The Spectra Group of companies takes pride in the fact that it has the most up-to-date computing systems on the market. The IT support structure however had humble beginnings: in September 1999 the company started off with five desktop computers and one server.

Today the company has over 60 workstations situated throughout the country. Spectra realized that in order to be successful, the company required a solid IT infrastructure backbone. It now has a reliable network that extends to all the major centers in South Africa.

THE NETWORK ENCOMPASSES THE FOLLOWING:

• Diginet data lines connecting Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, Johannesburg and various Tool Management offices situated at customer factories through S.A.
• Wireless LAN thechnology provides a flexible framework for an ever-changing office workspace.
• VPN technologies connecting the smaller branches to head office.
• A 24 hour ADSL Broadband connection provides Internet and email connectivity.
• The Broadband Internet Connection is utilized for V.O.I.P. telephony allowing the company to make free phone calls between the branches and certain overseas suppliers that have the latest technology.
• Microsoft exchange server provides a reliable email delivery system, in and out of the office. Users with cell phones supporting email functionality can send and receive mail on the move, thus improving productivity and customer service.
• High end file servers with Raid functionality provide high levels of data integrity and data availability.
• Latest server and desktop operating systems on the market.
• A market leading warehousing and accounting software package provides a seamless workflow process from order processing to goods delivery.
• Spectra has developed an intranet to track order progress.

SECURITY

Spectra makes use of the latest technology and firewall applications to ensure it enjoys the highest industry standard for intrusion and virus protection.

SERVER ROOM AND BACKUP POWER

• State-of-the-art server room featuring air conditioning, electronic access control and carbon dioxide fire protection.
• Spectra is protected from power failures by a true online UPS.

DATA BACKUP

• Spectra makes use of a high speed Hewlett Packard Ultrium tape drives which is capable of backing up 1TB of data which enables a full backup of all company data daily.
• Archived Data is kept offsite at a reputable specialised storage company and cycled daily.