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BUI is growing! We’re pleased to announce that we’ve acquired M2M Systems, an award-winning cloud solutions provider and fellow Microsoft Partner organisation based in Nairobi, Kenya.
M2M Systems specialises in digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises, through Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365. Founded in 2013, the company has helped more than 100 businesses in Kenya and the wider East African region to communicate, collaborate, and connect with customers using the power of cloud technology.
Ryan Roseveare, our Managing Director, is excited to build on the foundations that have supported M2M Systems’ success. “For BUI, this acquisition represents much more than a business expansion: it’s an opportunity to accelerate cloud adoption and digital transformation in Kenya by bringing the expertise we’ve gained through Microsoft’s global programmes to a dynamic regional market where the cloud is actively embraced as a driver of business efficiency and scalability,” he says.
As a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP and a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association, BUI’s Microsoft roots run deep. “We’re thrilled that M2M Systems has a team of technologists who share not only our enthusiasm for Microsoft Azure, but also our commitment to innovation and customer-centric service delivery,” adds Roseveare.
Justin Colin, our Business Development Manager, is working alongside M2M Systems during the transition period. “M2M Systems has an excellent track record of cloud engagements and a loyal customer base that spans Kenya’s financial services industry, legal sector, and transportation sector. In the coming months, we’ll focus on increasing staff capacity and creating a broader solution portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the local and regional markets,” he says, adding that the BUI Cyber Security Operations Center, the Nettprotect vulnerability scanning service, and the a2zManaged cloud management service will be important augmentations.
M2M Systems Managing Partner Clare Mungai, one of Kenya’s leading women in technology, says the demand for reliable, scalable, and secure productivity solutions is higher than ever. “In the past seven years, we’ve witnessed the steady growth of cloud adoption in Kenya, but last year’s shift to remote work put that growth into overdrive. Customers are looking to harness the full spectrum of cloud services, and BUI brings a wealth of Azure, security, and networking expertise to complement our existing Microsoft strengths. I have no doubt that this fusion of talent and vision will unlock new possibilities, here and across East Africa. I look forward to welcoming BUI to Nairobi, and working together to support customers throughout their digital transformation journeys.”
Roseveare is equally positive. “With an established base in Kenya and a highly skilled team of cloud specialists, we’ll be able to extend our reach and deliver customised, locally relevant solutions to help organisations become more productive, more competitive, and more secure,” he concludes.
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We’re proud to announce that we’ve earned the Threat Protection Advanced Specialization from Microsoft in recognition of our proven success in deploying Microsoft Threat Protection, Microsoft Cloud App Security, and Azure Sentinel workloads.
The Threat Protection Advanced Specialization is the fourth such Microsoft accreditation that our company has earned in recent months: BUI also holds advanced specializations in Adoption and Change Management, Windows Virtual Desktop, and Identity and Access Management.
“Security has always been a core focus area for us,” explains Chief Technology Officer Willem Malan. “We strive to give customers the best technology, the most comprehensive guidance, and the most innovative solutions to help them protect their digital estates from evolving threats. The Threat Protection Advanced Specialization is not only an acknowledgement of our premier technical capabilities, but also an indication of our commitment to value-driven service,” he says.
As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and more frequent worldwide, it is imperative for customers to be proactive about security, continues Malan. “To safeguard your business effectively, you need the right expertise and the right resources. BUI specialists are already leveraging next-generation tools for threat detection, investigation, and remediation to provide holistic security services to customers. Beyond that, we are actively expanding our range of Microsoft competencies and pursuing new opportunities to deliver even greater support to businesses that are adapting to remote-work and hybrid-work scenarios in the pandemic era,” he adds.
BUI was the first South African company to achieve Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Provider status, and joined the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) last year. Top-tier cloud and security skills, as well as collaboration within the wider cybersecurity industry, enable us to better serve our own customers, states Malan.
