Derek Friend
Derek Friend
....the technology evangelist....
Born
in Johannesburg
South Africa
Excellent academic qualifications, solid references and 15+ years of IT experience - skilled in planning/ delivering streamlined, centralised and efficient unified communication procedures and processes for telecom, IT and major ISP communication projects
Consulted on projects in Europe and throughout Africa. Focused on the ISP Industry.
I view my career as a professional approach to technology implementation. I am extremely motivated and highly skilled in business communication, consultancy and technology. I have inter-personal communications, presentation and client interaction skills focusing on client relationship management, with a large network of alliances, I am able to grasp concepts quickly and methodically, and turn problems into solutions, with my varied background in IT and telecommunications .
I view myself as a responsible educated mature person with good business practices, and take responsibility for informed decisions, due to my wealth of technical knowledge, and problem solving skills. I am able to consult on all new projects presented to me. Experience General Management, Business Solutions, Consulting, Pre-Sales, Product Management, Account Management, Project Management, Business Development, Customer Relationship Management advanced International Telecommunication Voice and Data Internet knowledge Indepth experience in aligning ICT to business, Handson leadership of cross-cultural and cross-functional teams, launching data and broadband products and ensuring their success as well as managing mediumsized to large country operations. Broad strategic and business knowledge of the Telecommunications industry, Think outside the box and deliver what the customer wants I am strategic thinker. Matching product capabilities to market needs, strong marketing strategies and strategic contacts I consult at all levels with first class communication skills, written and oral I look forward to networking with you.
Specialties
Backup technologies, advanced networking, unified converged communications, consultant, specialising in end-to-end connectivity solutions and related services across the African continent ie ISP services, computing,virtualisation, access ISDN, ADSL , security solutions, Virtual Private Networks, MPLS, mobile solutions, telephony, VSAT , broadband, and application services ,SAAS, IPLC, lease line connectivity, STM-1- 64 , E1, E3, DS3, point to point, terrestrial ,Wi-Fi,wimax and VoIP technologies.
Business Address
Derek Friend's Professional details
Current Position(s)
Online Media, Internet and E-Commerce
Responsible for building a country strategy, planning, developing, implementing business management ideologies, Increases market share, maximising revenue in all product /services categories for various markets for major clients focusing on enterprise technology, Initiating strategic partnerships with service providers and partners, key country relationships with customer executives for top accounts, channel and alliance partner executives, government executives, vendors and the press. Maintaining and establish a distribution network for the South African market in the data backup, migration and data recovery sector.
Previous Position(s)
Business Development Manager South Africa | Sales | Gateway Communications (Pty) Ltd
Johannesburg, South Africa | 2010 - 2011
Online Media, Internet and E-Commerce
Manager of Business Development for South Africa . Focusing on wholesale connectivity for International data (bandwidth capacity) on the new sub-sea fiber cables, internet backbone development and country strategy defining: network strategies and price reduction for the domestic Internet market at ISP level. Establishing the emerging market, operations and maintenance functions within the South African and neighbouring countries, including all types of wholesale internet bandwidth sales, and International Private Leased Circuits (IPLCs) - Clients include all major local and neighboring ISPs. Specialising in - Line Bonding, Half Cabinet Colocation - with bandwidth, Metro Ethernet, Peering, VPN's, ATM, Wireless, Bandwidth / Data Bundle, International Termination, Last mile connectivity, IP Transit, IP Telephony/VOIP, Fibre Optics, Local & Cellular Termination
Gateway Communications own and operate the largest and most advanced pan-African telecommunications network. Our scale, reach and resources are unparalleled.
Gateway connect over 583 million people in over 40 African countries, working in partnership with the continents leading mobile phone operators and ISPs in Africa. Our business experts are creating prosperity across Africa by working closely with multinational corporations; in banking and finance, oil and gas, mining and construction, retail, wholesale and distribution, airlines, and other important sectors.
With more than 50 transponders of satellite capacity over Africa we manage more connectivity over the continent than any other operator, and with 24 dedicated teleports, access to multiple sub sea cable landing ports in Africa, 17 African offices and 350 local experts, we’ve got more local support than any other operator
ICT and Telecommunications
Arguably the largest ISP in S.Africa enabling and evolving converged communications. Always-on connectivity. Anywhere, anytime access, key to the future success of your business. IS enables it all. Leading next-generation services with a world-class infrastructure, we partner with world-leading technology vendors to provide end-to-end connectivity solutions. a comprehensive range of next-generation business solutions, IS provides better collaboration between you and your customers, partners and suppliers. Enabling you to communicate rapidly, reliably and securely over our converged network. Making it possible for you to do business using any device, anywhere, anytime. Giving you the competitive edge. IS a division of Dimension Data Middle East & Africa. Founded in 1993, Internet Solutions has evolved from an Internet Services Provider to a fully fledged Converged Communication Services specialist. IS has pioneered a range of technology solutions in South Africa, including fibre optic links 1994, mobile connectivity and switched VPN 1997, application hosting 2003, and VoIP and wireless hotspots 2005. With offices in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, IS is strategically positioned to support the expansion of the Group’s operations into the emerging markets of Africa and the Middle East.
With a global presence and a proven capability for delivering technology services to support your business, you can trust us to keep you on the sharp end of information and communication technology for competitive advantage. www.dimensiondata.com
Wi-Fi Product Manager | VoIS Business Unit - Wi-Fi division | Internet Solutions (a divison of Dimension Data
Johannesburg, South Africa | 2008 - 2009
Online Media, Internet and E-Commerce
Developed and grew the business units revenue from a commercial and financial aspect of Wi- Fi hotspots in South Africa. Attend and organise high level sales / technical meetings, and presentations of the wireless services, add value proposition in new opportunities as well as in the existing strategic customer base, ensuring the groups IT standards are met. Finding solutions and researching and excelling in Wi-Fi, Wireless, GSM and VoIP technologies to give the company the market edge, take ownership of the project life cycle, project management, ensuring product collateral is developed and kept up to date. Responsible for commercial product management, strategic account acquisition, growth and management of the sales channel, development and support, retention of existing sales channel account revenues. Business unit ownership and development of account opportunities until conclusion. Financial structuring, costing and pricing of services, financial analysis and improvement of current services Including developing costing models, responsible for ledger and cost of sales, revenue and GP and growth graphs, and business unit targets, responsible for the commercials researching international product development trends, identify new product opportunities, and liaise with news groups and blogs internationally. develop an enhancement plan to improve IS product positions nationally and internationally
Account Manager | Sales | Cisco Systems South Africa
Johannesburg | 2006 - 2007
ICT and Telecommunications
Cisco hardware, software, and service offerings are used to create the Internet solutions that make networks possible-providing easy access to information anywhere, at any time.Cisco was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company's inception, Cisco engineers have been leaders in the development of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technologies. Today, with more than 65,225 employees worldwide, this tradition of innovation continues with industry-leading products and solutions in the company's core development areas of routing and switching, as well as in advanced technologies in IP infrastructure. I left Cisco to expand my career in a consultancy position
Online Media, Internet and E-Commerce
http://www.verizonbusiness.com - UUNET/Verizon is largest global carrier and Internet service provider (ISP) and one of the nine Tier 1 network providers. UUNET Communications Services began operations in 1987 as a non-profit corporation providing Usenet feeds, E-mail exchange and access to a large repository of software source code and related information. The venture proved successful and shed its non-profit status within two years. At the same time, the company changed its name to UUNET Technologies. In 1990, UUNET launched its AlterNet service, which provided access to an IP backbone independent of the constraints of those operated by the government. That network lives on in a much larger form and serves as the core of a set of products which include access at dial-up and broadband speeds as well as web hosting.
In the mid 1990s, UUNET was the fastest-growing ISP, outpacing MCI and Sprint. At its peak, Internet traffic was doubling every few months, which translates to 10x growth each year. The public disclosures of this growth substantially fueled the expectations of the dot.com and telecom companies of the late 1990s, leading to the dot-com bubble and crash in 2000/2001.
bought out by Verizon and MTN
Educational history
Secondary
IT Intellect, Johannesburg, South Africa (2003)
Dynamic Training Solutions, Johannesburg, South Africa (1997)
Pinpoint Training , Durban, South Africa (1994)
Pinetown Boys High (1993)
Tertiary
Durban, South Africa | 1998 - 1999
Architectural Draughtsman - CAD
Computer-aided design,also known as computer-aided design and drafting is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer.
