Johannesburg, 21 Sep 2016
For those working in the IT, telecoms and other such industries, it is a phrase heard often and in various contexts.
Surprisingly then, it is also a little ironic that many people don't really know what the term intrinsically means or refers to at a strategic level, says Raizcorp. One would think it's a no brainer but let's give it a little more attention and look at some key properties of ICT planning.
Strategy for efficiency
First off, if you're still viewing yourself as the omnipotent tech god whom clients rely upon for business direction based on a set of mandatory one-size-fits-all products, then that would be the first mistake. Insisting that a client shape their objectives around IT or tech delivery is no longer competitive. Rather, a great ICT strategy should be built around the objectives of the business, resulting in a converged approach where the business needs are prioritised and maximum efficiencies are reached.
Respect, as they say, is mutual, and so respect for budgets is key in these tough economic times. Everyone wants their rand to go further. Tech offerings and infrastructures should assist in keeping costs as low as possible for the operating business but still deliver on the strategic objectives. It may seem to be a tall ask as both clients and suppliers desire the best of both worlds, but a well-run solution can achieve these goals.
ICT is and should always be designed strategically with the business in mind.
How long are your legs?
Trends in the information and communications technologies spheres come and go at an almost daily rate so it's critical that a proposed solution is futureproof or at least adaptable to change. This will, in the long run, cost less to run and implement and cause fewer hassles long-term.
It's an easy trap to fall into. By plugging problematic holes with short-term solutions, one can consistently keep a client appeased. There should, however, always be a more future-facing approach, benefiting all parties involved.
ICT as the enabler
At its core, ICT is an enabler. This is no secret. It gives life and legs to just about everything in today's smart cities, educational institutions and business. Key for South Africa though, as we aim for continuing development, is the enabling of government. Our diverse and ever-changing socio-economic status requires deeply strategic ICT's in order to level the global playing field. Business and government have a symbiotic relationship, particularly in current times and once again, by maximising efficiencies for increased productivity, further success can follow.
In 2012, the ICT sector contributed 2.9% to South Africa's GDP, with telecommunications, computer services and ICT manufacturing leading the way. Year-on-year growth is evident although the battle against the weakened rand may have stunted growth somewhat, resulting in smarter solutions coming to the fore.
This is possibly one of the most topical challenges which small businesses face. The valuable role that small business is currently playing in South Africa is immeasurable. It is for this reason that Raizcorp, Africa's only unfunded for-profit business incubator model, is looking to engage with more small and black-owned ICT businesses in order to assist in further developing them through Raizcorp's Business Growth Programmes.
For more information on Raizcorp's Business Growth Programme, please visit http://www.raizcorp.com/business-growth_programmes.
*Sources used for article:
* http://www.mpict.org/importance_of_ict.html
* Stats SA
* World Economic Forum, The Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009
* http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/ICT-information-and-communications-technology-or-technologies
* http://www.biznisafrica.co.za/the-impact-of-the-economy-on-sa-ict-industry/
* Hemisphere Solutions - A Managed Services IT Company (Industry Expert interviews)
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