Oracle Corporation is a multinational computer technology company that specialises in developing and marketing database software and technology, cloud engineered systems and enterprise software products. In this exclusive interview, Bayo Sanni, Managing Director, Oracle Nigeria, tells BusinessDay’s Jumoke Akiyode- Lawanson about the company’s operation in Nigeria, which is one of its biggest markets in Africa and how its cloud solutions are changing business dynamics in the continent and bridging the gap between developing nations and developed ones.
How easy or difficult has it been for Oracle to operate in a market such as Nigeria, especially with the recent economic recession and government policies which particularly advocate for the use of local cloud solution providers (Nigerian companies that offer cloud solutions)?
The recession has provided an opportunity for many organisations to redefine and relook at their IT spend and focus on their IT investment. Cloud computing is the technology that is helping organisations to do more with less. For example, cloud helps organisations move much of their IT spending from capital expense (CapEx) to operational expense (OpEx). These changes allow them to stabilise spending, reduce their capital budget, and be more agile. In terms of use of local cloud solution providers, Oracle provides what we call Oracle Cloud at Customer. This allows customers to deploy public cloud behind their firewall. As the customer, you stay in control of your data and where it is located (locally).
Does the low broadband penetration level in Nigeria negatively affect the adoption of cloud solution in anyway? I know Oracle’s recent survey found that the proportion of businesses reaping the rewards of embracing cloud infrastructure services has increased significantly in the last quarter, this is according to a global survey of 1,610 IT professionals, but do you think the numbers could be much higher with deeper broadband penetration in Africa?
Definitely, we expect to see ongoing momentum in the adoption of cloud solutions with higher broadband penetration levels in Nigeria. However, maybe what we need to focus on is what is really driving businesses in Nigeria and Africa as a whole… Mobile! Africa is mobile first and so our focus has to be more on mobile broadband than fixed broadband. It will interest you to know that Nigeria, with over 152 million telecom subscribers, is the number one country in Africa in terms of mobile broadband growth. This is according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
IoT is rapidly becoming more popular in this region with the increased use of wearable devices, connected building and cars. What are the real implications of these intelligent applications to both the public and private sector?
IoT is poised to create the next industrial revolution. The Internet of Things (IoT) is helping government agencies utilise data more effectively to create better outcomes, cut costs and accelerate IT modernisation efforts. Take for example; IoT can totally transform how we deliver waste management. Imagine intelligent bins as against what currently obtains. The bin can monitor fill levels and other key indicators and that can be integrated with a waste transportation system to ensure better waste management. In private sector the application can range from auto insurance telematics to asset management and monitoring.
A common set of elements found in most smart waste collection systems includes: sensors that monitor fill level and other indicators such as temperature and tilt within waste containers, a communication node to transport data and a software suite for accessing, managing and analysing that data. Oracle has built holistic, enterprise-grade solutions from hardware through software layers to accommodate various government missions and tackle countless data challenges. By properly leveraging these capabilities, agencies can securely collect data from integrated devices within their enterprise, perform near real-time predictive analytics on IoT streams and events, and seamlessly extend agency enterprise applications and processes with IoT data.
What are the opportunities available to Nigeria and the African continent as a whole, if huge investment is made into cloud infrastructure?
I see Cloud as a leveller. It provides huge opportunities and can bridge the Technology Gap between developing nations and developed ones. The fact that we do not necessarily have to build new, complex and costly infrastructures means that we can start innovating today and start building solutions for Africa by Africans
What percentage of market share does oracle have in the Nigerian market? I’m curious to know this, as competitors such as Microsoft and IBM have made themselves more visible especially with business applications and operating systems.
We are unable to share exact figures, but as our offerings continue to expand in the market (On-Premise, Cloud at Customer, Software-as-a-service, Platform-as-a-service and Infrastructure-as-a-service solutions) allowing customers to innovate, save cost whilst creating new revenue streams- market share will continue to grow aggressively.
Could you please analyse and give details about the benefits of three of the Oracle Cloud portfolios, which include Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)?
First off, Oracle is the only vendor that provides a complete, integrated stack for the cloud. With other vendors, customers have to stitch things together. Oracle Cloud provides customers with greater flexibility, quicker deployments, faster time to value, and increased innovation. Many companies start with a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application, then integrate SaaS and on-premises applications, and then extend applications with social and mobile capabilities. Other customers start with platform as a service (PaaS) for database, Java, or business intelligence. Some businesses start with infrastructure as a service (IaaS) for DevTest, and others begin with system consolidation, or by hosting their own cloud behind their firewall. Whichever path works best for your business, you need a partner that will go with you on your own path to the cloud.
How cost effective is it for SMEs to adopt cloud solutions? With Oracle’s evaluation of the Nigerian market would you say cloud adoption is more popular with large enterprises who deal with big data? And what is Oracle doing to engage SMEs?
Cloud can and will have a profound impact on business in Nigeria. Not only will it enable SMEs and large corporations to respond faster to the ever-demanding customer needs, but it will help businesses to innovate faster without breaking a bank. Our Cloud solutions are competitively priced allowing SMEs to pay as they grow.
How pivotal is the use of cloud to changing business dynamics in Africa?
Cloud is the most powerful force in information technology. It is changing and will continue to change business dynamics in Africa. It will play a pivotal role in helping the continent compete with the developed world.
What is Oracle’s biggest market in Africa and what plans does Oracle have for the Nigerian market as the continent is embracing the current digital revolution?
Nigeria is one of Oracle’s biggest markets in Africa. Oracle is committed to helping build capacity for future talent and innovation. Oracle Nigeria is partnering currently with both the Nigeria Government and select private organisation to support skills development in the country.
