Winning formula for globalisation: great technology and great people

A recent Bloomberg study estimated that globalisation contributes US$450 billion (Bt16.37 trillion) to worldwide growth each year, and with so many opportunities available it’s likely to keep growing. As well as bringing direct economic benefits, this expands competition in markets across the globe, providing more options for consumers and creating more dynamic local markets.

But that doesn’t mean to say that all these markets have the same look and feel. Successfully crossing new frontiers in commerce needs people who understand local preferences as well as global drivers. In addition, technology has also been a great enabler of globalisation, so the right balance between people and tech is key to success.

 

Cloud computing opens markets

From my experience in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, cloud computing has created unprecedented market advantages in reach, access and customer engagement.

Whether it’s the latest e-commerce platform that lets businesses expand into global markets, or innovative digital services that let organisations engage consumers directly, we’ve never been so connected. Through the power of cloud platforms, businesses can now launch into new markets in weeks instead of months. The cloud also mitigates financial and technical risks by allowing brands to scale IT capabilities as needed. And organisations have the flexibility to deploy cloud in different ways, from public clouds to private clouds, depending on requirements.

 

Integrated, streamlined, accessible

As cloud computing supports operations across borders and time zones, mobile access becomes the key to opening up those services, enabling business users and consumers to tap into them from any device at any time, allowing users to not only chat with friends around the world, but also to pay bills and buy directly from brands.

Having integrated systems and applications in the cloud brings the benefit of seamless business processes, making it possible to get a centralised view of the entire business for better decision- making and competitive action, ultimately improving business results.

 

Of course, technology alone is not the answer

People with broad vision coupled with local insights and connections are optimally positioned to bring the latest innovations and international best practices to their customers.

At Oracle, we recognise that as they expand their international horizons, great businesses rely on great people. This is why we recently embarked on a major campaign to recruit talented cloud specialists who can work effectively in a multinational environment.

We’re hiring people who can help our customers succeed in reaching their business objectives, while at the same time contributing to Oracle’s vision for the future. The talented people joining us add unrivalled breadth to the services and technologies we provide and help make Oracle technologies even better and more useful.

It’s through this combination of innovative technology platforms and talented, uncompromising people that businesses of all sizes can become competitive, multinational organisations that think globally and act locally.

 

Loïc Le Guisquet is Oracle President for EMEA and APAC.