TechCentral Podcast
Interviews with leaders in South Africa's ICT industry.
21
OCT
Compliance vs data protection: A wedding or a war? [promoted]
Kris Budnik oversees cybersecurity across all channels at First National Bank. He joins this third episode in an Ava Security series of podcasts to talk about compliance versus data protection.
The conversation, however, covers a wide range of topics, including what’s involved in running a security team for a large bank.
Budnick also provides tips on responding to security incidents and who should be involved and touches on the role of users and security engineers – both of whom need to work in tandem.
As he says in the podcast, security does not happen in isolation.
Don’t miss the discussion!
The conversation, however, covers a wide range of topics, including what’s involved in running a security team for a large bank.
Budnick also provides tips on responding to security incidents and who should be involved and touches on the role of users and security engineers – both of whom need to work in tandem.
As he says in the podcast, security does not happen in isolation.
Don’t miss the discussion!
18
OCT
Tools for maximising profitability and resilience for small businesses [promoted]
Sage Africa and Middle East vice president for small business Viresh Harduth returns to the podcast for a discussion on how, despite everything that has happened over the past 18 months, the small business sector in South Africa remains resilient and vibrant.
That’s according to new Sage research that shows that, despite the recent turbulence in South Africa, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, smaller enterprises remain optimistic about the future.
Of the small businesses surveyed, 18% anticipate they will be more profitable post-pandemic, 36% expect to return to trading as before, and 42% expect to be less profitable. That’s despite the serious toll that Covid-19 lockdowns have taken on the economy.
In the podcast, Harduth examines the relationship between embracing technology -- together with understanding financials -- and business resilience.
He discusses how business owners can enhance this resilience through effective expense management, proactive collection and pricing to succeed.
The podcast focuses on profitability in the small business sector and delves into the details, small shifts and techniques to employ to ensure pricing architecture will build a robust and sustainable business, while avoiding typical small business pricing missteps.
Harduth also talks to the relationship between brand resonance and pricing structure, positioning products and services in bundles, and where technology fits into the mix. While often daunting to the small business owner, business intelligence tools are the small business’s greatest ally, Harduth explains in the podcast.
Don’t miss the discussion!
That’s according to new Sage research that shows that, despite the recent turbulence in South Africa, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, smaller enterprises remain optimistic about the future.
Of the small businesses surveyed, 18% anticipate they will be more profitable post-pandemic, 36% expect to return to trading as before, and 42% expect to be less profitable. That’s despite the serious toll that Covid-19 lockdowns have taken on the economy.
In the podcast, Harduth examines the relationship between embracing technology -- together with understanding financials -- and business resilience.
He discusses how business owners can enhance this resilience through effective expense management, proactive collection and pricing to succeed.
The podcast focuses on profitability in the small business sector and delves into the details, small shifts and techniques to employ to ensure pricing architecture will build a robust and sustainable business, while avoiding typical small business pricing missteps.
Harduth also talks to the relationship between brand resonance and pricing structure, positioning products and services in bundles, and where technology fits into the mix. While often daunting to the small business owner, business intelligence tools are the small business’s greatest ally, Harduth explains in the podcast.
Don’t miss the discussion!
14
OCT
How Investec is driving a security-focused internal culture [promoted]
Aashika Bava, head of security awareness training at Investec, believes cyber-awareness programmes are crucial in the fight against cybercrime.
In this episode of the podcast, brought to you by Ava Security, Bava unpacks what’s involved and why Investec appointed a senior manager to drive this area of its business.
“Compliance is not the aim; rather it’s about changing behaviour and impacting the culture,” says Bava.
Bava explains that her team’s aim is to impact users in a positive way to change their behaviour – to be more aware of threats and to clear out the noise through deliberate, relevant training. The goal is to move from a paranoid state of panic to one of calm preparedness.
This episode of the podcast is an interesting deep-dive into how Investec has taken the security message to each employee and why this is important.
Bava provides good tips on humanising the challenge, exploring ideas about how to educate and maintain user buy-in effectively. She reminds us that in a “work from anywhere” world, we should not forget security best practices.
In this episode of the podcast, brought to you by Ava Security, Bava unpacks what’s involved and why Investec appointed a senior manager to drive this area of its business.
“Compliance is not the aim; rather it’s about changing behaviour and impacting the culture,” says Bava.
Bava explains that her team’s aim is to impact users in a positive way to change their behaviour – to be more aware of threats and to clear out the noise through deliberate, relevant training. The goal is to move from a paranoid state of panic to one of calm preparedness.
This episode of the podcast is an interesting deep-dive into how Investec has taken the security message to each employee and why this is important.
Bava provides good tips on humanising the challenge, exploring ideas about how to educate and maintain user buy-in effectively. She reminds us that in a “work from anywhere” world, we should not forget security best practices.
