Another First For Altron With Huawei Certification

Another First For Altron With Huawei Certification

Johannesburg, 15 March 2018 – Carl Edom, networks engineer and engineering technical lead solutions architect at JSE-listed Altron subsidiary Altech Radio Holdings, has become the first South African and only the third person in the world to certify as a double HCIE (Huawei Certified Internetworking Expert).

He is also the first person not hailing from China to qualify as a double HCIE, HCIE Network Routing and Switching and HCIE Storage.

The combined certifications validate the knowledge and skills required to construct, optimise, and manage large and medium-sized enterprise networks as well as storage systems and solutions – something Edom is involved in, as Altech Radio Holdings (ARH) is responsible for the planning, design and implementation of a number of large scale broadband networks within the South African public sector.

Brett Nash, MD of ARH, said it was phenomenal that South African engineers were coming to the fore in what was an exciting and growing ICT space. “We are exceptionally proud of Carl. Huawei is a global force and a pioneer in telecommunications and we are committed to upskilling our workforce to further strengthen our strategic alliance with Huawei and to ensure that we provide our customers with the best technical expertise available.”

This certification means Edom has the skills and expertise to design and implement complex enterprise networks as well as storage solutions, and is a differentiator for ARH in the South African environment.

“We are a dedicated Huawei ICT solutions provider and leading value-added partner of Huawei in South Africa, through flagship Huawei projects and an extensive number of Huawei certified engineers. It therefore made sense for me to align myself with this shared vision by completing both of these HCIE certifications which are relevant to our business,” Edom said.

Edom said his role at ARH included spearheading technical and functional input for requests for information and proposals as well evaluating and providing architectural advice for project enhancements by examining current and target architecture.

The HCIE certification required hard work, dedication and many hours of self-sacrifice for successful completion. “On-the-job experience is essential given that a practiced level of understanding within each discipline is a minimum starting point.”

To achieve an HCIE certification not only is one required to pass a stringent written examination but also practical lab examinations and a panel interview with Huawei’s technology experts in China.

“Having successfully completed the HCIE programme twice has been a highlight of my career. Not only has it encouraged a better collaborative partnership with Huawei but it has given me a better insight into the various technologies and solutions provided by Huawei and how these can be of benefit to our customers.”