Smartoptics, a leading provider of optical networking solutions, has announced that First Distribution, Africa’s leading value-added distributor for Datacentre, Cloud, Networking and Security products and services, will distribute Smartoptics products across Africa
The products will be manufactured by Smartoptics and then held in local stock for rapid availability across the continent. Compact and energy-efficient 400G solutions will meet the need for high bandwidth at a low cost.
First Distribution is a value-added distributor of leading global brands, providing complex ICT solutions to the Enterprise and SME markets. Solutions are delivered through trusted, established resellers to a client base across Africa. First Distribution is now expanding its portfolio with the addition of Smartoptics.
Smartoptics will manufacture transceivers for First Distribution and local stocks will be held in South Africa. Cost-efficient and flexible open line systems, transponders, muxponders and related solutions will also be distributed. The distribution agreement enables wide and rapid availability across Africa with the first local coding solution of Smartoptics transceivers on the African continent.
“At First Distribution, we pride ourselves on being able to piece together best-of-breed solutions for each customer and help them upgrade their existing multi-vendor networks. This is why we are excited about the flexibility and interoperability of Smartoptics network elements. With Smartoptics, we see a massive opportunity to bring open line systems to major carriers and ISPs, open up new hyperscaling capabilities, and tap into the bandwidth gains of 400G coherent optics. This will enable greater digital transformation and support entrepreneurship across Africa,” remarked Dave McGeehan, brand manager, First Distribution.
Because of exchange rate pressure, high energy costs and related challenges, cost efficiency is key for driving African connectivity. Smartoptics solutions are well positioned to meet this need and improve the accessibility of high-speed internet.
“By employing innovative design methods and leveraging the latest technology, we are able to create optical networking solutions with a smaller footprint than industry standards. This reduces the power consumption and rack space required while also optimising fiber utilisation. When combined with plug-and-play setup and automation features, this also greatly reduces the need for upskilling. With First Distribution’s local expertise and stocks, our low-cost, high-bandwidth optical networking solutions are uniquely positioned to enable a boom in African internet services,” commented Max Naylor, sales director UK Ireland & MEA, Smartoptics.