07
OCT
Security starts with your users. Ava’s Ran Pugach explains why
Ran Pugach, chief product and development officer at Ava Security, joins the podcast to unpack the role of users in the world of cybersecurity.
The first episode in this three-part series focuses on the very real insider threat posed to organisations by insiders.
Users, Pugach says, are not cyber experts -- this is a domain for specialists. But users can have a big impact on an organisational security profile.
In the podcast, he shares the three-step prevention process employed by Ava – inform, offer alternatives and block – as well as other practical tips to ensure that your users are better informed and aware of security issues as well as how software security scales to suit a dispersed workforce.
Making progress in cybersecurity is actually fairly simple, he says: “Identify and measure security issues, interfere and identify troubled users, and then train them.”
Don’t this valuable discussion!
The first episode in this three-part series focuses on the very real insider threat posed to organisations by insiders.
Users, Pugach says, are not cyber experts -- this is a domain for specialists. But users can have a big impact on an organisational security profile.
In the podcast, he shares the three-step prevention process employed by Ava – inform, offer alternatives and block – as well as other practical tips to ensure that your users are better informed and aware of security issues as well as how software security scales to suit a dispersed workforce.
Making progress in cybersecurity is actually fairly simple, he says: “Identify and measure security issues, interfere and identify troubled users, and then train them.”
Don’t this valuable discussion!
04
OCT
Acer GM Glenn Du Toit: Companies should not be ignoring Chromebooks [promoted]
If you think Chromebooks are not for you, then it’s important you listen to this podcast with Acer Africa GM Glenn Du Toit.
With the baked-in security of Google, a clean interface, and supported by a company that is geared to service, Du Toit explains why companies shouldn’t be ignoring Chromebooks.
Du Toit talks about how the cultural shift within his organisation - from chasing numbers to constructing meaningful solutions - has had a big impact and why investing for the future has been worth it.
“As a business leader, if you are told that you are buying one device for the entire team, you should look closer. There are devices geared to each user requirement and therefore a blend will always be there,” says Du Toit.
“Technology can no longer remain linear if the user experience is at the centre of our ambitions.” Says Acer GM, Glenn Du Toit.
Don't miss the discussion!
With the baked-in security of Google, a clean interface, and supported by a company that is geared to service, Du Toit explains why companies shouldn’t be ignoring Chromebooks.
Du Toit talks about how the cultural shift within his organisation - from chasing numbers to constructing meaningful solutions - has had a big impact and why investing for the future has been worth it.
“As a business leader, if you are told that you are buying one device for the entire team, you should look closer. There are devices geared to each user requirement and therefore a blend will always be there,” says Du Toit.
“Technology can no longer remain linear if the user experience is at the centre of our ambitions.” Says Acer GM, Glenn Du Toit.
Don't miss the discussion!
30
SEP
Why Standard Bank is betting big on the ‘platform economy’
Banks are facing more competition today than ever, and much of that competition is coming from left field – from non-traditional competitors such as mobile operators and technology giants.
The implications, says Standard Bank Group, are dire for financial services institutions that are unwilling to adapt their strategies to compete effectively in what it calls “the platform economy”.
The banking group recently published a new research paper, called “The Power of the Platform Economy for Financial Services”, which unpacks the risks and opportunities in detail.
One of the authors at the research paper, Standard Bank executive: platform business lead for wholesale clients (digital) Jonathan Lamb, joined the TechCentral podcast to unpack what all this means for “legacy” banks in both the business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets across Africa.
Where is the threat to banks coming from? Will mobile operators, with mobile money services, or social media companies like Facebook, which owns WhatsApp, prove to be the bigger competitive threat down the line? And how can banks respond?
Lamb believes banks are in a strong position to counter the competitive threats, but they cannot rest on their laurels.
How do they deal with their legacy IT infrastructure (many are still running mainframes at their core), and is the fact that they are heavily regulated an advantage or a disadvantage in the fight to come?
Don’t miss this fascinating discussion on the future of an industry in flux.
The implications, says Standard Bank Group, are dire for financial services institutions that are unwilling to adapt their strategies to compete effectively in what it calls “the platform economy”.
The banking group recently published a new research paper, called “The Power of the Platform Economy for Financial Services”, which unpacks the risks and opportunities in detail.
One of the authors at the research paper, Standard Bank executive: platform business lead for wholesale clients (digital) Jonathan Lamb, joined the TechCentral podcast to unpack what all this means for “legacy” banks in both the business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets across Africa.
Where is the threat to banks coming from? Will mobile operators, with mobile money services, or social media companies like Facebook, which owns WhatsApp, prove to be the bigger competitive threat down the line? And how can banks respond?
