Offers 750GB of high-performance storage, for capacity hungry systems

7 September 2011

Distributor Drive Control Corporation has recently introduced Western Digital's WD Scorpio Black 750 GB, 7200 RPM 2.5-inch SATA hard drive for high-performance notebook computers and portable storage devices.

One of the fastest hard drives on the market, WD Scorpio Black drives, combine class-leading 7200 RPM spin speed and 16 MB cache to deliver maximum notebook performance. Now available in capacities of up to 750 GB, the WD Scorpio Black hard drives provide creative professionals, gamers and PC enthusiasts with additional capacity they need to get their job done. Using Advanced Format (AF) technology, the WD Scorpio Black 750 GB hard drives also incorporate a variety of data-protection features to actively monitor and protect valuable data.

Says Robert Smyth, WD product specialist at DCC, "As digital content proliferates, hard drives are having to store more without compromising performance. The latest WD Scorpio Black hard drive for notebooks is meeting this demand and with its 16MB of cache memory, is uncompromising when it comes to speed."

"Our most demanding customers have come to expect 'no compromises' from our all of our Black series products," explains Matt Rutledge, vice president of product marketing for WD. "The new WD Scorpio Black drive does not disappoint, providing users of portable devices the necessary speed, significant storage and efficient power management needed to enjoy their favourite HD content, high resolution images, powerful office applications or gaming at home, in the office or on the road."

The WD Scorpio Black 750 GB internal hard drive is available at selected retail outlets with a recommended retail price of R 900.00 inclusive of V.A.T.

Value for money - precision and perfection, the new Dell Vostro 1540 laptop, now available from DCC

 13 September 2011

Efficient, fast and durable. The new Vostro 1540 is designed to deliver superior performance, keeping you and your business on a winning path. With features such as vivid graphics, great speed and mobility this laptop delivers in all areas and is one of the best laptops in its range.

"The Dell Vostro 1540's performance is definitely a key feature in comparison with  its predecessor, the Dell Vostro 1015. Its robust quality, design and high quality finish are also key features," says Nitesh Devanand, Dell Consumer Product Specialist at DCC.

Perfect for everyday business, the Vostro 1540 boasts pure precision and speed to get work done efficiently and effectively with Intel iCore Processors and Windows 7 Professional. With features such as an Intel HD graphics 3000 card and crystal clear clarity with the High Definition (HD) Wide LED Anti-Glare Display, presentations are pleasing to the eye.  The 1.3MP webcam and built in microphone makes video conferencing a cinch, enhancing your communication with clients. Enjoy the ability to connect virtually anywhere with built-in WiFi and optional Bluetooth 3.0.

"This notebook is ideal for the business user that needs to complete their daily tasks quickly, manage e-mails and create a variety of spreadsheets and word documents," Devanand adds.

Powerful but still elegantly designed the Vostro 1540 is available in stately London Slate Grey with a solid hinge design and anti-fingerprint cover for a top-class quality finish. The spacious touchpad and chiclet keyboard is perfect for typing and is both comfortable and ultra convenient.

Being connected is essential to all businesses and with the Vostro 1540 connectivity is a breeze with three USB ports plus HDMI & VGA ports, giving you the ability to connect to various external devices such as hard drives, printers and USB flash drives.

"This notebook is a winner for business users and delivers remarkable value for money," Devanand adds.

The Dell Vostro 1540 is distributed by DCC and is available through resellers and various retail outlets.  The recommended retail price is R5999.00 including V.A.T. 

Press Release: Robust, revolutionary - enhanced speed and specs, the new Dell Vostro 3350, now available from DCC

21 September 2011

Distributor Drive Control Corporation (DCC) has recently introduced the new Dell Vostro 3350 notebook, packed with remarkable speed, power and enhanced performance. The Dell Vostro 3350 is the perfect companion, providing the business power user with a notebook that can keep up with their fast and demanding pace.

The performance of this notebook is enhanced with DDR3 memory, and the latest Intel processing power, the Intel Core i5 processor and an upgrade to Windows 7 Professional Operating System. Specifically designed to cater to a business users needs, the Dell Vostro 3350 notebook delivers a wide range of features that make it a perfect match.

Says Nitesh Devanand, Dell Consumer Product Specialist at DCC, "The Dell Vostro 3350 is more than impressive processing power. It also features 4GB RAM and a hard drive that stores 500GB of data.  And as many business users are mobile users too, the added 3G embedded slot makes connectivity simple and unobtrusive.  Downloading email, accessing the corporate server and communicating via social networking sites is easy."

Time is crucial in any business and the Dell Vostro 3350 includes two USB

3.0 ports enabling data transfers of up to ten times the speed of USB 2.0.

The Dell Vostro 3350 also comes with Bluetooth 3.0, letting you transfer at up to 24 Mbps thus giving you the ability to move large files in just a few seconds.

Communicate wherever you are with the Dell Vostro 3350's built-in HD webcam, digital array microphones to omit background noise, preinstalled Skype and SRS Premium Voice Pro software for a distinct and clear voice and video communication solution.

Working day or night is not a problem with the optional backlit keyboard, but still having the added benefit of an extended battery life up to twelve hours and an optional 9 cell battery.

The Dell Vostro 3350 notebook is a business user's most practical asset, providing great specifications that deliver performance and functionality.

Coupled with a 3 year guarantee, the Dell Vostro 3350 is truly in a league of its own.

The Dell Vostro 3350 is available at all major retailers at the recommended retail price of R9, 999.00 inclusive of V.A.T.

Press release: DCC and Targus deliver a new range of products to protect the iPad

6 October 2011

The era of mobility is upon us and technology is spawning more and more devices that keep us connected, working and entertained while on the move.

An example is the current tablet PC 'boom' that is taking the world by storm. One such brand that is making its mark is the Apple iPad. Before users got used to the iPad 1, the iPad 2 had been launched and we are expecting the next iteration in April 2012.

For these enthusiasts, there is nothing more frustrating than having to contend with scratches on their iPad. Many users have realised the necessity to protect this ever important asset - whether using their iPad for e-mailing, watching movies or browsing the Internet - but are overwhelmed with the choice of accessories, skins, sleeves, cases, covers and brands best suited for their iPad.

"The Targus range of products offer protection for ease, as we see many people identify their iPad as an investment and an everyday tool," says Heinrich Pretorius, Targus Product Specialist at distributors Drive Control Corporation (DCC). "Protecting your iPad is vital as it gives your iPad a longer lifespan, so whether you purchase a case, sleeve or slipcase, the Targus range will suit your lifestyle. The skin is so unobtrusive, that you could even slip it into your laptop case for added protection."

