Johannesburg, 25 October 2011 – Core Group, the Value Added Distributor (VAD) for Apple in Southern Africa, announced today that Gijima has been appointed the first Apple Authorised Systems Integrator (SI) in Southern Africa. With a growing need for IT departments to support Apple technology in the integration of both company-owned and personal devices, Gijima will assist with the support for Apple hardware and software solutions that work with company-managed systems.
Industry observers have noted that IT departments are not only faced with the challenge of integrating company-owned technology, but also personal devices that employees want to bring to work. Employees recognise that devices, such as the iPad, are excellent productivity tools and are demanding that their personal technology integrates with their organisation’s backend systems. As a leading SI, adding the skills and competencies around iOS, Gijima will be able to offer the support needed to integrate Apple technology seamlessly and ensure that all security, software and hardware requirements are met.

“We recognise that the trend of “bring your own device” has increased with the consumerisation of IT and and the launch of the iPad. Additionally, the use of Apple technology has increased substantially in the enterprise space and there is demand for more systems support. Gijima has been appointed to meet this demand and assist organisations with their Apple technology requirements”, says RJ van Spaandonk, Executive Director of Core Group.

As an Authorised Reseller and Systems Integrator, Gijima will sell and support iPad, MacBook Pro, Macbook Air, iMac, Mac Mini, Lion and Lion Server to both small and large enterprises. “We are delighted to become the first Systems Integrator in South Africa and to have the opportunity to assist companies with tangible solutions for integrating Apple technology into their organisation”, says Carlos Ferriera, Chief Financial Officer of Gijima. “In June this year, through our Vision 2025 initiative, we integrated 3300 iPads into our own organisation, so we have first hand experience with the requirements and systems needed to support companies with their Apple technology needs”, concludes Ferreira.

About Core Group:
Core Group is the Value Added Distributor for Apple products in Southern Africa. They are the sole and dedicated full-service brand custodians, managing the brand's presence from end-to-end: logistics, research, marketing, PR, merchandising and (retail) sales.

About Gijima
Gijima is a leading South African information and communications technology (ICT) Services Company, listed on the JSE Limited (JSE). It has gained recognition as a preferred, integrated ICT partner to a considerable client base of large information technology users in both the private (financial services, retail, manufacturing and mining) and public sectors. Its intellectual capacity, business model and encompassing geographic footprint is unrivalled in the South African market and provides clients with sophisticated and diverse service delivery options in the business solutions, systems integration, infrastructure and communications services. Gijima has 3 585 employees.

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Core Group Press

Contacts: Taryn Hyam thyam@core.co.za 082 906 7499     Kylie McCulloch kmcculloch@core.co.za 079 909 2454

Gijima Press Contacts: Tshidi Ramoshaba
Tshidi.ramoshaba@gijima.com
083 631 1269

Tshepo Sefotlhelo
tshepo@vumareputation.com
084 404 1548