Lamb believes banks are in a strong position to counter the competitive threats, but they cannot rest on their laurels.
How do they deal with their legacy IT infrastructure (many are still running mainframes at their core), and is the fact that they are heavily regulated an advantage or a disadvantage in the fight to come?
Don’t miss this fascinating discussion on the future of an industry in flux.
30
SEP
Cloud apps: The difference between thriving and surviving in 2021 [promoted]
PJ Bishop, vice president for services at Sage Africa and Middle East, is well positioned to discuss the tools that make a tangible difference to the life of a business owner, and the impact they have on profitability and the bottom line. In addition to his role at Sage, PJ speaks about the technology he uses in his side-hustle – a practice encouraged by Sage, so its employees deeply understand the needs of its customers.
If you have any doubt about introducing cloud applications to your core business, this podcast will answer your most pressing questions. Bishop touches on the practical concerns and how businesses can move forward with the adoption of cloud apps.
We discuss invisible accounting, invisible banking and artificial intelligence – all baked into Sage’s core suite. The benefits of being plugged into this global engine are clear.
Enjoy the discussion!
* This promoted content was paid for by the party concerned
If you have any doubt about introducing cloud applications to your core business, this podcast will answer your most pressing questions. Bishop touches on the practical concerns and how businesses can move forward with the adoption of cloud apps.
We discuss invisible accounting, invisible banking and artificial intelligence – all baked into Sage’s core suite. The benefits of being plugged into this global engine are clear.
Enjoy the discussion!
* This promoted content was paid for by the party concerned
22
SEP
How insight-led user experiences can drive growth [promoted]
After a successful period in the UK, Nicholas Durrant returned to Cape Town to cement and grow Bluegrass Digital, offering insight-driven user experiences, innovation and technology to drive business growth for a global market.
In this podcast, Durrant offers a view into the modern services business, often referencing the production line, which is geared towards consistent, high-standard delivery. Founded in the 1990s and built on a foundation of software engineering, Bluegrass Digital has evolved rapidly, servicing clients across Europe, the SA and South Africa, with a focus on digital experience platforms.
Durrant expands on the rise of concepts like S-commerce and T-commerce, and the shift in power between buyers and sellers in the market – and how companies like Bluegrass Digital help businesses to deliver on their objectives through outsourced partnerships with specialist software development companies.
In this podcast, Durrant offers a view into the modern services business, often referencing the production line, which is geared towards consistent, high-standard delivery. Founded in the 1990s and built on a foundation of software engineering, Bluegrass Digital has evolved rapidly, servicing clients across Europe, the SA and South Africa, with a focus on digital experience platforms.
Durrant expands on the rise of concepts like S-commerce and T-commerce, and the shift in power between buyers and sellers in the market – and how companies like Bluegrass Digital help businesses to deliver on their objectives through outsourced partnerships with specialist software development companies.
20
SEP
Wayne D’Sa on a new era for CipherWave [promoted]
Wayne D’Sa is CEO of connectivity provider CipherWave. In this episode of the podcast, he unpacks his plans for the business, including its strong play into the voice space.
The company has strong offerings as an Internet service provider, cloud provider and voice partner.
In the podcast, D’Sa explores how CipherWave develops and retains talent, with an emphasis on promoting from within, thereby creating a culture of excellence in the organisation.
D’Sa goes into detail regarding CipherWave’s strategy, structure and service and why he believes the company is different.
As a CEO, D’SA shares his philosophy and how he leads from the front. His technical experience has impacted on his executive leadership style, he says.
Enjoy the discussion!
The company has strong offerings as an Internet service provider, cloud provider and voice partner.
In the podcast, D’Sa explores how CipherWave develops and retains talent, with an emphasis on promoting from within, thereby creating a culture of excellence in the organisation.
D’Sa goes into detail regarding CipherWave’s strategy, structure and service and why he believes the company is different.
As a CEO, D’SA shares his philosophy and how he leads from the front. His technical experience has impacted on his executive leadership style, he says.
Enjoy the discussion!
14
SEP
How technology is transforming the customer experience in SA [promoted]
The technology landscape in South Africa has changed enormously in the past decade, helping make the country a hotbed for innovation in contact centre analytics.
That’s the view of Frank Sherlock, vice president of international operations at CallMiner, and Peter Flanagan, MD of Genii Analytics, who joined the TechCentral podcast to talk about why they’re excited about the opportunities in the local market.
Sherlock kicks off the discussion with a view on the shifting dynamics in the South African technology space, how companies are taking advantage of the latest innovation, and why he believes the country is well positioned to tap into the global business processing outsourcing opportunity.
Flanagan shares his views on the South African opportunity before he and Sherlock expand on their partnership in the local market – how it came about and how CallMiner and Genii Analytics work together to serve clients.