“Advanced specializations, including our latest one in threat protection, position us to deliver relevant, cutting-edge solutions for complex workplaces. And industry associations, like MISA, provide us with important insights into global security trends. As security advisors and partners, we are making sure that our customers receive unrivalled service and support at every stage of their journey with us,” he says.
Malan describes Azure Sentinel, Microsoft’s cloud-native security information and event management platform, as a crucial part of the modern security stack. “It’s an incredibly powerful tool for continuous, real-time visibility across the IT ecosystem. And it’s a single pane of glass that brings structure and simplicity to security operations. Our customer deployments have been very successful, and the results speak for themselves: reduced risk exposure and faster threat detection and response,” he explains.
SEE HOW WE DO IT | Take a look inside the BUI Cyber SoC
As business organisations search for scalable, cost-effective ways to protect their networks, servers, endpoints, databases, applications, and users from cyberthreats, Malan believes two factors will determine the technology partners they choose: reputation and expertise. “We have a longstanding and award-winning relationship with Microsoft, and customers trust us to deliver the right solutions for their needs. For more than two decades, we’ve helped enterprises to design, deploy, and manage their IT assets securely. We’re excited to continue this tradition as we engage with customers who want to protect and defend their critical systems and data,” he concludes.
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We’re pleased to announce that we’ve been awarded the Identity and Access Management Advanced Specialization from Microsoft in recognition of our proven expertise and experience in deploying Microsoft Identity workloads with Azure Active Directory.
Microsoft introduced the Identity and Access Management Advanced Specialization in November last year. The accreditation acknowledges Microsoft Partners who have demonstrated premier technical capabilities and the highest standards of service in delivering secure, unified access management solutions for customers.
“Identity and access management is an essential part of an effective security strategy,” explains Willem Malan, our chief technology officer. “As enterprises continue to embrace digital transformation to enable the new world of work, the ability to manage user identities and safeguard access to business assets is more important than ever before. We are committed to helping our customers leverage the full power of the Microsoft cloud to streamline and secure user access,” he says.
Remote productivity remains a key focus area for organisations around the world, especially as coronavirus protocols continue to impact the way work is done. “Enterprises are solidifying and expanding their remote-work strategies to allow not only employees, but also suppliers, vendors, and external collaborators to access corporate assets from home, or indeed wherever they are,” notes Malan. “And that means making sure their identity and access management systems are robust enough to handle the intricacies of the modern workplace,” he adds.
One of the biggest challenges for customers, continues Malan, is giving the right people the right access to the right resources – at the right time, every time. “Enterprises need to be able to control, protect, monitor, and review user access across the board, but that can be difficult without a central control plane. Microsoft’s Azure Active Directory is a richly featured platform that puts identity at the core of access management to reduce the complexity and cost of safeguarding the business environment.”
The Identity and Access Management Advanced Specialization is our newest Microsoft accreditation, and complements our existing Windows Virtual Desktop and Adoption and Change Management capabilities. “We have amplified our abilities to provide even more support to our customers with comprehensive, cloud-powered solutions to make user authentication seamless and secure,” concludes Malan.
Whether you’re just getting started on your cloud journey, or looking to modernise your identity management systems, we’re here to help.
Contact us to learn more about using Microsoft Azure Active Directory to achieve your business productivity and security goals.
We are pleased to announce that we have joined the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), a global ecosystem of independent software vendors and managed security service providers that have integrated their solutions to help customers better defend against a world of evolving cybersecurity threats.
MISA was launched in 2018 with 26 members. Today, just over 160 industry leaders from across the international cybersecurity spectrum work together to share threat intelligence, extend solution capabilities, and increase customer protection.
MISA membership is by invitation only. Organisations must be nominated by Microsoft, and must demonstrate integrations that support the goal of improving enterprise security. We were selected to join the association as a managed security service provider, for our NettProtect vulnerability scanning solution and turnkey add-ons to our Cyber SoC packages, as well as our Microsoft Defender for Endpoint managed service, which is geared to reinforce network security through next-generation detection, investigation, and threat-hunting.
