Dimension Data Holdings, South Africa`s largest information technology integration company reported growth in the six months to end-March 1998, with turnover for the period under review comfortably outstripping total turnover achieved in the previous 12-months. The Group`s interim results released today report a massive 163% increase in turnover to R1,7-billion (R665-million) - R78-million higher than in Dimension Data`s financial year to end-September 1997. Continuing the Group`s past growth momentum, attributable earnings rose 84% to R92,4-million (R50,1-million) while earnings per share increased 51% to 16,8c (11,1c). Dimension Data Holdings Group chairman Jeremy Ord says the increase in turnover is directly attributable to organic growth experienced in all Dimension Data operations locally and abroad, as well as to the Group`s acquisition of Datacraft Asia and increased shareholdings in Com Tech (Australia) and the DNS Group in SA. "The results also reflect the Group`s ability to take advantage of the rapid changes and technology convergence occurring in the industry through identifying and focusing on key areas which offer exponential growth potential, while nurturing its skills base and remaining focused on its core competencies," he adds. Ord adds that technology convergence and the shift towards technology as a business enabler means the Group`s focused business units can no longer operate in isolation. "Technology, skills and applications must be able to flow between the various Group companies if we`re to meet market demand for holistic business solutions and added value. "As a dynamic IT company, Dimension Data therefore constantly transforms itself to facilitate the interdependence between business units and also seeks to form alliances and partnerships which will enable it to take advantage of the exploding information technology phenomenon. "For example, electronic commerce and on-line revenue transactions are fast becoming business realities and the growth potential in this market is enormous. The Group has therefore invested heavily in developing its Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities to provide a secure, national backbone infrastructure for these transactions. The establishment of the VPN will have positive business benefits for other Group companies, as well as our business partners," he explains. "In addition, the convergence of voice, data and video communication technologies, and the growing importance of the Internet as a communications medium also offer substantial opportunity for the Group. "Indeed, the reliance on the network as the centre of the information technology universe, and development of new applications as business enablers, will continue to drive growth prospects," Ord adds. Commenting on the global shortage of skilled IT personnel, Ord says access to scarce, highly qualified IT personnel, and the ability to transfer skills between Group companies locally and abroad, has given Dimension Data sustainable competitive advantage. "Retaining and developing skills remains a priority within the Group. The fact that Dimension Data Group companies or associates currently employ the largest number of qualified Cisco CCIE engineers in the world is a result of our focus on human resource development," he adds. The Group`s skills development focus has been extended to its external empowerment programme, which includes its innovative Emerging Companies Group established in December 1997, and internal Affirmative Action policy. The Emerging Companies Group provides seed capital and skills transfer to previously disadvantaged, small IT companies and start-up ventures. In addition, Dimension Data sub-contracts or partners these companies on select projects. To date three companies have formally joined this grouping. Internally, Dimension Data has committed itself to Affirmative Action. "At present 53% of employees fall into the category `previously disadvantaged`, with blacks accounting for 34%. We are looking to improve substantially on these figures in the next two to five years, in line with Government policy," Ord says.
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