Microsoft hosts successful conference on digital transformation

As part of its global push to empower companies and individuals to be prepared for the digital transformation, Microsoft hosted its annual M4 Conference under the theme, 'Jamaica EMPOWERED: Innovation Through Digital Transformation', at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston recently with more than 150 members of the tech community in attendance.

The M4 Conference included Microsoft speakers from the region, as well as presentations from local and regional Microsoft partners who highlighted how Microsoft has been leading the way towards digital transformation.

Special guests, Dr Andrew Wheatley, minister of sciene, energy and technology, along with Antiguan minister with responsibility for information, broadcasting and telecom, Melford Nicholas spoke about the importance of Government entities and citizens embracing technology to be truly competitive in a digital society.

Future is here

"Digital business transformation is not the future; it's happening now in companies large and small. In fact, in a recent Gartner survey, half of respondents said that they expect their company to be a digital business by the end of 2016, and Gartner expects that number to increase to 83 per cent by 2019. Digital transformation is not a traditional large-scale, one-off transformation. It is pivoting to a mindset of ongoing innovation, iterative updates, and continual growth. This type of change won't happen overnight, but every journey starts with a single step. How successfully a business adapts to digital transformation will correspond directly to its future competitiveness and ultimate survival. No business or industry will be immune to these changes. Every product and service indeed every aspect of every business will be affected. And the time to act is now!" said Darren Mohammed, senior sales director, Microsoft West Indies.

During this digital transformation and fourth industrial age, Microsoft is innovating for the future, staying a step ahead to lead digital transformation for business leaders in Latin America. Digital transformation can be considered the next industrial revolution, providing the catalyst for new business models, products, services and experiences that impact not only businesses but society overall.

Microsoft simplifies digital transformation for business leaders and governments by focusing on four key areas: engaging customers, empowering employees, optimising processes and transforming products.

Speakers at the M4 Conference expanded on the four pillars companies need to consider as part of their digital transformation.

"Microsoft is innovating for the future, staying a step ahead to lead this digital transformation for its customers' needs in Jamaica and the region," Mohammed further stated.

Conference speakers included regional leaders and industry experts such as Marlon Fetzner, director of legal and corporate affairs for, Microsoft LATAM new markets; Alfredo Vilchis, financial controller, Microsoft LATAM new markets.

Presentations were focused on both the private and public sectors, with topics on: Accelerating Digital Transformation with the Power of Cloud Services; Sales in the Modern Era; Digital Government Transforming Government for Greater impact and outcomes; and Transformation through a Connected World.