Tag: cloud technology

Changing the way we work remotely in the Cloud

Remote Cloud working is not new to the business world, but it is taking a while to reach “lift-off” in South Africa. Cloud computing comes with a plethora of perks and advantages attached, so why are South African businesses lagging behind?

Recent probes uncovered several reasons why Cloud computing plays a role in the business environment but, as yet, doesn’t see enough employees working remotely or making use of flexible working:

  • Mistrust between management and employees (management worry that employees won’t be working responsibly if they aren’t on-site).
  • A lack of technological infrastructure and hardware and softwareb –  companies just don’t have the right technology in terms of Cloud computing systems that support remote or flexible working.
  • The fear of cybersecurity risks that are a result of human error.
  • A lack of understanding of the business benefits of Cloud computing and flexible/remote working systems.

For some, the statistics could be seen as bizarre. This is particularly so when you consider that 93% of respondents (in a Cloud computing survey involving 250 IT decision-makers in South Africa), said that they do believe flexible working, paired with the right technology, could significantly increase staff productivity and boost positive outcomes.

The numbers show that;

  1. Only 59% of businesses interested in incorporating Cloud computing into their business model are doing so to introduce remote and flexible working opportunities to their employees.
  2. 74% indicated that they were interested in Cloud computing for the improved data security and better document management that it ensures.
  3. 61% indicated that their interest in Cloud computing was solely based on saving business costs.

Do Staff Want Flexible and Remote Working Opportunities in SA?

Staff members were also put in the spotlight and asked how they feel about remote and flexible working in a recent survey.

The result was that; 58% of staff felt they were more productive working remotely/flexibly, whereas 32% said they have the same productivity levels whether in the office, on the go, or working from home. There is, of course, the 7% of respondents that indicated that working from home might prove difficult and affect their productivity levels negatively. These percentages do give business owners something to think about…

4IR – South Africa Needs to Get on Board with Digital Transformation

The fourth industrial revolution is upon us, and while the rest of the world soars ahead with flexible and remote working made possible with Cloud computing, South Africa seems to be lagging instead of welcoming the change. Companies need to keep up with the global digital transformation, but they also need to provide a working environment that inspires productivity and loyalty from staff members.

When companies in South Africa embrace Cloud computing to change the way they work, they will reap the benefits. For instance, Cloud computing enables employees to collaborate better. It also allows them to connect and share information with greater ease. Cloud computing makes document control, sharing, and management so simple. What’s not to love?

Last Word

If your business is being left behind in the global digital transformation; perhaps now is the time to consider Cloud computing. Take the time to find how it can benefit you, your business and of course, your employees. Cloud computing is changing the way the world does business – be a part of that change!

How Cloud Plays a Huge Role in the Always-On Economy

Instant gratification, 24-hour service, exceptional customer care… Call it what you want, but in today’s modern economy, it is essential to be “always-on” and immediately ready and available to serve the needs of your customers. If you aren’t, you are going to miss out on a share of your market.

The business technology and software of 20 years ago simply couldn’t support around-the-clock approach to business. Nowadays, with Cloud computing and advanced data management tools, a business can be operational 24/7/365

Along with the convenience and efficiency of an “always-on” business comes the responsibility of data security, and ensuring that the company is compliant with online legislation and regulations. In layman’s terms – an “always-on” business is a handful.

The Role of Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing is about more than just functionality. Most people recognise just how efficient business processes can be when Cloud systems are used. Some benefits include:

  • Data management processes are automated and simplified
  • Productivity is greatly increased
  • IT management processes are improved while being simplified

The role of Cloud Computing in an “always-on” business environment is about more than just functionality, though. It’s also about improving the customer experience and ensuring reliable data security that grows with the business. And because of this, industry expects to see Cloud computing playing a far more significant role when it comes to providing, managing, and protecting data that is required for the following upcoming trends that are expected to become most prevalent in the near future:

Artificial Intelligence (Artificial Intelligence data management)

AI is changing both societal norms and the “normal” business processes as we have come to know them over the years. To ensure competitiveness, companies will need to adjust their approach and learn new skills and methods in terms of AI and Augmented Analytics. Artificial Intelligence will help businesses take great leaps and bounds in terms of creating an exceptional customer experience. Of course, there will be a mammoth amount of data involved in using AI, and so companies must pay attention to implementing safe and secure systems.

Accelerated Cloud Adoption

Massive adoption of Cloud Computing is expected in the very near future as businesses want more reliable access to data, flexibility and of course, secure and dependable disaster recovery.

Regulatory Compliance

Cloud Computing providers generally take care of all the regulatory compliance for business. When managing data, companies will need to meet with standards and regulations already in place, or face fines or even business closure. Data protection and management has become an essential focus for any business. It’s a particularly tricky situation for the likes of banks, insurance companies, financial investment companies and IT companies as the data they deal with is highly sensitive.

