Smartbyte was established over 25yrs ago. Servicing the Eastern Cape businesses and Educational institutes. Operating out of Port Elizabeth, the company is lead by a very dynamic and competent team. Founder and CEO, Richard van Briesies , has expanded services to include Training Services, Software Sales, Web and Social Media Integration.
History
Since first opening for business, we have come a long way in achieving our vision of becoming a preferred computer education and IT solutions provider company in the Eastern Cape and further afield in South Africa.
Smart Byte was started in 1995 by former teachers Richard Van Briesies and Relton Groepe, who recognised that there was an alarming shortage of computer training and IT Services in Port Elizabeth northern areas and townships.
The necessary hardware resources were acquired with the help of the Business Finance Promotion Agency, and Richard and Relton were in business.
The partners initially focused on providing computer literacy training in schools in the relevant areas of Port Elizabeth as well as in Hankey and Humansdorp.
As the company and its reputation grew so did its clientele, and within the first five years Smart Byte had started attracting such large private-sector clients as National ports Authorities, Boonzaaier Dotwana and Associates (Lliso Consulting), the department of labour, and Pillay and Meyer Attorneys.
Today many large companies and cooperates such as Coega Development Corporation, Portnet, the Delta Foundation (GM), Shatterprufe and Corning products SA rank among its clients. In fact most companies in the metro today have at least one staff member who has undergone computer training with Smart Byte. Many other former students are now successfully running their own businesses.
Smart Bytes rapid growth over the past 20 years to the high levels of service and commitment provided to each and every client, as well as to the company’s innovative approach in providing training and IT SOLUTIONS. An example of this innovation is the company’s introduction of electronic conference registration to Port Elizabeth.
The Company is registered with the ISETT SETA, the department of education, COMSEC and ECMAC.
Services provided include:
-IT solutions to corporate and small businesses.
-The development of partnership with schools to provide computer laboratories.
-Training services (Microsoft-curriculum based, technical and computerized accounting).
-ABET services.
-Computer education project management.
-The supply and installation of computer hardware and software specific to construction and engineering activities.
-The supply of printing equipment such as plotters, laser printers and print servers.
-Urban and rural development.
Smart byte is very flexible in meeting the needs of the clients, and training is customized to meet the specific workplace requirements of the customer. Training can be on an individual or group basis, can take place in Smart Byte training rooms or at the clients premises, and can even take place to accommodate a client’s shift patterns so as not to impact on production. Also affiliated with their broad range of knowledge are courses in workplace learning which has been completed at the University of the Western Cape.