Zhang Lin, President of Partner Development, Commercial & Distribution Business Department, Enterprise Sales Department, Huawei
We are on the verge of a new technological revolution, comparable to the transformative impact of James Watt’s steam engine. Advanced technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things are becoming increasingly integral to business operations. While these technologies offer the potential for enhanced efficiency, improved customer experiences, and new business models, they also require significant investment, expertise, and resources that many smaller businesses struggle to access.
One of the primary pain points for SMEs in their digital transformation journey is the complexity of implementing and managing advanced IT infrastructure. Many smaller businesses lack the resources or the in-house expertise necessary to navigate the intricacies of modern networking, data management, and cybersecurity. However, excluding SMEs from the digital economy carries enormous risks in the region, where small businesses account for up to 60 per cent of the non-oil GDP.
Recognising this gap, Huawei has released HUAWEI eKit, a groundbreaking solution designed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and distribution partners in their journey towards digitalisation. During the Huawei Industrial Digital and Intelligent Transformation Summit at GITEX GLOBAL 2024, Huawei eKit showcased over 30 new products and enhanced scenario-based solutions. These offerings are designed to address the unique challenges faced by SMEs in adopting cutting-edge technologies.
The new product lineup leverages Huawei’s deep understanding of the SME market. For instance, the Datacom SOHO S220S and S310S series GE & 2.5G converged access switches offer enterprise-grade networking capabilities in a package tailored for smaller businesses. The flagship triple-radio Wi-Fi 7 product AP 673 pushes the boundaries of wireless connectivity, ensuring SMEs can benefit from the latest advancements in network technology. The IdeaHub Board 2 Pro also reimagines collaborative workspaces, bridging the gap between physical and digital environments.
One of the most revolutionary aspects of HUAWEI eKit is its adherence to the “six-easy” principle: easy to buy, sell, install, maintain, learn, and use. This approach addresses the common pain points SMEs face in technology adoption. The simplicity of network configuration, which can be completed within two minutes by scanning a QR code, demonstrates Huawei’s commitment to user-friendly solutions. Furthermore, the integration of AI-based troubleshooting, capable of detecting network risks within one minute, showcases the potential of intelligent systems in simplifying IT management for SMEs.
Unlocking opportunities of new tech
Huawei also recognises that seizing the opportunities presented by AI and other technological advancements requires a collaborative effort. The company’s comprehensive partnership strategy is rooted in the belief that no single entity can achieve greatness alone in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Today, Huawei has over 47,000 enterprise partners, an increase of 18 per cent compared to the end of 2023. Zhang Lin, President of Partner Development and Commercial & Distribution Business Department, Enterprise Sales Department, Huawei, said at GITEX: “We work with our partners to build a customer-centric culture, foster a healthy business environment, and grow together to help our customers successfully embark on a journey of digital and intelligent transformation.”
Li Peng, Huawei’s Corporate Senior Vice President and President of ICT Sales & Service, added, “We’re combining our strengths in networking, storage, computing, cloud, and energy, and we’re working with partners to build new digital and intelligent infrastructure.”
This collaboration aims to bring substantial value to different regions, local ecosystems, and end users. By combining Huawei’s global expertise with partners’ local insights, the company contributes significantly to regional economic growth and technological advancement.
Huawei’s comprehensive approach to partner enablement includes robust training programmes. For example, the HCSX-distribution professional certification and the Golden Seed Plan ensure that distribution partners are well-equipped to serve the SME market effectively. This ecosystem approach creates a virtuous cycle of growth and innovation, benefiting both partners and end users.
Moving forward, industry experts anticipate the development of AI-driven network optimisation tools specifically designed for SMEs. These tools could offer predictive maintenance capabilities, automatically adjusting network parameters based on usage patterns and preventing issues before they impact business operations. Such advancements would further simplify IT management for SMEs, allowing them to focus on their core business activities.
The success of HUAWEI eKit in addressing SME pain points is supported by testimonials from partners like Green Zone from the UAE and Frontline Solutions from Saudi Arabia during the summit. These success stories demonstrate how HUAWEI eKit has enabled distribution partners to unlock new opportunities in the SME market and drive digital transformation across various industries.
The journey towards a fully connected, intelligent world is well underway, and with help from industry leaders like Huawei, SMEs are equipped to be at the forefront of this technological revolution. By overcoming the current pain points and barriers to adoption, the company is ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are accessible to businesses of all sizes, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic digital economy.
