Season’s Greetings from the Ascent Technology Team
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...
Primedia Broadcasting looks to Ascent for Database Consulting and Management Services
07 Mar 2016
Primedia Broadcasting outsources Database Administration and Consulting Services to Expert Database Infrastructure Company Ascent Technology.
Primedia Broadcasting owns and operates four of South Africa’s most popular and premium radio brands: 947, KFM, 702 and CapeTalk, as well as boasting one of the most highly respected independent news brands in South Africa, EyeWitness News (EWN). The company is also the home of Lead SA, a call to South Africans to be the change that they want to see, it operates the anonymous tip-off service Crime Line (in conjunction with the South African Police Services) and has a talent management business called PrimeTalent.
The company has transformed itself from an analogue business into a digital organisation. It has achieved this by embracing various forms of social media as business tools, enabling genuine two-way communication with its listeners, and describes itself as a multi-platform content creator and publisher.
This means that the company operates as a true 24/7 business, which in turn requires a Strong and Effective Database Environment. Jaco Sadie, Head of Technology for Primedia Broadcasting, points out that the organisation had, for some time, struggled to retain Specialist Database Administrator Skills (DBAs).
“There seemed to be more churn than usual within these skills, likely due to the fact that our Microsoft SQL Server footprint was not big enough to keep them fully occupied at all times. Instead of continuing to hire new DBAs, only to lose them a short time later, we chose to adopt a new approach,” he says.
“We instead began looking for a partner to assist us with our Database Environment. A very specific type of partner was required here, as our environment contains a mix of Database Technologies. Although Microsoft SQL Server is our core Database Technology Platform, we also make use of others, like MySQL and MongoDB, to name a few.”
He says that the chosen partner needed to not only be able to assist with the various Database Technologies in use, but since Primedia Broadcasting is a 24/7 business, it would also need to provide genuine ‘follow the sun’ support. Following a recommendation it received from Security and Infrastructure Consultants BUI, Primedia Broadcasting entered into discussions with Ascent Technology.
“Since our Database Technology Environment is mixed, we required a partner with Heterogeneous Database Skills. Ascent’s understanding of Complex Mixed Database Technology Environments, and the fact that it is more than capable of providing us with the skills required to manage such environments, meant that it was a good fit for our needs,” states Sadie.
He adds that engaging with a reputable and consistent partner like Ascent means that Primedia Broadcasting is able to retain the High Availability it requires for operations, while at the same time reducing the costs associated and challenges associated with the constant churn of DBA skills. The partnership with Ascent has also improved the Performance and Scalability of its Database Environment.
According to Ascent Technology MD, Johan Lamberts, the company is pleased to have Primedia Broadcasting as a client.
“This engagement is ideally suited to the work we do. Primedia Broadcasting is a business that utilises cutting edge technology, something that dovetails perfectly with our company’s advanced skills and expertise.
“We anticipate a long and successful relationship with Primedia Broadcasting as we move forward,” he adds.
Sadie points out that the company is currently undergoing a major Modernisation and Consolidation exercise. The first part of this project involved transitioning the organisation’s Systems Infrastructure to a Hybrid Cloud model, with BUI assisting Primedia Broadcasting to move to the Microsoft Azure Platform.
“We are now looking to complement the cutting edge systems that are in place by also Modernising and Consolidating our existing Database Platform Environment in the Azure Platform. Ascent has experience in this area which we will tap into.”
“With this project we will be continuing our focus on further transforming from on-premises Systems to Infrastructure as a Service and Platform as a Service,” concludes Sadie.
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