FD Insights Issue 9 | Page 4

Challenges and Inspiration Welcome to Issue 9. I trust that you had a good break and are already well into the swing of things this year. There’s an opinion which exists in certain sectors of the industry which believes that 2015 is going to be a tough one, not only for South Africa generally, but for the IT scene as well. A multitude of industry magazine articles and internet column inches convey depression about the recent dip in economic fortunes, and the increasingly complex role faced by CIOs as they try to come to grips with, and adapt to the needs of a fast-changing industry. I believe it’s this very fast-changing nature of the IT industry which makes it such an exciting place in which to do business, as well as serving as a great source of inspiration with which to tackle the various challenges which face us in this life. Thinking of IBM’s Smarter Planet initiatives as just one example of this trend – the willingness to use cutting-edge technology to help in solving pressing needs and problems in today’s society. As such, I don’t see 2015 as a year of doom and gloom. Rather I see an open canvas for us to continue to push the boundaries and frontiers of what is possible with technology. It makes me proud to be an executive in the South African IT industry where we have the opportunity to do just that. Regards, Debbie Abrahall The Team Editorial Team Cape Town Head Office Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Printed by Hirt & Carter. 1 Intersite Ave, Umgeni Business Park, Durban Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Editor: Tristan Penver ([email protected]) Designer: David Less ([email protected]) Johannesburg Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] First Distribution Company Details Durban Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Disclaimer All rights reserved. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of information, neither the editor, nor First Distribution can be held liable for any inaccuracies, injury or damages that may arise. Managing Director: Debbie Abrahall Executive Management: Tony Abrahall, Ludwig Dedekind, Alf Isaacs 02 | www.firstdistribution.co.za Port Elizabeth Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]