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With the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reducing its GDP outlook for South Africa to a dismal 1.3% for next year, from an initial acceptable forecast of 2.1%, it’s clear that demand for goods and services will continue to be weak in 2016.

Another indication of tough times to come is the fact that the number of entrepreneurs attempting to start a business in South Africa dropped by one third last year, according to the Global Entrepreneur Monitor (GEM).

OTEL Business has attempted to soften the blow for current and potential clients by introducing a ‘single sourcing’ strategy. This new focus will see the independent Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider going ‘beyond the telephone’ to provide for an organisation’s entire IT and telecommunications needs.

Desktop hardware and software, telephone handsets, IT support, mobile solutions and more are now all offered through a unique end-to-end model.

“Our multi-product, end-to-end strategy is a business model that is increasingly desired by companies seeking to simplify their ICT management while reducing costs,” says OTEL CEO, Rad Jankovic.

“With difficult times on the horizon, we’re enabling South African firms with IT and telecoms needs to implement a single sourcing strategy in pursuit of cost reduction,” adds Mr Jankovic. The American Purchasing Society says single sourcing of goods and services can result in lower prices because of economies of scale.

OTEL has also introduced in-house financing for the first time with 36 to 60 months financing options available. This is an especially valuable option for start-ups and SMEs that may struggle to secure traditional financing. It means they will be able to have access to rentals of the latest ICT equipment without laying out cash they would prefer to use for their core activities.

Peter M’Crystal, OTEL Sales Director, says VoIP providers have historically offered connectivity, virtual switchboards, some handset solutions and little else. “We want to go beyond the telephone and take charge of our clients’ complete IT and telecoms needs. This will help them simplify their businesses, streamline costs and help boost under-pressure bottom lines,” he explains.

OTEL is a licensed business-to-business provider of VoIP & broadband Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) solutions. Its nationwide dedicated network and cutting-edge technology positions OTEL as one of South Africa’s leading wholesale telecoms providers.