The Targus brand is synonymous with simple and stylish, yet functional products.  DCC stocks a range of products specifically designed for the Apple iPad.  These include the Targus Vuscape Protective Cover and Stand, Targus Z-Case, Targus Screen Protector and finally the Targus A7 Sleeve.

Targus Vuscape Protective Cover and Stand

The Targus Vuscape Protective Cover and Stand is an ultra-thin and lightweight case with the added benefit of multi-viewing. This allows you to view the iPad at three angles, with the lowest angle giving you the ideal space to type. The Vuscape is designed in the similar mould of a portfolio case, which makes portability a breeze.  The exterior of the case is a hard shell providing sturdy protection, while the interior is made from soft 'suede' protecting your iPad from scratches. The Vuscape simply flips open and props up, so it allows you instant access to your iPad - always ready and operational.

Targus Z-case

The Targus Z-case is made with one thought, simplicity.  The Z-case is easy to use and offers the touch of regal. The Z-case exterior is similar to that of the Vuscape and is made from a hard shell for protection.  It also features a plush scratch resistant interior to protect the iPad screen from nicks and scratches. A secure magnetic strip is used to open and close the Z-case. Simply open the two-phased cover and zoom onto the web, knowing that your iPad is protected.

Targus Screen Protector The Targus Screen Protector not only protects your iPad from scratches, but also reduces the amount of fingerprints or smudges that appear on your screen. This clear plastic layer was designed with a specifically formulated adhesive, which leaves no residue and takes nothing away from your iPad.  It simply offers better visibility of the screen.  No solution is required to apply the Screen Protector, leaving you free of bubbles when placing the protection on your iPad.

Targus A7 Sleeve

The Targus A7 Sleeve is the quirky yet serious design of the Targus range.

The A7 protects your iPad not only from scratches and dust, but is also weather resistant, come rain or snow. The A7 is made from state of the art material, using a tri-cell cushion system; the exterior is made from neoprene which offers durability while the interior is heavily padded offering shock resistance and is quilted, providing ventilation.

Says Magdalena Britz (Max), National Sales and Development Manager at CSD Targus Distribution: "Targus develops products that are reputable globally, whereby quality and warranty are CSD Targus Distribution's priority.

Fulfilling the end users' requirement and product satisfaction in getting their money's worth is key for us, for it has become a business necessity tool, rather than a nice to have and the range for iPads is no different.

The product is developed to ensure maximum protection and enhances the user experience.  Although the products are unique and feature a variety of designs, they offer one distinct feature and that is to ensure that your iPad is protected at all times." 

 New WD TV Live Delivers Premium Entertainment Experience with Quality Internet Services and Personal Videos, Photos and Music Streaming Wirelessly to your TV

07 October 2011

Western Digital, the world’s leader in external storage solutions and maker of the popular WD TV media player family, today introduced the next generation of its WD TV Live streaming media player, an easy to use Wi-Fi enabled media player. The new streaming media player easily connects to the Internet wirelessly or through an Ethernet connection, with the high performance 802.11n wireless connectivity supporting even the most demanding high definition video applications.

WD TV Live features WD’s newest intuitive user interface that delivers quality Internet content from video services to Internet radio and social networking from companies like YouTube, Facebook, Picassa Web Albums and TuneIn Radio, directly to your TV in Full-HD 1080p resolution. WD TV Live also includes Fun Spot Games, a casual gaming service that offers everything from arcade and card games to puzzles, strategy and quizzes, including Sudoku, Black Jack and Poker. Adding to the WD TV family’s current content offerings, WD TV Live will now include the Dailymotion video service. The new service offers quality video content from users, independent content creators and premium partners, including high-quality and HD video. 

In addition to premium Internet content, WD TV Live allows users to enjoy personal media such as photos, video and music on their home entertainment systems by supporting a wide range of file formats for streaming content from any connected USB drive like the WD My Passport  and My Book product families, digital camcorder or camera, network drive such as the My Book Live personal cloud storage, and any networked PC or Mac computer in the home.

“WD is committed to providing our customers with a premium entertainment experience that includes seamless streaming of personal media and the best of the Internet directly to the highest quality screen and sound system in the home,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager for WD’s Branded Products and Consumer Electronics groups. “By marrying advanced features of the new wireless WD TV Live with quality content from service providers, we are excited to deliver on that commitment.”

Availability

The new WD TV Live streaming media player can be purchased at select retailers worldwide and online at wdstore.com

About WD

WD, one of the storage industry's pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company designs and produces reliable, high-performance hard drives and solid state drives that keep users' data accessible and secure from loss. Its advanced technologies are configured into applications for client and enterprise computing, embedded systems and consumer electronics, as well as its own consumer storage and home entertainment products.

WD was founded in 1970. The company's storage products are marketed to leading OEMs, systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital® and WD brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company's website (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.

3 November 2011

Media enthusiasts, including gamers perpetually seek super-charged PCs that feature the powerful combination of high-speed processing and graphics that impress.  Dell's XPS 8300 delivers all of this, making it the ideal partner for entertainment gurus and gamers that immerse themselves in their favourite movies, games, music and much more. With the availability of Intel's Core i7 processor option, Dell's XPS 8300is designed to give you the best performance in its class. Digital media creating (video editing, encoding, image rendering, audio production and real-time preview) is quicker and faster than ever before.

The new Dell XPS 8300 offers uncompromising quality and powerful performance

with:

.               Up to 16GB DDR3 memory

.               Up to 4TB storage dual drives

.               Optional USB  3.0 SUPPORT

.               460W power supply

Says Nitesh Devanand, Dell Consumer Product Specialist at DCC, "This desktop is perfect for any multimedia task, there is nothing you can't do on this desktop it has endless capabilities and this is the new generation of the 8300. It features an improved processor, bigger hard drive and of course high-end graphics making it ideal for users who need extreme power and easy accessibility."

With the integrated 7.1 THX TruStudiosound is truly amazing providing a heightened experience with every explosion and every whispered noise. This PC is designed to bring the stellar audio that is really only experienced in live theatrical and musical productions.

Not only does the Dell XPS 8300 provide outstanding proven power but it is also distinctly stylish with its tilt-back design and top-recessed tray that is both appealing to the eye and provides easy accessibility to a multitude of ports making it perfect for charging a variety of electronic portable gadgets. Featuring a modern yet sophisticated look with a black bezel and white sides, the XPS 8300 is a PC that you will not want under your desk but rather show off on top of your desk.

Dell Stage software delivers easy navigation of the Operating System (OS) and provides ease of access to all your favourite movies, games, photos and videos with only a mouse click away. Create photo slides, read online e-books and listen to a variety of music all from the convenience of the stage. Download your favourite applications, share your photos on Facebook and Flickr options within PhotoStage.

