Bytes Systems Integration (BSI) has enhanced its ISO certifications by adding the internationally recognised SANS / ISO 27001 certification – the information security management standard, to the company’s ISO 9001:2008 certification, which enhances its commitment to quality of process.

Tony Monik, corporate services manager Bytes SI, is of the opinion that Bytes SI is one of the few, if not the only, Commercial Data Centre to have achieved this certification. ISO 27001 specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving a documented information security management system within the context of an organisation’s overall business risks. It also specifies requirements for the implementation of security controls customised to the needs of individual organisations. It is designed to ensure the selection of appropriate security controls to protect information assets, ensuring confidentiality, integrity and accessibility, providing our customers with IT Security assurance in the handling and security of their information.

“Bytes SI has long had an organisation-wide discipline in the management and processing of confidential content and obtaining this prestigious certification means that we are compliant with global information security standards, and have elevated our internal and external information security management system to the highest level.” Monik goes on to say “We are proud of the certification, but the real achievement lies in the creation of policies and procedures that give our clients the assurance that we can quickly identify and respond to all levels of security risks.” Information security is an increasing requirement of both customers and business partners alike.

The certification comes as South Africans await The Protection of Personal Information Act (“POPI”) which is expected to come into effect soon and will require businesses to comply. This certification is now an added advantage to our portfolio of certifications” adds Monik. He congratulated the team at Bytes SI’s Network and Security Operations Centre (“NSOC”) for the many hours that went into achieving this certification. “We are exceptionally proud of our team of governance and compliance staff who made this certification possible.”

To further enhance Bytes SI’s stable of certifications, the company is in the process of working towards the ISO 20001-1 IT service management standard at one of its large outsourced customers, and is aiming to achieve this certification in 2015. “This will put Bytes SI on a par with leading IT companies locally and internationally,” says Monik. “As we continue to expand our operations, additional ISO certifications will act as a global benchmark for our customers and partners. Not only are these certifications most prestigious, they greatly assist us to deliver standardised, world-class services.”

Monik goes on to say that the company intends embarking on the process of the ISO 38500:2008 corporate governance of IT certification in the near future. This certification will provide guiding principles for our directors on the effective, efficient, and acceptable use of IT in Bytes SI, to the benefit of our customers. “The certification will demonstrate to customers, shareholders, and employees that they can have confidence in Bytes SI’s corporate governance of IT. It will give our customers further reassurance that they are dealing with a truly world-class IT service provider.”