Hernic Ferrochrome, the fourth largest integrated ferrochrome producer in the world, has implemented a state-of-the-art Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise data network solution.
With speed and stability as major requirements, the new Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise core solution will provide overall stability for the network, and provide faster processing speeds on applications and while transferring large CAD files.
From an IT standpoint, personnel can set policies segregating traffic in advance, an option not previously available to Hernic Ferrochrome. Moreover, users can now identify the congestion on the network and resolve the matter in a matter of seconds.
The contract includes two Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise OmniSwitch 6900 switches, that serve as the backbone of the network, and transceivers as well as Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise’s OmniVista, which combines the full set of end-to-end network operations, security management and data center capabilities within a single cohesive platform.
The new solution also offers better network design, allowing data to travel more efficiently through the network by segregating traffic.
Phillip Hepke, IT manager at Hernic Ferrochrome, says: “Our industry is constantly changing, and we are in need of a network that is easily adaptable to its environment and upgradable. Having worked with 3G Consulting before, who managed to optimize my existing network configuration via Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise solutions, we saw a benefit to our partnership not only from a quality point of view, enhance user experience while delivering stability, reliability and ease of management, but also from a cost efficiency angle as well.”
Ravin Naidu, Regional Director, South & East Africa, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise said: “Customers have learned that they can depend on Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise for innovative solutions that anticipate their technology needs. Hernic Ferrochrome’s headquarters currently contains 78 switches in total. They have selected Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise because of the feature rich solutions, which meet their current needs while also positioning them for the future.
For his part, Kreason Govender, MD of 3G Consulting, says: “We are glad to have partnered with Hernic Ferrochrome who have chosen us for our data solutions experience in the market. The Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise network portfolio is strong and sufficiently scalable to grow as the client’s business grows and requirements increase.”
The solution was deployed at the company’s two kilometre sized headquarters in South Africa that contains over 1 500 employees. Hernic Ferrochrome is located in the Bushveld Complex, one of the world‘s largest chrome ore deposits, and operates four furnaces including the largest ferrochrome furnaces in the world.
