When it comes to the decision to invest in technology infrastructure, the most practical scenario involves the collective participation and input from the FD, CIO and IT manager. Whatever the outcome, all parties agree that the integration of any technology should be based on the needs of the business and not the other way around.
A common issue that still features within this conference-type decision model is that people differ in terms of their understanding and recognition of technology. The inevitable is that people will differ in terms of their knowledge and experience, but that should not deter or inhibit the investment process.
The global trend of acquiring technology on merit, in terms of how it adds value to the growth of the business, still applies. Locally businesses are far more aware of the link between strategically placed technology and business growth.
The market is certainly more mature - a dynamic entrenched by the role of management in the process. Today, the CIO is a key contributor to the formation and roll-out of the business IT roadmap.
This is where outsourcing comes into play and has really helped to define the market in a major way. The fact is that the rate at which technology develops, solutions are being introduced, service is being provided and trends emerge has forced decision-makers to consider outsourcing to partners in the know.
Decisions behind technology investment are based, quite extensively on brands, their credibility in the marketplace and price. However, businesses seem to be vigilant in their effort to not lose site of why the investment is being made in the first place.
While CIOs have been given the mandate to invest in IT, it is not surprising that management looks to experts in the field for advice and input to reinforce any technology strategy and direction going forward. Outsource partners would, ideally, be positioned at the forefront of technology development and global trends. Their job is to understand what makes IT tick, on a worldwide scale, and how new products, solutions and infrastructure can build business.
The top management of a company is more focused on internal operations and, in most cases, does not have the time or extra resources to spend entirely on IT strategy. Their role has evolved to help make decisions and also manage outsourced partners.
A potential partner, however, should not be selected at random. The main criteria is that the business is established, have a proven track record and the skills and resources to deliver on promises. There are many instances where decision-makers have opted for the newer player on the market. Mostly the cost factor is very competitive, but without established presence, resources and ability, delivery is often very slow or non-existent. The alternative is to go with an established, proven partner to which the business may have to pay a higher premium, but would have the peace of mind in terms of service and delivery.
The increase in technology investment certainly has a positive knock-on effect for companies, the information and communications technology (ICT) sector and the economy at large.
In addition to the obvious business requirement to keep abreast of changes within ICT and related product and trends, the local market is now focused on regulation and de-regulation. Legislation governing storage, access to information and compliance dominates the former, while connectivity and VOIP remains hot topics of discussion within the latter.
No matter what the market conditions or strategy, CIOs are compelled, like most of the organisation, to keep their ear to the ground as far as IT is concerned. There is no moving away from this modern fundamental.
The impact for those businesses that have yet to fully embrace technology and adopt accordingly is, normally, too heavy to come back from.
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Integr8 IT (Pty) Ltd is a network technology services and solutions company. A recognised leader in the field of system integration, infrastructure management and support services, the company employs a wealth of highly skilled, best of breed, certified system engineers who are directly involved in high level consulting, support and integration.
The company`s core focus is on network infrastructures specialising in design, planning, deployment, management and maintenance. Offices are located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and representation in Port Elizabeth, East London, and nationally across the Southern Africa region.
Integr8 IT is a Microsoft Certified GOLD Partner for Enterprise Systems and Advanced Infrastructure Solutions. It has been accredited as the Mid-Market Infrastructure Integrator of the Year for the last two consecutive years. Named as one of the country`s top ICTe companies and honoured with a position among South Africa`s Technology Top 100 Companies, Integr8 IT has established itself as a strategic partner with several internationally-recognised technology vendors and industry leaders, including: 3Com, CA, Citrix, Intel, Microsoft, MTN Network Solutions and Attix 5.
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