Company News

Vox Weather poised to deliver credible and trustworthy forecasts while educating on climate change

Posted on 26 August 2021 by Jacques du Toit

Vox launches weather channel with much-loved meteorologist, Annette Botha

To the backdrop of increasing adverse weather events and a global movement to deal with the climate crisis, Vox has announced it is launching Vox Weather, a state-of-the-art interactive weather channel with a focus on viewer education, to be presented by renowned meteorologist Annette Botha.

Understanding the weather goes beyond knowing whether to pack an umbrella, says Vox CEO Jacques du Toit. “It is vitally important for people, both young and old, to develop a holistic understanding of broader trends and how our actions are affecting the health of our planet,” he says. He says Vox has invested in bringing top-tier credible forecasts back to the public domain, driven by a desire to inspire consciousness and activism around climate change and protecting the planet.

Du Toit says that unfortunately, mainstream weather broadcasts have regressed to static representations which add little value and have left South Africans in a meteorological drought. “Apps can only step into this void partly, but they are unable to provide a thoughtful and methodical overview of the intersection between science and the weather.

“Our research has indicated a pressing need for informative, educational and credible weather analysis and we believe that by providing this to South Africans we can drive broader understanding and acknowledgement of climate change and how it affects every one of us,” he says.

As important as the science and technology used to deliver weather reports, says Du Toit, is having a qualified meteorologist present forecasts. Du Toit says that working with Botha boosts the credibility of what’s being presented with her depth of knowledge, but beyond this, he says that Vox recognises her passion for educating and inspiring positive behaviour to deal with climate change.

Botha, who completed her honours degree in Meteorology in 2014, is a former broadcasting meteorologist and presenter for ENCA. Her strength includes interpreting data to generate contextual forecasts and predictions, underpinned by a deep passion to inform and educate the public.

“If we can inspire young people to take an active interest in our regional weather and the forces shaping these changes, we would have gone a long way towards arresting the damage we are inflicting on our only planet,” he says.

Botha agrees, adding that she’s ecstatic that Vox has found a trusted model for bringing high-quality weather analysis to the public. “I am thrilled to be presenting the weather again, supported by the best quality tools to bring relatable and informative graphics and information to the public,” she says.

Du Toit says that by pioneering the most cost-effective production in the country, and by prioritising the immediacy and reach of social media, Vox intends bringing educational content to as many people as possible, in as relevant a time as possible, on the devices where they want to consume their media. In addition to this, Vox Weather will zone in on relevant topics of interest every month, adding context and depth to the public’s understanding of topics related to the weather and planet.

“There is a wealth of data available, and we wish to bring insights from this data through the expertise of Annette, to bring value to the wider community – from sportspeople to the general public to those with a vested interest in renewable energy, among much more. This is a wonderful opportunity to educate viewers with relevant, quality information,” he says.

In addition to this, Vox will work with partners ahead of and during important sporting events to deliver detailed forecasts and drive awareness of the importance of quality and trustworthy weather data and insights. This will include exciting sports such as golf, outdoor running and cycling stage events and kite surfing, among others. The technical capabilities will allow for overlaying the track or area of the event on Google Earth and then animating the weather expectations over the course of the event. “The team will be able to build highly specific and relevant insights for each event, to help for planning for the athletes and supporters,” says Du Toit.

“Ultimately,” says Du Toit, “We aim to use skilled resources and credible data sources to make weather reporting services credible again so that we can inspire a love and appreciation for our beautiful planet.”

Vox Weather goes live on 1 September and you can find all the information here www.voxweather.co.za

FTTB New Bundles!

Posted on 23 July 2021 by Suhail Dinat

We all know by now that Connectivity is key to business. We’ve said it, you’ve read it, and we all know that Internet makes the world go around.

In fact, let’s face it – who today is running a business without going Online? If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already connected, but how much value are you truly receiving? The needs of your business Fibre far outweigh the demands on a conventional Home system, be it accessing static IP addresses, advanced security or more complex Data Routing, and your package needs to be suitable for your unique needs.

Enter our Fibre to the Business bundles, which have been systemically designed to give you more value and better connectivity while ensuring your brand gets the performance it deserves.

Or maybe your brand is already on business Fibre, but you’re looking to step up to the next level. Here are the areas you can see a marked difference from an improved Fibre bundle (albeit at a better rate).

Unified Communications:

In short form, UC does exactly what the name suggests – connect all digital communication systems into a singular, seamless platform which allows for maximised collaboration. When done correctly, seamless UC ensures high levels of interaction – particularly useful with a displaced workforce wherein your staff can’t be under one roof.

