GET TO KNOW knowledge within our team , as well as setting up offices close to customers that incorporate Customer Experience Centres , as undertaken recently in Kenya for instance .
There are several principal expectations from almost all customers in Africa : understanding the local environment and specific customer needs ; providing quality technical advice across the whole timeline of the project ; and delivering reliable after-sales support . Currency devaluation , limited availability , unpredictable challenges related to lead times , and a shortage of local skills can impact each project .
Vertiv experts are based in five main locations on the continent , namely Cairo , Casablanca , Lagos , Johannesburg and Nairobi .
Which technologies and innovations can make a difference to your end customers business ?
It is difficult to choose one specific solution from Vertiv , as we have one of the most comprehensive product portfolios on the market , and customer needs around each are different . However , an example that is relatively new to the African market , but with many interesting installations already is Vertiv ’ s integrated solutions .
Vertiv SmartRack , SmartRow , and SmartAisle , allow customers to reduce complexity when implementing small to medium size edge data centres , by providing a complete , all-in-one solution . This includes secure power , thermal management , racks and PDUs , fire suppression and access control .
How can a channel partner in your industry disrupt the regional market and gain a leading competitive position ?
We see potential in Africa ’ s channel market . And even though there are many suppliers already competing in the local channel , a vendor can provide quality products for this segment , together with the assurance that comes with the brand and long-term strategy for Africa .
Successful channel partners are those who are willing to invest in training and understanding our portfolio , and then build a supporting marketing strategy . Vertiv has seen many success stories where with channel partners , where we have delivered solutions from entry-level , single-phase UPS up to tailor-made , complete , modular data centres .
Which non-competitive business in the region do you admire for innovative usage of technology ?
Two-thirds of worldwide mobile money transactions are taking place in Africa , which is clearly something to admire . Understanding local challenges in terms of network implementations , not only skills shortages but more basic security concerns in certain areas , or even ability to reach installation point , can cause difficulties within projects .
Yet , many African telecom operators successfully implement mobile money projects across the continent , making the region number one globally – and it is also great to see that the majority are using Vertiv technologies .
Which aspects of your job role do you find rewarding and which challenging ?
The most rewarding aspect of this job is to see the strength of the team we have built in Africa emerging , along with the impressive personal development of individuals . Without this group of passionate people , our success would not be possible .
Piorko finds the unpredictability of the environment in which we operate challenging , yet overcoming those tests also gives a lot of encouragement and energy for the future .
How do you best like to de-stress and re-charge off work ?
My favourite ways to balance professional stress will always be quality time with family and friends , and any kind of sports activity . However , being a retired member of a world champion rowing crew , it is becoming more and more difficult to keep the same pace as it was a couple of years ago .
Piorko believe we will still keep some kind of form of physical exercise ; however , in my opinion , the Metaverse will offer more opportunities and technologies to rest , re-charge our mental side as well . p
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