Dell's XPS 8300 Multimedia Desktop is available at all major retailers at the recommended retail price of R11, 999.00 inclusive of V.A.T.

9 November 2011

Distributor Drive Control Corporation (DCC) has recently unveiled the newly revamped HP 630 and 635 notebooks. This new range is ideal for students, cost conscious consumers and small businesses, providing mobility and enhancing productivity right out of the box with preloaded Microsoft Office

2010 Starter Edition on both models.

The HP 630 and 635 Notebooks are easy on the eye with their smooth matte surface in an understated pewter colour, providing an elegant yet high-class look and feel. The HP 630 is powered by Intel's Core i3-370M processor and the HP 635 is powered by AMD's Dual-Core E-450 processor, ensuring that these notebooks can perform multiple tasks quickly and easily. With the energy efficient 15.6 inch diagonal LED backlit display, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, working from home or your favourite hotspot is easy and hassle free.

Says Deon Botha HP PSG Business Unit Manager at Drive Control Corporation "The HP 635 and HP 600 series notebooks are perfect for cost conscious buyers that don't want to sacrifice functionality.  In addition, these notebooks are ideal for communication with its built in webcam, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.  Connecting with other devices such as your Smartphone or making Skype calls to friends and family is as simple as a touch of a button."

The HP 635 notebook comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows 7 Basic Operating System (OS) making it perfect for the home user to surf the web and perform various online tasks.  The HP 630 Core i3 model comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows 7 Pro OS making it perfect for small business computing generally requiring advanced networking features included in windows 7 Pro.

Botha adds, "Many users find themselves in the situation where they have purchased a notebook with 'feature bloat' technology where extras that you won't necessarily use inflate the price of the product. The HP 635 and HP

630 range offers the essential mix of features to enable usability while still staying within budget without comprising essential functionality."

Not only do the HP 630 and 635 notebooks both provide performance but they also deliver an edge for entertainment enthusiasts with its stereo Altec Lansing speakers delivering an extraordinary listening experience. Further extending the entertainment value are multimedia control features on the keyboard giving you the ability to play, forward and rewind audio and video files easily.

Experience truly remarkable high-definition (HD), with the HDMI port that lets you connect directly to any high-definition display. With the Fast Charge feature, recharging your battery is super fast and simple, taking just 90 minutes to recharge the primary battery up to 90% when you notebook is off.

Both the HP 635 and 630 models feature 2GB of DDR3 Ram and 320GB hard drives with optional warranty upgrades to enable onsite warranty response.

The HP 635 and 630 notebooks are available at all HP resellers and major retailers at the recommended retail price of R4, 699.00 and R 7099.00 inclusive of V.A.T. respectively.

 13 December 2011

Tilt, pivot, swivel, adjust your viewing height or even change your screen display from landscape to portrait quickly and easily. Get customisable large screen viewing with the innovative new Philips 241P3 24-inch LED monitor, available from distributor Drive Control Corporation (DCC).

This large, eco-friendly professional monitor features an ergonomic base with built in stereo audio and an onboard USB port for added value. It delivers brilliant full high definition (FHD) display with a super high contrast ratio and superior colour reproduction thanks to consistent brightness across the screen.

"This product has been designed with the professional user in mind. The height adjustable base allows for 130mm of vertical movement, and the screen angle can be pivoted on both the x and y axis to achieve the ideal individual viewing angle. With the 90 degree screen rotation the display can also be switched to portrait should this be required, and a host of added features enhance the user experience," says Tyrone Young, Country Manager, Philips Monitors.

SmartImage technology analyses the content displayed on your screen and gives you optimised display performance. At the touch of a button, you can dynamically adjust the contrast, colour saturation and sharpness of images and videos for ultimate display performance. The Economy mode option offers superior power saving capabilities, with running consumption as low as 12 watts.

Stylish, intelligent touch controls respond to your lightest touch to adjust monitor settings, and the on-board USB port allows you to conveniently connect your plug and play multimedia devices such as USB memory devices, cameras, portable hard drives, webcams and printers. Dual VGA and DVI connectivity allows dual screen display to be set up in a matter of seconds.

"The Philips 241P3 addresses an underserved market segment. The majority of today's large screen LED displays have a fixed base, and are aimed at the consumer market. This monitor offers the ergonomic features desired by the professional user with value adds such as built in speakers and a USB port and all of the environmental, power saving and viewing benefits of an LED screen," says Bruce Byrne, Visual Communications Specialist at DCC.

The Philips 241P3 is EPEAT Gold and Energy Star 5 rated, mercury, halogen and lead free and ships in 100% recyclable packaging to minimise carbon footprint. It is available immediately from DCC's resellers. 

Johannesburg, South Africa – 15 September  2011

iLAB, South Africa’s leading software testing company, has received a level 3 Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Level. “Black economic empowerment is something real at iLAB.

BEE is not about window dressing. It’s about empowering others through these important initiatives and adding true value to our business. It is through BEE and other actions that we are able to truly build a stronger South Africa”, says iLAB Director, Jethro Lloyd.

For customers, the new rating means that they can improve their own BEE rating by doing business with iLAB – a company that is committed to the principles of broad-based black economic empowerment. “We are constantly looking at ways of improving our rating”, adds Lloyd.

He says, “Our newest rating is a true reflection of our on-going commitment to sustainable empowerment across all the elements of the BEE rating system – including management, transformation, preferential procurement, CSI and skills development”.

This announcement follows the acquisition of software testing company Test and Data Services and the remaining 50% of iLAB LLC .

About iLAB (www.ilabquality.com)

iLAB specialises in Software Quality Assurance services, providing global solutions to its customers. It offers a comprehensive and integrated service portfolio. iLAB’s solutions are provided through their best-of-breed methodologies and tools supported by their international skills base and proven competencies. iLAB has offices in South Africa, USA, UK and Australia - and leverage on their holding company EPI-USE which has offices in over 20 territories.

Johannesburg, South Africa – 15 September 2011

iLAB, South Africa’s largest software testing company, has acquired the remaining 50% stake in the Indiana-based iLAB LLC from business partner WDD Inc. The two companies joined forces in early 2010, when they jointly setup iLAB LLC in Indiana. The success of the partnership resulted in iLAB acquiring WDD Inc.’s 50% stake in the Indiana-based company, in 2011.

