FINAL WORD
How system integrators can ride out the downturn
Ayman AlBayan at STME gives four tips on how system integrators can ride out the downturn .
In line with the rapid evolution and adoption of technology , system integrators in the Middle East have witnessed a major boost . The systems integration market has offered , and continues to develop different solutions for the better functioning of businesses across all industries . Currently , the systems integration sector offers fullfledged IT managed services including professional services , cloud computing , networking , and security and hardware solutions .
The development of new products and services in the systems integration sector has further added to the overall growth of the IT services sector .
As reported by MarketsandMarkets , the systems integration services market in the Middle East and Africa is expected to grow to $ 11 billion in 2016 , at a CAGR of 9 % during 2011-2016 . Communications and media , and the government sectors are the biggest contributors to the growth of the systems integration sector . Healthcare , utilities , and services industries are expected to be drivers of the systems integration sector in the future .
However , although the systems integration sector is enjoying steady growth , it is not immune to the pressures of smaller or reducing budgets set amidst challenging requirements for security , backup , networking , and other organisational computing requirements .
There is hope for the systems integration sector as long as demand for its products and services remain high , and in the Middle East and North African region , demand for these products
Ayman AlBayaa is the CEO of STME
and services are expected to remain or increase in the foreseeable future , regardless of budgets .
What is necessary to compete and succeed in this climate is a realignment of internal strategy . This should be viewed as an opportunity for business development and growth , rather than a constraining challenge .
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It is important to recognise that organisations are looking for value creation . This is more than just value for money . Products and services that are offered need to specifically address current organisational requirements and also include components for future requirements and expansion .
This can be achieved by providing products with future scalability options and also providing combined product and
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service bundles from different vendors . Systems integration providers need to focus on staff and training . It is important to build in-house knowledge and competencies that can assist organisations with matching products and services to their requirements . Knowledgeable and well-trained staff can be a defining competitive advantage for
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systems integration providers . Systems integration providers as technology solution providers should offer clients the best-in-breed and up-to-date technology products and services . To do this , it is essential that systems integration providers are focused and flexible to adapting and adopting change as new products and services enter
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the market . Systems integration providers should keep an eye out for opportunities in the market . These could come from smaller organisations or from unfamiliar industries . Taking on these new clients could lead to new product and service development . As such , these opportunities should not be missed .
Planning and constructing a positive business approach to handle challenging situations , such as the drop in overall expenditure in the Middle East and North African region due to the fluctuation of oil prices , could be the difference between survival and growth . Once the correct and appropriate strategies necessary are devised , it is possible to thrive in economic downturns .
66 Issue 03 INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS