On the lighter side of things , we ask the industry experts what makes them tick . . . .

Ian Jansen van Rensburg , Lead Technologist , VMware SSA

VMware is a software technology provider that works to solve IT challenges through disruptive technologies in order to drive innovation . We hear from Ian Jansen van Rensburg who discusses his career in the data centre industry and how he likes to relax and unwind outside the office .

My name is Ian Jansen van Rensburg and I ’ m the Chief Technologist at VMware Sub Saharan Africa . I ’ m responsible for building revenue and representing the VMware technology for 36 countries in Africa .

There is a great , intelligent and innovative team of people working for VMware SSA . My most memorable achievement in the industry is when I consulted with several large financial institutions to implement compute virtualisation back in 2007 .

We were at the start of a new softwaredefined era and saved companies millions . We also helped to lower the carbon footprint by reducing power consumption and cooling in data centres .

What first made you think of a career in technology industry ?

My career started with an interest in electrical engineering that led to IT . My very first ‘ touch ’ with IT was building a token ring network that made use of Windows 3.11 as the software component .

In my current position as Chief Technologist and Senior Solutions Engineering Manager ,

it is crucial to listen to your staff and create a safe and open environment that they can thrive in .

What do you think is the current hot talking point within the data centre space ?

The current talking points in the technology space are Edge Computing , 5G , multi-hybrid www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO

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