Novell SA helps NetDay ease IT shortages at local schools

Novell SA, a leading provider of network and intranet operating systems, recently donated R 87 500 worth of networking platform software to NetDay, a non-profit initiative devoted to facilitating networking at schools, and to bringing the Internet into the classrooms of all South African scholars. The networking platform, IntraNetWare, offers easy management and control of networks, including the Internet, making it possible for schools to share resources and applications, and reduce overall networking costs. Novell SA`s MD, Richard Beytagh, said at the handing-over function, "Novell`s products are widely used by schools in this country and NetDay is providing underprivileged scholars with the opportunity to become computer literate using the best technology available. We believe this will provide an enhanced learning experience, and Novell is proud to support worthy initiatives aimed at improving the level of education our country`s children are receiving. "Novell has established itself firmly in the local educational sector, with many educational institutions, such as St Stithians, UCT, Wits and Stellenbosch University, making use of Novell`s networking solutions". "NetDay, founded in the U. S., originally focused on installing a basic cabling infrastructure for schools to facilitate information sharing. But the South African initiative is far removed from its American counterpart in that the majority of American schools already have hardware and software, and only require the cabling to link them to the Internet. In South Africa, the majority of the over 25 000 schools still require hardware and software, which means that cabling needs can only be addressed once a suitable IT infrastructure has been established," explains Raashida Khan, coordinator for NetDay. "As such, NetDay SA is looking to broaden its focus and foster partnerships with local businesses so that basic IT centres, incorporating hardware, software and cabling, can be established at those schools lacking IT resources," Khan adds. The five donated packages, valued at R17 500 each, are to be divided as follows: one to a school in KwaZulu-Natal, two to schools in Gauteng, one to a Western Cape school and one to an Eastern Cape school.