Essentially, it means that no matter where your employees are, they’re able to access the same system and work accordingly. Said system involves an amalgamation of calling, messaging, conferencing and file sharing, gathering everything your team needs and correlating it into a streamlined interface. The result is, naturally, better productivity, reduced costs, an enhanced user experience and stronger overall performance.

A good UC strategy can not only create the freedom for your employees to work as they choose, but allow them to stay in constant communication, connect effortlessly and, ultimately, solve problems faster. Essential to this is a Fibre system capable of handling high-speed, instant demands while providing reliable, fail-safe Internet. A simple Home system, while powerful, may struggle with the demands of multiple simultaneous users – a problem you’re unlikely to encounter with an FTTB package.

SD-WAN

Still relatively new, this alternative approach to network connectivity is a prime beacon for reduced operational costs with improved resource usage. This is particularly useful on multi-site deployments. In simple terms, SD-WAN allows you to more efficiently use your bandwidth and ensure higher levels of performance for your critical applications. Most importantly, it does all the above without any compromise on either Data Privacy or overall Security.

The benefits include simplified Cloud management, more reliable connectivity, better security, an enhanced experience and the complete optimisation of your Cloud connectivity.

Cloud

Finally, we get to Cloud, which is both the present and the future of Data Storage and remote accessing. Remember giant server rooms like you see in the movies? Cloud Solutions negate the need for that, allowing all your vital information to be stored safely, securely and easily accessible for whenever you need it. However, you can’t access your Data without a reliable connection and, let’s face it, a lower-tier Fibre Package or FTTH solution wouldn’t be ideal for a business that needs instant, uninterrupted access.

Not only are our packages designed to handle your budget, but they’re systemically designed to cater for your quality needs. Our solutions promise the following:

Completely manageable, controlled cost-effectiveness.
Versatility, flexibility and scalability as your brand requires
Reliable, high-speed Internet that you can rely on.
Fully customisable solutions unique to your business needs.

Gone are the days of having to adjust your needs according to what’s available. We’ve created a series of packages that are inclusive of all brand requirements, packed with rich additions designed to increase your value for money. We cater for symmetrical speeds, inbound or outbound Voice Channels, Voice Rate Plans and PBX Extensions and more.

Biting yet? We hope so. So, without further ado, here’s our full options and pricing for your perusal.

Strategically positioned across the country, our teams and Telco networks are situated throughout South Africa to offer complete redundancy. These matter because they allow for impeccable service delivery no matter where you are; ensuring quality Internet, always.

We’ve seen business struggle throughout lockdown and, with the dawn of the third wave, are bracing ourselves for another difficult year. Your brand cannot afford to compromise on the things that matter. Not only can our FTTB bundles cater for adjusted budgets to offer more for less, but we can guarantee you’ll never be left wanting as far as Internet is concerned.

Let us help you reach the next level with feasible, affordable solutions geared at better efficiency and greater value. We’re in the business of taking care of your business – so let’s do it together.

What About Vox?

Posted on 22 July 2021 by Suhail Dinat

What do you get when you combine innovation with expertise and service excellence?

Truth be told, you could get any one of a hundred ISP’s. However, factor in passion, diversity, expertise, a wealth of products catering for people from all walks of life and some out-the-box thinking, and you arrive at Vox. See, we’ve been here a while (23 years to be exact) and in the process, we’ve touched the lives of South Africans everywhere – in doing so revolutionising the digital working world of our humble country.

But let’s scale it back a bit, because you can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been…

We were launched way back in 1988, the same year that satellite hand-held phones were introduced (and a few years before USB Flash Drives and Wikipedia – which makes us feel pretty old). From day one, we were at the forefront of our industry, becoming the first business to launch a company Email Service which utilised a single Dial-Up. Today, we’re one of the largest black-owned telecommunications companies in South Africa, acquiring a handful of strategic partners (most notably Frogfoot) along the way, which has allowed us to grow from strength to strength.

Many brands talk about innovation, but we’ve made it a building block of our success from the very start. We pioneered uncapped ADSL a whole year before any other South African ISP, launched the first Voice Service over ADSL, been at the forefront of Fibre implementation across the country and, when disaster hit, helped revolutionised our working world by championing Work from Home solutions.

