Johannesburg, 25 Oct 2007
As part of the Kellogg Foundation`s quest for better service delivery and efficiency in disbursing resources for its projects, Praxis recently researched various options for connectivity for communication out of the SADC region.
The Kellogg Foundation has field workers right across southern Africa, (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, etc) typically in the deep rural areas, and this technology enables them to have both telephonic and online contact with their offices anywhere in the world on a 24x7 basis.
The SADC region in particular has various challenging and continually changing dynamics, making this exercise challenging for all involved. After reviewing the various options and solutions and taking cognisance of the foundation`s organisational requirements, Praxis recommended a satellite communications solution.
A report on the current state and options regarding the various connectivity solutions locally (in the SADC region), together with lab and field test results, was produced by Praxis and submitted to the WK Kellogg Foundation.
After talking to various satellite providers, Praxis and the Kellogg Foundation selected Capricorn Satellite as their vendor of choice. Issues such as costs, productivity, availability, ease of use, replacement of problem units in the field, experience in the satellite communications market, particularly in Africa, and practical support experience were key factors that impacted on the decision.
Other organisations (particularly funders) are expected to follow suit due to the current nature of the solution, together with the cutting-edge technology involved, as well as its usefulness to the Kellogg Foundation and its work in the SADC region. The Kellogg Foundation is now able to perform many of its funding efforts in a real-time environment.
"For the WK Kellogg Programme regionally, one of our major problems has been connectivity in the rural areas. So we are delighted to adopt this tool - its potential application is limitless," said Mandivamba Rukuni, Regional Director of the Kellogg Foundation.
Praxis is very proud to have served the role of providing research, testing and recommendations pertaining to communications available in SADC countries.
Putting client needs and requirements first is core to our business and aligns with our motto: "Strategic innovation for an evolving world."
"We really were world-class on this one," said Yugasen Naidoo, CEO of Praxis.
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