“We are very proud to be part of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association,” says Managing Director Ryan Roseveare. “Our MISA membership not only deepens our longstanding relationship with Microsoft, but also opens the door for our specialists to collaborate with some of the top security professionals in the world. We are excited to share our expertise with our new peers. And we look forward to delivering even more value to our customers, through innovative security offerings that meet their business needs.”
The BUI Cyber Security Operations Center (Cyber SoC) integrates with Microsoft Azure Sentinel, a cloud-native, AI-based security information and event management solution, to make threat detection and response smarter and faster. The state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in Africa, and harnesses Microsoft security resources to monitor enterprise networks, servers, endpoints, databases, and applications.
“The success of our Cyber SoC lies in the combination of cutting-edge technology and industry-leading skills,” declares Roseveare. “We have created a compelling solution by reducing the cost and complexity of managed security services, and by giving our customers value-driven add-ons, like our Cyber SoC Panic Button for emergency assistance,” he notes.
“The Microsoft Intelligent Security Association has grown into a vibrant ecosystem comprised of the most reliable and trusted security software vendors across the globe. Our members, like BUI, share Microsoft’s commitment to collaboration within the cybersecurity community to improve our customers’ ability to predict, detect, and respond to security threats faster,” says Rani Lofstrom, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft Security.
BUI’s MISA membership follows several company milestones in 2020. Since the beginning of the year, we have achieved Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Service Provider status and attained advanced specializations in Adoption and Change Management and Windows Virtual Desktop. We have also been named Microsoft Country Partner of the Year, Microsoft Modern Workplace Partner of the Year, Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year, and Microsoft Security Partner of the Year.
“We are determined to help our customers strengthen their cyber defences in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats,” says Roseveare. “As part of MISA, we are now even better positioned to empower organisations to protect their assets – from identity to infrastructure, and from the edge to the cloud,” he concludes.
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We’re excited to offer two powerful devices from Microsoft’s award-winning Surface range to the South African market. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 for Business and the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 for Business are designed for the modern workplace, with built-in security from chip to cloud.
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it would address the growing demand for Surface products in South Africa. In July, the company confirmed that the Surface Laptop 3 and the Surface Pro 7 would be sold locally.
“As with previous Surface devices, we have delivered best-in-class upgrades for our new additions to the family, to ensure that individuals and organisations have access to the optimal performance they need to achieve more in the office, classroom, or out in the field,” explained Vithesh Reddy (Consumer and Channel Marketing Director, Microsoft South Africa) at the time.
The Surface Laptop 3 and the Surface Pro 7 are now available to consumers via selected retailers, and to commercial organisations via selected partners. BUI is proud to be an authorised Surface reseller in SA, and to provide business editions of both models to enterprises nationwide.
“Microsoft has put security and performance at the heart of its Surface collection,” says BUI Managing Director Ryan Roseveare. “The Laptop 3 and the Pro 7 are popular devices that deliver the power, speed, and mobility prized by on-the-go professionals, as well as the functionality required for comprehensive device management and protection,” he continues.
“As more and more businesses move to accelerate their digital transformation initiatives, the demand for robust, secure, enterprise-level productivity tools continues to grow. The Surface for Business devices available through BUI are geared for modern workplace communication and collaboration, and they are compelling solutions for companies that need to cater for evolving teams of on-site and remote staff,” Roseveare adds.
The Surface Laptop 3 for Business is a powerhouse fuelled by the latest 10th Generation Intel® Core™ processor. Available in two sizes (13.5″ and 15″) and featuring a vibrant PixelSense™ Display touchscreen, this lightweight and easy-to-carry laptop boasts Windows 10 Pro (64 bit) out of the box, Fast Charge capability (80% charge in around 60 minutes), and Windows Hello sign-in.
Surface Laptop 3 for Business key specifications at a glance:
Interested? Download the Surface Laptop 3 for Business brochure.