Not only have we facilitated the rollout of fast, reliable Internet through cities and ‘dorpies’ across SA, we’ve made a concerted effort to make our presence felt around our country (so much so, you’ll notice we’re proud sponsors of the Emirates Lions Rugby Union). However, while we’re primarily known as the guys you call when you need Internet, we like to believe that our company is so much more…

When talking Vox, you’re actually talking about uniqueness, scalability and a product offering that surpasses anyone else in our industry.

We’ve made it our mission to provide world-class solutions for, well, pretty much anything and anyone.

Each product is part of a bigger picture and surrounded by some of the greatest minds in the industry. Said products aspire to offer value, innovation and cutting-edge advancements to 100% of the country, 100% of the time.

We don’t base these products around connectivity, but rather analyse our unique landscape to determine real problems and offer viable solutions. We’re in the business of making our customers lives better, be it an avid gamer who can’t afford a console to a concerned individual wanting to keep an eye on an elderly loved one.

While our product scope is unparalleled in its vastness, there’s never been a compromise on quality. Instead, we ensure that each division is equipped with the best industry experts to ensure nothing short of excellence. It’s this insistence on quality on every aspect of our business, no matter how big or small, that has allowed us to see consistent growth and a continued delivery of tried, trusted and best-in-class solutions which redefine what an ISP can provide.

Need Fibre for your home? We’ve got you covered, but we’ll also look after your business needs.

Can’t access Fibre? We’ll hook you up with LTE-A, Satellite or DSL.

No power? There’s a UPS for that.

Weak signal? Try a Home Mesh or Cell Booster.

See where we’re going with this?

Our services range from consulting (in the form of Braintree, one of our subsidiaries), to Cloud, Security, Managed Services, Communication, Collaboration, Connectivity and Beyond. Let’s get into it:

As far as Managed Services go, our portfolio consists of everything from Managed IT to Hardware Rentals, IT Advisory, Audits and beyond.
We boast a team of Security experts, who offer Endpoint, Network Infrastructure, Training, Email Solutions, Risk Compliance and General Assessments (amongst a wealth of others)
Looking at Cloud, we can take care of your Computing, Cost Management, Audits, Co-location or Domains/Hosting (in fact, we’re pretty passionate about Cloud, as you can see here).
It doesn’t stop there, as our Communications and Collaboration portfolio talks about (see what we did there?) Voice, PBX, Telephone Expertise, Email, Fax – even Gaming (it’s a long list)
And, of course, our pride and joy: Fibre (to the Home AND Business), Wireless, LTE, Wi-Fi, Satellite, DSL, SD-WAN – we’re in the business of knowing our business, but we’re also in the business of knowing our connectivity.

(Check out our full Vox Product Stack here)

Our brand has helped small start-ups reach new heights with equipment and software designed with progress in mind. In fact, Vox have facilitated Cloud migration, ushered in a new layers to Email or Web Hosting and made inroads in everything from communication to collaboration, security, mobile, voice and support.

That being said, there’s more to being Vox than purely awesome products.

We find ourselves in a challenging, unprecedented time, one which has proved an eye-opening exercise in introspection. During this previously unfathomable paradigm shift, we as a brand were forced to relook at what defined our organisation, which in turn allowed us to understand what truly matters.

Despite financial and economic restrictions, our Vox brand is immensely proud of the fact that we were never forced to retrench an employee. We persevered, we adapted, we adopted (and advocated for) the concept of Working from Home in its infancy and this, to us, indicates unparalleled brand strength and adaptability. We may have shut our physical doors, but our wheels keep spinning.

It’s this ability to think on our feet and share this knowledge with the world that, to us, is the best indicator of our brand dexterity. We’ve taken the idea of progress made simple and dialled it to 100, in doing so allowing students, employees, businesses and beyond to live easier, work smarter and do better.

Our brand ethos is rooted in an understanding of the unique, diverse nature of our wonderful country – and our mix of staff from all walks of life reflects exactly this. No other organisation in South Africa offers the amalgamation of specialist solutions in a one-stop, easy-to-find shop the way we do. To this day we continue to push out new solutions. Vox is at the forefront of expansion, product development, digital excellence and redefining our local working landscape.

We believe that our brand, our team, our products and our services are bringing world-class digital solutions to the whole of South Africa – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Braintree is guiding Africa’s retail sector on their digital transformation journey

Posted on 20 July 2021 by admin

Braintree, the consulting and integration division of Vox, has been named as LS Retail Diamond and LS One Gold Partner for 2021, highlighting the company’s expertise and continued successes in helping businesses within the South African and regional retail industry to digitally transform their operations. In addition, Braintree has been elected to LS Retail’s Partner Advisory Council for the first time.

