Local cloud and hosting start-up Digijiz has been given three years of access to information technology (IT) giant IBM’s Developer Works Premium Package – a Web-based technical resource and professional network for IT practitioners and developers – which enables the start-up to develop its skills, solve technical problems and collaborate directly with global experts.

“The programme provides an all-access pass to powerful tools, resources and support to enable us to rapidly prototype, develop and deploy successful cloud projects. We especially enjoy working with the tools that analyse big data, and with artificial intelligence (AI) tools, as well as cloud services offered,” says Digijiz founder and MD Musa Jali.

Digijiz is doing research on AI, in addition to its cloud solutions, hosting services and custom software development solutions for desktops, mobile and Web platforms. The company’s clients are currently based in Port Elizabeth, but it is growing its national footprint, he says.

The company has a Web application and Website (www.fletz.co.za) that help users find accommodation or tenants. The firm also designed and developed IncuApp, which will be used by the Small Enterprise Development Agency Nelson Mandela Bay Information and Communication Technology Incubator (SNII).

Digijiz started a year ago with the support of the SNII in Port Elizabeth.

“Support from established technology firms is critical to the development of technology start-ups and small businesses. We are delighted with the support from IBM, which will directly allow for the growth and development of our clients,” says SNII CEO Sipelo Lupondwana.

The SNII has embarked on a partnership drive to link South African technology firms with small businesses and start-ups in technology-based industries, and has done so successfully in Nelson Mandela Bay.

“The IncuApp automates some of the processes, which are normally done manually. It also keeps track of clients’ progress while storing their documents in one central database, which will make it easier for the SNII mentors to access,” Jali says.

The application (app) will track tasks completed by clients and staff – for example, creating a business plan or marketing strategy – with a dedicated mailbox for communication between clients and staff, and a facility through which repair requests for building maintenance can be lodged, he explains.

The start-up is also working on a social networking app and, with the IBM package, aims to have the prototype ready before the end of December.

In April last year, Jali was one of 38 young South Africans to participate in a two-week E-mobility programme, in Germany. The programme aims to bring E-mobility to Africa.

“This means Digijiz will be part of the evolution in how we move and play a major role in cutting carbon emissions. Our part will be in the area of software.”

Jali partnered with one of the organisers of the E-mobility event and they are working on an app that will be launched later this month. His goal is that Digijiz creates its own products and solutions for clients.

He became passionate about the software design and development industry after he had completed a course, titled Introduction to Big Data with Apache Spark and Machine Learning, presented by Edx.org. “I am also learning about AI and will use this knowledge to develop apps that will solve complex problems in everyday life – from business to personal matters.”