Organisations are finding Data Platform Modernisation projects can deliver significant value by enabling IT cost reductions together with improved service levels and increased agility.
Table of Contents
VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS
CLIENT CASE STUDIES
DB Administration, Security and Compliance for First Distribution
First Distribution’s Database Administration, Security and Compliance needs lead it to trusted advisor, Ascent Technology. For any large organisation, Database Administration (DBA) is a vital part of maintaining their Data Platform Operations effectively. As it has...
Ascent Technology helps Bidfood SA migrate to Microsoft Azure
When Bidfood SA chose to modernise and migrate its data platform to Microsoft Azure, it turned to Ascent Technology for help. In a world that is digitally transforming, it is more vital than ever to an organisation’s success to utilise the latest platforms to drive...
Ascent Technology helps migrate Phumelela Gaming to Azure
A Windows Server and SQL Server consolidation, optimisation and migration to Microsoft Azure enables the company to reduce costs, modernise its data platform and boost its innovation capabilities. As an operator running two distinct betting businesses, Phumelela...
CAMPAIGNS
Database System Health Check Service from Ascent Technology
A Database System Health Check assesses if your Database is running optimally, and can help diagnose challenges before performance issues, and/or down time affect your users. That’s where Ascent's Database Health Check Service comes in. Our Database Health Check...
Database Security and Compliance with DB Shield
The growing number of threats to databases and unauthorised access to the data within, is clearly creating on-going headaches for CIOs. Solving these headaches may not be easy, but by asking the right questions, CIOs can begin to overcome their Database Security and...
Database Administration and Support Service from Ascent Technology
Economic volatility is driving a greater number of organisations to consider cost cutting measures and to implement consolidation procedures. This situation is further compounded by the growing skills shortage that makes it more difficult for businesses to acquire and...
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Microsoft Data and Analytics Partner of the Year Finalist
Ascent Technology continues its strong showing in the Microsoft Partner of the Year awards, as a finalist in the Data and Analytics Partner of the Year award. Finalist Data and Analytics Partner of the Year "It is always gratifying to be recognised by Microsoft as one...
NEWSFLASHES
Ascent Technology’s clients benefit from Data Platform Modernisation
Facing platform ‘end of life’ issues together with increasing pressures to digitise processes, increase profitability and innovate on product and service, organisations are finding Data Platform Modernisation projects can deliver significant value by enabling IT cost...
Ascent Technology’s clients benefit from Database Administration Outsourcing
Ascent Technology's proven database services model enables clients to Co/Outsource the daily maintenance, management and support of their database environments on a 24/7 basis. The active monitoring, preventative maintenance and management ensures optimal performance....
FROM THE DESK OF THE MD
From the Desk of the MD – January 2019
The start of another year inevitably brings with it the promise of change, and in wishing all our clients a happy New Year, we would like to suggest that 2019 is going to be a year of considerable and exciting change. After all, not only do we have what are sure to be...
Ascent Technology and Sun International’s partnership reaches new heights
Established in 1979 with the introduction of the world-renowned Sun City Resort in the North West Province, Sun International (Sun) has grown into a successful leisure brand, with hotels and casinos situated in eight countries.
Sun International is built on the principle of offering customers world class entertainment destinations – from family resorts to African safari holidays – as well as captivating casinos and much more.
As the organisation has expanded, so its database environment has grown in size and the management thereof has become that much more challenging. Sun has been able to overcome these challenges thanks to its longstanding partnership with experts in the field of Enterprise Database Management, namely, Ascent Technology.
According to Sun’s Group Manager: IT Operations and Shared Services Johan Kok, the company has worked with Ascent since 2006, when it brought the company on board to assist it in maintaining its database environment.
“At the time, our database environment was quite small, so it made more financial sense to outsource its management than to employ in-house administrators for this task. Furthermore, since our environment includes both Oracle and Microsoft solutions, we required a partner that was capable of handling both technologies. Ascent’s Technology heterogeneous approach to Enterprise Database Management meant that the company fitted the bill nicely,” he says.
“Of course over the years, our database environment – in particular the Microsoft SQL Server footprint – has grown quite extensively. Because of this, we have at times considered bringing the database administration aspect in-house. However, our relationship with Ascent is extremely strong and we are very pleased with the work they have done so far; moreover, we understand the importance of having experts looking after such a critical part of our business.”
Gona Rajoo, Sun’s IT Infrastructure Manager adds that Sun has undertaken several database-related projects over the years, and each time Ascent has been the natural partner of choice. These projects have included the consolidation, virtualisation and standardisation of the entire Sun database environment.
“The flexibility and experience Ascent brings to this role has been invaluable, and the company has comfortably adapted to our requirements as the nature of our engagement has changed over time.”
Rajoo points out that the latest project undertaken by Sun has been the organisation-wide replacement of its legacy gaming system. He says that with this project, it was crucial that the database environment was ready to handle such a migration. In this respect, Ascent’s role as Sun’s trusted advisor was critical.
“This was a major undertaking for us, as it had to happen across all our various resorts. Therefore, in order to ensure there was no disruption to our guests’ entertainment, it was imperative that our Microsoft SQL Server environment was properly configured.”
“In this respect, we relied on Ascent to bring its expert knowledge of the Microsoft SQL Server space to bear, in order to enable the migration to the new gaming system to take place as quickly and unobtrusively as possible. As always, Ascent worked closely with our people to ensure that the project went off without a hitch.”
Ascent Technology’s MD, Johan Lamberts adds: “It has been a long road we have travelled with Sun so far, and over the years, our people working with them have had the chance to gain additional experience and have matured over the course of the relationship. It has certainly been a fruitful endeavour from both sides and we are proud to be associated with Sun International, which remains one of our key clients.”
Kok suggests that this continued growth and maturation has dovetailed nicely with Sun’s own expansion plans.
“Ascent is a genuine partner to Sun, as evidenced by the fact that as our organisation has expanded and has continued setting up operations in other countries, so Ascent has continued to provide support for these international resorts from South Africa. As leaders and innovators in their field, much like Sun, Ascent aligns clearly with our culture and values, which is why I envision this partnership continuing for many years to come,” he concludes.
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