The Surface Pro 7 for Business blends versatility and flexibility in a high-performance 2-in-1 device with the unplugged power (up to 10.5 hours of battery life) and the processing speed required to support the pace of modern business. In tablet mode, it becomes a handheld studio or a portable workstation. And when combined with the Surface Pro Type Cover keyboard (sold separately), it delivers a full laptop experience.
Surface Pro 7 for Business key specifications at a glance:
Interested? Download the Surface Pro 7 for Business brochure.
Roseveare believes Microsoft’s commitment to innovation shines through in the Surface for Business range. “The Surface Laptop 3 and the Surface Pro 7 are prime examples of the multi-functional machines that people are exploring for everyday productivity. Microsoft has balanced user concerns like performance and compatibility with enterprise concerns like security, manageability, and ease-of-deployment to create these truly sophisticated devices, which BUI is excited to showcase to South Africa,” Roseveare concludes.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 for Business and the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 for Business can be ordered now through our sales teams. Surface Pro Type Cover keyboards in Black, Charcoal, Poppy Red, and Ice Blue (pictured above) are also available. The expected lead time is 8-10 weeks. Terms and conditions apply.
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We’re thrilled to announce that we won the Modern Workplace Partner of the Year Award, the Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year Award, and the Security Partner of the Year Award at the 2020 Microsoft South Africa Partner Awards last night (30 September). BUI was also named as a finalist for the Consulting Services Partner of the Year Award. Congratulations, BUI team! This is an amazing achievement after a year of unprecedented challenges in the face of COVID-19.
Microsoft SA’s awards ceremony was conducted virtually for the first time, as part of the company’s commitment to local lockdown protocols. Held annually, the Microsoft SA Partner Awards recognise and celebrate Microsoft Partners for their performances and achievements. Judging takes place across numerous categories after intensive reviews of the award submissions, and trophies are usually presented at a gala dinner in Johannesburg. Last night, Microsoft SA Managing Director Lillian Barnard (pictured above) acknowledged the different digital format as she welcomed more than 350 attendees to the online celebration.
“I really would have loved the opportunity to meet you all in person,” said Barnard. “This is an exceptional moment in history, and over the past several months all of us have been put to the test. However, the innovation and responsiveness of our partner community has helped many organisations survive,” she continued, highlighting the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and thanking partners for their commitment, passion, and energy.
For Managing Director Ryan Roseveare, the Modern Workplace Partner of the Year trophy is an important acknowledgement of our unwavering focus on customer needs. “The term ‘workplace’ took on a different meaning this year as companies grappled with the demands of doing business under lockdown. BUI was quick to respond, and to provide innovative solutions that enabled customers to move entire workloads to the cloud and to shift entire workforces to remote desktops, efficiently and securely,” he explains. “I’m thrilled with this accolade, but prestigious honours like this would not be possible without the dedication of our people. They work very hard to create value-driven Microsoft solutions for our customers.”
Technical Director Willem Malan is equally pleased with this recognition, especially as we continue to pursue a cloud-first strategy. “We’re actively expanding our already strong professional environment with additional competencies to further support our customers through digital transformation. By focusing on change management, we can ensure that end-users are fully prepared to leverage cloud-based productivity tools like Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams, wherever their workplaces may be located,” he says.
BUI achieved the highest infrastructure-related Azure consumer revenue in FY2020 and was the first SA Microsoft Partner to launch a Cyber Security Operations Centre powered by Sentinel. Last night’s Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year victory was particularly special, says Roseveare. “We’re cloud enthusiasts as well as cloud advocates,” he explains.
Helping customers to modernise and secure their operations with Azure is a real passion for everyone here at BUI, concurs Malan. “Our success stories are built on a foundation of service excellence. We all understand the importance of delivering relevant Azure solutions that work for our customers, and that align with their strategic business vision, and that ultimately enable them to serve and support their own clients using a scalable and incredibly powerful cloud platform.”
Roseveare and Malan are delighted to see BUI take home the Security Partner of the Year Award for the second year in a row. “This accolade speaks to our central philosophy,” says Roseveare. “Security is at the heart of our business and we make it a core part of design, deployment, and management projects for our customers. By harnessing Microsoft’s robust security tools, we can empower organisations to proactively protect their critical assets.”
