Information technology availability company Veeam’s local partners – which enable it to have a constantly available presence and effective support in the Southern African countries it is expanding in – are fundamental to the firm’s long-term growth plans, says Veeam Africa South regional manager Claude Schück.

“Our aim is to have the partners that we train, enable and empower become Veeam in those countries,” he explains.

Schück says there has been excellent revenue growth in Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Kenya where the company has established and grown its presence over the past five years. He will oversee expansion into Mauritius – a key market for Veeam – Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

The long-term success of the company depends on good services and the quality of support it can provide. Schück states that his leadership aim, therefore, is to empower his employees.

“Regardless of the technologies or communications media involved, it is important to know that there is a team on the other side that can provide the support required to ensure the availability of a client’s systems.”

Emphasising the importance of professional development, Schück notes that mentorship, support and a stimulating work environment help to energise a team. The staff complement of Veeam Southern Africa has increased by 30% over the past three years.

Schück equates strength of presence, in terms of local employment and facilities, to the long-term commitment of a company to a market.

He notes that African governments are insisting that international companies invest to develop companies in the countries to fulfil various functions in the overall value chain and enable the people in the country to participate in the business and the sector.

This emphasis on local business development is a boon to Veeam, he adds.

“The African growth strategy enjoys the full support of the broader international Veeam team, as it is in keeping with our global partnership model.”

Veeam achieved 31% growth in revenue over the past year in South Africa in the key small and medium-sized businesses market segment, with the company reporting rising demand for its technologies from large enterprises in South Africa.

The company expects new large-enterprise customers to boost its first half-year revenue, Schück states. However, this new demand is occurring alongside growing demand from existing customers, and a healthy stream of enquiries from public organisations and private and public schools.