WDD Inc. initially recognised that software development and software testing were almost identical disciplines, and established Mobius Labs to provide technology-focused services in the software quality assurance arena. WDD Inc. lacked IP and expertise, and as a result a relationship with iLAB was formed by creating a new company, iLAB LLC, and rolling the Mobius Labs entity into the new company. This not only added value to iLAB LLC through iLAB’s IP, but also through their unique contribution of South African expertise, set iLAB LLC ahead of its competitors.  “It was a partnership perfectly suited for iLAB LLC”, says iLAB Director, Jethro Lloyd, “because of our unique and invaluable experience, and our proven track-record in performance and automated testing.”

However, iLAB felt they needed more independence, and it was decided to acquire the outstanding 50% of the company from WDD Inc. 

 “It’s a perfect example of a South Africa company expanding and taking its business globally.” Lloyd says. “We have a flawless record of securing business in our chosen markets by bringing new and high-end solutions to clients. The acquisition of the remaining stake in iLAB LLC, with its outstanding team, adds an additional element to our business and endorses our commitment to being the leader in software testing.  It means we can move forward with our plans to continue our mission of delivering the most advanced solutions to mainstream markets.”

This deal follows hot on the heels of iLAB’s acquisition of Test and Data Services (TDS) in March this year.

iLAB LLC Managing Director, Gary Bailey, welcomes the deal. He says, “We have had a successful and mutually beneficial relationship for some 18 months. The two organisations were a force to be reckoned with, when coupled together. This acquisition was a natural progression”.

With its acquisitions, its fired-up determination and smart strategies, iLAB has significantly increased its market share in Indianapolis and on both East and West coasts of the USA. Lloyd concludes, “We’ve grown immensely in terms of our client base, especially in the short term”.

iLAB has reached a level of maturity in its South African operation, and will continue to review acquisitions for global expansion. The Johannesburg-based organisation already has a presence in the United States, the UK and Australia.

About iLAB (www.ilabquality.com)

iLAB specialises in Software Quality Assurance services, providing global solutions to its customers. It offers a comprehensive and integrated service portfolio. iLAB’s solutions are provided through their best-of-breed methodologies and tools supported by their international skills base and proven competencies. iLAB has offices in South Africa, USA, UK and Australia - and leverage on their holding company EPI-USE which has offices in over 20 territories.

 24 October 2011

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is tasked with financing, improving, managing and maintaining the national road network in South Africa. This mandate requires the use of extensive databases in order to store and provide access to the relevant data at all times, and when the company relocated its office from Hatfield to Val De Grace in Pretoria, they called on RDB Consulting to assist.

The relocation of the office also meant relocating the entire existing IT infrastructure to the new premises, including an extensive centralised Oracle database containing all of SANRAL's technical data. RDB Consulting assisted by ensuring that the database was shut down correctly and that offline backups were conducted for the entire system. Once everything was moved to the new location and all operations were started up, RDB Consulting verified that the database was still operational and had not experienced any issues as a result of the move.

Aside from assisting SANRAL with the relocation of their IT infrastructure, RDB Consulting has been providing the company with level two and three Oracle database support since 2009, ensuring the health and continuous uptime of the database and delivering the required skills on demand to address any problems that may occur.

"When our in-house database administrator emigrated, we took the decision to outsource these services and began to look for an organisation that specialised in Oracle database support. We selected RDB Consulting through a request for proposal process based on the sound reputation of the company, cost-efficient pricing, their impressive existing client base and the extensive pool of skills available within the organisation. With RDB Consulting we have access not just to one person, but to a whole team of specialists who can support our database," says Louw Kannemeyer, Road Network Manager at SANRAL.

"SANRAL uses an outsourced model for all level two and three IT support and RDB Consulting fills this role for our Oracle database. The workload simply does not justify having a full time in-house employee on board, and when employees leave the company we have to embark on the long process of procuring another resource. We are a small organisation in terms of headcount, and outsourcing our Oracle database to RDB Consulting enables us to access specialised and often scarce skills as and when we need them, without having to deal with the risk of employee churn," he adds.

The Oracle database is a crucial aspect of SANRAL's business, and if this database goes down the organisation will not be able to access any of their technical data, including traffic information. This has an impact on the strategic decision making of the organisation, so uptime of the database is vital. Using RDB Consulting's services provides SANRAL with peace of mind with its Oracle environment and administration of the database as there is always a high level resource available to maintain the health of the database.

"The main benefit for us with an outsourced model is that RDB Consulting works with other clients' database environments, especially Oracle, and their resources have gained a wealth of experience in this niche field. This allows them to identify issues quickly and resolve them before they impact uptime. By the time we experience a similar problem, the consultant has often already discovered the solution. This helps us to resolve issues quickly and gives us the surety that all of RDB Consulting's resources are highly skilled and experienced because they have been exposed to a variety of different environments," Kannemeyer says. 

Using outsourced services from RDB Consulting gives SANRAL the ability to access resources and skills on tap, pulling in more resources when demand is high and then tapering these services off when the workload decreases. This model is ideal for the project based environment at SANRAL as it enables the company to effectively manage supply and demand and make more efficient use of available skills.

"Our services to SANRAL are conducted on an ongoing basis, and we are working with them continuously to ensure that their Oracle systems are optimised for better performance on their servers," Gerrit-Jan Albers, Service Delivery Manager at RDB Consulting, concludes.

About RDB Consulting

Established in 1995, RDB Consulting is an outsource and consulting company that specialises in four areas: Relational databases, Operating Systems, Monitoring and Enterprise Resource Planning. The organisation also offers project management, solutions architecture, on-going maintenance and support. Our services are designed to provide businesses access to expert technical resources whether full time, part time, co-managed or via remote administration. This allows companies to focus on their 'core' business and leave their ICT issues to the experts.

 18 November 2011

Financial reporting has long been a vital part of any business, and on-time, accurate results are of the utmost importance. This highly pressurised, deadline driven environment has always been a pain point for financial executives, and it has only become more complicated over the years, with annual reports and board books compounded by statutory and regulatory reports, and recently the need to conduct sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting as well.

This 'last mile' of reporting has traditionally been dominated by manual processes, tight deadlines and stressful conditions, and has always been time consuming and inefficient. Reporting needs to integrate data from multiple sources, both structured and unstructured, from across the enterprise. This requires collaboration from a variety of contributors, who have different areas of responsibility, and access to different data. This process also requires reports to be built, edited, reviewed, approved and published, all using different manual processes.

The manual process and the variety of different parties involved, along with the number of iterations before final sign off such as Word and Excel files being shared via e-mail, last minute changes, lack of workflow control, lack of access control and lack of audit trail have all led to multiple challenges including inaccuracies as well as legal issues as there is no evidence of compliance.

