Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are at a disadvantage when it comes to buying and maintaining technology that suits their environment, says Phuti Mosomane, deputy programme director, ITWeb Events.
These businesses do not have the disposable cash to buy large business servers that can be in place for when it needs to grow. In addition, finding the HR budget to hire IT staff has also been a problem for SMEs, he explains.
Many of the larger vendors are looking at SMEs' business requirements and starting to introduce products that are affordable and scalable for their needs, states Mosomane. However, some are "dumbed down" versions of enterprise offerings that could cost more than they are worth, he continues.
Mosomane says SME owners and managers, especially those looking for technology solutions that are easy to install and maintain while at the same time are capable of growing profitable businesses by offering quick returns on investment, need to diarise 27 May.
"The 2008 ICT for SMEs is a one-day event that provides SME owners and managers the opportunity to understand exactly what technology will be suited to their environments. The event will showcase presentations by experts on the role of technology in SMEs and takes place at Gallagher Estate in Midrand," he states.
The day features presentations from, among others, the Department of Communications, Independent Communications Authority of SA, Small Enterprise Development Agency, Innovation Hub, Enablis Africa, Cape IT Initiative and World Wide Worx Strategy, Mosomane continues.
The event also promises to provide insight into global technology trends relating to SMEs, as well as how major IT players are addressing these trends.
"The event aims to contribute to the sustainable development of SMEs by providing information on and raising awareness of available and upcoming IT technology and solutions. It also hopes to provide a forum where representatives from the SME community can meet and network," concludes Mosomane.
Share