LS Retail is a world-leading provider of all-in-one business management software solutions for retail and hospitality companies across the globe. The LS Retail partner ecosystem has grown steadily over the years and today counts over 380 companies in 88 countries. To become an LS Retail partner, companies need to satisfy a specific set of requirements, including passing official training in the LS Retail solutions.

“We are delighted to have been awarded Diamond Partner status for the third consecutive year. In addition to this prestigious award, Braintree has also been recognised as LS Retail’s best performing partner globally. This demonstrates our expertise in the South African and continental retail industry, and a thorough understanding of LS Retail’s products and solutions. None of this would be possible without our valued customers, with whom we continue to build long-term relationships,” says Heath Huxtable, Executive Head of Braintree by Vox.

The Diamond Partner level is the highest achievement for an LS Retail partner, and is limited to companies who displayed extraordinary dedication to the LS Retail solutions and drove unparalleled sales success during the previous year. The Gold Partner level is limited to companies who displayed extra dedication to the LS Retail solutions and drove notable sales success during the previous year. In addition to the two prestigious awards, Braintree has also been invited to join LS Retail’s exclusive Partner Advisory Council.

“This is a real honour for us – only Diamond partners are nominated to serve on this council, and not all get elected. Being part of the Partner Advisory Board affords Braintree the ability to provide input and feedback directly to LS Retail’s management team, and connect with other leading LS partners from around the world. This means that we can now more actively participate toward the refinement and improvement of the LS Central and LS One products to ensure we continue to meet customer requirements in future,” adds Huxtable.

Leader in African retail transformation

The retail industry operates in a dynamic market, and organisations must be able to respond instantly to changes in customer demands and tastes. This includes digitising operations, opening online storefronts and even using technologies like AI to improve the online shopping experience. As such, retailers are looking for complete end-to-end solutions with high flexibility and ease of use that enables management to run their business centrally from the back office.

Braintree for its part is the largest Microsoft Dynamics company in Africa, with over 26 years of successful implementations experience. The company is a leader in retail solutions, e-commerce, customer relationship management, marketing technology, wholesaling and enterprise resource planning. It further has significant consulting and product capability, including Dynamics 365, Azure, Office 365 and Analytics.

“We’re the only partner in Africa that is authorised to sell, implement, and support both LS Central and LS One, and the only partner in South Africa to have either a Diamond or Gold partner status. The retail industry is a close-knit one, and our growth is being driven by the success we are having with existing customers, which has helped build our reputation in the market. It is a testament to the skills and expertise we have within the company, our work ethos and our commitment to delivery,” says Neville Levinthal, Head of Business Development at Braintree by Vox.

Certified LS Retail partners are experts in retail and hospitality, as well as in the LS Retail products and solutions. They know the local requirements and legislation of the countries where they operate, and offer ad hoc services such as customisations, localisations, project management and technical support. LS Central is integrated into Microsoft Dynamics Business Central and is an all-in-one ERP and Retail system, while LS One is a retail-only system that is ERP agnostic and can be integrated to the customer’s ERP system of choice.

“Before deploying our solutions, our partners play a critical role in helping our customers realise what solutions they need for their business.” says Magnus Norddahl, CEO and President of LS Retail. “At LS Retail, we are incredibly proud of our partners and have at heart to celebrate their outstanding contributions and achievements. By demonstrating deep domain expertise and displaying commitment to the LS Retail products and solutions, our partners excelled this year in delivering the most end-customer value.

“We are proud to recognise and honor Braintree as LS Retail Diamond partner for their ongoing partner-customer relationship, their exemplary use of LS Retail solutions, and their positive impact on our partner ecosystem over the past year.”

Vox and Eutelsat sign distribution agreement for EUTELSAT KONNECT capacity over South Africa

Posted on 2 July 2021 by admin

Vox has reached a multi-year distribution agreement with Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) to extend high-speed network connectivity to South Africa.

With service due to commence at the beginning of June, Vox will leverage the unprecedented operational flexibility and power of EUTELSAT KONNECT, the new-generation high throughput satellite, and Eutelsat’s market-leading service to further grow its satellite customer base.

Commenting on the agreement, Jacques Visser, Head of Wireless at Vox said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Eutelsat in order to provide solutions that connect South Africans by supporting customers, entrepreneurs, and commerce, whilst guaranteeing service excellence. We are confident that Eutelsat’s unparalleled in-orbit assets, together with its unrivaled customer support will be a great benefit to a growing number of customers.”

