DVT’s Executive Head of the Cloud Solutions Business Unit, Kevin Naicker
Kevin Naicker is the Executive Head of the Cloud Solutions Business Unit for DVT, a Dynamic Technologies group company. His role involves driving strategic partnerships such as Microsoft, AWS and Google, and delivering cloud solutions for DVT customers that are migrating, adopting or advancing cloud technologies and his team operates in South Africa, UAE, UK and Netherlands. Kevin was previously with DVT from 2007 to 2013 when he moved on to new challenges. His return this year is a happy one.
Where did it all begin?
I started programming at 10 years old on a second-hand VIC20 computer, coding games for fun. Back in the 1980s there was no concept of IT or ICT, and I just stuck with it. My teachers didn’t know what to do with me, so they gave me access to the computer labs and the library. Coding turned into web development, which became application development, that led to architecture and cloud computing. I eventually found myself in AI – 40 years later and I’ve seen it all unfold. For me it has been a personal journey rather than a career path and I still have a child-like fascination for IT!
What does your role at DVT entail?
Cloud Computing is highly complex and competitive. Lots can get lost in the noise and details, so I really enjoying simplifying our value proposition for customers and developing pragmatic solutions before evolving the relationship. My team is involved in cloud infrastructure setup, DevOps (continuous integration, continuous deployment), containerisation, orchestration, automation and supporting application architecture and application development teams. Simply put, if it can be done better, cheaper, faster and more securely on the Cloud, we’ll make it happen.
What drew you back to DVT?
I’ve kept in touch with DVT over the past decade, and as I grew my career from South Africa into Europe, DVT was also growing its business and global reach. I have been proud to see how many former colleagues and DVT hires over the years have grown in the organisation. When this role became available, I saw it as a natural progression in my career, and the prospect of working with a trusted and known team, operating in the European and UAE regions, made it all the more compelling.
Why are cloud solutions increasingly important for local and international clients?
Cloud is replacing expensive and risky on-premises investments. Cloud OEMs (Microsoft, AWS, Google) are also standardising the technical learning curve and security posture of cloud, making it more affordable and secure than ever before. It’s also easier for organisations to train and certify their staff on cloud technologies or work with partners such as DVT to design and build trusted and cost-effective solutions on the cloud, removing legacy risks and expensive niche legacy technologies and services. If it is better, faster, cheaper and more secure, why are you not on the cloud yet?
Why is DVT investing heavily in cloud solutions?
We understand cloud and we understand how to make it work for our clients whose organisations manifest in three forms. Those that are not yet on the cloud, those that are on the cloud but require support to grow, and those that are on the cloud with a high degree of maturity. For each of these clients, we are able to identify the need, the approach and the resourcing commitments required to take them to the next level. DVT provides a measure scorecard approach with metrics and KPIs tailored for each organisation. We don’t just sell cloud, we ensure that it’s fit for purpose and sustainable and drives our relationship with customers into the future.
How are you helping to drive DVT's growth strategy?
Our department is landing significant and large projects through offshore resources and SMEs. We are also growing the number of staff hired locally and building up our academy and graduate programmes. All of these strategies will contribute towards DVT’s overall growth as we aim to become 15-20% of the overall revenue share for the organisation in the coming years. We are creating a sustainable growth model that aligns with DVT’s business and growth KPIs. We want to leverage AI to bolster our service offerings and become a market leader. We have the brand and infrastructure to become number one in this arena.
How do you see DVT’s future unfolding?
AI is the leverage we need for future success and sustainability as it is a fundamental game changer. All Cloud OEMs are investing heavily in AI, as are our customers. At DVT we are remaining close to the ground and becoming an integral part of this trend. In doing so, cloud services will become infused with AI and software development, which DVT is well known for.