Pam Golding Properties (PGP), South Africa`s largest independent residential and commercial property company, has partnered with hardware platform integration specialist, Lightedge, to improve efficiencies around the hardware technology platform with primary focus on branch computer systems, and the provision of continuous technology support for such systems across its national footprint.
The partnership, which began in late 2005, will see Emerald PCs installed in roughly 70 PGP offices, with the likelihood of a roll-out into the PGP franchise offices soon to follow.
The greater dependency on information technology, and the role it can play in the real estate industry, is seen by PGP as a key driver in staying ahead of its competitors. The need to consolidate the technology platform has, as a result, become more evident and pressing. As part of the contract, Lightedge will not only supply the new Emerald PCs, but will also continue to service the existing systems as well.
"Our rapidly growing sales force necessitated a move to improve the levels of service to our branches," says Peter Reynolds, National IT Manager at Pam Golding Properties.
"One of our challenges is the fact that requirements vary from branch to branch, depending on the size and volume of work a branch operation generates. We needed to find a technically scalable and robust solution that satisfactorily addresses the demands of the workplace and Lightedge was able to work with us to find the optimum solution.
"The equipment which has been installed in our branches will allow us to better deploy an entirely upgraded network, which in turn will enable us to remotely administer applications and various other processes. We are also looking at deploying local area networks in the branches that are large enough to accommodate this requirement," continues Reynolds.
These initiatives will effectively provide agents with a faster, more reliable and secure connection to the Internet, improving even further the efficiency and quality of service that is afforded to clients of PGP.
"The introduction of Lightedge`s hardware has also allowed us to address the standard of software on our desktops. Pre-loaded software has meant that we can introduce standardised applications across the business and as a result, differences in efficiency and productivity, as well as a reduction in support costs can already be seen. The partnership has given our group access to leading-edge technology and we`re able to upgrade as and when components need changing.
"We did evaluate other options," says Reynolds, "but Lightedge stood out. They have a competitive product and are able to offer SLA support services for their product, whereas many other product vendors outsource their service level agreements to third-party service providers."
According to Naweed Kazi, manager of Lightedge`s Managed Services Division, the level of support is controlled and Lightedge is able to guarantee response times of four hours or less, depending on where the branch is situated. "We`ve employed an additional six people, nationally, to deliver on this contract," says Kazi. "It is part of Lightedge`s vision that SLAs form an increasingly large part of the business strategy."
Reynolds sees the partnership with Lightedge as a long-term, strategic one. "We`re investing aggressively in technology and as a national client we`re able to enjoy economies of scale when it comes to procurement."
"It has been satisfying for us to be able to service such a large company on a national basis. We hope to continue the relationship into the future and to assist the franchise operations with their IT requirements," concludes Kazi.
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