Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 06 | Page 62

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Data Centres WHILE THE PUBLIC SECTOR IS NO WORSE OFF THAN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WHEN IT COMES TO RUNNING LEGACY SOLUTIONS, CHANGES IN COMPLIANCE AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS MEAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE LEADING THE CHARGE FOR CHANGE At a glance… Excel Networking showcases new range of Environ Lock Solutions enabling 24/7 ‘always-on’ business operations (68%), lowering operational costs for IT (65%) and strengthening security and control (60%) as the main drivers. Only 45% consider providing a fast and efficient IT service for their end-users as a driver behind the modernisation of their data centre. While the public sector is no worse off than the private sector when it comes to running legacy solutions, changes in compliance and regulatory requirements mean government should be leading the charge for change. “Government is enforcing new regulation, and should be championing for an Always-On approach. In many respects, there is a need to set the example for public sector departments and companies across South Africa to follow. The South African, and other, governments need to adopt and accept the move to the modern data centre in order for them to adapt quicker in terms of deployment and consolidation. This will lead to improved actions with more successful results.” He adds that with government wanting citizens to have access and information to services online, the Always-On approach will enable it to streamline its ability to transact and have available data. “For its part, the government has to look towards partnering with modern vendors that can guarantee high-speed recovery of less than 15 minutes in order for citizens to have access to always available data. It is a connected world in which we live and citizens have come to expect access to information at any time, using any device. This environment requires a public sector that is willing to embrace change and foster an Always-On culture,” he concludes. (For the full article, please visit http://www.intelligentcio.com/me/2016/04/14/ public-sector-needs-to-embrace-availability/ 62 INTELLIGENTCIO Excel Networking Solutions, the copper, optical cabling and rack solutions provider, has launched a new range of Environ Lock Solutions in conjunction with Southco and Entertech, which they had on show at the Data Centre World conference in London. The Environ Lock Solutions provide a choice of stand-alone and networkable solutions that can be integrated with access control systems, BMS and Biometrics and all work on the range of Environ Racks. The Solutions bring intelligence and monitoring right down to the lock level of a data rack, giving you ultimate control of access to the services and equipment within a comms room or data centre, making it perfect for co-location deployments and remote locations where only authorised access is permissible. “The new Environ Lock Solutions add the next level of security to any Environ rack installation and we’ve chosen to work with industry leaders Southco, who have a proven track record and a fantastic reputation with regards to the quality of their products. Where biometrics is required we are working with Entertech/ Digitus to complete the solution,” said Tracey Calcutt, Marketing Manager, Excel Networking Solutions. “As with the whole ethos behind the Excel brand, giving customers a choice is imperative and it certainly isn’t a one solution fits all when it comes to the locks, the range covers RFID Intelligent, Biometric Intelligent, Standalone Combination Lock, Standalone RFiD Lock and the solution also integrates with