Security is an ongoing concern for local enterprises, says Malan. “South Africans experienced a surge in coronavirus-related cybercrime this year, and while the pandemic certainly increased the frequency of malicious attacks, it’s important to remember that the threat is constant. We are committed to leading from the front with modern security solutions. BUI specialists are highly skilled and best-in-class, and this recognition from Microsoft is well-earned and well-deserved.”
Our trophy haul last night marks the latest achievement in a banner year for our company. Since the beginning of 2020, BUI has celebrated its 20th anniversary, been named Microsoft’s Country Partner of the Year for South Africa, become the first local Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Provider, and attained Microsoft’s new Adoption and Change Management Advanced Specialization.
“I’m extremely proud of Team BUI,” concludes Roseveare. “They have helped our customers to stay online, to keep connected, and to remain secure throughout the extraordinary circumstances of this year, and I know they will carry the same passion forward as we look ahead to the future.”
Thank you for making these achievements possible, everyone!
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We’re excited to announce that we’ve earned the new Adoption and Change Management Advanced Specialization from Microsoft!
Introduced in April 2020, this niche specialization is reserved for top-tier Microsoft Partners with both the deep-level expertise and the experience to support and empower customers as they embrace organisational change.
“We’re always focused on meeting our customers where they are in terms of digital transformation, and these engagements involve so much more than just the deployment of technology,” explains Willem Malan, our national technical director.
“We help people to adapt to new practices, leverage new tools, and find innovative ways to improve efficiency. Microsoft’s recognition is an acknowledgement of our specific capabilities in this area, and our commitment to the highest levels of service delivery.”
As business transformation gains momentum and technology continues to reshape workplaces everywhere, Malan believes a people-first approach to change management is paramount. “Change can be challenging, but when you put people at the centre of the process, and provide the coaching and guidance they need to navigate their new circumstances, you create an environment that encourages user adoption. And that’s important, because people are the end users. They’re the ones who have to utilise the technology to drive the business forward.”
Malan’s sentiments are shared by our Western Cape general manager, Thys Janse Van Rensburg, who has helmed change-management projects for several of our customers, including Capitec Bank.
“Our journeys with customers are characterised by intensive planning, meticulous execution, and teamwork. The teamwork component is perhaps the most important of all, because effective change management requires successful collaboration at every stage,” says Janse Van Rensburg.
BUI is well positioned to help enterprises of all sizes adopt Microsoft Teams, Microsoft SharePoint, Yammer, and other Microsoft 365 technologies for digital enablement, remote productivity, and secure communication.
“We’re all part of the new normal, but ultimately, we’re humans doing business. Here at BUI, we’re determined to help our customers find the best pathways to success as they change, grow, and prepare for the future,” concludes Malan.
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BUI CISSP Neil du Plessis and First Digital KZN Managing Executive Gabriel Malherbe discuss why a security strategy is critical for any enterprise with web-facing assets.
In 2019, South Africa had the third-highest number of cybercrime victims in the world. Attacks from the darkest corners of the web cost our economy more than R2.2bn. From government portals to municipal networks and databases, the public sector was a regular target. In the private sector too, cyberattackers zeroed in on e-commerce platforms, internet service providers, and financial institutions.
There’s a similar trend in 2020. Since the beginning of the year, hackers have taken aim at local enterprises including chemical supplier Omnia, hospital group Life Healthcare, and vehicle-recovery firm Tracker. Internationally, headline-making incidents involving car manufacturer Honda, GPS technology company Garmin, and energy group Enel have also highlighted the consequences of digital villainy, and put corporate cybersecurity practices in focus across the globe.
In 2019, South Africa had the third-highest number of cybercrime victims in the world, according to researchers.
