.The First
Distribution Stack
First Distribution’s Stack allows vendors and business partners to view the full extent of the
company’s distribution offerings at a glance.
T
he First Distribution Stack was introduced partly to counter the
notion that the company was still reliant on one or two sectors of the
industry. Its roots are based on the technology stack models which
are found in various forms within the industry where similar communication functions are grouped into logical layers. A layer serves the
layer above it, and is in turn served by the layer below it. In First Distribution’s
application however, each layer represents an integral component of a total
packaged solution whilst simultaneously representing a broad industry area in
which First Distribution offers vendor products and solutions.
Breaking it Down
First Distribution’s Stack can be broken down into eight levels, namely Client
Computing, Hosted Solutions, Security, Software, Virtualisation, Storage, Servers and Networking. Let’s take a look at the various stack levels in more detail:
Client Computing – The ability to remotely connect anytime & anywhere
securely is in high demand. By de-coupling the device from the network, IT can
now support all kinds of users in maximising client computing investment and
minimising costs, on everything from smart phones to thin clients. First Distribution’s range of premium vendor offerings lead the way.
Hosted Solutions – Providing services relating to software and associated
data being centrally hosted on the cloud, and typically accessed by users using
a thin client via a web browser. The potential to reduce IT support costs by outsourcing hardware and software maintenance and support to the SaaS provider
makes this an attractive area for business partners.
Security – The protection of information and information systems from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, perusal, inspection, recording or destruction.
Software - Providing solutions for enterprise software, databases, appliance software, CRM, ERP and middleware.
Virtualisation – By dividing a single physical server into multiple logical servers, virtualisation creates a more dynamic and
flexible data centre whilst also drastically reducing the total cost of ownership of IT infrastructure.
Storage – The provision of the necessary hardware required to deal with ‘big data’ including archiving, data backup & recovery,
warehousing, replication, virtualisation and content management systems.
Servers - A complete portfolio of mission-critical servers that are engineered to deliver record-breaking performance, simplified
management, and cost-saving efficiencies. Utilising best-of-the-breed hardware ensures resilience, interoperability and integration with leading cloud software providers.
Networking - Communication and data networking within organisations, including areas such as connectivity, cabling, fiber,
nested security, UTM, routing and wireless networks.
The layout of the stack in this manner enables viewers to see that customers and business partners are able to obtain a complete IT solution via First Distribution – every aspect of a business’ IT operation is serviced by a stack level and accordingly by at
least one of First Distribution’s vendors.
FIRST DISTRIBUTION
40 | www.firstdistribution.co.za