With the major mobile operators turning their attention to somewhat outdated enterprise offerings, we are now seeing the emergence of specialised enterprise units – often with industry heavyweights at the helm. This is part of a strategic focus on the corporate sector, with telecoms players eyeing the potentially plump profits that this segment can yield. At Vodacom, the group combined its Vodacom Business Africa unit and its local enterprise business to form the new entity under the leadership of Vuyani Jarana. Over at MTN SA, the group appointed its chief financial officer Zunaid Bulbulia as chief enterprise business officer to oversee the development of the new business unit.

The appearance of these new units is a strong indication of the importance that the major telecommunications players are placing on convergence and unified communications – equipping themselves with the capabilities to deliver key communications and IT services over a single network. As Arthur Goldstuck, MD of World Wide Worx, points out, converged IT is a highly attractive proposition for companies as it not only has the potential to cut down on IT spend, but also to improve efficiencies and promote enhanced mobility. Up until recently, IT providers haven’t been able to package these solutions in a seamless and streamlined manner, but that is changing.