Vikas Chadha, the CEO of Jumbo Electronics Ltd., says Jumbo Enterprise’s strategies for 2024 include enabling customers to adopt new technologies such as AI and Automation

Tell us about Jumbo Enterprise and the services it offers on the market.
Established in 2001 and currently managing more than 500,000 assets, Jumbo Enterprise, UAE’s foremost IT solutions and managed services company, handle a diverse range of clients in sectors ranging from telecommunications to healthcare. As the UAE’s largest Device-as-a-Service (DAAS) provider, it boasts a client list exceeding 300 customers, employs more than 300 professionals and dominates the market share for end-user computer devices in the UAE.

Jumbo Enterprise has been able to swiftly scale up and collaborate with industry giants to deliver an impressive range of cutting-edge IT solutions, including network integration, cybersecurity, hybrid IT, digital workplace solutions, and managed services. These transformative offerings have not only gained traction but have also steered the company towards redefining the managed services market.

Harnessing robust alliances with industry powerhouses such as HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, Intel, Aruba, Checkpoint, Fortinet, NexThink, Extreme Networks, Dynatrace, SymphonyAI, FreshWorks, Hitachi Systems, GAVS Technology and Ricoh, Jumbo Enterprise seamlessly delivers a comprehensive spectrum of IT solutions, that include advisory consultation, meticulous design and implementation strategies, and the provision of adept managed services. These services are directed towards both extensive and mid-sized enterprises, as well as UAE government institutions.

The success of Jumbo Enterprise builds on the 50-year legacy of the Jumbo Group, whose enduring legacy and profound regional recognition have furnished Jumbo Enterprise with a unique advantage. As one of the UAE’s most successful home-grown businesses, Jumbo Enterprise offers the same reliability and financial stability that’s made the Jumbo Group an enormously popular venture and is a business that’s consistently updated and upgraded to meet evolving client requirements and market dynamics.

How has the regional IT solutions and managed services landscape evolved over the years?
The regional IT solutions and managed services landscape has evolved significantly over the years due to advancements in technology, the growing complexity of IT infrastructures and changing business needs. The trend toward a Hybrid work environment has also accelerated the acceptance of managed services as it offers greater flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence are essential for increasing efficiency and performance. All things considered, the need to support digital transformation projects for companies of all kinds, improve security, and optimize IT operations is what is driving the expansion of infrastructure-managed services.

Another factor driving the landscape is the deployment of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing, to enable companies to meet their functional requirements while helping improve business processes and efficiency. In a recent study by Microsoft, two in three Gulf enterprises reported that they were planning to invest at least 5% of their annual revenue in digitizing their operations. In addition, more than 50% of organizations reported having prioritized cloud computing, business intelligence (41%), the Internet of Things (37%), and Artificial Intelligence (29%). This forms the perfect backdrop for a significant growth rate in IT upgrades that will boost the demand for managed services such as those offered by Jumbo Enterprise.

With a growing number of cyberattacks targeting the region, cloud security has also become a prominent driver of managed services in the region. Managed hosting services in the region are also expected to grow significantly this decade, as the focus moves to manage client-to-host services to lower costs for IT infrastructure, increase security, and maintain data rights.

According to a recent report by Mordor Intelligence, the GCC Managed Services Market is expected to soar to US $10.42 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 8.96% crossing $16 billion by 2029. The GCC Managed Services Market size is estimated at USD 10.42 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 16.01 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.96% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

What role does Jumbo Enterprise play in the regional managed services space?
Jumbo Enterprise has been at the forefront of providing managed services ever since its inception. Our value proposition is not limited to services alone – it extends to complete technology lifecycle ownership, ensuring that clients receive unwavering support from inception to execution. The consultative approach, vendor-agnostic stance, and robust partnerships with leading OEMs further solidify the company’s position as a trusted partner.

2024 is an important year for us Our 2024 strategy includes a prominent focus on mid-segment companies and cybersecurity, positing itself as the trusted and reliable partner for governments as well as private clients delivering the necessary talent pool through various models, including Time and Materials (T&M), Service Level Agreement (SLA)-based Managed IT Services, and Remote Shared/Dedicated Network Operations Center (NOC) Services. Gartner recently published research which stated 71% of Midsize Enterprise CIOs are planning to use managed services for talent gaps, and we believe Jumbo Enterprise is a reliable partner in delivering the necessary Talent pool in a variety of models, including T&M, SLA-Based Managed IT Services, and Remote Shared/Dedicated NOC Services.

