How Microsoft Is Mitigating Risks Posed By Digitisation Of SMEs

Evolve or go extinct.

This phrase or buzzword is making rounds in the Kenyan SME sector. The process of moving from a traditional business model to a digital one revolves around the understanding that the core drivers of digital business, are fundamentally different from the core drivers of conventional business. The word fundamental should not be taken as meaning that they are entirely separate; the key is understanding the challenges and finding the critical balance needed to capitalise on the growth.

With more than half the world being active internet users, it is only a matter of time before the great gaze of the internet penetrates the remotest parts of the country. This very notion is what has led an explosion of business at the fingertips with smartphones, and a myriad of opportunities that are on the same page with global trends and tendencies.

But, as with every great accomplishment, there comes a varying degree of drawbacks. With regards to SME’s s, data security, complexity, job insecurity, plagiarism and copyright concerns all loop into one single drawback. The drawback of cybercrime and threats.

Speaking to Kunle Awosika, Director of Small and Medium Corporates at Microsoft, he emphasised how it is vital to come up with the right type of laws, that can govern cyber highways with defining rules. “I don’t think that the SMEs are conscious of some of the challenges. You can lose money very quickly, if you ask banks what is happening with ransomware, they will tell you because they have been hit. So we, as tech companies have an obligation and a responsibility to continue to educate a lot of SMEs,” said Kunle, as he also reiterated how vital it was for SMEs to critical about the software they use to ensure the best possible results.

He brought out the thought that this ought to be put into motion as soon as possible, to ensure that there are no preconceived notions from SMEs when adopting new technology. Furthermore, he mentioned the vital role Microsoft is playing and how they are striving to make technology attainable for SMEs s so that their environment is one on a growth tangent. They are filling out this role by making sure that they are working with service providers who can help SMEs discover their digital potential, and help them scale.

The wave of the digital revolution can either wash away a business, or the business can harness the wave and surf it. SMEs in Kenya thanks to Microsoft are well underway with intensive training on not only how to survive the digital revolution, but also, thrive.