Philippe Oliva, Chief Commercial Officer of Eutelsat added, “We are pleased to be selected by Vox to enhance and extend its offer of high quality, reliable internet connectivity in South Africa’s digital divide. This agreement cements our position as the leading satellite broadband operator in the country and reflects the attractivity of our EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite in the region”.

What is the Future of PBX?

Posted on 25 May 2021 by Suhail Dinat

By now, you should know all about PBX – but how much do you know about PBX in the Cloud?

The importance of communication to any business cannot be overstated, and any disruption in said communication can have a lasting negative impact on your brand. This is why connectivity is key and why more and more businesses are turning towards the remote, Cloud-based system that is PBX.

In post-Covid times, we’ve all had to adapt. Whether it’s brands to a remote environment or employees to a coffee-table-come-desk, everyone’s had to improvise and overcome so well it’d make Bear Grylls proud. Oh, speaking of adapting… Did you know that PBX and Cloud migration represents the perfect solution for brands (and people) on-the-go in its ability to allow for connectivity regardless of location; or for any organisation seeking streamlined, professional and efficient operations via a unified comms solution?

With a more volatile business world than any in recent history, it’s natural to seek the most progressive technology without spending an arm and a leg. With Cloud PBX, you’re able to do just that, which is why we’re excited to inform you that the future of our communications at Vox is coming in the form of 3CX Cloud.

Yep, we’re moving up, and you can expect better prices, more stability and increased freedom. Amazing how one shift can make a world of difference, right?

But what’s the point of the shift?

Well, with the ever-progressing technological world comes an increased need for digital solutions.

These solutions need to be just that in nature, in that they solve real, tangible brand or customer problems. In addition to this, we believe that our products need to push the boundaries of innovation, and our shift to 3CX represents just this- a step forward into the new, Cloud based tomorrow.

It’s not just rhetoric and adjectives, however, and our shift is actually based on a host of benefits. Some of the key aspects you can enjoy from this move include:

Mobility and Expansion:

Your PBX system is your way of staying relevant and adapting to the new today. If you haven’t already relooked at how your staff communicate, you should. With the system comes the freedom of not being restricted by conventional phone systems, allowing for rapid expansion (or scaling, if necessary), complete flexibility and business growth.

Ease of Maintenance, Minimal Upkeep:

Unlike old-school, complicated phone systems of yesterday, you don’t need tech support to maintain Cloud PBX. In fact, the system is well-controlled and linked to users’ mobile handsets. It can be as closely supervised as required (down to tracking, monitoring and listening) or adding users, troubleshooting and quantifying useful, hard Data to improve your performance. The bottom line? It can be done remotely. Easy as pie.

Whenever, wherever:

One of the biggest challenges of running a modern-day business is being accessible when you can’t be tied down to a desk. With Cloud PBX, it’s business as usual no matter where you are. Connect and interact with your colleagues, employees and customers on the road, at a conference room or on a mountain if need be. Time and location? These things are now flexi. Computers, faxes, a single unified inbox solution or using your PC to access Data remotely – when you move up, your important stuff is always on hand.

But what’s the deal with 3CX specifically?

Well, you should know that the brand and product are the proud recipients of the UC Platform Supplier of the Year, 2020, at the Comms Business Awards in London. That’s global recognition for an International grade product, one which has held up (and toppled) contenders from some of the greatest minds in the tech world.

Aside from that, the platform offers a wealth of benefits so immense, it’s only natural that the next stage of our communications entails expansion into such possibilities.

3CX Cloud is, essentially, a single phone system which can provide everything you need and allow for complete scalability or growth as required. Their functionality far outstrips conventional handsets and presents an out-the-box, unified communication solution compatible with Mac, Windows, Ios or Android respectively. Not only is the tech tried-and-tested, but it’s easy-to-manage, quick to install and affordable to boot.

The platform allows you to work even without power which, considering our current Loadshedding environment, is always a positive. The monthly pricing is competitive and the capabilities extend beyond simply making calls. Video call, share screen, present, or host a totally interactive meeting.

It gets better. You can work remotely through mobile apps and always know who’s calling. Take calls from your browser or enjoy a free video conference. Live chat, migrate with Microsoft 365, manage Facebook messages, send business text messages or cut your Telco costs by 80%.

The future begins today, and it starts with 3CX Cloud. All you need to do is sit back and get ready to start this journey with us.

