IT solution for SMMEs
2010-03-15 10:08
Cape Town - Quietly, in the engine of the economy, a bunch of computer nerds are hoping to change the country, one business at a time.
"Yes, I'm a geek," SpaceAge's Chris Welham told News24. "But we have a unique strategy for small businesses - our goal is to create solutions for businesses."
SpaceAge, launched in 1994, develops what call "unique solutions" for small to medium enterprises (SMMEs) that effectively outsources the company's information systems.
"We supply the IT platform with the backup and support of an established brand to help small businesses," Welham said.
However, Dr Kosheek Suleman, who specialises in information systems at UCT, rubbished any form of outsourcing.
Costs
"This system is fundamentally flawed," he told News24.
"It's asking another party to part of your supply chain and deliver services. It destabilises companies," he added.
Suleman believes that IT should remain an internal business function, despite SpaceAge's claim to relieve managers of "non-core" functions.
"I don't accept that thinking. Technology affects our daily lives and if a director (of an SMME) is unaware of the technological changes, he's abdicating his responsibility," said Suleman.
Welham said that they meet with clients often to determine their needs on an ongoing basis.
"We meet once a month and package processes to make sure we deliver. We do everything at a fixed price, and our solutions give companies a competitive advantage," he said.
"We sound expensive, but when you talk about running an environment 24/7, and we operate a service desk during business hours to minimise downtime, it's a huge cost saving," he added.
Suleman conceded that the system may be more efficient.
"Yes, there are efficiencies there, but at what cost and sacrifice?" he said. "You shouldn't be held to ransom by things you don't understand."
Welham said that the company does it best to partner with clients and assist them in their businesses.
"We meet with the clients once a month, sometimes more often, to ensure we our relationship is win-win. Downtime in any business costs money and our system gives the best support possible," he said.