Oracle Harps on Autonomous Technology for Nigeria

Emma Okonji

The Managing Director, Oracle Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Sanni, has stressed the need for Nigerians to develop autonomous technology, which he said, would unlock so much potential for people to embrace opportunities in the digital age.

Autonomous technology for business, according to Sanni, refers to driving better efficiency without human intervention. By this notion, databases must be fully automated, machine-learning such as artificial intelligence must drive self-learning and self-recurring Information and Communications Technology (ICT) environment.

Given the lack of understanding around autonomous technology, there is resistance to some elements of it around the world. However, every organisation wants to lower cost, improve efficiency, and be more competitive. As long as these business fundamentals do not change, autonomous enables this and reduces company downtime significantly, Sanni said.

Citing the digital era where technology is driving virtual everything in an organisation, Sanni said Nigerian businesses can look towards a new world where cost and efficiency become everything. Using this as a foundation, autonomous delivers on the promise. So, while customer education forms an important element of its success, Information Technology (IT) departments also need to be guided in terms of the practical benefits of using this anew form of innovative technology.

“If IT departments fully embrace autonomous cloud technology, they can move beyond an environment where their main goal is to maintain technology and enter one where they can drive the data management strategy of a business. In turn, this means they can focus on innovation and delivering improvements faster than in the past.

“From a country standpoint, Nigeria is ready to start the drive towards autonomous cloud technology. Now the focus is on getting the skills in place to capitalise on the willingness to change,” Sanni said.

Addressing some of the induces that will facilitate autonomous technology in Nigeria, Sanni said: “Nigeria is incredibly blessed with people as a natural resource. Roughly 60 per cent of the population is youth. This sees the country in the enviable position where it can start building skills for the data-driven environment. Of course, none of this would be possible without partnerships between government and private sector organisations.”

Looking at it from a people perspective, companies must ensure their employees are ready for an autonomous cloud technology-driven environment and are able to capitalise on its benefits.

The next segment to be targeted are students currently at university. Institutions can use the ICT requirements of organisations and establish these through partnerships to build the skills needed to make students employable in a digital environment, Sanni said.

He added that Nigeria and the rest of the continent, were in prime position to benefit from the increased global focus on using autonomous technology. Africa is rich in terms of people and minerals with the focus now being on transforming that into consistent revenue generation to allow the continent to grow, he said.

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