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