A new IT services company recently made its bold appearance in the rather crowded local IT solutions market. JSE-listed CS Computer Services Holding has repositioned a division previously focused on supporting other companies within the group as a dedicated IT services solution company, CS IT Solutions (CS ITS).
With 10 years` experience in IT services, MD Johann Kunz has his job cut out for him. Previously a director of Technicare and then of Spicer Specialised Services, Kunz saw in CS ITS an opportunity he could not refuse. "I sometimes wondered, if I were to start it all over again, how would I do it?"
Kunz was given just this opportunity to start a services company "from a blank sheet of paper". When he left Spicer, Otto van der Walt, also an ex-Technicare director, joined him as director of support and services for CS ITS.
But why another IT services company? Kunz believes there is a large gap in the local market. "All the mergers in the market have created an opportunity for a service company to target medium- to large-sized companies."
Unlocking value
Kunz sees the company`s competitive-edge in remaining focused while offering more holistic solutions ranging from traditional network services up to the WAN level, and leveraging the existing service infrastructure. There is a potential in unlocking the value from cross-selling and developing existing customers between the members of the group.
"With our strong positioning within the ERP and training arenas, we see this as the third critical component when addressing the outsourcing requirements of medium- to large-sized companies. We are tapping into those resources and infrastructure to provide new skills or to get them trained."
A key element of the support that CS ITS promises will be its own software called GEMS, developed for response centres.
Van der Walt says CS ITS will focus on adding tangible value for the customer, making it finally possible to define and quantify the value of IT. "The customer must see the difference to the bottom-line," he says.
As the industry is moving from a visible office environment to a virtual company environment, people are becoming more empowered and entrepreneurial spirit is in high demand, notes Kunz. "Service is entirely about skills," he concludes.
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