Page 12 - EngineerIt August 2021

ICT CLOUD

Adopting cloud technology, the first

step is demystifying the concept

ne positive outcome of the
COVID-19 pandemic has been
Othe rapid acceleration and
adoption of new technologies and that
in turn has compelled C-suite executives
to think more strategically about how
they utilise cloud technologies to build
sustainable businesses. That was one
of the key points to emerge from a live
top-level discussion between Vukani
Mngxati, CEO of Accenture in Africa and
Deon Geyser, CEO of Liquid Intelligent
Technologies South Africa.
According to a new global survey Vukani Mngxati, CEO of Accenture in Deon Geyser, CEO of Liquid Intelligent
from Accenture of around 4000 global Africa Technologies South Africa
business and IT leaders, 65% of
respondents saw up to 10% in cost teams to help them understand team dynamics, strengths and weaknesses. This training
savings, on average, from moving to the was not only beneficial to improve teamwork within, but it was ultimately beneficial for even
cloud and some even benefitting amid our customers. And, our customers have also noticed the difference in how we manage
global disruptions, because they saw their accounts.” Another important factor that hinders adoption of technology is the fear
the cloud as a launchpad for new and that exists in the minds of some in the C-suite. Therefore, it is essential to demystify these
innovative ways of operating. technologies to ensure that businesses adapt to the changing times.
Outlining the current operating “Often, they just hear buzzwords, but we need to ask the correct questions to ensure
environment, Geyser said, “Despite the that our customers benefit from the solutions that they get from us. This approach also
difficult economic environment, there is establishes us as trusted advisors to our customers as they must understand and obtain
no question in the value that we have immediate value.”
been able to add to our customers Mngxati said his and Accenture’s principal tech mission was about unlocking
through our product suites, specifically commercial value and the ongoing challenge to convince CEOs and CIOs as to how
under cloud, managed services and they can deliver value by immersing themselves in a cloud mindset and philosophy.
unified communications.” But the tough Geyser said it was partly about tailoring and delivering the same conversation to different
question facing many organisations disciplines in the business. “It’s interesting if you look at organisational structures. The CIO
is finding cloud-centric skills and then and the CFO don’t always speak the same language, and then it becomes a conversation
building ongoing capability. around increasing expenditure. Unfortunately, people don’t always understand the
Said Mngxati, “We talk about a long-term benefits that cloud services bring to a company, and that’s where the value
cloud service because of the ability it lies. Businesses must understand that the real benefits of using the cloud will only
has to significantly transform business be experienced in the long run and not the immediate future, be it in terms of cost or
operations and then how people think innovation.” Mngxati said it’s in the explanatory or demystifying process that Accenture has
about enabling their services to create and does play a major role. “We’ve got to demonstrate to clients exactly where the value
a fast-tracker in the ability to execute comes from and much of that was about articulating the power of innovation and the value
business.” it brought to a company.
Geyser believes the secret to success Geyser said much of the innovation quotient came from developing an ever-growing
is to understand and scope capabilities network of IT development, which meant looking at all aspects of infrastructure from an
and potential, followed by a strong and experience perspective. That, he suggested, would continue to drive fresh and ground-
clear operational cloud strategy and breaking progress.
finally ensuring that the right people are Mngxati asked if Geyser were to put himself in the shoes of a major retailer, a major
in place. This he said was something bank, or even a small, medium enterprise, for that matter, that was looking to make use of
that Liquid Intelligent Technologies South cloud technologies to drive growth, what should their key focus be?
Africa has taken to heart when articulating Geyser believes it should initially be about developing an accurate and confident
the benefits of cloud solutions to clients. understanding of the concept of cloud technology and then finding the right consulting
“We initially facilitated an extensive skills partner. Businesses, irrespective of size, must develop a clear utilisation strategy that
development programme for our internal would bring about a meaningful long-term benefit. n

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