Some of the problems that are experienced across all the different sectors include errors in data collection from multiple locations, a lack of accuracy resulting from re-keying similar information multiple reports, low productivity due to linear workflow with multiple bottlenecks, limited version control and integrity issues. These issues all present risk elements including error, fraud, incorrect interpretation, lack of enterprise interoperability, lack of accuracy and failure to comply with regulation, with the potential to cause financial loss, legal challenges, loss of stock value, loss of reputation, fines and penalties.

Added to this, the proliferation of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), which aims to provide a global standard for reporting, is fast gaining ground in South Africa. All companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) that are dual listed on an international exchange are expected to begin using XBRL already, and this requirement is only set to expand. And existing inefficiencies are only compounded by the need to start all over again from scratch for the next period.

Technology provides the means to not only improve efficiency and shorten reporting cycles, but also reduce risk and enable the vast data gained from reporting to be used for analysis, allowing for better future business operations.

Automated last mile reporting provides a single, secure platform to automate and enhance controls over all management, statutory and regulatory reports.

This helps organisations to resolve the difficulties they face when it comes to preparing and filing external as well as internal financial documents, by eliminating manual processes and supporting collaboration, validation, access, workflow and version control as well as meeting XBRL mandates from stock exchanges such as the JSE and regulators.

By aggregating and consolidating financial and non-financial data automatically and using intelligent software with integrated XBRL functionality, organisations gain access to a collaborative solution that delivers a single version of the truth, with a complete audit trail, version and workflow control, integrated business rules and compliance checking as well as editable variables in the text, which can deliver reports automatically in a variety of outputs, from Microsoft Word and PowerPoint to PDF and even formats specifically for the various stock exchange requirements.

This reduces risk across multiple areas: risk of error is reduced, through a single version of the truth resulting in finance managers responsible for accuracy spending less time reviewing or handling last minute changes and spending more time analysing the results; the risk of late filing is reduced, since the reports are generated automatically from the aggregated data and can therefore be reviewed far sooner; the risk of insider leaks is minimised because access can be strictly controlled; and the risk of non-compliance can be addressed by building in compliance checks and audit trails, which increase confidence in the final report.

Research shows that more efficient report building via automation reduces overtime cost and even printing cost with up to 50%.  The expected return on investment is between 3months to 1 year.

Integrated XBRL reporting has several advantages, allowing for the tagging of all numeric and textual data through standard XBRL tagging, reading and viewing, along with secure taxonomy storage, controlled user access and workflow, the ability to track taxonomy changes and create an audit trail, automatic XBRL update which enables tagged data to be automatically amended, and the ability to tag data once, which will then be automatically flowed to future periods, eliminating the need to start from scratch on each new report.

Automated last mile reporting prevents late submission and material errors in regulatory and statutory filings, prevents insider leaks and enhances weak internal controls and financial governance frameworks, reducing risk.

It eliminates manual data collection and consolidation as well as the need to re-key information, providing a secure environment for review and approval with automated error checking, reducing costs. It eliminates bottlenecks, complex time-consuming processes and manual updating of report data, which reduces the reporting cycle time. Finally, it offers enhanced consistency and integrity of reports, ensuring a single version of the truth and allowing for optimised analysis through intelligent, secure collaboration, improving business insight.

In addition to improving efficiency and reducing risk, automated last mile reporting ensures that companies will comply with some recommendations made by the new King III corporate governance code.  One such example in the code is that the audit committee should consider the use of technology to improve efficiency and audit coverage and that the CIO and ultimately the CFO should understand the impact that ICT has on finance and more importantly on risk.

With the reporting process only becoming more onerous as the years pass, and the need for accurate financial and non-financial data crucial to the success of the modern business, manual reporting has become an increasingly outdated model. By automating this process organisations can not only save time and money, they can improve efficiency, reduce risk and gain access to reports that deliver real business insights that enable better outcomes and smarter decision making ability. 

 Binary Tree’s E2E Complete 2.0 is the Smart, Fast and Simple Solution for Upgrading to Microsoft Exchange 2010 and Consolidating Exchange Systems

29 November 2011

Binary Tree, a provider of software solutions for migrating to Microsoft Exchange and SharePoint, recently announced the availability of E2E Complete which adds support for cross-forest (inter-organisation) Exchange migrations in addition to its existing capabilities for automating intra-organisation Exchange upgrades.

“E2E Complete now provides customers with a comprehensive Exchange migration solution that they can use to upgrade, consolidate, segregate, and migrate their Exchange Server environments,” states Val Vasquez, E2E Complete Product Manager for Binary Tree. “And since E2E Complete is licensed to individual mailboxes, customers can migrate these mailboxes between on-premises Exchange environments and Microsoft Office 365 as many times as they need to.”

E2E Complete is architected to use the latest Exchange Management Shell

(PowerShell) commands in the background to move mailboxes at speeds an order of magnitude faster than agent-based tools and provides true bi-directional synchronisation between Active Directory (AD) environments as well as public folder migration to support legacy Exchange 2003 environments. E2E Complete provides project managers and administrators with centralised management and reporting, automated user communications, and the ability to automatically build a schedule and forecast for the project based on a small migration sample, taken continuously.

Binary Tree’s E2E Complete software was recently named "the Best Exchange / Unified Communications Product" in the “2011 Best of Connections Awards” by Penton Media’s Windows IT Pro, SQL Server Magazine, DevProConnections and SharePoint Pro.

Says Chris Hathaway, Director at Soarsoft Africa and distributor of Binary Tree solutions, “This award is testimony to Binary Tree’s innovative solutions and pedigree as a dedicated migration company over the last 16 years.  Our recent distribution agreement with Binary Tree means that the local market now has access to these solutions and methodologies, that have been used for the largest and most complex migrations in the world, including sites with over 200 000 users.”

About Soarsoft Africa

Soarsoft Africa has specialised in Archive, Migration and Messaging services for over a decade, leveraging the experience gained from some of the largest and most complex implementations around the world to deliver cost effective and successful projects and solutions. Soarsoft Africa remains product independent, but supports and implements what it considers to be trusted and proven solutions to meet specific customer requirements.

Soarsoft Africa continues to evaluate its offerings to ensure they maintain market and technological leadership positions, so that clients are offered the very best advice when assessing products and solutions that will match their requirements.

Soarsoft Africa has offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town South Africa.

About Binary Tree

Binary Tree is a leading provider of software for migrating enterprise messaging users and applications to on-premises and cloud-based versions of the Microsoft platform. Since 1993, Binary Tree and its business partners have helped over 5,000 customers around the world to migrate more than

20,000,000 email users. Binary Tree’s suite of software provides solutions for migrating from Exchange 2003/2007 and Lotus Notes to on-premises and online versions of Exchange and SharePoint. Binary Tree is represented by business partners worldwide who provide specialized services and a proven methodology for guiding customers through complex transitions. Binary Tree is a Microsoft Gold ISV Partner, an IBM Premier Business Partner, and is Microsoft’s preferred vendor for migrating to Microsoft Office 365. Binary Tree is headquartered in the New York metropolitan area with international offices in London, Paris, Stockholm, Singapore, and Sydney. For more information, please visit us online at www.binarytree.com. 

