When screaming Jamiroquai fans recently established a rhythmic connection with the concert’s two enormous screens blazing with information, few realised that a local IT solution company by the name of PowerWeb set the facility up in less than 36 hours.

When PowerWeb was asked by a local marketing company to assist with the screens for the Jamiroquai concert, they jumped at the chance to prove their skills base, technological ability and service commitment. The end result was a highly graphical and informative visual display - one that illuminated the environment with sponsors’ commercials and live SMS messages.

This is just one example of how this modestly sized Midrand-based family orientated business adds value to its broad market.

The company provides a host of services including connectivity solutions, Intra/Extranet development, Web development, database hosting and server farming to both large organisations e.g. the SABC, 5FM, DSTV, SA Popstars and Cadbury as well as to “the lady who called in recently asking for a new cartridge for her printer” explains Technical Director Steve Smith, who also happens to be the Web master for 5FM.

“This was our chance to make the market out there aware of our services, our effect and our turnaround time. This project is a breakaway from what some may deem to be the true scope of an IT infrastructure and connective services implementation, but the result was incredible. We have been asked by the same marketing company to come on board for an up-and-coming tour in November for another US artist,” says Smith.

PowerWeb competes in a very demanding and highly pressurised market, one in which customers are looking for differentiating services and solutions that make a difference to business. Skills acumen, technological innovation, quick turnaround time, response to delivery and value-add are the ideals sought out. Through its technology infrastructure and expertise, commitment, straightforward approach and tenacity, the company has already differentiated itself from its competitors. This service ethos is based on the fundamentals of accessibility, affordability and benefit to all.

“We gear our service level and product so as to make it as easy for a customer to be as self-sufficient as possible. Our Web development solutions, for example, have an in-built mechanism that allows the user to continuously update, develop and manage their own sites with minimal effort. We encourage our customers to grow with their Web sites, modify text and graphics to eventually develop what is essentially a crucial business development and communication tool,” says Bernard Hill, HTML Developer at PowerWeb.

Aside from the company’s successful contribution to the Jamiroquai concert – Steve Smith and staff have also played a vital role in helping to market 101 – South Africa’s first Popstars group. PowerWeb developed, organised and is hosting www.101.za.com, a Web site they say continues to draw in online traffic.

“PowerWeb has designed and managed the SA Popstars Web site since June 2002 with UUNET providing the hosting infrastructure. We place our own equipment in the UUNET SA data centre, which allows us to take full advantage of the high-speed connectivity and at the same time, having the flexibility to run whatever type of server and application that best meets the needs of the Popstars Website. It was decided that due to 101.co.za already in use, we would register the za.com domain. Staying with the idea of 'Proudly South African' we decided on the za.com domain for reasons that it is part local / part international,” adds Smith.

With deals and projects of this stature behind them, the company remains realistic but positive about the future. The aim is to continue delivering effective one-to-one service and help manage the customer’s online voyage from conceptualisation through to design and implementation. They will do this through continuous attention to technological development. The company currently uses three different infrastructures for redundancy purposes, and sources its primary bandwidth from MTN Network Solutions with co-location facilities at UUNET South Africa.

Against this backdrop of sophisticated, enhanced technology lies a myriad of skills, explains Smith. From SQL to ASP programming, Linux platforms using My.SQL and PHP Platforms, dial-ups, diginet circuits, anti-virus software and network installation. The company has an established relationship with Microsoft and has a high level of proficiency with regard to the software giant’s product and services.

“PowerWeb is a multi-skilled organisation having all the infrastructure, skills and contacts to offer a solid, complete online service. Yes, there are many companies that operate within this space, but very few have what it takes to provide this level of service to a market this abroad. We are keen to provide the market with the confidence and skills to move online, and we are extremely eager to highlight the benefits,” says Werner Fettke, Creative Director.