In the interview with Roger Geitzenauer, Managing Director of SkySystems IT GmbH
As a full-service provider, SkySystems IT GmbH develops solutions for medium-sized companies. The solutions cover the complete infrastructure of all IT-based processes, both locally and in data centers (7 days/24 hours). In addition, the company also analyzes its customers' processes and, in particular, creates interfaces to standard software in the areas of ERP, CRM, or document management systems.
In an interview with Roger Geitzenauer, Managing Director of SkySystems IT GmbH, we discuss suitable strategies for medium-sized companies to embark on digital transformation, the use of Microsoft Office 365, and the backup options already available in data centers today.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: As a system house, you offer your customers a wide range of digitalization options. System houses are often the first point of contact for medium-sized companies when it comes to process optimization and the security of digital data. Where do you think German SMEs stand today in terms of digitalization?
Roger Geitzenauer:
It varies greatly. You encounter all kinds of different levels, from pioneers to “sleepers.” This also applies within companies, between internal departments. For example, the accounting department might be discussing paperless invoice processing, while right next door, a paper tally sheet is being used.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: A good infrastructure is certainly a prerequisite for a long-term, well-structured digitalization strategy. What do you think are the most important elements of a secure infrastructure?
Roger Geitzenauer:
For an infrastructure to be considered secure, it must meet several criteria. Access protection and failover security are two of the more important aspects. Unfortunately, there are hardly any reliable standards or regulated minimum requirements by which an infrastructure can be objectively evaluated.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: What role do cloud solutions and connections to high-performance data centers play in this?
Roger Geitzenauer:
Both cloud and data center-based solutions require a reliable internet connection. Unfortunately, we are still very backward in Germany in this regard, although there has been noticeable improvement in recent years. Broadband expansion is clearly evident, at least in North Rhine-Westphalia, although we are still far from comprehensive coverage. However, modern solutions such as SD-WAN are already helping us move forward.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Standard software is generally operated in the cloud today. Which solution do you recommend to your customers in this regard? (Microsoft Office 365 …)
Roger Geitzenauer:
In the area of public cloud, our focus is very clearly on Microsoft products. "Office 365" is not just a new licensing model for Word and Excel, but a complete ecosystem of applications and services that work together very well. To use this integration effectively, we often also rely on Azure cloud services and supplement and extend these with hybrid solutions from the data center or at the customer's premises.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Many medium-sized companies are still reluctant to store their data in the cloud. What options do you offer with your company to create appropriate backups and thus ensure high security in the event of data loss?
Roger Geitzenauer:
The data itself is the lesser problem; I hardly know a cloud service that doesn’t offer a backup option. But what good is the backup if the service isn’t available? The pure data, often saved without the underlying configuration, is only one component of a data backup concept. Emergency planning in companies must not only focus on “data” but must identify and assess the services behind it. For every mission-critical service, there should be an emergency concept. And before a service is introduced, questions about recovery time and recovery point, RTO and RPO, must be asked and the answers evaluated.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: It is repeatedly recommended to prepare an emergency plan. What are your experiences with managing directors who also have to provide the necessary funds for this?
Roger Geitzenauer:
Emergency planning is often compared to insurance policies. And insurance policies are taken out when the probability of occurrence is high, such as with car insurance, or when the damage can be extreme, such as with fire insurance.
Whether an emergency concept exists or will exist depends primarily on how important IT is assessed in the company and how serious an outage would be. The actual importance of IT systems is often underestimated here. Thanks to VoIP and email, a company is already severely restricted in its ability to work if the internet connection fails. However, an emergency or recovery plan for this quite likely scenario is rarely, if ever, found.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: A good external presentation is certainly important for companies. What role do mobile apps play today, and how are they optimally integrated into companies' process landscapes?
Roger Geitzenauer:
For me, the “mobile app” is a classic example of how digitalization can be misunderstood. A good digital process must always be preceded by a process analysis. Only when I have a good process can I shape it into a good digital process. And only when I have thoroughly examined a problem or question can I look for the appropriate solution.
Within this solution, an app can be a very good tool. But primarily, it must be about solving a process requirement, not about creating or introducing an app.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: On November 5 at the Digital FUTUREcongress, you will be taking part in the follow-up event in November. What exciting things can visitors see at your trade fair stand?
Roger Geitzenauer:
First of all, in our presentation at 10:00 a.m. on Stage 4, we will shed light on the important topic of IT emergency planning. After that, we will be happy to answer any questions about IT security and data protection at our trade fair stand. We have also prepared a competition for interested visitors.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Great, thank you very much for the interview… we are looking forward to it!