[South Africa] Vodacom Business launches Virtual CIO to support SMMEs

Vodacom Business has launched Virtual CIO, a service that provides a suite of IT support to SMMEs. The service offers monitoring, telephonic and onsite IT support to businesses which do not require full-time resources or are unable to afford these services.

Virtual CIO is a subscription service which detects IT problems before they arise, safeguarding SMMEs which are vulnerable to prolonged IT outages. The solution provides full telephonic and onsite support as well as IT network auditing of infrastructure on a cost effective per user basis.

“Research has shown that SMMEs have expressed a desire for simpler and more affordable IT and security. Virtual CIO is Vodacom’s response to this. We have developed an affordable solution for SMMEs at an economically critical time in our nation’s history. This will allow small businesses to maximise their productivity and ultimately support growth.” Says Fatima Hassim, Managing Executive for SME at Vodacom Business.

With increased digitalisation, SMMEs rely even more on networks and connectivity. They also face a number of challenges such as sluggish networks, network downtime or even cybercrime. Many of them cannot afford to have dedicated IT resources, making their revenue and information more vulnerable.

“Virtual CIO will ensure that all ICT and operational requirements are a seamless process, reducing any administrative burden. Digital growth is a key factor that drives economic growth, innovation and competitiveness and Vodacom continues to encourage SMMEs to embrace digitalisation, even more so in a low or no growth environment,” concludes Fatima.

Virtual CIO’s  monitoring features include malware/virus alerts, CPU usage and WLAN/LAN speed and availability. Full telephonic support allows a Virtual CIO technician to access the business’s computer system remotely and resolve conflicts. Unlimited onsite support will be provided by a trained IT technician.

Vodacom Business’ ultimate goal is to provide SMMEs with supportive technology that will enable them to be as productive as possible in order to grow their businesses.

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