Cloud Computing Simplifies & Secures Business Processes

The role that Cloud Computing plays in “always-on” businesses is major when you consider that while these systems save time and effort for users, they also consolidate various processes such as backups, recoveries, analytics, compliance, and cost savings. It’s safe to say that if a business wants to run at peak potential 24 hours a day without hassles, glitches, and security issues along the way, Cloud Computing is the best way to go.

What are your thoughts on Cloud Computing and its role in the future of your business? Let us know!

Can South Africa become a cashless, cardless community?

South Africa (and the rest of the world) has a considerable plastic problem. Straws have been outlawed, plastic bags are no longer free, and we’re all encouraged to re-use and recycle. Yes, the plastic problem is being addressed, but there is one that’s being overlooked. The use of plastic cards in the form of credit cards and loyalty cards!

The good, the bad, and the solution

Plastic is used for making payments, getting into debt, and earning loyalty points. It’s also a good way to get your personal data stolen and fraudulent activities carried out in your name. There’s no question that credit cards have their benefits, but wouldn’t a cardless, cashless system be safer and more convenient for us all?

Brett White, chief product officer of Zapper, has a vision of South Africa embracing a cashless, cardless way of life and he believes that all that has to happen to make this possible is for retailers and banks to get on board. This could be sound advice, especially when you consider just how successful Zapper is in the South African community.

Will cashless and cardless systems be limiting?

Zapper is a prime example that cashless and cardless systems offer all of the same benefits and conveniences of plastic cards. You can make payments, earn loyalty points, and pay for goods and services without having to swipe a card or put yourself at risk of exposing your personal details.

In fact, cashless and cardless systems are safer as they eliminate the risk of cash in transit heists, credit card cloning, and even card skimming. On top of that, these digital systems add an extra layer of security. Most mobile payment apps need you to input an app password as well as some form of digital authentication. Considering that we have our phones glued to us almost 24 hours a day, the chances of a security breach is far less than with a physical bank card.

Added bonus

Mobile payment apps offer customers an easy way to pay without the need to carry cash and a wallet full of plastic cards. Added to this effortless experience is the ability to earn even greater personalised discounts as the technology gains insight into our behaviour, thereby enhancing the customer experience.

As a country with the highest rate of adoption to loyalty programmes in the world, it’s about time South Africa adopted a cashless and cardless way of life. We are primed for it. We are ready for it. Come on retailers and banks! Let’s have a safer and more convenient way to pay in SA!

South African Businesses see the Cloud as a Platform for International Expansion

While Cloud computing has experienced a very real boom across African markets in recent years, its benefits are experienced rather differently.

A recent research project, known as Cloud Africa 2018, conducted by World Wide Worx on behalf of F5 Network (F5), found some interesting findings regarding three key players in the African market: Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

Through this research project, critical decision-makers from 300 medium-large organisations were interviewed regarding their findings on Cloud computing for their business and its benefits.

The use of Cloud technology has found firm grounding throughout African markets. F5 Network’s intention is now to assess how beneficial this technology is to various companies and why.

The benefits, usage and intentions of cloud technology heavily depend on the dynamics across each African market. Therefore the various findings, although interesting, did not come as a surprise to F5.

With this in mind, how did South African markets fair in the findings?

When it comes to business efficiency and scalability, it appears this is not as much a priority to South African businesses than Kenyan and Nigerian markets. What seems to be most beneficial about Cloud technology to the South African market is the time-to-market of their products. 68% of South African businesses cited this as the most prominent benefit of Cloud technology for business. In contrast, only 48% of companies in Kenya and 28% in Nigeria named this as a key benefit.

The reason for this? South Africa has a far more mature IT landscape and, as such, the focus among South African businesses is on their competition, rather than the business itself. To this end, over a quarter of South African companies (23%) believe that Cloud technology is a way to harness international expansion.

Experts believe that most companies take the benefits of international expansion and establishing a global footprint through Cloud technology for granted by the African market as the concept is only now just beginning to gain recognition. Most significantly so by South African businesses.

Why is this concept slow to catch on in other African markets?

In Kenyan and Nigerian markets, the concept of international expansion as a benefit is ranked as low as just 17% in Kenya and 6% in Nigeria. Using Cloud technology as a platform for innovation is also ranked low at just 15% across all three African markets. But why?

As previously mentioned, the IT landscape in both Kenya and Nigeria is still a little behind the rest of the world. Essentially, Cloud technology has landed on their shores, but the full spectrum of benefits have yet to be harnessed.

World Wide Worx Managing Director, Arthur Goldstuck, reflects:

“Ultimately, the cloud is about better ways of doing business. That is reflected in cloud priorities and budgets across Africa.”

While the South African market appears to be a little ahead in making the most out of Cloud technology, there is still much to learn – but at least we are on the right track!