Arguably the biggest growth market on the planet, the continent of Africa represents a huge opportunity - and a challenge - for IT businesses across the board, including the specialist power suppliers that guarantee operations at vital data centres. Martin Clark reports
“The Internet of Things (IoT), which bridges the digital and physical world, is already making its mark in Africa as smart connected devices are being deployed and the use of connected hardware emerges. However, it has the potential to make a far more significant impact on the region, as long as circumstances specific to the continent are taken into consideration.”
Sapiens’ partnership with Microsoft Azure, robust presence in South Africa, and innovative technology will enable local insurers to benefit from end-to-end, cloud-based solutions
Sapiens International Corporation announced on 24 July that it intends to leverage Microsoft’s two new data centres for its cloud-based services in South Africa.
To better serve customers looking for an affordable and flexible option to traditional on-premise IT operations, Sapiens partnered with Microsoft Azure in 2015. Sapiens ALIS – Sapiens’ core policy administration suite for the life insurance, annuities, pension, savings and medical markets – and Sapiens IDIT ‒ our flagship software suite for the short-term insurance market ‒ can be deployed over Microsoft’s secure cloud.
Microsoft has recently officially announced that it is opening two new cloud data centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and this latest development precedes Sapiens’ imminent establishment of its new head office and an expanded presence in South Africa.
Insurers and financial services organisations are hesitant, and many times prohibited legally, from moving sensitive customer data offshore. These two new centres will enable South African companies to enjoy the benefits of the cloud ‒ which includes cost savings from not having to upgrade and then maintain new IT infrastructure during modernisation projects ‒ while still complying with data governance and sovereignty regulations.
“Congratulations to Sapiens’ partner, Microsoft, on this exciting news that is expected to foster innovation and create opportunities in Africa,” said Gary Tessendorf, Sapiens’ South African regional director. “There is interest in the South African market in the cloud’s potential to help insurers remain agile, while keeping costs low. I am confident that Sapiens’ robust presence in South Africa, the two new data centres, and the partnership between Microsoft Azure and Sapiens will build upon each other to help create an ideal solution for local insurers.”
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