Protecting Your Kids Online: A Carte Blanche Follow Up

Posted on 13 May 2021 by Suhail Dinat

On Sunday May 2, 2021, our Head of Network and Endpoint Security Richard Frost was privileged enough to be part of a segment on Carte Blanche. In it, he discussed the topic of Digital Predators and targeting children online (which can be found here).

Whilst the segment went a long way towards raising awareness around the grim reality that is child sexual abuse online, Richard feared that there weren’t enough solutions presented. Yes, the problem was noted, but how could the public identify and address it? As a father, this weighed heavily on his mind, so much so that it inspired this guide to navigating your kids Internet use.

First off, the hard facts:

A study conducted via the Centre for Cyber Safety and Education assessed the usage of kids between grades 4 and 8, and the results were quite alarming. From the findings, some of the more damning statistics indicated that 40% of the kids surveyed had either connected or chatted with a stranger online. Of those:

53% had revealed their phone number to a stranger.
21% spoke via phone with a stranger.
15% attempted to meet a stranger.
11% met a stranger in their own home, the stranger’s home, a park, mall or restaurant.
30% texted a stranger from their phone.
6% revealed their home address to a stranger.

Scarily, 90% of these kids revealed they have at least one device capable of unmoderated browsing. This indicates a serious problem with potentially devastating consequences, as not only are our kids sitting ducks, but there is a world full of dangerous predators ready, willing and able to take advantage of them.

But what can we, as parents, do about it?

While the above has hopefully grabbed your attention, today’s piece is about solutions, and thankfully there are a variety of behaviour and technological based controls for parents to implement to safeguard their families.

You can start by moderating their airtime and restricting their access between certain hours. Separate them from their devices if they’re meant to be studying or sleeping, and move the family devices to common areas where you can keep an eye on their browsing habits. For toddlers, you can download content in advance and switch off the connection later, and even games or social media should be carefully controlled.

Similarly, it’s relatively easy to regulate your kid’s social media content. Teach your young ones what not to share with the outside world (particularly new people), as predators take advantage of naiveite. Educate them on not revealing private information such as plans, addresses or whereabouts, and maintain an open line of communication so that they’re not afraid to confide in you. Be open and explain the dangers, and don’t yell if they make a mistake, let them feel like you’re there to listen should anything unwanted occur.

You should also educate your kids on the dangers of adding, accepting or meeting strangers online (again, even when gaming). Remember that it’s easy to change your identity and pretend to be someone else, which is what many people do to gain the trust of their victims. Warn your little ones about the dangers of meeting anyone they don’t know and enforce strict rules around keeping you informed of their whereabouts at all times.

Lastly, set Internet guidelines and disable location services via your apps. Keep an eye out for behavioural changes including sudden secrecy, unexplained gifts or increased alone time. As a parent, you usually instinctively know when your child is upset. However, pay close attention to their behaviour for anything unusual; particularly before, during and after going Online.

Cyber Security Software

Although your first steps should be correcting browsing behaviour, there are several tools designed to protect your kids online which should be considered your primary line of defence.

Our Vox Software is sourced only from award winning, international market leaders. Trusted by consumers the world over, you’ll be configured according to your needs without compromising on security. You can enjoy these solutions on either a monthly or once-off fee structure depending on your budget or add them to existing FTTH/FTTB packages. Our support desk can assist with installation and training, as well as provide an easy “how-to” guide.

The following products can be used to help protect children online:

Kaspersky Safe Kids (offered by Vox):

Compatible with PC, Mac & Mobile, Vox offers our customers the Kaspersky Total Security Solution.

How does it work?

Kaspersky Safe Kids includes an app for your child together with a parent app. This gets connected via your “My Kaspersky” account. Your own mobile app will allow you to see reports and customise settings accordingly, while you can manage your child’s settings and check reports via your “My Kaspersky” account.

How it keeps your kids safe online:

The software allows you to block access to adult websites and content.
As a parent, you can block harmful YouTube search requests on topics like drugs & alcohol.
You can also manage access to games & inappropriate apps as well as your kid’s screen time by device.
If required, you can share expert advice and tips from child psychologists on online topics

How it helps you protect your kids in the real world:

Kaspersky Safe Kids uses a GPS tracker to locate whereabouts on a real-time, online map.
You can define a “safe area” for your kids to stay within, with instant alerts should they move beyond said area.
You’ll be notified when a device is low on battery in order to always stay connected.

