John Jenkins: A head for the cloud

Business Connexion is very quickly becoming synonymous with cloud service provision in South Africa. That's because since 2006 - before the term 'cloud computing' came into the lingua franca - the company was already investing in the foundational infrastructure to enable the on-demand services it provides to industry and government today.

And behind that vision are the people who make Business Connexion the company that it is, reflected in its 'Connective Intelligence' concept, which defines the combination of human nous with technological excellence.

Among the company's key people is John Jenkins, who has recently been appointed as an executive director to the boards of Business Connexion Group and Business Connexion, and ascended to the position of Group Executive: Business Development - Private Sector.

This is a significant step forward for Jenkins, and reflects the growing importance of the concept of cloud computing, especially for the company's clients in the private sector. In his preceding roles, both at Business Connexion and prior to joining the company, Jenkins has established himself as a leader of some distinction in the information and communication technology (ICT) services industry. His experience spans deal making, contract structuring, service management and multi-sourcing arrangements.

But it is specifically in the areas of ICT outsourcing and managed services that Jenkins is recognised as a pre-eminent voice. Indeed, he is considered one of the founders of the outsourcing industry in South Africa, and as such, is a widely recognised consultant, coach and mentor, drawing on over three decades of experience in the IT industry.

Cloud computing and services on demand represent the contemporary pinnacle of outsourced managed services. These concepts are rapidly achieving widespread recognition of their validity for the cost- and efficiency-optimised delivery of ICT to meet the requirements of business. However, for many companies there remain questions and concerns around whether or not cloud computing and services on demand can meet their stringent requirements for reliability, availability and performance, on the one hand, and security on the other.

That's where Jenkins' past experience and leadership positions him ideally for his present role. Over the past five years, he has played an instrumental role in elevating Business Connexion's pivotal Services division to a leadership position within the South African - and indeed, African - markets.

These are markets that are contested by global competitors; it is through Jenkins' vision, understanding of salient strategy and anticipation of the cloud computing phenomenon that Business Connexion has assumed its market position.

Driving successful cloud strategies for private enterprise today is not just a technologically astute strategy. It is also emerging as a necessity to operate a cost-effective and highly responsive organisation. From private cloud to private/public cloud infrastructures, it is among Jenkins' key priorities to advance the business case for cloud strategies in the private sector.

As he takes responsibility for developing new business, ensuring collaboration, integration and alignment across divisions, Jenkins is positioning Business Connexion for significant organic growth with the experience, expertise and track record to lead the collective efforts of the company.

For media queries, please contact:

1. Miranda Lusiba - Group Manager: Communication, Marketing & Communications at Business Connexion; Tel: 011290 9112/ 083 212 8624; e-mail: Miranda.Lusiba@bcx.co.za