Johannesburg, 06 Nov 2007
Synaq, a local provider of Linux and open source managed services, has been contracted to manage and maintain the Linux-based ICT network infrastructure and connectivity for The Pro Shop, a national supplier of golfing product and services.
The Pro Shop is one of several divisions of MoreGolf, incorporating the Vodacom World of Golf, Vodacom Golf Villages, playmoregolfSA with vodacom, Gary Player Golf Experience powered by Telkom business and LandBank Golf4All.
To provide an idea of the coverage and service level of this entire operation, Dale Rosenberg, IT General Manager of MoreGolf, describes the businesses within the group.
The Pro Shop has five branches spread throughout the country, with a sixth store about to open in Fourways, Johannesburg.
The Vodacom World of Golf is South Africa's first golfing theme park and is situated in Woodmead; there are Vodacom Golf Villages in Gilloolys, Randpark and Centurion, and playmoregolfSA with vodacom is South Africa's premier rewards programme for golfers.
Each division of MoreGolf runs off a Linux-based infrastructure and connects with the head office in Woodmead through ADSL VPN. There are 10 sites that form part of this VPN and each site runs a Linux firewall.
Management at MoreGolf required the services of an established company with a proven track record within the Linux/open source arena to manage its e-mail, Internet and VPN.
Rosenberg confirms the importance of connectivity for the business and explains why the company opted to outsource this maintenance function to Synaq.
"When we embarked on our quest to find a partner that could maintain these competencies for us, we knew we wanted to outsource to a company that could do so without sacrificing on quality of service. Having thoroughly scouted the Linux market, we were impressed with Synaq's list of customers and the way it conducted itself as a business," he says.
"The decision to outsource this function to Synaq meant we did not have to organise the skills in-house and could therefore concentrate on ensuring that all our key business solutions/applications run as efficiently as possible."
Synaq is a recognised and established provider of Linux and open source management solutions, operating from its base in Sandton, Gauteng.
Yossi Hasson, managing director of Synaq, says The Pro Shop is a premium brand in South Africa that is synonymous with retailing within the golf industry. The mandate supplied to Synaq was based on the proactive management, support and maintenance of the company's entire site network and setup.
"Connectivity is essential for any sized operation, but especially for a company of this size and involving so many sites. Our job is to ensure The Pro Shop and all of MoreGolf's businesses are able to continue to provide the level of service its customers have become accustomed to without having to worry about infrastructure," says Hasson.
Rosenberg also points to Synaq's knowledge base as a key factor in being able to leverage off the infrastructure and add value to the service delivery process.
"We are also able to draw on Synaq's knowledge when it comes to open source solutions. This opens up a new range of possibilities that are both powerful and cost-effective. In all businesses these days, connectivity is crucial even if your users say it isn't, and having a reliable solution and support structure ensures you are able to stay focused on the key areas within the business."
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