience with Sahara,” he says.

Sahara Launches Enhanced Fetch And Repair Program

Sahara has launched a recently improved Fetch & Repair warranty program – the latest in a list of sales and service-focused initiatives that fall under the company’s extensive Get IT campaign.

PRLog (Press Release) – Mar 13, 2009 – The Sahara Fetch & Repair warranty program represents a change to the conventional customer relationship management process that involves a customer having to return a faulty product, as an example, to the point of purchase, which is then sent directly to Sahara.

The new program enables the customer to engage with the Sahara call centre to notify the company of the situation. A courier is then dispatched to collect the product and return it to Sahara after which a warranty fulfillment process is completed and the repaired/ replaced product returned to the customer. Gary Naidoo, deputy MD at Sahara, says that the warranty service option offers numerous benefits and will be of value to both dealers and end customers alike. “We have refined our warranty process and incorporated a strategically developed fetch and repair program. For the end customer it means that the product is picked up eliminating the need to incur transport costs, there is no third party and therefore a faster turnaround, and the product is being repaired at the company where there is a high level of expertise and resources available,” says Naidoo.

The advantage of the program for dealerships lies in the fact that no additional resources are required for the warranty, there is peace-of-mind that the customer is being looked after professionally and expediently by the vendor, and there can be a focus on sales to boost business adds Naidoo. “Essentially we have developed a system that pays dividends to everyone involved.

It is designed to alleviate bottlenecks, to make processes and procedures associated with product delivery and supply expedient and hassle-free, and to add value to the end consumer via the channel. Our role is to ensure that customers emerge satisfied and empowered from their experience with Sahara,” he continues. The Sahara Fetch & Repair warranty program emphasises the company’s ongoing focus on sales and service to leverage off opportunities within growing market segments.

These include government, corporate, mobile & wireless, education and digital lifestyle. This focus on sales and service is spearheaded through the recent launch of the Sahara Get IT campaign, underpinned by a number of special projects and initiatives aimed at creating awareness and generating business via the formal ICT distribution and supply channel. “We are immensely proud of the campaign which will see the roll out of technology awareness and sales-focused initiatives to several key markets areas.

This is a long term project that will result in value to resellers, vendors and the end user as the sector positions itself to meet challenges amid financial pressure on global economies,” Naidoo concludes. For more information click through to www.sahara.co.za or call (011) 542-1000

Sahara gets top marks for campus demo

Sahara Computers, global suppliers of information, communication and digital lifestyle infrastructure, unveiled the latest in available mobile and desktop technology to end users at the University of Johannesburg recently.

The event formed part of the first phase of the company’s comprehensive Get IT campaign trail which covers a series of product demonstrations, ongoing awareness of value-added services such as Service Camps, Fetch & Repair Warranty and Talk to Sahara Call Centre support, as well as interaction with end users within the education and retail sector.

The Sahara stand at the University featured an array of mobile and desktop solutions, along with information about services – such as Sahara Service Camps (where products can be brought to the company’s technical partners, Nerds on Site for free on-site advice and support) – that are designed to add value to the consumer.

Gary Naidoo, deputy MD at Sahara, was pleased at the overall response by students and personnel at the institution to the two-day event and believed it reinforced the idea, within the formal ICT supply Channel, that the consumer is far more tech-savvy than has been the case in the past.

“The University of Johannesburg was our first port of call in the campaign itinerary. We believe it was very successful in not only exposing our brand and the association we have with globally established vendor partners, but also in affording end users the opportunity to engage directly with those who are in the business of technology manufacture, distribution and support.
We want the future generation of technology users to have all the necessary information at their disposal in order to make wise investments, those that really benefit them and offer a solid return on the purchase,” says Naidoo.

Brian Mphilo and Terrence Lutere, both first year Civil Engineering students, visited the Sahara stand and were impressed with what they saw.

