AFRICA
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AFRICA
Driving inclusive growth across Africa should be a collective goal for all its inhabitants . In particular , building an African-wide technology ecosystem , is essential for the development and empowerment of business in Africa .
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND ITS ROLE IN
BUILDING THE AFRICAN NETWORK
CMC Networks , Africa and the
Middle East ’ s premier data connectivity network provider , says that building an African network for Africans should be an imperative if technology is to play a role in developing a vital emerging market .
Marisa Trisolino , CEO of CMC Networks , said that Digital Transformation plays a key role in the focus and growth of an African-wide network : “ Digitilisation and the COVID-19 pandemic has assisted in accelerating many CIOs to reconsider the benefits of a locally driven network , as well as the role of peering .”
According to Trisolino , Africa , despite its progress , still remains behind global counterparts when considering its level of Digital Transformation and in particular , cloud and peering adoption : “ Thanks to the arrival of key cloud providers , CIOs have started to consider the viability of developing stronger and more functional local networks , relying less and less on offshore support or services . Traditional practices such as IP Transit remains popular , despite its prohibitive cost . We need to
Jan Hnizdo , CEO of Teraco start changing the mindset and approach in building an African-focused network .”
Believing that a cloud strategy was exorbitantly priced , CIOs have been apprehensive about implementing a fullyfledged one , however Trisolino says that the mood has changed with many CIOs now fast tracking a cloud implementation : “ While the pandemic forced a more focused look at cloud computing , CIOs have become far more aware of the benefits of Digital Transformation . Not only in terms of managing IT infrastructure , but more importantly , the availability of services and solutions that can be offered as a result .”
While the Tier 1 Operators are leading the transformation , Trisolino says that CMC Networks has seen significant uptake within the industry ranging from corporate law firms , to courier companies realising the far-reaching benefits of digitilisation and of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence , Machine Learning and the Internet of Things .
Of significant importance , says Trisolino is CMC Network ’ s relationship with vendorneutral data centre , Teraco : “ Being on Teraco ’ s Africa Cloud Exchange provides direct connection to a wide range of local and global cloud services . This enables us to push our agenda of building an African network more easily and cost effectively .”
In its drive to keep traffic onshore , CMC Networks has developed a unique peering strategy and works closely with Africa ’ s largest Internet exchange , NAPAfrica . Jan Hnizdo , CEO of Teraco , says that the data centre is a passionate advocate for carriers building networks to broaden the reach across Africa : “ We are Africa ’ s most interconnected data centre , offering not only access to NAPAfrica , but also to the Africa Cloud Exchange , which is aimed at improving hybrid and multi-cloud performance through direct interconnection .”
Through its presence within Teraco , CMC Networks is able to offer access to its African network , which services 51 of the 54 African countries , quickly and cost effectively . In addition , Trisolino says that cross-border connectivity is a seamless experience if both parties are located within the exchange . •
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