Durban, South Africa | 1997 - 1999
Architectural Draughtsman - Architecture
Project Management, Project Initiation: Discovery and Analysis,Estimating,Framing the Project, Project Planning:, Laying the Foundation, Developing the Plan, Building the Team
Project Execution:
Monitoring and managing, Managing chaos, Project ClosurureTyping Up Loose Ends
Pretoria, South Africa | 2012 - present
Management Development - Management
Gordon Institute Of Business Science, Johannesburg, South Africa
Achievements
Awards
media exposure
n line with its extensive terrestrial rollout plan for 2011 Gateway Communications, the leading supplier of pan-African telecommunications services, has built a number of new peering points in southern Africa. Gateway Communications now has 350 peering partners in Africa and has increased the number of peering locations to 20 making it the largest pan-African peering operator.
Johannesburg, South Africa, Gateway Communications, the leading supplier of pan African telecommunications services, has stated its intention to continue to invest in a mix of communications technologies wireless, fibre and satellite.
ITWeb is a South African media house and the publishers of the Brainstorm, iWeek and Digital Life magazines.
A vital resource for South African IT decision-makers, ITWeb delivers news and information through diverse content platforms, including online, e-newsletters, print and events.
ITWeb is recognised as South Africa's technology news and information leader.
ITWeb is a South African media house and the publishers of the Brainstorm, iWeek and Digital Life magazines.
A vital resource for South African IT decision-makers, ITWeb delivers news and information through diverse content platforms, including online, e-newsletters, print and events.
ITWeb is recognised as South Africa's technology news and information leader.
ITWeb is a South African media house and the publishers of the Brainstorm, iWeek and Digital Life magazines.
A vital resource for South African IT decision-makers, ITWeb delivers news and information through diverse content platforms, including online, e-newsletters, print and events.
ITWeb is recognised as South Africa's technology news and information leader.
Tech and IT News ISP industry, Broadband, Tech and IT news website focusing on the IT and Telecommunications industry.
Academic Achievements
Studied CCDA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) | 2004
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size route and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. CCNA curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills. This new curriculum also includes (but is not limited to) the use of these protocols: IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2),VLANs, Ethernet, access control lists (ACLs).
Studied C.C.D.A (Cisco Certified Design Associate) | 2004
Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) validates knowledge required to design a Cisco converged network. With a CCDA certification, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to design routed and switched network infrastructures and services involving LAN, WAN, and broadband access for businesses and organizations. The CCDA curriculum includes designing basic campus, data center, security, voice, and wireless networks.
Studied CompTIA Security+ | 2004
CompTIA Security+ certification designates knowledgeable professionals in the field of security, one of the fastest-growing fields in IT.
CompTIA Security+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification that demonstrates competency in:
Network security
Compliance and operational security
Threats and vulnerabilities
Application, data and host security
Access control and identity management
Cryptography
Studied Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) MCSD.NET 2373, 2565 | 2003
Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) for Microsoft .NET developing and maintaining enterprise applications that are based on Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms.
Studied MCSE NT4, 2000 | 2003
MCSE Certification has in total seven examinations four operating examinations, two electives examinations and one design examination. The topics included are configuring, installing and administering Windows professional, Windows Server and implementing and administering, Windows Network infrastructure and Windows directory service.
Studied Web Development | 2003
Web Development, and Fundamentals
Studied Linux Administrator | 2000
Linux Administrator ,Administering, Networking, configuring and security
Studied CompTIA Project+ | 2003
CompTIA Project+ is a globally recognized project management certification that identifies qualified and quality project managers.
Studied CompTIA N+ | 1997
The CompTIA Network+ certification is the sign of a qualified networking professional. Networking essentials,PC maintenance course (hardware/software PC architecture),Routing and Switching, Peripherals and software installation, ,Networking,Troubleshooting,
Studied CompTIA A+ | 1999
CompTIA A+ certification validates foundation-level knowledge and skills necessary for a career in PC support. It is the starting point for a career. The international, vendor-neutral certification proves competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting.