“When it comes to defending against cyberattacks, modern enterprises must consider the growing complexity of their operational environments and the web-enabled commercial landscape at large,” explains Neil du Plessis, our CISSP and cloud security architect. Connectivity can be a powerful business driver, but it can also be a double-edged sword: the greater the number of integrated platforms, systems, and applications, the broader the attack surface. “You no longer have the luxury of drawing a perimeter around your organisation,” states Du Plessis.
Gabriel Malherbe, the KZN managing executive at our sister company First Digital, agrees. “In a hyperconnected world, your cybersecurity measures cannot stop at the front gate. Those days are long gone. Today, a business environment is not just a physical space: it extends beyond walls and fences, across devices, across networks, and across borders. The challenge now – especially for those moving ahead with digital transformation – is holistic protection,” says Malherbe.
South Africa is one of the fastest-growing countries globally for IT expenditure, and local enterprises are spending significant funds on software and services delivered via the internet. They’re also moving core systems online. “Modernisation is a big motivator,” says Malherbe. “There’s a growing interest in disruptive technologies, and how they can be leveraged to help people accomplish more. The ‘more’ factor may change from company to company, but I think the stimulus is the same in many cases, and that’s the desire to prepare for an increasingly digital future,” he explains.
Being online can open the door for businesses to become more agile, more productive, more efficient, more responsive, and more cost-effective – but there are risks to consider in pursuit of such rewards, cautions Du Plessis. “Whether an online presence is part of your overall business development strategy, or a planned transition to serve your customers where they are, or even a productivity requirement to enable remote work right now, cybersecurity should be a primary concern. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and some of the biggest security incidents in recent history are now cautionary tales about the perils of poor cyber hygiene,” he says.
Du Plessis highlights the 2018 ViewFines data leak as an example. “The PII records of almost a million South African motorists were leaked publicly, and sensitive personal information – including full names, ID numbers, and plaintext passwords – was compromised. The root cause was a web server vulnerability that could have been addressed beforehand through mitigation techniques like vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, server hardening, and patch management,” he explains.
Malicious actors continue to employ a wide range of scams to try to gain access to valuable data and corporate assets. Phishing, smishing, and vishing are common methods of attack, but malware is becoming a popular choice as cyber villains look beyond everyday IT infrastructure to more complex OT ecosystems in sectors as diverse as retail and industrial manufacturing.
“The EKANS ransomware used against Honda earlier this year is a case in point,” Du Plessis says, referencing the sophisticated malware that targeted the auto-maker’s industrial control systems and affected production lines in Europe, Japan, and the United States. “It’s absolutely critical for modern enterprises to establish cybersecurity practices that include all web-enabled processes, not only traditional IT,” he advises.
Security should be built in from the ground up and across the board, concurs Malherbe. “There’s a duality to the internet that you need to remember: it connects you to the world and it connects the world to you. Every web-facing resource, from your homepage to your e-commerce store, is exposed to a degree of risk. When you understand that, then you can take action to protect your assets while you reap the rewards of doing business on the web,” he says.
“Cost, convenience, and customisation potential are all factors pushing local businesses to explore some kind of online presence,” continues Malherbe, adding that First Digital has seen a dramatic increase in the number of clients asking for e-commerce solutions in recent months. The trend, he argues, can be attributed to the prevailing market conditions as well as the changing behaviour of tech-savvy consumers.
“Even before the movement restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 lockdown, brick-and-mortar stores and shopping malls had started to feel the ripple effect of our stagnant economy: dwindling foot traffic, conservative spending, and tougher competition for every available rand. On top of that, there’s growing consumer demand for personalised, intuitive retail experiences. More and more, we’re seeing brands turn to e-commerce to drive sales and boost shopper engagement,” he says.
Modern enterprises need to establish cybersecurity practices that include all web-enabled processes, not only traditional IT, advises BUI CISSP Neil du Plessis.
Business-to-consumer enterprises aren’t the only ones taking advantage of web-enabled technology. In the business-to-business space, bespoke trading platforms and vendor portals are being deployed to enable broader collaboration, integration, and co-operation. Greater functionality, however, demands greater security measures, reiterates Du Plessis. “Several high-profile cyberattacks have been linked to human error, or the misconfiguration of IT resources, or inadequate security controls. In B2C and B2B companies, cybersecurity strategy needs to be prioritised to help safeguard data, applications, infrastructure, and users,” he says.