They also cast an eye to the future, looking at where the next battleground will be in competitive differentiation, including the impact of technologies such as real-time analytics and agent guidance as well as advancements in artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.
Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!
That’s the view of Frank Sherlock, vice president of international operations at CallMiner, and Peter Flanagan, MD of Genii Analytics, who joined the TechCentral podcast to talk about why they’re excited about the opportunities in the local market.
Sherlock kicks off the discussion with a view on the shifting dynamics in the South African technology space, how companies are taking advantage of the latest innovation, and why he believes the country is well positioned to tap into the global business processing outsourcing opportunity.
Flanagan shares his views on the South African opportunity before he and Sherlock expand on their partnership in the local market – how it came about and how CallMiner and Genii Analytics work together to serve clients.
They also cast an eye to the future, looking at where the next battleground will be in competitive differentiation, including the impact of technologies such as real-time analytics and agent guidance as well as advancements in artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.
Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!
14
SEP
Interview: EOH CCO Ziaad Suleman on the promise of Brics [promoted]
The Brics formation of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics) offers South African companies – from small businesses to large enterprises – with unprecedented access to markets that make up more than 40% of the world’s population.
That’s the view of newly appointed EOH Holdings chief commercial officer Ziaad Suleman, who was speaking to TechCentral in a podcast interview. Suleman is chairman of the Brics Business Council 4IR and Digital Economy Working Group and shared his insights the recent Brics Trade Fair virtual event that took place recently.
In the podcast, Suleman unpacks why Brics is important to South Africa, why businesses should be paying more attention to the opportunities it offers them, and what transpired at the trade fair, which took place from 16 to 18 August 2021. He also talks about EOH’s involvement in the Brics formation and why he believes it is of great value to the JSE-listed IT services group.
Suleman then talks about the specific value that South Africa can derive from Brics as well as the priority focus areas for the country, specifically around skills development, connectivity, e-commerce and other digital platforms, and small and medium enterprises.
He says South Africa has a lot of gain from participating meaningfully in Brics. But is the country using the platform optimally, and is the country getting the focus right from a digital economy perspective? Suleman answers these questions and more in the podcast – don’t miss the discussion!
That’s the view of newly appointed EOH Holdings chief commercial officer Ziaad Suleman, who was speaking to TechCentral in a podcast interview. Suleman is chairman of the Brics Business Council 4IR and Digital Economy Working Group and shared his insights the recent Brics Trade Fair virtual event that took place recently.
In the podcast, Suleman unpacks why Brics is important to South Africa, why businesses should be paying more attention to the opportunities it offers them, and what transpired at the trade fair, which took place from 16 to 18 August 2021. He also talks about EOH’s involvement in the Brics formation and why he believes it is of great value to the JSE-listed IT services group.
Suleman then talks about the specific value that South Africa can derive from Brics as well as the priority focus areas for the country, specifically around skills development, connectivity, e-commerce and other digital platforms, and small and medium enterprises.
He says South Africa has a lot of gain from participating meaningfully in Brics. But is the country using the platform optimally, and is the country getting the focus right from a digital economy perspective? Suleman answers these questions and more in the podcast – don’t miss the discussion!
10
SEP
Stephane Duproz on Africa Data Centres' big expansion drive
Africa Data Centres announced a plan earlier this week to ramp up investment in data centre infrastructure across Africa, with plans to build 10 new facilities in the coming years?
In this episode of the podcast, ADC CEO Stephane Duproz speaks to Duncan McLeod from London about the announcement, where it plans to build these new data centres and where the US$500-million (R7.2-billion) in planned investment is coming from.
In the podcast, Duproz expands on:
* The size of ADC's existing footprint;
* How much data centre space it plans to build in the coming years;
* Whether he thinks the market is getting overtraded, especially in South Africa, where rivals such as Teraco Data Environments continue to invest billions of rand on expanding their facilities;
* How ADC plans to interconnect all of its new data centres;
* The impact of new, high-capacity submarine cables around Africa on ADC's business and data centre growth in Africa; and
* The need to - and challenges of - building green data centres on the continent.
In this episode of the podcast, ADC CEO Stephane Duproz speaks to Duncan McLeod from London about the announcement, where it plans to build these new data centres and where the US$500-million (R7.2-billion) in planned investment is coming from.
In the podcast, Duproz expands on:
* The size of ADC's existing footprint;
* How much data centre space it plans to build in the coming years;
* Whether he thinks the market is getting overtraded, especially in South Africa, where rivals such as Teraco Data Environments continue to invest billions of rand on expanding their facilities;
* How ADC plans to interconnect all of its new data centres;
* The impact of new, high-capacity submarine cables around Africa on ADC's business and data centre growth in Africa; and
* The need to - and challenges of - building green data centres on the continent.