“This is great, really. Technology is very much a part of our lives and it is good to be able to speak to companies like Sahara directly about innovation and what it means to us,” said Mphilo.
“We are in the market for new solutions that will add value to what we do and help us with our work, so it is great that companies take the trouble to interact with us,” added Lutere.
Sahara, in association with its reseller Channel partners, will be visiting other institutions in the Gauteng region and will make details available upon confirmation.

For more information, click through to http://www.sahara.co.za/ or call (011)542-1000.

Sahara Tech Caravans to spread the word for end users

Sahara Computers is on the move. The company has launched a long-term technology promotion and awareness campaign, spearheaded by technology-focused mobile displays and service stations, aimed at empowering the end user. The initiative, called ‘Get IT’, exposes both the first time purchaser and seasoned user of technology to an array of new service features and benefits.

The Get IT campaign is a collaborative effort by Sahara in conjunction with its reseller and vendor partners to educate, inform and demonstrate the advantages of the latest in affordable, quality technology.

It is a phased project and strategic go-to-market initiative that will begin with a series of product and technology displays located at tertiary education institutions and retail outlets throughout Gauteng.

The purpose of the mobile product/solution awareness campaign is twofold: firstly to promote access to the latest technology at affordable prices and secondly to offer credible information that will help end-users make informed decisions about their investment.

The Get IT campaign umbrellas a number of value-added services that enhance the convenience and ease of use associated with strategic technology investment.

These services are designed to reinforce and streamline the company’s existing customer interaction, post-sales service and support structure. They include the Talk to Sahara Program, a Fetch & Repair Warranty Initiative, free Internet as well as complimentary bundled product – such as printers and educational software - that will present the user with the benefits of a complete solution.

In addition Sahara has organised a team of engineers who will visit different institutions during the Sahara Caravan initiative in order to roll out Sahara Service Camps for addressing all PC related issues. These support engineers provide on-the-spot solutions to these issues by addressing student queries. The Service Camps will also ensure that user PC infrastructure is up to date with the latest software patches.

“With our Talk to Sahara service, consumers of technology, initially within the education and retail space, have an opportunity to engage directly with the Sahara call centre to inquire critical aspects of solutions and related technology platforms and processes. We believe that this initiative will go a long way to not only further establish the Sahara brand, but also empower people with genuine information about the latest technology to help them select the right product or solution for the right reasons,” says Gary Naidoo, deputy MD, Sahara Computers.

“A range of products will be showcased around various themes including education, gaming and mobility. As a channel-focused company Sahara has brought in resellers to assist in marketing a number of special offers on selected products,” he continues.

Among the solutions and technology on display is Sahara notebooks based on Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology aimed at the mobile computing market, and Sahara desktops for multimedia applications and education.

Sahara’s Get IT campaign is an ongoing initiative and plans are underway to roll the project out for the benefit of users within other key market segments including government and corporate.

For more information, click through to http://www.sahara.co.za/ or call (011) 542-1000

Sahara gets top marks for campus demo

Sahara Computers, global suppliers of information, communication and digital lifestyle infrastructure, unveiled the latest in available mobile and desktop technology to end users at the University of Johannesburg recently.

The event formed part of the first phase of the company’s comprehensive Get IT campaign trail which covers a series of product demonstrations, ongoing awareness of value-added services such as Service Camps, Fetch & Repair Warranty and Talk to Sahara Call Centre support, as well as interaction with end users within the education and retail sector.

The Sahara stand at the University featured an array of mobile and desktop solutions, along with information about services – such as Sahara Service Camps (where products can be brought to the company’s technical partners, Nerds on Site for free on-site advice and support) – that are designed to add value to the consumer.

Gary Naidoo, deputy MD at Sahara, was pleased at the overall response by students and personnel at the institution to the two-day event and believed it reinforced the idea, within the formal ICT supply Channel, that the consumer is far more tech-savvy than has been the case in the past.

“The University of Johannesburg was our first port of call in the campaign itinerary. We believe it was very successful in not only exposing our brand and the association we have with globally established vendor partners, but also in affording end users the opportunity to engage directly with those who are in the business of technology manufacture, distribution and support. We want the future generation of technology users to have all the necessary information at their disposal in order to make wise investments, those that really benefit them and offer a solid return on the purchase,” says Naidoo.

