2013 will see a greater update of new mobile devices, particularly those powered by Microsoft Windows 8 Operating System. This is one of several key trends that will impact the domestic ICT space this year.
So claims Aldo van Tonder, Solutions Executive at Dac Systems, a national specialist services provider focused on turnkey implementation of leading edge industry solutions.
According to van Tonder this game-changing trend will be fuelled by the fact that this trusted OS will make access to Enterprise information and systems more accessible and make the workforce more mobile.
“Mobility also does not mean less functionality. Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 RT provide respectively all the key elements required to use when mobile. The uptake of these devices and operating system will change the way people think about their workforce,” he explains.
Perception and perspective are critical components of ICT strategies put in place by decision makers this year. Leadership at Dac Systems says it is important to remember that in determining the status of the domestic technology market in comparison with those abroad, one has to review the whole picture.
“In terms of the adoption of technologies, we are not behind developed markets,” van Tonder continues. “We have found that many customers waited ages for “service pack 1” and the like before taking the plunge into new technology. With vendors like Microsoft getting users involved quicker in the release cycles of their software, this ‘waiting’ has been eliminated.”
“The flip side of the coin is that in terms of the adoption of new devices, the local market still trails global counterparts,” Dac Systems’ Executive suggests.
“We see loads of people standing queue internationally to get the latest and greatest devices but unfortunately South Africa is still way behind in global releases. We typically only receive the latest devices months after international releases and this prohibits us sometimes,” he adds.
Van Tonder agrees with analysts who have predicted the increase in relevance and impact of unified communications, BYOD, consumerisation of IT and social media this year.
He suggests that whilst there is certain value to be derived by businesses through the careful and regulated application of social networking and social media, many decision makers abstain from making this resource available or utilizing it in business.
He also believes 2013 will be the year that more services and companies are differentiated by their ability to incorporate social media, leveraging on the power of technology to increase productivity and enhance operations.
As far as market consolidation is concerned, van Tonder believes there will be some activity, but it will take some time because of the slow adoption ratio.
“We anticipate a very busy, challenging and engaging year ahead,” he added.
Dac Systems is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner with over 17 years’ experience in the full turnkey implementation of leading edge industry solutions to help solve common business problems and processes.
Through its offices located in Johannesburg and Centurion and a global partner network, Dac Systems leverages off the expertise of its in-house business analysts, consultants, systems architects and developers.
Dac Systems supplies Information & Communication Technology solutions in the Productivity, Governance and Enterprise layers and industry solutions for Professional Services, Manufacturing and Always-On-Learning amongst others.
Their solutions are designed to ensure a cost effective way for clients to integrate information and strengthen their operations either through on-premises or cloud-based implementations
Technical advice on next-generation solutions that impact the business environment is guaranteed through the company’s rich pool of experts – including professionals with degrees, Microsoft-accredited certifications and industry experts.
The company also features a strong social development and corporate social investment (CSI) element, with a track record of meaningful contribution to several projects and partnerships including The Nkomazi Trust and the company’s annual Team Building which is used to build a house for disadvantaged individuals in the rural community of Shongwe.
Dac Systems is founded on a solution philosophy which incorporates several key aspects: delivery is key, a solution for real people, harmony & convergence.
It is the combination of these principles that has helped the company to carve out a solid, leadership position within a competitive marketplace.
