In today’s fast-paced world, the integration of technology is no longer a luxury for businesses; it’s a necessity. Companies that fully embrace it position themselves to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer engagement, reduce risks, and pave the way for sustainable growth. However, the demands of navigating technological complexities can be daunting, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This is where a trusted partner like ICT Solutions becomes invaluable.

WhosWho.mt recently had the opportunity to sit down with Finian Massa, Manager at ICT Solutions, to explore how the company is helping businesses in Malta tackle compliance challenges, leverage the power of technology effectively, and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Based in Malta, ICT Solutions has dedicated over 15 years empowering local businesses. Their approach goes beyond providing cutting-edge technology solutions. In an effort to meet the unique needs of their clients, they focus on delivering tailored services such as 24/7 monitoring, compliance support, and detailed reporting. As Finian puts it, "We’re not just about quick fixes or selling products. Our goal is to build long-term partnerships that deliver real value and sustainable growth.

When asked about the unique challenges faced by local businesses in Malta, Finian explains that Malta’s business ecosystem presents unique challenges. “The main challenges we observe are twofold,” Finian explains. “Firstly, the size of the market means we’re dealing primarily with SMBs. Even larger companies in Malta are relatively small compared to their European counterparts. They face similar regulatory pressures, but they often lack the resources—whether budget or skilled personnel—to address them." Furthermore, the local talent pool can be limited, which complicates hiring for critical roles. "This means businesses often need to rely on external expertise to bridge these gaps," Finian adds.

While technology is undoubtedly a vital part of business success, Finian notes that many local companies struggle to maximise the potential of new systems. “It’s easy to install a new system without considering its long-term effects,” he says. Initially, ICT Solutions focused primarily on system integration—installing new technology and providing annual maintenance. However, they quickly realised that businesses needed more than just installation—they required ongoing support to ensure these systems provided long-term value. "So, we shifted our approach to focus on providing continuous support, allowing businesses to concentrate on their core strengths while we handle the complexities of their tech,” Finian shares.

When it comes to adopting new technologies, Finian emphasises the importance of understanding the motivation behind the change. "In technology, it’s easy to get excited about new tools, but the real focus needs to be on understanding the motivator for change. Is it regulatory compliance? A strategic goal? Or operational improvement?" For example, when dealing with complex projects like cloud migrations, it's crucial to first define success and determine how it will be measured. "Without a clear vision, projects can quickly face roadblocks, especially when budgets are scrutinised and the ROI isn’t immediately evident," Finian cautions.

One of the most pressing concerns facing businesses today is compliance with evolving regulations such as adhering to the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). This regulation, which affects sectors like finance, mandates enhanced operational resilience and robust IT systems, placing significant emphasis on operational continuity and incident reporting. "Compliance often feels like a burden, and we see many local businesses waiting for a breach or near-miss before taking it seriously," Finian shares. "DORA, for instance, is a game-changer for businesses in the financial services sector, but it adds another layer of complexity, especially for smaller companies."

For businesses grappling with DORA, Finian recommends starting with a thorough gap analysis to identify weak points and prioritize improvements. "Compliance is not an overnight process, but by breaking it down into manageable steps, businesses can stay on track,” he advised. "Focus on high-priority areas first and gradually build compliance, partnering with experts to reduce the burden on internal teams."

ICT Solutions also encourages a proactive strategy by taking a hands-on approach to navigating such regulations. "We work closely with our clients to assess their current systems, identify any gaps, and implement processes that ensure they can meet the DORA requirements without disrupting daily operations or overwhelming their resources,” Finian explains.

Finian further stresses that regulatory compliance should be a company-wide effort, not just an IT responsibility. "It requires collaboration between management, legal, HR, and IT teams for effective implementation," he says.

For businesses looking to boost efficiency or reduce risks quickly, Finian offers several strategic recommendations. Investing in training is essential to ensure that teams can make the most of existing technology. "It’s not always about acquiring new tools; it’s about maximising the potential of what you already have," he points out. Streamlining processes is also crucial—regularly reviewing workflows to identify inefficiencies and eliminate redundancies helps keep operations agile. Finally, for businesses that don’t have the internal capacity to manage their IT needs, outsourcing to experts can provide a valuable solution, allowing companies to focus on their core competencies.

Beyond the technology itself, Finian stresses that technology should be viewed as a tool to support a company’s goals. "Technology is not a silver bullet; it must be used strategically to achieve tangible business outcomes.” He further explains that even the best technology can fall short if it’s not supported by skilled operators and well-defined goals.

Finally, ICT Solutions is a strategic partner that helps businesses in Malta navigate technology and regulatory compliance, enabling sustainable growth and risk reduction. What sets ICT Solutions apart is their commitment to transparency and long-term partnerships, prioritising the client’s needs even if it means advising against a purchase.

With expertise in both technology and compliance, ICT Solutions empowers businesses to achieve measurable improvements in efficiency and resilience, allowing them to focus on their core operations. As Finian aptly puts it, "Technology is a powerful enabler, but it’s how we use it that makes all the difference."