After a tender process, the National Research Foundation (NRF) has partnered with local IT infrastructure and solutions provider, Datacentrix, to provide the Pretoria Zoological Gardens with sophisticated computer and network technologies.
According to Deon Insel, account manager at Datacentrix, the zoo`s IT infrastructure was inadequate to support its increasing technology needs, which included a point-of-sale system and financial systems that link back to its parent company, the NRF.
"Departments at the zoo had no intranet connection and PCs were out of date. Gate tickets were issued manually, which resulted in the figures not balancing. The entire infrastructure had to be reviewed.
"Thanks to our ongoing relationship with the NRF, Datacentrix was asked to provide a fully-fledged HP solution - trusted technology that the NRF has been using for years. The NRF purchased HP PCs and laptops, HP printers, servers and network equipment," says Insel.
Due to the sensitive nature of the environment at the zoo, Datacentrix installed a two-tiered architecture, using a combination of fibre optics and wireless technology to ensure total network coverage of 80 hectares.
"Cost was not the only factor influencing the decision to opt for the wireless design, accessibility was also key as departments are located in remote areas around the premises," says Insel.
Tom Hickey, network manager at the NRF, says the solution will ultimately help the Pretoria Zoo to enhance communication within the organisation, improve service and its care of the animals.
"The network overhaul at the zoo is in line with our vision at the NRF. The NRF supports and promotes research through funding, human resource development and the provision of the necessary research facilities in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of the natural and social sciences, humanities and technology. This solution catapults the zoo into the hi-tech age," says Hickey.
"The project at Pretoria Zoo was a great success. We wanted to make an investment that delivers immediate, yet long-lasting results. The solution provided by Datacentrix has made an immediate positive improvement. The point-of-sale system is now totally integrated with the corporate financial system, which is rapidly reducing irregularities. Employees can now work more efficiently and productively on the new infrastructure," concludes Hickey.
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