Leading Korean insurance company’s systems now ‘disaster-proof’ thanks to Datacraft

Singapore 14 Jan 2009 – Korea’s leading insurance company faced a critical business challenge as its obsolete networking systems proved unable to cope with rapid business expansion.

Jan 22, 2009 – To avoid operational meltdown, the company turned to Asia’s leading IT solutions and service provider Datacraft, which successfully revamped the entire network infrastructure and put in place a high performance and scalable communications system.

The old network, which the company relied on to process all its insurance enquiries, claims and analyses, was unable to keep pace with the rapid rate of expansion. As their network operations grew, it was increasingly apparent that the system was inadequate to cope with the increased demand or support their new next generation web system, security, ITIL and general network functions.

To help the company overhaul the entire network system and deploy a secure, web-based platform that could integrate all its operational requirements efficiently, Datacraft consultants worked closely with the client to thoroughly understand its unique requirements. Subsequently, Datacraft implemented an integrated solution which improved both the network and security systems for the company. They developed a capacity plan for WAN equipment, along with specific designs for LAN, WAN and VPN, and a thorough security plan for the wireless LAN. The security plan included a strong firewall, IPS and user control plan that is in compliance with the security regulations by FSS, South Korea's financial regulator. Procedures were also determined for incident, problem, change and capacity management.

“Datacraft were pleased to successfully resolve the issue of frequent turnover and movement of salespersons with the implementation of a secure wireless LAN network,” said Francis Yip, Datacraft’s Regional Director, North Asia. “The granted user authentication process was designed to avoid data leakage and the entire system complies with government regulations.

“Datacraft was awarded the contract because we clearly understood the insurance company’s technical and operational environments, and we have the expertise to implement a complete solution across a number of system requirements, such as network, security, operating support system and ITIL-based service desk management,”

said Yip.

About Datacraft

Datacraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a US$4.5 billion leading global IT solutions and services provider. Datacraft operates in over 50 offices across 13 Asia Pacific countries. We help clients plan, build, support, manage, improve and innovate their IT infrastructures. Datacraft combines an expertise in networking, security, data centre, storage, Microsoft solutions and contact centre technologies, with advanced skills in consulting, integration, training and managed services to craft IT solutions for businesses. For more information, please visit www.datacraft-asia.com

For further information, please contact:
Esther Quah (Datacraft Asia) Tel: (65) 6322 6688

Tags: Network Operations Asia, Ip telephony Asia, network security Asia, IT Security Consulting firm Asia, network infrastructure Asia, network security services

Avanta raises bar in service excellence at its Business Service centres with Datacraft

Singapore, 07 Jan 2009 – Datacraft, Asia’s leading independent IT solutions and Services Company, has been chosen by Avanta, UK’s leading provider of Serviced Office space

Jan 22, 2009 – Datacraft, Asia’s leading independent IT solutions and Services Company, has been chosen by Avanta, UK’s leading provider of Serviced Office space, to build a converged communication infrastructure for their Business Service centers in India. The new infrastructure is designed to achieve high service standards and cost efficiencies for Avanta’s customers using its facilities.

As a part of Avanta’s US$1.4 million contract, Datacraft India was tasked with setting up the state-of-the-

art converged communications infrastructure for two of its new business service centres in Mumbai. Avanta has previously engaged Datacraft to set up its first business service centre in New Delhi in 2007 and was impressed by Datacraft’s technical expertise, quality of service and client engagement.

The contract included provisioning of IP end points, Cisco Call Manager, and foundation network infrastructure, in addition to design and consultancy, engineering and staging, project management and Uptime maintenance service. It also entailed integrating Avanta’s call billing solution “Elephant” to the IPT solution and EVOT call attendant solution for incoming call management.

“The converged communication infrastructure will equip Avanta’s business service centers with the latest communications technology for an improved user experience, and make us the preferred choice for their office facilities. As with all Avanta Serviced Office centers, our facility in India is set to feature cutting-edge communications technology, including VoIP telephone systems, scalable Internet access and dedicated client server rooms. We are confident that with enhanced customer service, cost efficiencies and improved competitiveness, our Avanta serviced offices will certainly set a new benchmark in business service in India,” said Sean Morgan, Managing Director Avanta India

“Converged communications is an essential part of any business service and paves the way for improved competitiveness and operational efficiencies. Most importantly, the technology will enable Avanta to expand their service portfolio and bring greater level of customer service and satisfaction. This will further set Avanta apart from its competition and help maintain its leading position,” said Sunil Manglore, CEO, Datacraft India.

“We are a leading exponent of converged communications and one of the largest providers of integrated networks in the world. This track record has given us a competitive and unparalleled expertise not just in implementing converged communications, but in understanding the business benefits that arise from it. This is why we are able to design and deploy solutions that best address our clients’ needs,” added Manglore.

About Avanta

Avanta is a leading name in the serviced office market, with a rapidly growing portfolio of office suites in prime locations across the United Kingdom. Since its inception in 2004, Avanta has enjoyed rapid expansion and now manages over 640,000 sq ft of office space across sixteen locations and is continuing its UK and international expansion programme. Avanta offers highly flexible, non-branded office space with advanced and competitively priced technology, tailor-made to meet the requirements of the occupier.

About Datacraft

Datacraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a US$4.5 billion leading global IT solutions and services provider. Datacraft operates in over 50 offices across 13 Asia Pacific countries. We help clients plan, build, support, manage, improve and innovate their IT infrastructures. Datacraft combines an expertise in networking, security, data centre, storage, Microsoft solutions and contact centre technologies, with advanced skills in consulting, integration, training and managed services to craft IT solutions for businesses. For more information, please visit www.datacraft-asia.com.