In your journey to make things safer for your child, the more protection the better. Sadly, predators are real, and any kid can be a victim. As a parent, I strongly believe in all the products and measures stated above, and I pray that these may be of similar assistance to you.

Keep an eye out for our next feature on our soon-to-be-launched product, Digimune, which takes Dark Web safety to a new level.

Until then, stay safe.

Makhanda’s Roads to get a Long-Overdue Facelift

Posted on 12 May 2021 by Duo Marketing

Vox’s Enterprise and Development partner, 51% black-owned Grahamstown Wi-Fi, to oversee filling of 300 potholes

Rolling out information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure is known to be vital to a country’s developmental and productivity prospects, just as its road network is a fundamental cog in its economic and social development.

Vox CEO Jacques du Toit says various levels of infrastructure should work in harmony, and to support its recent investment in the rollout of ICT services in Makhanda, its Enterprise and Supplier Development partner, 51% black-owned Grahamstown Wi-Fi also known as EcoLogic, has partnered with a local service provider to repair potholes in the city.

Potholes are more than a nuisance and pose a financial and safety risk. In April this year, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula told parliament that government needed between R700 and R1,500 per square meter to fund pothole repairs across the country. He said that the Provincial Road Maintenance Grant sets aside R12bn for pothole repairs to the country’s 754,600km road network.

“The pothole project, which will take around two months to complete, is the next phase of our long-term investment in the city of Makhanda,” says Du Toit.

“Grahamstown Wi-Fi and their joint venture partner, fibre infrastructure provider Frogfoot, have made significant progress. Of course, there is annoyance in the necessary digging up of pavements, but it pays off when residents get access to world-class ICT services. The next step is supporting road safety and tourism, while benefiting the local economy,” said Du Toit.

Grahamstown Wi-Fi co-founder Thinus Jurgens says they have identified just short of 300 potholes in the city. “As a local resident, the deterioration of the roads hits home on a personal level. We have partnered with SAE General Contractors led by Colin Hare, who will close about eight potholes a day using state-of-the-art cold pre-mixed tar which is built to last,” he says. He adds that their process will involve working on small sections of road at a time to result in as little disruption to traffic as possible.

“This is important to us as locals as it forms part of the general refurbishment and upliftment of our city. We need to go through the necessary digging lay fibre. Residents are now starting to enjoy world-class, high-speed internet, and the roads we all use every day are about to enjoy the next improvement.”

Du Toit says that when Vox invests in smaller towns or cities, it does so by embracing the local industry and skills. “Makhanda is its own city, with its own DNA and population. Since day one it has been important to us that whichever projects are embarked on involve and benefit the people of the city – from the internet service provider business owned by Vezi Zantsi and Thinus Jurgens, to their current road upliftment project,” he says.

Jurgens agrees, saying by mere virtue of the fact that Grahamstown Wi-Fi’s office is on African Street, mere metres from Pepper Grove Mall, the business is intrinsically tied to the prospects and daily life of the city.

“Ultimately, infrastructure is vital to development and prosperity, and this includes basic infrastructure such as roads and fast and reliable connectivity. We are honoured to be involved in both – supplying ICT services and driving the pothole repair initiative to improve the road network for our fellow residents,” he says.

Vox puts weight behind black-owned fibre enterprise in Makhanda

Posted on 8 April 2021 by Diana Martins Prenner

Vox has given a shot in the arm to the development of communication infrastructure and services in Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape, with its latest Enterprise and Supplier Development initiative.

Vox CEO Jacques du Toit says that there is a growing body of research that connectivity has a direct impact on the economic prospects of a region. “Any investment needs to have a return, and the socioeconomic return of investing in communication infrastructure is compelling. We set out to support a secondary city such as Makhanda so that the population there can unlock the education and economic benefits made possible by fibre and world-class information communications technology (ICT) services,” he says.

Du Toit says that there is little merit in embarking on an Enterprise and Supplier Development initiative unless there is a clear strategy to benefit people and the region. “This is our third initiative, and so we have brought that prior experience into this 51% black-owned initiative. We identified local talent Vezi Zantsi and Thinus Jurgens and brought in skills to support them where necessary with the orientation that as they develop the enterprise, they will upskill the local talent,” he says.

The key, says Du Toit, is that the arrangement is not exclusive in nature. “Yes, we have enabled this initiative, and carry the hard start-up costs, but ultimately this entity is going to be free to supply and provide services for whomever they choose. That is real empowerment, and because they are internet service provider (ISP) agnostic, the people of Makhanda will be the ultimate winners. That was our goal – to make a meaningful black economic empowerment investment and support a secondary city, which in this case is largely dependent on students and tourism, which has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he says.

