CIO OPINION in three companies claim energy usage and costs have decreased because of investments in sustainable ICT .
Traditionally , an IT estate can be extremely energyhungry , pushing up the carbon emissions of an organisation . But this does not have to continue . With the right tools and solutions , there ’ s huge potential for CIOs , CTOs and IT departments to bridge the gap between advancing IT and sustainability objectives and thereby contribute to shrinking their organisations ’ carbon footprint . And partnering with leading ICT service providers is critical to meet sustainability and regulatory goals and will lead to business success . p
Why South African software development may edge out global teams
While outsourcing to international teams might seem like an attractive option , the region-specific skills and foresight of homebred talent bring significant benefits and should give businesses pause in their approach to software development . Local teams are often just more equipped to give real insights into the South African market , the current regulatory landscape , and various other nuances that can make all the difference to the overall success of a project .
South African software engineers are known for their well-rounded expertise and bring a unique value proposition to the table . They do not just follow the spec ; they interpret it , work collaboratively with clients to solve real problems , and adapt to the project ’ s true needs . This ability to go beyond the spec , combined with cultural , language and time zone alignment with key markets like Europe , gives South African developers an underappreciated edge over their international counterparts .
Despite the competitive price points offered by regions like India , South Africa ’ s technical depth and collaborative approach still make for a compelling choice for businesses looking to build software that truly meets their needs .
Choosing a local software development team offers significant advantages as they can easily integrate with in-house staff , leading to improved communication , collaboration , and innovation . Although it may seem obvious , the ability to have face-to-face meetings and real-time discussions , even if they are infrequent , facilitates the exchange of ideas , resulting in more precise and effective software solutions .
This direct interaction not only speeds up problem-solving but also ensures that the development process is in line with the business ’ s strategic goals and operational realities .
Additionally , investing in local talent directly contributes to the growth and prosperity of the South African economy . By choosing local developers , businesses support community development and benefit from transparent pricing in local currency , avoiding the complexities of international transactions . This economic investment fosters a more robust and resilient local technology ecosystem , which in turn creates more opportunities for future generations of technology professionals .
Local teams also provide the assurance that sensitive data remains within national authority , ensuring compliance with local regulations . A solid familiarity with regional regulatory requirements helps businesses mitigate risks and maintain robust security standards . This is particularly crucial in industries like finance and healthcare , where regulatory compliance and data security are non-negotiable .
Working with local developers fosters cultural alignment and creates a cohesive , motivated team environment . These professionals share a deeper understanding of their client ’ s business ethos and values with better outcomes for long-term success .
The choice of a software development partner can significantly impact business outcomes . A deep-rooted understanding of the South African market offers businesses a strategic edge . By choosing local developers , companies not only gain access to superior technical expertise but also contribute to the broader economic and social fabric of the country .
Data from CareerJunction and OfferZen shows a 15 % decline in hiring activity within the IT sector during early 2024 compared to the last quarter of 2023 . Junior developers are feeling the brunt of the downturn and face significant challenges in securing and passing interviews .
Greg Vercellotti , Executive Director , Dariel Software
40 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com