Local converged network provider KSS Technologies has partnered with Kaseya, a global provider of IT automation software for IT solution providers, as part of its drive to create new revenue streams and increase its annuity income. It has adopted the Kaseya IT automation platform to expand its Managed EndPoint Services (MES) business.
Remote management and monitoring is key to delivering high value efficient support services. The Kaseya solution is an integrated IT automation framework specifically designed for IT service providers like KSS, it enables the company to manage its clients' desktop and server infrastructure, software applications and network components remotely.
According to KSS managing director Andr'e Maree, traditional outsourcing IT services are extremely costly due to the labour-intensive approach used. “The benefits of KSS's remote IT management and support services, built on a foundation of standardisation and automation, are enormous. This approach facilitates the evolution of self-documenting infrastructure. Remote management and support just makes good business sense, especially if one considers the ever increasing traffic situation. A job that normally takes half-an-hour to complete, now takes a consultant an average of three hours as a result of the traffic.”
A growing number of companies are realising the need for an IT service provider who can effectively manage their IT infrastructure, identifying or pre-empting potential issues before they become a problem, so they can focus on their core business.
KSS can implement IT procedures, policies and practices for distributed IT infrastructures, easily and efficiently, from a single integrated Web-based platform. Key tasks and administrative duties such as patch management and virus checks can be scheduled to take place automatically, while remote management tools ensure travel to customer sites is kept to a minimum to optimise engineer productivity.
Maree says the ability to support any business anywhere across South Africa is a valuable market differentiator. “From our MES hub in Midrand, we can provide ongoing maintenance and resolve the majority of software and configuration issues, significantly reducing the need for on-site visits. Collaboration tools such as live chat and desktop sharing also ensure clients receive immediate attention and positive relationships are maintained.”
Key features of the KSS Managed EndPoint Services include:
* Support for Microsoft, Linux and Mac-based endpoints, servers and workstations
* Fully automated patch management
* Easy, powerful and comprehensive scripting for scheduling and automating tasks
* Automated, recurring and complete hardware and software inventory and audits
* System monitoring and event alerts, with automatic escalation
* Completely secure remote control
* Comprehensive, integrated management reporting
Optional functionality that can be added to the Managed Endpoint Services includes:
* Anti-virus and anti-spyware detection
* User state management, including power, group profile and migration management
* Backup and disaster recovery management
He says the MES offering provides fast, accurate and up-to-date audit and discovery services of one's entire computing infrastructure, leading to the development of a self-documenting IT infrastructure. “Get a complete and comprehensive software and hardware inventory delivered right to your desktop automatically. In addition, comprehensive integrated reporting on all data collected and stored in the system becomes a breeze.”
Due to the unique design of the service offering, the amount of bandwidth required has been kept at a minimum, even based on South African bandwidth levels. Very large remote sites can be supported over a single ADSL, 3G or other broadband link. Smaller standalone sites can be supported using existing Internet links with no or little impact on performance.
Furthermore, the proactive nature of the service enables KSS, and its customers, to continuously monitor any activity within endpoints and on the network in order to eliminate problems before they occur.
“More importantly, it is all about money and improving the bottom line by reducing downtime and IT support costs while improving user efficiency, asset reporting and overall user perception of ICT services. We try to help our customers eliminate all those vacant IT support positions, while at the same time, make existing IT staff more effective,” he concludes.
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