Brian Mphilo and Terrence Lutere, both first year Civil Engineering students, visited the Sahara stand and were impressed with what they saw.

“This is great, really. Technology is very much a part of our lives and it is good to be able to speak to companies like Sahara directly about innovation and what it means to us,” said Mphilo.

“We are in the market for new solutions that will add value to what we do and help us with our work, so it is great that companies take the trouble to interact with us,” added Lutere.

Sahara, in association with its reseller Channel partners, will be visiting other institutions in the Gauteng region and will make details available upon confirmation.
For more information, click through to www.sahara.co.za or call (011)542-1000.

Technology Show kicks off today at University of Johannesburg

Be sure to join Sahara today at the University of Johannesburg we will be in front of the SRC office. From 9 until 4 See you there.

Sahara bolsters the Channel with Get IT campaign

Sahara bolsters the Channel with Get IT campaign
Sahara Computers has launched Get IT, a multi-feature promotion campaign designed to boost trade within the ICT Channel, help resellers engage with fresh market segments and add value to customers.

The Get IT program offers up a number of firsts and several incentives including the Talk to Sahara Call Centre Support initiative, the Fetch & Repair Warranty Program and Reseller Sales Incentive Program called the ‘Get IT Relaxed’ scheme. This comprehensive business-building plan is designed to help drive awareness of the Sahara brand, increase sales volumes and also encourage higher levels of general appreciation for technology in the market. “This is a comprehensive, business-development focused project that has a number of short-term and long-term benefits aimed at strengthening the Channel. Sahara has taken a proactive approach to helping to drive business forward for our customers and partners,” explains Gary Naidoo, deputy MD at Sahara.

One of the first steps in the phased Get IT campaign is the strategic placement and influence of Sahara regional representatives. These brand champions will work closely with resellers in specific regions and areas that are outside of major city or metropolitan areas. “Our regional brand champions are fully trained and equipped to offer on-the-spot advice, information about product and the latest technology. They have experience in engaging with current and emerging markets and will certainly add value to the business process and technology procurement for our Channel partners in these areas,” adds Naidoo. Naidoo has confirmed that the Get IT campaign also features a Fetch & Repair Program that will reinforce the current service and repair structure with the introduction of a call centre service. “In the past the customer would have to negotiate and engage with each party in the Channel in order to sort out an issue or acquire any level of post-service and support. With our Fetch & Repair program we have effectively added a new dimension in the form of the call centre and service delivery component.

This means the reseller can focus on its business and the customer has the peace of mind of knowing that their situation is being effectively addressed,” Naidoo continues. In line with its focus on building business within the Channel and reinforcing existing levels of service and support, Sahara has also introduced a reseller incentive program called ‘Get IT Relaxed’. According to the terms and conditions of the two-month programme resellers that make specific pre-defined targets by securing points on product sold automatically qualify for prizes. These prizes include trips to Mauritius and Victoria Falls. Product inclusive and covered by the programme range from Sahara’s new notebook based on Intel’s latest Montevina Platform, desktop solutions as well as digital lifestyle solutions such as widescreen LCD monitors. “This is a points-based program that rewards resellers for business generated on Sahara product. Each product has a specific point allocation and sales equates to points. These are calculated over a specific time frame and the reseller will be in line to receive the reward,” Naidoo explains. The Get IT campaign is a platform through which Sahara will engage directly with the market.

Naidoo confirms that resellers represent a very key element of this large-scale project and the overall objective is to add value to the end user by strengthening existing service-orientated processes and procedures within the Channel. “Our role as distributor and Channel-focused supplier is to assist our reseller base to grow business. Get IT is a sizeable, very exciting effort that will allow resellers and channel partners to interact with their existing markets and also gain a foothold into new and emerging segments of the broader market. It is a valuable opportunity to discuss trends, innovation, impact of technology and advances in computing and mobility, all of which continue to shape the local information, communication and digital lifestyle sector,” Naidoo concludes. For more information, click through to www.sahara.co.za or call (011)542-1000.

