Information and communications technology (ICT) is thriving in the Western Cape and the region is strategic to South Africa's current and future digital communications/technical capability, says Robert Sussman, joint-MD of Integr8 IT.
Integr8 IT is South Africa's largest privately owned national information technology network integration and infrastructure management specialist. It has an established national and international client base of businesses that continue to leverage off the latest in technology solutions, IT innovation and global ICT trends.
The company has reinforced its regional representation and physical presence in the Mother City with the purchase and re-development of what was formerly the Sea Point Medical Square - a well-known landmark within the Sea Point area. This targeted move and project is R40 million alone.
This new office will eventually incorporate another of its multimillion-rand hi-tech digital customer management hubs or Nerve Centre.
"We believe the Western Cape market has matured significantly as far as the adoption and use of technology is concerned. The province is certainly positioned at the forefront of the country's technology development and this trend is likely to continue as businesses develop and socio-economic development takes place," says Sussman.
With offices throughout South Africa, it continues to expand on its localised offering within the Cape and has captured greater corporate market share in what Sussman describes as a 'point of focus'.
"The rate of adoption and use of information, communication and telecommunications infrastructure has increased significantly within the Cape region," he says. "There is clearly a higher level of understanding for what technology can do within the business, and as far as IT spend and strategy implementation is concerned.
"The maturity I refer to is manifested into business strategy that is based on careful consideration of requirements, cost and availability of clear-cut benefits, but also allows room, depth and flexibility to build and expand. This strategy and mindset is crucial if businesses are to effectively manage growth and reinforce their technical competence in order to compete," Sussman continues.
The joint-MD of Integr8 IT points to the success of the Cape IT Initiative (CITI) as an example of the extent to which the region has developed in terms of its technology-focused competitive advantage.
"For most operations today, the decision to invest in technology and integrate leading solutions is no longer based on 'if' or 'why', but 'when' and 'where'. Initiatives like CITI are critical if the industry as a whole is to address challenges such as skills shortages, employment, resource development and overall digital competency - especially in light of socio-economic development, community upliftment and relevant opportunities like the World Cup in 2010," Sussman continues.
Viola Manuel, executive director, CITI, concurs. "The IT industry is a key growth focus for both the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government of the Western Cape. Cape Town is also fast becoming a destination of choice for international IT companies.
"Regional development is key to keeping the country's economy diverse and secure. Healthy investments into regions other than the economic hub have the knock-on effect of ensuring that those regions are better placed to support, develop and service their populace. It also benefits the companies investing in the region, opening new doors and exposing them to new revenue streams. The Cape IT Initiative is seeing a marked increase in IT investment in this region and we believe we are on the cusp of a significant growth phase."
Sussman echoes the general notion that the country's ICT capability, resources and overall competence will go a long way in determining the overall success of the FIFA World Cup.
"All eyes will be on South Africa. Businesses and industries continue to build up to this event. This is a magnificent opportunity for the country as a whole and for corporate South Africa in particular. Communication systems, technical infrastructure and reliable systems will play a huge role," says Sussman.
"The Cape is already an established and popular international tourist destination. With the World Cup on the horizon, there is an even greater need and opportunity to engage with markets and prove technical proficiency."
Share
Integr8 IT is a network technology services and solutions company. A renowned 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 across the southern Africa region.
Integr8 IT is a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner for Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, Network Infrastructure Solutions, Information Worker Solutions, and OEM Solutions.
It has been acknowledged and accredited with many awards, namely: Microsoft Gold Partner of the Year, African ICT Achievers - CIO of the Year for Africa, Best Customer Experience of the Year, Network Infrastructure Solution of the Year, Security Solution of the Year for Middle-East, Africa, and Eastern Europe, Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, and many others, every year, since its inception.
Named as one of the country's Top ICT Companies and honoured with a position among South Africa's Technology Top 100 Companies, Integr8 IT has established itself as a strategic partner with numerous internationally-recognised technology vendors and industry leaders, including 3Com, Attix 5, CA, Citrix, Cisco, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, MTN Network Solutions, Sun Microsystems, T-Systems and Verizon Business.
Editorial contacts