In a world that's increasingly online, businesses not only face  unprecedented opportunities to grow and service their clients better, but also an array of challenges to consider. From cybersecurity threats to the protection of consumer data and compliance with the latest legislation and regulations, there are myriad issues that require highly specialised IT knowledge. However, not all businesses have the resources to dedicate an entire team to this aspect of their operations.

This is where ICT Solutions comes in. Since launching in 2009, the company has steadily grown into one of Malta's most trusted managed service providers, helping businesses not just to survive, but thrive in the digital age. By focusing on four core pillars—network security, cloud technologies, devices and identities, and business process automation — they promise to deliver a seamless journey for companies across their entire IT landscape through a convenient pay-as-you-go model.

“From the very start, ICT Solutions has been all about trust. Many of our clients deal with sensitive data and operate in highly regulated industries, so they need total peace of mind that their IT infrastructure is in the best hands possible. We aim for technical excellence in everything we do and have built a large, multicultural team of technical specialists, ranging from network engineers and cloud engineers to technical business analysts and security experts. This enables us to deliver on our promise,” explains CCO Lincoln Grima, a 12-year veteran with the company.

In addition to developing its own robust internal competencies, ICT Solutions has forged important technology partnerships with global giants like Fortinet, Cisco, and Microsoft. The company excels in tailoring off-the-shelf services into solutions that cater to distinct client needs, all while innovating their own intellectual property through managed service products. 

ICT Solutions’ managed service approach is continuing to gain traction as companies increasingly recognise its value. “Ultimately, most companies don't specialise in tech, so it's crucial for them to focus on their strengths and grow their business. With us, they can leave their IT function to the professionals,” explains Lincoln. “We enable companies not just to transition to the cloud, for instance, but also to establish governance around it, fortified with multiple layers of security processes. This approach ensures not only a smooth transition to new platforms but also the establishment of robust, secure processes to support their ongoing operations.” 

CTO Josef Sammut, another stalwart at the company, emphasises the importance of adaptability and continuous growth in such a rapidly evolving technological landscape. “The way in which we achieve this is completely rooted in our company culture, which maintains a very strong and ongoing training programme among all our employees. We focus a lot on helping people grow to the next level, both within their technical career and in their personal lives. Retaining a high level of technical excellence within our company is key for us to build on our reputation and continue to deliver the very best service to our clients.”

The credibility of ICT Solutions isn't just talk but is backed up by a collection of credentials and certifications, including securing Microsoft Partner of the Year award for three years running. Additionally, the company has attained the coveted ISO27001 and ISO9001 certifications.

The CTO asserts that pursuing ISO was a strategic choice, as it offered a structured framework to evaluate ICT’s processes and security. “Matching our processes and security to such an internationally recognised standard, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity, has been essential to our growth. Having external audits conducted on our systems has enabled us to elevate our services to a higher organisational level, enhancing our ability to serve our clients,” he explains. 

“We are incredibly proud of our credentials, but ultimately, the most meaningful validation comes from our long-standing clients,” Lincoln emphasises, before elaborating on the company's aspiration to foster enduring relationships with clients. “We seek out businesses that resonate with our approach and mindset and who exhibit a certain level of maturity, a predisposition towards technological growth, and a willingness to invest both time and resources into operational advancement through technology adoption.” 

The rise of remote work has introduced yet another level of complexity to today's businesses. With more employees working from various locations and using a multitude of decentralised devices, there's a heightened need for network protection to support this model and prevent security breaches.

“For us, it's not just about implementing systems for our clients, but also about providing the necessary training and building awareness,” Josef explains. “It's crucial for everyone within a company to understand how to prevent data breaches and avoid costly missteps. We believe that a well-informed workforce is better equipped to navigate the digital landscape safely and efficiently.”

ICT also must tread a fine line between ensuring a seamless user experience and implementing stringent security measures. Overly restrictive measures can inhibit user productivity and satisfaction, while lax security can expose the company to vulnerabilities and compromises. Picking up on this point, Lincoln explains: “It's not just about creating a system that works, but a system that works for each specific client. That’s why we are constantly monitoring and refining our processes and systems to be more tailored and intuitive around our client's needs in the long run. This ensures our systems can grow depending on the requirements of their operations down the line and the evolving industry at large.”

Going forward, fostering long-term relationships with both new and existing clients remains a priority for ICT. The pair stress that trust and continuous up-to-date support in adopting new technology are the foundations of building such successful relationships.

“It always comes back to a matter of trust with us," Lincoln emphasises. “It is such an integral part of who we are. Trust in our employees, trust in our partners, and trust in our clients. We do not simply provide a service but are focussed on being a trusted partner in our clients' journey. This ensures that, regardless of how the technology landscape changes, we are equipped to support their businesses with top-notch service and technical expertise.”