Zantsi says that the initiative has the potential to dramatically change the connectivity landscape of the city. “Vox has certainly given us the runway we need to take advantage of the opportunity to serve the people of Makhanda. The driving force behind the initiative is to build a long-term, sustainable company that will render technical services to ISPs and the community,” he says.

Jurgens, who is known to many in the business community in Makhanda, says the initiative has the potential to elevate the city’s capabilities to that of primary cities. “Frogfoot, a subsidiary of Vox, owns and will maintain the fibre network. Our opportunity is in doing home installations, and working with companies such as Vox, among others down the line, to provide a full ICT service to clients, bringing the city on par with the major cities in South Africa,” he says. “As we grow, there is an exciting opportunity for locals to be upskilled.”

Downscale Your Office and Not Your business with Braintree Azure KickStart for SMMEs

Posted on 20 November 2020 by Duo Marketing

Braintree, the Microsoft consulting and integration division of Vox, has announced the introduction of Azure KickStart, a scalable packaged cloud solution that allows small to medium businesses to embark on a cloud journey.

Data shows that lockdown regulations and economic pressures have led to organisations of all sizes downscaling their offices as they let employees work remotely. For small and micro enterprises, this poses a challenge in terms of providing employees with access to their files and applications stored on a server in the office, and in managing their on-premise equipment.

“This is a clear example of how important it has become for organisations to embrace a remote working strategy by digitising their business processes and ensuring they can be securely accessed from any device from anywhere and at any time. This solution provides them with both the software platform as well as the advice and support that small businesses need in order to begin the shift,” says Heath Huxtable, Executive Head at Braintree.

Braintree has developed Azure KickStart to provide organisations with a secure and scalable single cloud offering to enhance and manage their communication, collaboration and productivity, from R1 995 per month. The basic package brings together the critical services that organisations need in order to run their servers and applications in the cloud, as well as to manage their security and devices.

As clients progress in their cloud journey, they can add on more storage, cloud-based services, Office M365 and line of business solutions. Critically, Azure provides built-in, multi-layered security controls, enterprise grade threat protection against ransomware and zero-day attacks, as well as data encryption on both the server and client side.

Data is stored in the Microsoft Azure Data Centre in South Africa, while built-in compliance tools ensure businesses meet international regulation and standards. All of this helps businesses strengthen their security posture, as well as reduce costs and complexity.

Braintree provides a managed environment, with businesses having access to a dedicated and certified team for architecture guidance, system administration and operations, monitoring and reporting, performance testing and tuning, with a single point of contact for Azure and Office support.

“There has been a change in customer behaviour as a result of the pandemic, and a majority of organisations are now looking to implement an e-commerce platform in order to cater to this demand. As an additional offering, Braintree has introduced a digital online store called QuickStore. Braintree can get customers up and running with QuickStore within 24 hours, from just R1 975 per month per business,” says Huxtable.

QuickStore provides business-to-business, business-to-consumer and direct-to-consumer companies with a digital store that enriches customer experiences and helps drive sales.

It is also hosted on Microsoft Azure, providing a 99.99% uptime.

Kickstart your journey into the cloud

The basic package includes; Security, Storage and 1 terabyte of Azure Backup. Meanwhile, Azure Active Directory helps organisations connect their employees, suppliers, and ensure that the right people have seamless access to the right applications and data from any location or platform, with a single sign-in.

The flexibility of the Azure platform means that businesses can set up any number of hybrid configurations combining on-premise and off-site, helping extend the lifetime of their existing IT infrastructure while reducing Total Cost of Ownership.

The individual add-ons include Office, which gives users web and mobile access to the latest versions of popular apps such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote; and Teams, which helps improve collaboration and communication by bringing together meetings, apps and files in a single place.

Finally, for those organisations that are looking to move more of their operations into the cloud, Braintree Azure KickStart features standard, premium and customisable virtual machine offerings so that they can run line-of-business applications – such as accounting, payroll, production, human resources, customer relation management and much more – all in the cloud.

“Braintree can help organisations migrate their open source databases to the cloud; if a business needs a database, they can easily add Azure SQL database to their KickStart package. Moving your entire operations from an on-premises server provides a cloud-enabled environment that helps businesses grow without being constrained by the boundary of physical walls or IT infrastructure,” says Huxtable.

For more information visit the Azure KickStart page on Braintree’s site.

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