The Academy of Advanced Technology is one of the most advanced and largest institutions of its kind in South Africa and has become a leader in its field.
The Academy of Advanced Technology is one of the most advanced and largest institutions of its kind in South Africa and has become a leader in its field.
Activities
Memberships
Advanced , 2007 - present
NAUI Worldwide is the world's most respected, largest non-profit diver training organization in the world. Established in 1959 as a membership association and organized solely to support and promote Dive Safety Through Education, NAUI continues as the recognized leader in innovative education. NAUI Worldwide members offer a full range of training programs from Skin Diver through Instructor Course Director, with dozens of specialty courses including Nitrox and technical diving.
Member steering committee , 2005 - 2010
ICIA (International Communications Industries Association) InfoComm International is the leading voice promoting the audiovisual industry. InfoComm provides information about the AV industry to the public, including students, jobseekers and more, communicates outreach opportunities to members, testifies before state legislatures, provides information on the industry to Congress, disseminates industry statistics and more.
Member, 1994 - 2010
The South African Institute of Draughting (SAID) is an independent, professional body established in 1953. The Institute’s objective is to improve the academic and technical qualifications of draughtspersons in all disciplines of technical drawing and design. It is proud to be recognised as a Voluntary Association of both the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
Member, 2009 - present
Member of - The Internet SOCiety (ISOC) - is a professional membership society with more than 150 organisation and 16,000 individual members in over 180 countries. It provides leadership in addressing issues that confront the future of the Internet, and is the organisation home of the Internet Engineering Task Force, the Internet Architecture Board, the Internet Engineering Steering Group, and the Internet Research Task Force.
Member, 2009 - present
Member of - IEEE is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity
community
The Bernie Carbello Foundation
Funding Contributer through Storvault Africa, 2011 - present
To create a sustainable fund that is committed to providing opportunities for deserving, disadvantaged, community-based children through subsidised primary and secondary school education.
To create role models and leaders within disadvantaged communities.
To provide the opportunity for selected, deserving children to compete in all facets of life throughout their entire education career and beyond.
Beneficiaries:
Deserving children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Schools involved:
Beaulieu Preparatory School
Kyalami Preparatory School
Beaulieu College
The amount contributed during the 2009 Financial Period is R1 506 000.00
Technology Contributer, 2008 - 2010
Supporting exceptional people to change the world
We provide funding for dynamic leaders who are at the forefront of social change. We identify amazing people, give them a fellowship grant, and multiply the money they put into their projects by a factor of ten or more.
Technology Contributer, 2008 - 2010
http://villagetelco.org/
Orange Farm is an informal settlement of about 300,000 people south of Johannesburg. Most people cannot afford mobile phones, and cannot afford to use the Internet cafes.
However working witha local telecommunications company providing affordable telephone service in Orange Farm through wireless mesh technology.
Several wireless routers were installed that relay signals to an internet connection in a local community centre. Anyone within range of one of the routers can make phone calls using a Wi-Fi or SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) telephone. Calls within the network are free, promoting support of low-cost prepaid calls to telephones on other networks.
In conjunction with the Shuttleworth Foundation, a non-profit South African charitable organization, in the Village telco project to develop an affordable and easy-to-install telephone system for rural communities. The goal was to design a system costing no more than US$5000 to get started, which a small-scale local entrepreneur could afford, and which would break even within six months. The project came up with the concept of a “mesh potato”, a cheap device (perhaps $60 per unit) that can connect a standard analog telephone to the wireless network and also serves as a wireless mesh node, relaying signals from other mesh potatoes to a central wireless internet connection. In conjunction with companies adopting a similar model will provide advice to wireless community network owners and connectivity to the outside world. The technology has been tested and several manufacturers are showing interest in building the devices. The Village Telco concept may have potential in many other countries outside South Africa
Other Activities
N.A.U.I Advanced, 2001 - present
Scuba & Advanced diploma, search and rescue- (NAUI)