05 December 2011

T-Systems in South Africa has been awarded with the international and sought-after DQS body of standards certification.  The umbrella accreditation is valid in over 60 countries and forms part of the global movement towards international ICT processes and management standardisation.

The DQS certification includes the:

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management System - Requirements); • ISO 20000 (Service Management System - Requirements); and • ISO 27001 (r Information Security Management System - Requirements).

This brings T-Systems’ number of certifications to five following the

ISO14001 (Environmental Management System - Requirements) and OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System - Requirements ) certifications obtained earlier this year. T-Systems is the only ICT company in SA to hold these five certifications

Comments Gert Schoonbee, VP Sales at T-Systems SA: “The DQS international certification is yet another step in our efforts to be a leading ICT outsourced provider. It underscores the ethos of our business which is to provide local expertise and insight built on internationally-recognised processes and practices.”

“Our customers in the various and diverse industries we serve such as automotive, healthcare and manufacturing can engage with us confidently, knowing that our services and implementations meet the highest international standards which in turn align their processes with those implemented globally. Locally we are on par now with our international counterpart.”

The ISO 20000-1 standard, like its BS 15000 predecessor, was originally developed to reflect best practice guidance contained within the ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework. It equally supports other IT Service Management frameworks and approaches such as certain components of ISACA's COBIT framework.

The ISO 9001:2008 specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organisation:

• Needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements; • Aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and

the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory    and

regulatory requirements.

ISO 27001 formally specifies a management system that is intended to bring information security under explicit management control. It is a formal specification means that it mandates specific requirements; therefore, organisations that have adopted t ISO 27001 can formally be audited and be certified to conform with this standard.

 21 November 2011

As cloud services have become more mainstream and abundant, and access to such services has become a simple matter of using a standards-compliant web browser, the concept of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) has begun to emerge within corporate networks. While this practice has in the past been more common in smaller businesses such as consultancies with fewer than 50 employees, advances in the cloud have made BYOD a more feasible concept in larger organisations and enterprises as well.

The BYOD policy allows employees the freedom to pick and choose their own computing equipment to use in a work environment, with the employer co-sponsoring the device or paying a percentage towards it. Thanks to advances in cloud computing, BYOD also enables a non-homogenous IT environment to be created, with a multitude of different brands and devices all sharing the same network environment through a web browser front end system. This means that it is no longer necessary for employees to have specific machines with specific software and specifications in order to access the network, so individual preference in terms of brand and specs now plays a role in corporate IT networks, which has several benefits but also increases the complexity of the IT environment.

Allowing employees more choice gives them a feeling of ownership and control, and also enables them to express their individuality. From an employee perspective, the ability to select a device they would like to use rather than being saddled with a corporate hand-me-down machine increases satisfaction, and the BYOD cloud concept also enables the integration of handheld devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs onto the corporate network without compromising security, mitigating risk while still catering to individual needs and desires.

For the employer, BYOD typically results in employees looking after their devices better, since they have some investment in the technology and will be more inclined to take better care than they would a piece of technology that was simply given to them. It is also in the interest of employees to extend the lifecycle of their technology, since this will mean that they are no longer using a portion of their salary to pay for the device. The cloud driven BYOD concept also enables a truly mobile workforce, since the web browser driven environment can be accessed from anywhere on any authorised login or machine, removing the traditional office boundaries and enabling workers to access the full corporate network resources no matter where they are in the world and enabling employees to work and complete tasks when they choose. These aspects of cloud computing and BYOD particularly appeal to 'Gen Y' employees, who prefer working with technology to solve problems and enjoy self-managed environments.

While there are multiple benefits to a non-homogenous IT environment, the BYOD model also brings with it complications, chief among them vastly increased complexity. In an enterprise where a hundred people each have their own individual device, and there are only five IT technicians tasked with keeping these machines running, there are bound to be problems. The IT support personnel cannot be expected to be thoroughly versed in the maintenance and upkeep of every single type of machine, and each different machine and model will have different drivers and tools that must be kept up to date. Support costs as a result will increase dramatically.

In order to curb the increased complexity of the BYOD environment, corporates are typically taking one of two routes. The first is to offer a limited selection of devices which employees can choose from and then allow access to personal devices such as tablets and smartphones, which is the most practical option in a very large enterprise environment. The second option, which is more appealing for smaller and medium sized organisations, is to place the onus for technical support in the hands of the owner of the device, in other words the employee.

This makes after sales service and support a key consideration for both businesses and employees when selecting their BYOD equipment. Without adequate business oriented support, when problems occur productivity can be severely affected, and delays in repairs and maintenance can end up costing valuable business time and money. Warranties should offer same day or next business day on site support and guaranteed service level agreements to ensure that issues are resolved timeously. Businesses should align themselves with vendors that provide consistently high levels of service with customer references and recommendations to show this, and should encourage employees to select devices from these vendors in order to minimise the potential negative consequences of BYOD models.

Aside from after sales service, another key consideration should be the range of accessories and additional equipment that is available to increase productivity on BYOD. Attachments such as docking stations, additional chargers, extended life battery packs and RAM upgrades can all help to improve productivity and enhance the user experience, and security devices such as Kensington Locks and slots ensure devices cannot easily be stolen, along with privacy filters which are ideal for environments where employees are working with sensitive or confidential information.

The BYOD model is ideally suited to today's employee, who demands greater choice and flexibility in all areas, including working on equipment such as computers and mobile devices. However, while this model offers many benefits both to employees and employers, there are pitfalls that need to be avoided.

Partnering with a reputable vendor that offers a full range of accessories as well as high levels of after sales service and support will enable organisations to take advantage of the benefits of BYOD while avoiding potential problems.

 29 November 2011

Viruses, malware, spyware and spam are all common terms in today's connected world, and most users who access the Internet using a PC, laptop or notebook would not dream of doing so without some sort of security solution.

Cybercrime has become the world's most profitable underworld 'business' and users are now aware of the need to protect themselves from falling victim to any number of threats.

However, the world has become increasingly mobile over time and technology has evolved so that cellphones have become smartphones, along with tablet PCs and other mobile devices allowing always on connectivity. While such devices have revolutionised the way we work and have grown exponentially in popularity in recent years, this also opens up new avenues for cybercriminals with malicious intent to exploit users.

