IT Unplugged is a full colour quarterly publication and a ‘first’ in South Africa. It is the first comprehensive reference and trusted advisory guide in the industry and across the ICT spectrum.  IT Unplugged is designed to educate, inform and entertain.

It is also the first publication that truly addresses the incredible nature of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the advantages it offers within business and our daily lives.

Remarkable though it may be, many people through lack of education, still regard IT as a ‘necessary annoyance’ and ‘something we all just have to accept and live with’. It is a misperception fuelled by users who have been burnt by unreliable, overpriced solutions, grossly unprofessional service mixed with an avalanche of jargon, acronyms and terminology that confuses and casts doubt.

It is high time all of us in the industry addressed this perception. Whilst a healthy level of competition amongst operations is to be welcomed and, indeed, expected, we should be careful not to shroud the sector in a veil of exclusivity and elitism that would only serve to validate criticism.

IT Unplugged showcases the correct viewpoint of this dynamic industry and reflects upon who the key players are, current and emerging trends and their significance, what products are available and how businesses can use these tools to optimize their performance.

This is a medium dedicated to efforts to increase awareness and understanding, as well as highlight issues.

A fact about ICT is that there is something in it for everyone, on some level. Whether you are an avid gamer, first-time Internet surfer, security service provider, website developer, programmer or own an IT enterprise, technology does play a role in your life.

Ever wondered what our existence would be like without the influence of technology? This question is open-ended and can never really be satisfactorily answered by anyone. However, what we can do with this reference guide is point out the strengths of technology, infrastructure and systems, and demonstrate instances where a positive difference is being made.

At the same time, we should always bear in mind the essence of true, successful communication, that being the transmission of a message via a medium to a recipient in order to solicit a response that indicates comprehension.

Any obstacles, new developments, dynamics and influences related to this all-important process should also be identified and evaluated.

It is a privilege and honour to be a part of this, the 1st edition of IT Unplugged.

We look forward to contributing towards Africa’s development within this awesome digital age of information and communication.

Rob Sussman
Lance Fanaroff.