Ben Walton to head this core division of its business. An experienced operator in the IT services industry, Walton first joined the workforce as a systems administrator in the late 1990s before working his way up to executive positions, including CTO of a Manawatu-based agritech company. With a long association with Lancom Technology, Walton has demonstrated his capabilities by delivering multiple automation solutions accelerating the pace of delivery, and most recently achieved success as Service Delivery Manager, where he optimised the Service Desk and built local and offshore teams for Lancom.

He points to strong demand for managed services.

"Every business today is reliant on technology. At the same time, there's an ongoing challenge because technology changes and advances rapidly, so keeping up is difficult for business owners who aren't technology experts," Walton says.

"The obvious answer, and one to which we're seeing a growing number of businesses turn, is engaging a trusted partner capable of taking care of the systems that keep operations humming along."

Even as the potential for recession looms, Walton says Lancom has not seen any slowdown in IT spending.

"That's a good sign and confirmation that IT is increasingly seen as an enabling investment rather than a cost centre. When COVID restrictions hit, we saw a rapid shift to work from home and the introduction of the necessary access, security and support arrangements. Now, as people move back into the office, we've seen a shift in perceptions of what work is and where it happens. Those COVID measures, in other words, are standing our customers in good stead."

Led by ambitious CEO Waruna Kirimetiyawa, Lancom itself has been on a sustained expansion drive. It has made multiple acquisitions of predominantly competing MSPs over the past five years, including opening offices in Melbourne, Australia, while enjoying simultaneous organic growth. "With Ben taking a senior role leading one of our core service offerings, Lancom is well positioned to continue its journey of expansion. As always, our value proposition is based on delivering quality services, targeted advice and guidance while making IT more accessible, reliable and easy to use for our customers," Kirimetiyawa says.