Tags: Network Operations Asia, Ip telephony Asia, network security Asia, IT Security Consulting firm Asia, network infrastructure Asia, business network security

Telecom Fiji engages Datacraft for Next Generation Network upgrade across South Pacific nation

Fiji Limited (TFL), the sole provider of local and national telephony services, has rolled out a new IP network to meet the growing demand for voice and data services as the South Pacific nation moves steadily towards telecom market deregulation.

TFL currently serves over 100,000 customers across a wide geographic area using a diverse technology base. The new Next Generation IP Network is based on a Cisco MPLS platform and consists of a territory-wide IP Backbone combined with a Metro Ethernet Network (MEN) in the capital city of Suva.

Datacraft was tasked with establishing a highly resilient and efficient replacement infrastructure. The new network will enable the incumbent operator to stay ahead of competition by providing the platform for the latest range of business services such as high speed data, capacity on demand and voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP); while ensuring customer satisfaction by meeting tough Quality of Service (QOS) goals.

“With the continuing rise of the Internet, we have seen rising customer expectations for new services, as well as traffic growth that the old network could no longer match,” said Ian Lyons, Group General Manager Sales, Marketing and Business Development. “Datacraft demonstrated an awareness of the unique political, social and regulatory environment that we face in Fiji and the company came up with a carefully evaluated plan that met our demanding requirements, while being capable of meeting our expanding market needs into the future.”

Telecom Fiji’s IP-based network was completed in seven months at a cost of over US$1 million.

“We were extremely pleased to win this prestigious national contract, with Datacraft being involved in the project scoping as early as 2003,” said Robin Hartendorp, Managing Director of Datacraft New Zealand. “As a result of our strong client relationship and regular communications, the strong support rendered by Cisco, as well as our excellent track record of service delivery, we were able to customize an innovative solution that addresses both their business and technical requirements.”

To address the demanding service level expectations of their customers, TFL is evaluating Datacraft support offerings, Insite and Uptime. Insite is an online, real-time network and IT systems management service that covers issues ranging from basic fault monitoring to extensive predictive analysis and reporting. Uptime provides a continuous 24 x 7 x 365 managed service for trouble shooting and resolution of issues facing mission-critical IT systems.

About Datacraft

Datacraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a US$4.5 billion leading global IT solutions and services provider. Datacraft operates in over 50 offices across 13 Asia Pacific countries. We help clients plan, build, support, manage, improve and innovate their IT infrastructures. Datacraft combines an expertise in networking, security, data centre, storage, Microsoft solutions and contact centre technologies, with advanced skills in consulting, integration, training and managed services to craft IT solutions for businesses. For more information, please visit www.datacraft-asia.com?DCSext.dept=9&WT.mc_id=100252

For more information contact
Esther Quah
Datacraft Asia Ltd
esther.quah@datacraft-asia.com

Tags: Datacraft Asia, Telecom Fiji, Fiji telephony services, Next Generation IP Network, Suva metro

Malaysia’s i-City built on Cisco Connected Real Estate infrastructure by Datacraft

Singapore, 10 Nov 2008 Datacraft, Asia’s leading independent IT solutions and services company, has implemented Cisco Connected Real Estate (CCRE) solutions, and delivered world class infrastructure

i-City, a RM 2 billion ICT-enabled commercial development on a 72 acre freehold site, is situated in the strategic neighbourhood of Shah Alam, Malaysia. i-City is fast gaining traction as the regional hub for high-technology companies and knowledge communities. Designated by the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDEC) as a MSC Cybercentre, the first phase of the development comprising 300,000 sq ft of Cybercentre Office Suites has been completed and is ready for occupation. Future phases would transform i-City into a fully integrated township, comprising a shopping mall, corporate towers and offices, office suites, hotels and serviced apartments. i-City will also house multiple high-performance data centres and a digital media hub.


Designed from the start to become the next-generation international and cyber-gateway to the country, i-City is expected to attract global mix of technology companies and knowledge workers, creating a vibrant knowledge-based working environment. An essential element to help realise this vision is CCRE. The introduction of CCRE means that a converged IP network is built into the underlying infrastructure of every building (similar to common utilities such as power, water and gas), providing a powerful platform to transform the way in which buildings are managed and how services are delivered.


CCRE is the foundation on which disparate building management systems, HVAC, lighting and transportation, energy management, video and security access controls will integrate with traditional IP-based communication and collaboration systems such as e-mail, messaging, voice and productivity services. Every element from cooling, lighting, security, digital signage to voice and video communication can be controlled centrally. This revolutionary approach to city design has enabled i-City to help the entire community generate new revenue streams, reduce capital and operating expenditure, and improve overall operations efficiency by reducing the complexity of building systems connectivity, prolonging asset life, and improving management capabilities and performance through real-time information.


When fully completed, a high-speed scalable fibre-optics network will span across the entire 72-acre development, connecting all of the office suites, commercial towers, retail tenants and hotel to i-City’s high-performance data centre which is also the communication and operations hub. “Technology is an essential component of the entire ecosystem. Our vision is to promote i-City to be a conducive environment where work, play, learn and live intermix seamlessly!” said Lim Boon Siong, Deputy CEO of i-Bhd.


A comprehensive range of network and telecommunication, hosting, software service on demand, estate management and security services

is made available via i-Office2, the designated operator tasked at providing fully managed office services to i-City tenants and residents.

Tags: Malaysia i-City, Datacraft Asia, Cisco Connected Real Estate, CCRE Asia, Cisco Malaysia, Datacraft Malaysia, Multimedia Development Corporation, Dimension Data plc, Servcorp, i-Office2