The adoption of ICT in business gives rise to new complex challenges. To manage these and still focus on their core functions, companies require specialised support. That is where Gestalt Gild comes in. It offers four major services to businesses- Enterprise ICT systems, collaboration systems, ICT security and disaster recovery solutions.
The complexity of the present-day world of interconnectedness and convergence of many things makes every business, both large and small, a user of ICT in one way or the other. While this has helped increase efficiency and productivity in businesses, it also poses major challenges. The most pronounced challenge that firms have to battle with is security and data loss.
Every company using ICT is exposed to the risk of data loss and fraud, and this adversely affects businesses. That is why Gestalt Gild has taken a leading position in helping clients proactively secure their data by offering them disaster recovery and data lifecycle management solutions that meet specific client needs.
“We focus on what’s coming in the global ICT industry and introduce it in Africa to avoid redundancy,” says Renjith, noting that technology changes so rapidly that players cannot boast of the novelty of a single solution for long.
The firm, with roots across the border in neighbouring Uganda, also provides call centre systems installation, with a host of clients across the financial services, telecommunications, manufacturing, and transport sectors among others.
Gestalt Gild, interestingly, did not start as an ICT business. The founder set up an insurance business in the 1970’s in Uganda. Business was doing well until 1972 when then Ugandan president Iddi Amin ordered the expulsion of Asians. The business re-entered the Ugandan scene in 1994, only now as a technology business selling computers, printers and stationery. The company established its presence in Kenya in 2004 as a communications technology business and has grown exponentially to become a leading player in the technology sector in Kenya. It has expanded its footprint in East Africa to cover Rwanda, and has set up a country office in Tanzania. It is also in South Africa through an affiliate, although Uganda remains the biggest operation commanding over 60 per cent of the technology business there.
Asked about the challenges they have had to surmount to grow to the current position, Renjith lists the dynamic nature of technology that pressures them to keep up with emerging trends. For the same reason, he says, it’s difficult to lay down a water-tight long-term business strategy. He adds that the technology business requires huge capital outlays to operate stably. Competition remains stiff, forcing the company to deliver the best-in-class service to clients to attain high retention as well as new acquisition levels. The company now delivers an average of 20 major ICT projects in a year.
Can small and medium sized businesses operate optimally without investing in ICT? No! Renjith is resolute in his belief that any SME that is focused on growth in a highly competitive environment cannot ignore the paramount role of technology. However small an investment one can make, it’d be the game changer.
Gestalt Gild is one of ABC Bank’s corporate customers. Renjith talks about the relationship they have had with the bank: “We came to ABC Bank because we were looking for a partner who would make us a priority. We were promised a personalised and e_cient service. We have now confirmed that this bank lives true to its word. They have no bureaucracy; decisions are made faster and we can call senior management directly and discuss our business needs. We have no reason to complain”.
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