In recent discussions surrounding the future of business practices, the significance of IT services has emerged as a pivotal topic, especially concerning automation and digital transformation. According to Dan Kitchen, an executive at razorblue, an IT service provider based in the North East, the current landscape necessitates a profound strategic approach to information technology. Speaking to The Northern Echo, Kitchen emphasised that many businesses initially consider IT services as an overhead expense; however, he argues, “technology is the number one enabler in today’s landscape.”
This statement underscores the growing perception of IT not merely as a cost, but as a critical investment that can significantly impact a company's productivity and profitability. Kitchen noted, “Without the right partner and investment, outages and cyberattacks can cost a business its clients, and lack of innovation can cost a business in productivity and profitability.” Such perspectives have driven an interest in managed IT services, which can offer expertise in navigating technological challenges.
Razorblue, which boasts a team of over 200 skilled professionals such as cloud engineers and cybersecurity experts, positions itself as an extended partner for its clients. Kitchen outlined that their approach transcends traditional troubleshooting; they strive to pre-empt issues and provide strategic guidance, which he believes is essential for sustained business growth. "A great IT partner is an enabler of growth," he explained, accentuating the importance of aligning technology strategies with a client's ambitions.
With technological advancement accelerating, companies that do not adapt may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. Kitchen states that in the next five years, organisations that perceive IT merely as a financial burden will “fall behind,” while those that embrace it as a strategic investment will thrive. He pointed to electric car manufacturer Tesla as a prime example—identifying it not just as a car company but primarily as a software company, showcasing a successful integration of technology into its business model.
However, as businesses face an increasingly complex technological landscape, partnering with experts like razorblue can mitigate challenges related to adopting new technologies. Kitchen noted, "Technology is difficult to keep up with," and he highlighted that many businesses lack the prior experience to navigate the competitive marketplace effectively. The firm focuses on implementing innovative, scalable solutions that can help companies pivot in response to emerging opportunities or crises.
Amidst the rise of historic telecom companies attempting to pivot toward managed IT services, Kitchen cautions clients against opting for what he deems “bargain-basement” solutions. He believes that delivering high-quality IT services requires extensive expertise, strategic guidance, and adept relationship management—elements often absent in lower-cost offerings from less specialised providers.
For business leaders operating under tight budgets, balancing cost management with the necessity for robust technological investments poses a significant challenge. Kitchen emphasised that there is a need to position managed IT services not purely as expenses, but as strategic investments that unlock growth opportunities. The company prioritises collaboration, ensuring each client is paired with a relationship manager and solutions architect, both equipped with profound technical knowledge.
In conversations about return on investment (ROI) during financially constrained periods, Kitchen elucidated that razorblue's focus remains on demonstrating long-term value. He argues that showcasing how managed IT services can enhance operational efficiency and mitigate risks is essential for fostering client trust and commitment.
Ultimately, Kitchen’s vision for razorblue revolves around facilitating agility in the face of market disruption. He asserts, “Our goal is to ensure that clients possess the technological flexibility to adapt quickly.” This adaptability is crucial in an era characterised by rapid technological shifts, and Kitchen believes that businesses should not view technology as an impediment but rather as a driving force for innovation and growth.
As firms in the North East and beyond increasingly recognise the transformative impact of effective IT strategies, razorblue stands poised to guide businesses through the complexities of modern technology.
Source: Noah Wire Services