But Jumbo Enterprise’s value proposition is not limited to services alone – it extends to complete technology lifecycle ownership, ensuring that clients receive unwavering support from inception to execution. The consultative approach, vendor-agnostic stance, and robust partnerships with leading OEMs further solidify the company’s position as a trusted partner.

What challenges are CIOs facing these days and how is Jumbo Enterprise equipped to solve those challenges?
Among the key challenges facing CIOs in 2024 are to monitor business conditions and keep an eye on global inflation, which could impact companies and supply chains. That’s why they will have to assess technology investment and prioritise projects that can produce quick and tangible results. Another challenge is to properly fulfil the technological demands of hybrid offices. According to a study by Unisys, 49% of employees report spending one to five hours per week resolving IT issues, negatively impacting their productivity. In addition, hybrid workers often encounter inconsistent access to the organization’s data and systems, communication gaps, and collaboration difficulties.

Yet another front for CIOs is to expand and scale up the adoption of AI beyond initial pilots and proofs of concept. This requires partners who can guide companies on their AI and cybersecurity journey, and produce positive outcomes to drive growth for their clients. Talent is an increasingly alarming challenge for CIOs. Due to limited resources in midsize enterprises, CIOs face major challenges in attracting and retaining talent or upskilling staff – thereby needing to leverage the managed services market. That’s why one of the plans for 2024 for Jumbo Enterprise includes focusing more on mid-segment companies and cybersecurity, and remaining at the forefront of providing managed services.

What sort of commitment does Jumbo Enterprise have for the region?
As the digital landscape evolves, Jumbo Enterprise has invested heavily to forge ahead in innovation and expand its offerings to include cybersecurity and AI integration. Recognising the burgeoning demand in these domains, the company is positioning itself as a stalwart in these critical arenas. As the digital landscape is constantly evolving, the company now also offers solutions aimed at tackling the increasing influence of artificial intelligence, making its portfolio more robust and increasing its service offerings for the Middle East. As a part of its commitment to fostering education and innovation, Jumbo Enterprise has launched the Intel Skills for Innovation (SFI) programme, collaborating with educational entities to equip students and teachers with the skills necessary for a technology-driven future.

Jumbo Enterprise’s proven track record of executing large projects across end-user computing, Digital workplace, infra solutions, managed print and managed IT services, and a competent workforce is all a testament to our legacy in the region and our steadfast commitment to its future progress.

What were the learnings from 2023 and how will you use those to better your strategies for this year?
Over the last few years, customers have embraced Cloud Technologies, increased their focus on cybersecurity, recognized the importance of digital transformation, enabled a hybrid workplace environment, and learned the significance of a customer-centric approach in IT. With the help of these insights, Jumbo Enterprise is influencing how clients approach IT investments and initiatives, fostering innovation, encouraging creativity, agility and adaptability in a rapidly changing technology environment.

Jumbo Enterprise’s strategies for 2024 include enabling customers to adopt new technologies such as AI, Automation, and so on. to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences by enabling them to move towards a Zero-Incident framework. With AI and automation offerings, Jumbo Enterprise is revolutionizing the future of IT-managed services by enabling proactive monitoring, predictive analytics, automated incident resolution, streamlined workflows, and enhanced resource optimization. These innovations enable us to deliver faster response times, increased reliability, and higher-quality services.

As a proactive and agile business that’s always shaping the future, we also plan to focus on mid-segment companies and help deliver the urgently-needed talent pool in a variety of models – including T&M, SLA-Based Managed IT Services, and Remote Shared/Dedicated NOC Services. We also provided best-in-class networking products from Aruba, Siemens, and Cambium for a ramped-up and armoured industrial Wi-Fi network. This enabled a smarter, efficient, and cost-effective operation resulting in greater flexibility and freedom to our client. In addition, to drive IT Innovation, Jumbo Enterprise help clients in their journey of implementing Digital Employee Experience Management, with a roster including clients from government and education, aviation, telecom, banking and healthcare industries.

These partnerships highlight the company’s exceptional ability to not just meet but exceed expectations. The consultative approach, vendor-agnostic stance, and robust partnerships with leading OEMs will further consolidate our position as a trusted partner, and that’s why Jumbo Enterprise is on the cusp of an ambitious expansion journey, spanning managed services, network solutions, data centre services, security solutions, and end-user devices for enterprises.