Q-KON Upgradeand Deploys with iDirect  to Manage Financial VSAT Network     VT iDirect, Inc.announced that Q-KON, a specialist service provider and systems integrator, has upgraded its network to version 3.3 and deployed the iDirect SatManage network management solution to manage this network. SatManage will be customized to provide specialized service level agreement (SLA) reporting to one of its major customers in the financial market. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.   The Q-KON iDirect network currently consists of 1,500 remote sites and is expected to reach 2,200 before the end of 2015. With SatManage, Q-KON can now actively monitor and manage its entire network gaining deeper visibility into key actions, while providing specialized reporting functionality to user groups in order to better serve business customers. Key factors for choosing SatManage include the ability to provide statistics related to remote site availability, which enables Q-KON to prove network SLA adherence to particular customers.   In addition to leveraging the capabilities of SatManage internally, Q-KON is working with iDirect to develop customized functionality for one of its major customers in the financial market. One such function is the ability to proactively monitor remotes for indications of power outages. In such instances, planned maintenance outages (PMOs) are created automatically by the system. This protects against negative impacts that outages could have to SLAs for the customer.   “Following an extensive evaluation for the right solution that could help us monitor, manage and report on our VSAT platform, we chose iDirect SatManage based on the scalability of the product, as well as its ability to provide statistics on SLA availability of our remote sites,” said Dr. Dawie de Wet, CEO, Q-KON. “Going forward, we anticipate to be able to leverage SatManage across our network operations center, and with various first, second and third level engineers to monitor specific remotes or other components in the hub.”   “One of the primary challenges for Q-KON is to be able to provide SLA reports that are correct and auditable for customers. Because of the customizable nature of SatManage, we are able to provide the unique reporting capabilities that help Q-KON remain proactive in maintaining any outages that could impact its SLA. Q-KON works diligently to exceed the needs of its customers,” said Majdi Atout, Regional Vice President, Middle East and Africa, iDirect.