BUI and First Digital have partnered on several projects to deliver secure solutions to local organisations. “I think customers understand the value of such engagements, especially given our complementary disciplines,” says Malherbe, citing a recent piece of work for Korbicom that drew on both teams’ expertise. “First Digital was brought in to provide Azure support, and BUI came on board later to perform penetration testing. The result was an intensive review of Korbicom’s web application, from architecture through to security,” explains Malherbe.
Korbicom’s application architect, Shaun Rust, was pleased with the results. “As a niche software development company, Korbicom creates custom solutions for clients in the legal sector, the insurance industry, and the financial services industry. Understandably, security and compliance are particular concerns. Our consultations with First Digital and BUI revolved around the functionality and security of a newly developed application, and their advice and assistance was very much appreciated.”
South African companies have to be prepared for sustained and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks designed to compromise web-facing assets. “If you collect customer data through your website, or payment details through your e-commerce store, then you’re a potential target because sensitive information like that is valuable to somebody, somewhere,” cautions Du Plessis. “It doesn’t matter how big or small you are: data is a commodity. And I think we’ve all seen enough headlines to know that it is being bought and sold worldwide. The protection of your online business environment has never been more important than it is today,” he says.
Malherbe feels the same way. “If you don’t put adequate defences in place, then your enterprise is exposed, vulnerable, and at risk. You cannot afford to be in that position when the threat landscape changes by the minute. You have to make cybersecurity a priority – from day one, and every day after that,” he concludes.
A version of this article was published by First Digital, a fellow First Technology Group company specialising in application development, business process management, enterprise content management, integration, and managed services. Connect with First Digital on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, or visit www.firsttech.digital to learn more.
Our state-of-the-art cybersecurity facility is backed by world-class Microsoft security technology, including Azure Sentinel – Microsoft’s cloud-native security information and event management software.
The BUI Cyber Security Operations Centre is the first of its kind in Africa. It is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by certified security specialists who can help you to safeguard your critical business assets.
Emmanuella Tieku joined BUI earlier this year as part of our internship programme. Her passion is cyber security and she’s determined to lead the way for the next generation of women in tech. We asked her about her career ambitions and her thoughts on South Africa’s IT industry…
Q: Emmanuella, what did you study at university, and how did it influence your career trajectory?
A: I went to Pearson Institute of Higher Education, in Midrand. I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and at the time I didn’t really know what I wanted to do as a career. My love for cyber security didn’t come in varsity; it came after, when I went to a cyber security institute to do a course there. I thought I would be a software developer or a coder.
Q: What drew you to the field of cyber security?
A: My varsity has an entire office dedicated to helping graduates at the start of their career journey. After I’d finished my degree, they called me and said there was an institution that wanted to train students in cyber security. I knew I had to go for it. So, I grabbed that opportunity. And when I started the course, I thought it was so interesting. I felt like a real hacker! Like the ones you see in the movies. When I started to understand what actually goes into it, that’s when I got really interested in it… Since then, I’ve never looked back. Wherever I go, I know I want to be in cyber security. I don’t want to do other stuff.
Q: You’re a cyber security intern here at BUI. What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
A: What is most rewarding is getting all this knowledge, and knowing that I can use it and my new skills to help somebody else in the future… Maybe somebody who was like me in the beginning.
Q: How do you feel about being the only woman in the cyber security team at the moment?
A: Even when I was studying Computer Science at varsity, women were always in the minority. In a class with 40 students, we’d have maybe 4 or 5 women sitting together.
Q: Do you see a similar trend in South Africa’s IT industry?
A: I’m definitely seeing it… Maybe things are changing faster overseas, but here in South Africa it’s still a big issue because we’re a developing country. I think a lot of people still believe that women can’t be engineers. And I know that it’s hard for a lot of young women to study today. I’d like to help change that, because we have to pave the way for those who come after us. I want it to become a normal thing for girls to study engineering or computer science.