In the cybercrime industry, as with any profitable business, the smart enterprise goes where the customers are. As more users migrate onto a variety of mobile platforms, from BlackBerry to Android, Windows Mobile, Apple Mobile OS and even tablet devices, cybercrime is increasingly targeting these platforms as methods for the perpetration of a variety of malware, including viruses, spam and spyware, all with the express purpose of making money.

Users are now vulnerable to viruses that can shut down their smartphones; identity theft as a result of spyware and the entire gamut of threats that were once the exclusive realm of computers. As a result, mobile security is becoming increasingly important for users to protect themselves from falling victim to malicious activity.

Aside from the threat of malware, the increasing trend towards mobility along with tools such as push email functionality also means that more and more personal and business information is now stored on highly portable devices. The greater the levels of portability, the greater probability that the device, and the information it holds, may be lost or stolen. Having personal and business critical information falling into the wrong hands is undesirable for obvious reasons, and the ability to remotely wipe the device in the event of it being misplaced is another strong reason as to why mobile security is so important in today's world.

When looking for a mobile security solution to protect devices such as smartphones and tablets from malware and to ensure personal information does not fall into the wrong hands, there are several features to look out for, which take care of security in the event of loss or theft and also help to prevent malware attacks from causing problems on the device and prevents cross-infection of other devices.

Remote locking capability is one crucial feature, which lets you remotely disable a lost or stolen phone to prevent strangers from accessing private information.  It also prevents thieves from actually using the device, so that they cannot run up large phone bills at your expense. This, combined with SIM card locking capability, which instantly locks your phone if its SIM card is removed so thieves cannot use it with a different SIM card, ensure that even if your phone is stolen, the thieves will not profit from it as the device is effectively rendered unusable.

Remote wipe is also critical, as this lets you actually erase all of the information contained on your phone if it is lost or stolen, including contacts, text messages, call history, browser history, bookmarks, and any data on the phone's memory card. Mobile threat protection will detect and remove malware such as viruses and other threats without affecting phone performance, and download threat protection will automatically scan all files and app updates for threats.

Aside from these now vital security components, a comprehensive mobile security solution also lets you block calls and text messages from specific phone numbers, perfect for getting rid of annoying spam SMS's and unwanted callers.

Mobile devices are increasingly common, which makes them more and more vulnerable to attack. Protecting all of the personal information stored on your mobile device is of the utmost importance to prevent all too common issues such as identity theft, and mobile security is no longer a nice to have, but a necessity for both consumer and business users in the modern world. 

 30 November 2011

The recent data outages at international company Research in Motion (RIM), which left Blackberry users across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, Brazil, Chile and Argentina without connectivity for days on end and sparked outrage from these users on social media platforms, only serve to highlight how dependent the modern world has become on stable Internet connectivity, particularly through previously non-traditional channels such as smartphones.

The fact is that in today's world, we cannot function without Internet connectivity. In the business environment, we are increasingly seeing a move to online and cloud services, with connectivity allowing access to company networks, documents and files, all of which in the past were housed internally. Without an Internet connection, employees working from home or the mobile workforce would be unable to access any of these features, rendering them unable to do their jobs.

Aside from the move into the cloud, both home and business users rely on connectivity in order to communicate, and new technology has taken the place of traditional communications. Users have become so used to being able to send emails and instant messages and even to make phone calls using Skype or VoIP technology that without these forms of online communication, businesses cease to function. Without connectivity we are truly lost, as communication is the heart of business, and without the Internet our main methods of modern communication are impossible.

Again as demonstrated by the RIM outages, connectivity is no longer a first world luxury, but something that users across emerging nations such as Africa, India and Latin America have come to depend on. In these countries connectivity is vital in order to maintain development and compete on a global stage and is often accomplished using mobile devices.

South Africa is no different, with many users relying on mobile connectivity to access the Internet, communicate and do business. In fact, recent Nielsen research shows that 29 million South Africans use cellphones, compared to only six million personal computer users, and mobile Internet usage is on the rise.

As a result of the prevalence of mobile phones and multiple issues with ADSL connectivity, South African network operators have made steady progress in the 3G space, pushing this connectivity to become more cost effective and usable to a larger proportion of the market. Recurrent theft of copper cabling, which leads to ADSL outages, has also driven hardware developers to innovate automatic failover devices which are able to switch seamlessly between ADSL and 3G connectivity. This failover is again made possible by the competitiveness of the 3G and mobile connectivity space.

The prevalence of 3G connectivity has also come about as a result of infrastructure challenges. Running copper or fibre connections and maintaining these has become difficult, time consuming and costly in South Africa.  Driven by a larger user base, mobile connectivity has become infinitely more affordable, and it is now possible for users to run this as an affordable primary connection.

Connectivity is no longer deskbound thanks to the evolution of 3G, and is now accessible to larger numbers of South Africans than ever before through mobile devices, low cost notebooks and tablet PCs, opening up the Internet to the man on the street and increasing our dependence on connectivity still further.

This wireless trend is set to continue, as plans to roll out 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks are set to be put into motion in 2012. Using similar principles to 3G but running off a separate wireless spectrum, LTE offers high speed data connectivity on a mobile network, delivering more than five times the speeds of the current networks. While licensing issues have held back this technology, it is currently being tested and hardware manufacturers are gearing up for the rollout with LTE-ready devices.

While predicting the future is difficult under any circumstances, particular in areas that change as fast as technology, in all probability we can expect to see existing connectivity trends continue, with faster speeds and increased bandwidth availability the order of the day. We can also expect service providers to begin taking advantage of increased speeds and availability by rolling out content such as video on demand and Internet TV, keeping pace with developments in first world countries.

One thing is certain however, Mobile/wireless telecommunication will play a major role in the future of South African connectivity. In a world where business relies on the Internet to function - our mobile operators are perfectly poised to take advantage of this growth.

About Nology

Nology was formed in 2001 and is the proud supplier of quality security-driven broadband, networking and communication hardware and solutions. With exclusive distribution rights for Billion, Airlive, VKOM and Works Systems products, Nology is the preferred provider to various retail and wholesale channels. Other popular Nology brands include Yealink, Peplink and ViBE.  Nology is committed to service excellence with support being central to this philosophy. The company features a dedicated technical support team and helpdesk that ensures efficient and swift support and maintenance. For more information visit www.nology.co.za

 05 December 2011

As the world has become increasingly digital, the creation and consumption of content from email and messaging to photographs and videos to music and movies, has literally exploded, increasing fivefold in just four years and predicted to grow more than 44 times by the year 2020. While this trend may have been driven by business at the outset, with emails originally making up a large volume of digital content, the consumer is outstripping the enterprise and digital content now exists across business, public and private domains.