Sahara Live At University

Technology could provide a buffer against the economic downturn

To sustain a market position and compete effectively, companies must establish a leadership position in technology adoption and usage to enable greater productivity, particularly given the current global economic downturn, says global information and communication technology (ICT) supplier Sahara deputy MD Gary Naidoo.

The ICT sector has felt the pinch of the current market conditions, but this sector, says Naidoo, is the driver of growth in any business and will take on a greater responsibility by assisting companies strategise and reduce costs during this period.

"Information technology (IT) is a definite requirement for any medium-to-large enterprise that will provide corporate governance, best practice, profitability and sustainability," he says.
He says that ICT distributors, vendors and suppliers must focus on how to accommodate customers within their new budgets, by marketing not only products, but also solutions that will fulfil the requirements of the end-user. He adds that service and maintenance, which is a growing trend in this sector, is crucial for ICT companies if they are to survive and compete profitably in the market.

This sector, he says, has experienced a decline in sales, especially in desktop personal computers, where growth is generally driven by the business sector.
Meanwhile, Sahara says that it is confident about its position in the sector, and is approaching the current market conditions "aggressively". The company is targeting alternative markets and opportunities for this year and aims to increase its engagements with customers.
The company is rolling out a road show this month, in collaboration with different partners, and will target schools, universities, government and the corporate sector. Not only is it a branding campaign, but a mechanism through which Sahara aims to educate the end-user on IT.
"The ICT sector has a responsibility to ensure that more end-users are educated, as this is a challenge that our industry must collectively deal with," says Naidoo.

Naidoo points out that Sahara has experienced a strong growth rate and that the company is expecting to increase its revenue for the first quarter of 2009 compared with the same period last year.

By: Brindaveni Naidoo
20th February 2009

Talk to Sahara for direct, hassle-free support

[Johannesburg, 18 February 2009] - In the current economic climate, consumers of technology rely heavily on resellers, distributors and vendors to each play a role in helping them to extract maximum benefit from economically sound and wise investments.This is the view of Gary Naidoo, deputy MD of Sahara, who, as representative of management of the company, proudly introduces Talk to Sahara direct-to-consumer support service.

The initiative, already in operation at Sahara Computers, is a premier after-sales support service implemented to directly assist local consumers by offering direct, hassle-free access to comprehensive helpdesk services and reinforce the company's high levels of customer support.Talk to Sahara is designed as a free call-back service, which is accessible nationally and assists customers with queries about a wide range of products. Sahara is an established supplier of mobile and wireless, digital lifestyle and information communication technology - its core target markets include government, corporate and education.To engage the Talk to Sahara service involves an expedient two-step process to address any query. After logging on to the official Web site of Sahara Computers (http://www.sahara.co.za/), one simply clicks onto the relevant link (Talk to Sahara) and then type in contact information - a number, including dialing code and a name - then click on the Call button.

A customer can expect a response to his/her query in less than thirty seconds. This online direct support is available from Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm.The call centre staff are fully trained for support and service pertaining to Sahara products.Talk to Sahara falls under the umbrella of Sahara's ongoing proactive technology awareness campaign called Get IT, and is designed to scale up the existing after-sales support structure within the company.

It is an extension of the company's overall objective and strategy to consistently reinforce the sales and services component of its operation."Our positioning with after-sales support services has been very proactive and successful to date. The launch of this service simply reinforces our depth, speed and value in the form of direct access and response, which saves the consumer a great deal of time and effort to have dealt with quickly and effectively," explains Gary Naidoo, deputy MD at Sahara."The core message we would like to get out to the public is that technology is a critical element of our modern lifestyle. Consumers want the peace of mind that their investment will add value – and, if there are questions or queries – that they do have an available channel through which to engage experts and gain immediate response, advice and answers."For more information, click through to http://www.sahara.co.za/ or call (011)542-1000.