30 Years of Datatec On The JSE, 30 Years of Creating Value

Datatec Recognised As Sector Leader As It Celebrates 30 Years On The JSE

2024 marks a significant milestone for Datatec, as the global ICT solutions and services group celebrates 30 years of being listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

Since listing in 1994, Datatec has grown from a pure South African IT start-up to a globally recognised technology solutions provider of networking, cyber security and cloud services with a presence in over 50 countries across six continents with over 11 000 employees. There has been continuous innovation through internal investments and strategic M&A. Datatec’s milestones and achievements highlight its resiliency, adaptability, and commitment to creating value.

The Group’s divisions provide technology solutions, services and management consulting enabling corporate IT users, channel partners and service providers to gain access to a broad range of advanced technology solutions and professional services in order to implement and maintain secure complex IT networking, cyber security, cloud and data centre infrastructure. The Group has partnerships with many of the leading vendors in the industry.

Westcon International

Global value-added technology provider and specialist distributor of industry-leading, cyber security, network infrastructure, hybrid cloud solutions and channel support services.

• Westcon International goes to market under the Westcon and Comstor brands

• Portfolio of market-leading vendors including AWS, Broadcom, Check Point, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Extreme Networks, F5, Juniper Networks, Palo Alto, Proofpoint, Tenable, and Zscaler

Logicalis International and Latin America

Global IT solutions, digital transformation enabler and cloud managed services provider. Logicalis International and Logicalis Latin America have built strong partnerships with the world’s most respected technology solutions and services vendors including Cisco, HPE, Microsoft, IBM, NetApp, PureStorage, Oracle, Palo Alto, Fortinet and VMware to deploy new technologies, especially in the areas of cloud, security, workplace and connectivity.

• Solutions – Connectivity, cloud, digital workplace, security

• Services – Consulting services, professional services, modern managed services

Mason Advisory

Mason Advisory, a United Kingdom based award-winning digital and technology consultancy that has an established track record of delivering lasting change for clients across enterprises, government and emergency services.

Interview With Datatec Founder & CEO, Jens Montanana

From the personal computing revolution in the 80s to the strides made in quantum computing and AI in the current decade, major shifts in the ICT sector have impacted every sphere of life in the four decades since Jens Montanana founded Datatec. With a footprint in more than 50 countries, Datatec, as Jens explains, enables its clients to gain access to a wide range of “advanced technology infrastructure solutions and professional services in order to implement and maintain secure complex IT networks accessing cloud or dedicated centre infrastructures.” Here Jens tells us more about Datatec, explains why the ‘next big thing’ is not always something new, and shares a key bit of advice for large businesses.

What Sets Datatec Apart From The Competition?

The Group’s decentralised operating model, extensive geographic footprint, positioning across the ICT value chain and strong vendor and customer relationships combine to create a strategic competitive advantage, allowing for effective global investments in technology while maintaining local capabilities. Intelligent automation also enhances customer and supplier relationships by fostering closer interactions.

With A Global Presence And Over 11 000 Employees, Please Describe Your Management Model.

Datatec’s business model is decentralised, empowering our divisional management teams to make operational decisions that are best suited to their specific operating needs while adhering to the Group’s strategic operating and financial framework to ensure long-term value for all stakeholders.

The model rests on a commitment to upholding the greatest standards of ethics and business conduct, as well as being honest, transparent, and socially responsible corporate citizens.

Datatec Has 3 divisions, Please Tell Us About Them.

• Westcon International, is a global technology solutions provider and specialist distributor which partners and serves an expansive network of service providers, systems integrators and specialist resellers to deliver top-tier cyber security, network infrastructure, hybrid cloud solutions, and channel support services in strategic partnership with many of the world’s leading technology brands

• Logicalis International provides digital transformation and cloud managed services. It has strong partnerships with leading technology vendors, enabling it to be at the forefront of deploying new technologies, particularly in cloud, security, workplace, and connectivity across several industry sectors

• Logicalis Latin America, like Logicalis International, is an international digital transformation enabler and cloud managed services provider to several industries. It focuses on deploying new technologies in cloud, security, data analytics, generative AI, workplace, and connectivity across South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean

What Do You Foresee As The Next “Big Thing” In Tech?

Big things in tech are not necessarily the latest news. Data analytics drove big data, big data fuelled machine learning and machine learning has led to AI. Revolutionary but now basic 2.5G data mobile connectivity went on to create 5G networks and beyond. Micro-processing power has soared more than 1 000 times over the last 10 years. The “what’s next” is generally driven by advances in physics and the ability of technology to help create continually advancing mathematical outcomes that feed itself.

How Important Is ESG To The Group – and Why?

Datatec is deeply rooted in ESG principles and unwavering in its commitment to responsible business practices. We prioritise creating long-term value that drives shared prosperity, recognising it as vital to the success of the business. In FY24, we intensified our efforts to foster inclusivity and deliver meaningful societal impact across all divisions, consistently advancing ESG initiatives on a global scale. These efforts are integral to Datatec’s Responsible Business approach, which takes a comprehensive view of the business—addressing everything from reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing sustainability to increasing female representation in our workforce.

How Would You Describe Your Leadership Style?

Given the size, global presence and maturity of our businesses, it is no longer possible or appropriate for me to manage the Group as a startup or founder. The transition to professional management teams started over 30 years ago and we have one of the most progressive leadership structures with senior executives empowered and invested in these businesses at various levels. My leadership style is very inclusive through mentoring and guiding and with real-time interactions. It has been a priority for me to foster a coownership culture through various economic incentives over the years with our leaders to ensure maximum accountability and responsibility.

What Exciting Things Are On The Horizon For Datatec?

We are excited about the possibilities created by AI which will be a growth driver for hardware and software sales in the next three to five years. The adoption of AI will fuel a new cycle of PC and networking upgrades as companies aim to enhance their systems to accommodate AI technologies. This trend is poised to boost Datatec’s hardware business, as organisations invest in more advanced infrastructure capable of leveraging AI’s capabilities.

The rapid rise of AI in 2023, fuelled by the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has reshaped the tech industry. We are ready to leverage this momentum by offering AI-driven services and platforms while meeting increased demand for advanced hardware.

Please Share A Message of Inspiration With Our Readers

Very often large companies are unable to respond well to disruptions in their environment, but we have learnt to adapt and thrive over many cycles. To do this, you need a philosophy of sustainability which goes beyond short term performance objectives and includes investments in the people and strategies that will make you successful over the long term.

Address: 3rd Floor, Sandown Chambers, Sandown Village Office Park, 81 Maude Street, Sandown, 2196, South Africa

Postal Address: PO Box, 76226, Wendywood, 2144, South Africa

Email: ir@datatec.com

Telephone: +27 11 233 1000

Website: datatec.com

LinkedIn: Datatec Limited

Twitter: @DatatecGroup