Our lives have become digitally oriented, and the Internet with its wealth of content has become intrinsic to our lifestyles and the way in which we communicate. And while ‘the cloud’ began as a buzzword in the enterprise space, cloud storage particularly has evolved from the storage of IT content in the corporate cloud, to IP and online content in the public cloud, and even so far as storage of personal content within the personal cloud, as a means of addressing not only storage but also access challenges in the digital world.

The need for storage has grown correspondingly with the increase in digital content, and the average modern household now requires in the region of one Terabyte, or 1000GB of storage in order to maintain personal content. But this does not solve a growing problem that has emerged as a result of an increasingly connected lifestyle and the growing prevalence of connected mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs – users now want to access their content from wherever they are on their personal devices. Added to this challenge is the fact that any content stored on a mobile device is vulnerable, since theft of such devices is a common issue, especially in South Africa.

The public cloud has emerged as a way to solve this challenge, and has become more viable in South Africa as a result of more affordable and available bandwidth. When content is stored in this type cloud, it exists in a data centre somewhere in the world and can be accessed from any mobile device, breaking the limitations of internal device storage. It also ensures content is stored in a safe haven that protects this data should individual devices be stolen or go missing.

However while the public cloud enables users to access content stored publicly wherever they have an Internet connection, these files are often located at an unknown venue which may be anywhere in the world. Aside from the security concerns of this type of storage, it often involves some type of subscription or service fee that needs to be paid in order to access content.

The personal cloud has emerged as a way of combining the best of both worlds, enabling users keep content under their control, secure in their homes, while still allowing files to be shared, media to be streamed and various devices to access content anywhere, anytime and ensuring that content is not stored on individual devices to protect this content from theft. 

Using innovative new Network Attached Storage (NAS) aimed specifically at the consumer, users can now ensure that their content is backed up safely at home, and remains accessible from anywhere. These consumer NAS devices plug directly into the wireless router to provide a shared storage platform for computers, tablets and smartphones regardless of operating system, keeping all media centrally accessible and allowing both wired and wireless streaming to devices in the home and outside of it.

Aside from enabling access for connected devices anywhere, anytime, the personal cloud has multiple other benefits. By creating a personal cloud storage network, users can access far more storage capacity than mobile devices typically ship with, allowing for the storage and access of much larger files and greater quantities of content. Backup also becomes a painless procedure, with wireless technology and automated backup ensuring content on devices has been stored in the central personal cloud. And as more and more home entertainment devices begin to incorporate connectivity, the personal cloud can even be used to create a connected home for the streaming of content from a central point to any device within the house.

When it comes to creating a personal cloud, there are several considerations consumers should look for in a NAS device. These include ease of setup and ease of use, high speed performance, compatibility across various operating systems and automatic backup capability. The NAS should also allow for web-based access to content stored on the device, so users can stream content from anywhere without having to use a public cloud server.

As content creation and consumption continues to expand and users become accustomed to anytime, anyplace access, the cloud has emerged as the answer to solving storage and access needs. While the public cloud is has its uses, consumers also demand higher levels of security and personalisation, and this is where the personal cloud comes into play. By creating their own personal cloud users can not only share and store content from anywhere in the world, they can also link PCs, smartphones, mobile devices and home entertainment systems through the NAS device to stream content and create the next evolution of consumer connectivity – the connected home.

About WD

WD, one of the storage industry's pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company designs and produces reliable, high-performance hard drives and solid state drives that keep users' data accessible and secure from loss. Its advanced technologies are configured into applications for client and enterprise computing, embedded systems and consumer electronics, as well as its own consumer storage and home entertainment products.

WD was founded in 1970. The company's storage products are marketed to leading OEMs, systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital and WD brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company's website (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.

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Western Digital, WD, the WD logo, My Book, and WD TV are registered trademarks in the U.S. and other countries; My Book Live, WD 2go and WD TV Live are trademarks of Western Digital Technologies, Inc. Other marks may be mentioned herein that belong to other companies... As used for storage capacity, one terabyte (TB) = one trillion bytes. Total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment. 

Johnson Controls launches cutting edge cooling solutions to the local market

8 September 2011

Following the international launch of several cutting edge solutions, Johnson Controls Systems & Service Division took its latest offerings to market at a series of local events which took place from 6-10 June in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Gaborone.

The events were held for 170 key customers across the region to highlight the latest features and advanced environmental sustainability of the products, which included two high efficiency air cool chillers, a centrifugal magnetic bearing chiller, the innovative rooftop air conditioning package unit and an enhancement to Johnson Controls' building management system (BMS), Metasys, to optimise chiller plants.

Says Neil Cameron, General Manager at Johnson Controls Systems & Service:

"Johnson Controls has invested significant time, effort and funding into the research and development of new products to meet the changing needs of the global market. This event was designed to showcase these new products to our key customers in the region, including distributors, consultants, installers, resellers and end users and create awareness of our updated offering."

One of the most notable developments in the new products from Johnson Controls is their increased levels of sustainability, in line with a growing global trend towards great environmental consciousness.

"Our new chiller units use significantly less gas than previous models, which means dramatically reduced greenhouse gas emissions, less pollution and a decreased carbon footprint. We have also focused on reducing noise output on our cooling systems, lowering noise pollution, which is particularly important in residential areas," Cameron adds.

During the event attendees were taken through an overview of the new products and their value proposition, the features and functionality of the offerings as well as expected return on investment. High energy savings were a focus - something which is of growing interest in the local market given the rising utility costs. Products showcased at the event included the YMC2, YVAA and YLPA chillers, the Tempo Heat Pump as well as the Activa Rooftop unit.

The unveiling of these products at local events highlights Johnson Controls'

commitment to the environment and shows the company's strong focus around developing products that are effective, silent, sustainable and energy efficient.

"The event was very successful and proved informative and insightful for all who attended. The launch of these products was the perfect platform to touch base with our key clients and show them what Johnson Controls has to offer in the modern world," Cameron concludes.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 154,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the

#1 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com

About Johnson Controls Building Efficiency Johnson Controls delivers products, services and solutions that increase energy efficiency and lower operating costs in buildings for more than one million customers. Operating from 500 branch offices in more than 150 countries, we are a leading provider of equipment, controls and services for heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, refrigeration and security systems.

We have been involved in more than 500 renewable energy projects including solar, wind and geothermal technologies. Our solutions have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 13.6 million metric tons and generated savings of $7.5 billion since 2000. Many of the world's largest companies rely on us to manage 1.5 billion square feet of their commercial real estate.