When I used to fail at something, the first thing that would come to mind is ‘you failed because you’re a girl’. I had to change my own thinking. I had to stop comparing myself to other people – men and women. And I did it. I told myself: ‘Do what you want to do. Attain your goals the way you want to attain them. Don’t make it a boy-girl thing. Do it for yourself.’
Q: How has your internship been so far?
A: The whole atmosphere at BUI is lovely. When I come to work, it doesn’t feel like I’m coming to work. Since the lockdown, everyone has been working from home and I miss the office vibe… That buzz from everyone working together. I really enjoyed the BUI birthday party earlier this year. I have such fun memories from that day!
Q: What excites you about the tech industry?
A: If you look at the computers we used to work with in the past and what we have now… Who would have thought we would ever be able to carry around a computer in our bag. Things are becoming better and better. There’s always something fresh and new. There’s always something to learn and look forward to, so you aren’t stuck in the same spot, doing the same thing every year.
Q: How do you keep up with the latest trends and technology changes?
A: BUI posts a lot of technical articles and I like to check them out and grab information that is interesting and relevant to me. I also spend time on YouTube and social media; there are a lot of cyber security channels that I follow.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: I’m all over the place. I’m a person who can’t sit too long doing one thing. So, I would either read a book, play games, or learn something new. For instance, this weekend I’m learning to sew with my mom!
Q: How do you think South Africans should spend Women’s Day this year?
A: I think people should make a real effort to highlight our country’s problem with gender-based violence. And personally, I’d like to see more projects to support young women, through education and job placement, so that they can find their place in society.
It’s official! BUI has been named a Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP). We’re extremely proud to be the first South African company to achieve this distinction, which is currently held by only a select group of Microsoft Partners worldwide.
The Microsoft Azure Expert MSP programme recognises Microsoft Partners with the proven expertise and capability to deliver the highest quality of managed end-to-end Microsoft Azure cloud services, from initial planning and design through to implementation, operation, and optimisation.
“This is a fantastic achievement for BUI and a win for our customers,” says Managing Director Ryan Roseveare. “This is an acknowledgement of our skills and competencies around Microsoft Azure and benefits our company and our customers. It shows that we are in the top tier of globally recognised Microsoft Partners, and that we are highly successful when it comes to managing modern cloud environments. As more and more South African businesses explore cloud-based solutions, the need for Azure specialists grows. We’re proud to rank among the best, and to support local companies.”
Roseveare’s sentiments are shared by Technical Director Willem Malan: “Now, more than ever, I think customers are looking for the best partners to support them through digital transformation. We have attained Microsoft Azure Expert MSP status and that is certainly a validation of our abilities, but more importantly, it’s an assurance for our customers. It shows that we’re equipped to provide truly world-class service, and to deliver Azure cloud services at scale for enterprises across the board.”
To participate in the Azure Expert MSP programme, Microsoft Partners must meet stringent requirements defined by Microsoft and independently evaluated by third-party auditors.
“The process is rigorous,” explains Malan. “Our teams have been assessed on everything from technical aptitude to customer deliveries, and we’re delighted with the positive feedback received. We’re fortunate to have so many talented, passionate people who are committed to delivering business value for our customers,” he says.
“We congratulate BUI on their Azure Expert MSP recognition and look forward to working alongside them, to help more customers make the move to the cloud as a critical enabler of digital transformation. It is a digital transformation journey that for many has accelerated exponentially, as the need for remote working has increased. Our partners are a cornerstone of the Microsoft ecosystem, now more than ever, as we navigate towards a post COVID-19 business landscape that creates hybrid workplaces that are secure, cost efficient and streamlined,” says Lillian Barnard, Managing Director of Microsoft South Africa.
“We’re honoured to have earned this prestigious accreditation, and we look forward to helping more customers benefit from the security and scalability of Microsoft Azure,” concludes Roseveare.
