Adopting ITSM can deliver customer value
Virtually every business function inside an organisation requires technology to work effectively, writes Muggie van Staden, MD of Obsidian Systems. The digital 'glue' that binds all these once disparate systems is Enterprise Service Management (ESM) which breaks down...
Omnichannel could improve debt collection, customer service
South Africa narrowly escaped a technical recession, according to the latest figures released by Stats SA in early March. By Martie De Beer, executive: contact centre at Telviva Recession or no recession, growth is just not high enough to improve economic conditions...
Save more at the pump in 2024
During the 2024 budget speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said the National Treasury will not increase the general fuel levy and Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy for 2024/25. The treasury would however, increase the carbon fuel levy from 10c/l to 11c/l for petrol...
In the AI era, SA must choose a regulatory path
As South Africa steps into the world of artificial intelligence (AI), there's a concerted effort by our government and several bodies within the ICT sector, to strike a balance between embracing the potential of AI and ensuring responsible practices. By Ayavuya Jack,...
Cisco debuts multifunctional collaboration devices
Cisco has unveiled new purpose-built, multifunctional devices that deliver modernised collaboration experiences to a hybrid workforce. The company launched the Cisco Board Pro G2, an AI-fueled and touch-enabled collaboration device and Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series....
6GHz spectrum a hot topic at WAPA event
One of the key takeaways from the recent Wireless Access Provider's Association (WAPA) Gauteng Regional event in Krugersdorp was that wireless internet service providers (WISPs) need to expand the use case for WiFi and identify new opportunities to unlock business...
Private 5G can unlock the promise of industrial AI
The industrial ecosystem is advancing at an incredible pace - rapid technology development and adoption cycles present massive opportunities for greater operational efficiency and productivity. By Kelly Switt, senior director intelligent edge global business...
SA’s digital revolution can transform manufacturing
South Africa's manufacturing sector is experiencing turbulence. Statistics show local manufacturing production increased by 0,7% year-on-year in December 2023, with the largest contribution made by petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products (5,3%). By Morten...
AI could be an inclusive innovation driver
Christina Naidoo, chief operating officer of Huawei South Africa, believes that technology mirrors life in its diversity and vibrancy. Take something as simple as choosing a lipstick colour - it's a personal expression. How often have you chosen a shade of lipstick...
How SA businesses can unlock the power of AI
IBM's research in AI goes back to the 1950s and includes significant milestones like the Deep Blue supercomputer defeating chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov. In 2011, IBM Watson defeated Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings in the Jeopardy! challenge. By Ria Pinto, GM and...
Outsourcing IT can drive competitive advantage
The debate as to whether to insource or outsource when it comes to IT is an ongoing one, and each area has its pros and cons. Businesses need to weigh up the perceived risks along with the benefits to decide what works for them, but in the South African climate in...
Strategic planning, enhanced efficiencies counter rising costs for SA farmers
Farmers in South Africa are among the business owners who are often hardest hit by the compounding pressures of domestic economic challenges and international turmoil. The current environment is fraught with uncertainty thanks to unrelenting load-shedding, escalating...