XDS Champions Client Computing and Credit Risk Management
If South Africa’s economy is to grow inclusively and sustainably, this must change, and SMEs need better access to the tools that drive modern business, and client computing is a clear starting point.
For decades, South Africa’s SME sector has quietly powered the nation’s economy, contributing 34% to GDP and employing over 50% of the workforce. Yet in the rush to digitise, these businesses have too often been sidelined. Attention typically gravitates towards corporates with vast budgets and dedicated IT departments, while SMEs continue to operate on legacy systems, under-supported and underprepared for the digital shift.
“Client computing enables SMEs to scale on their own terms, reduce costs, and access enterprise-grade security without the infrastructure burden,” explains Richard Mackenzie, Business Solutions Strategist at Xpert Decision Systems (XDS). “It’s about giving smaller businesses the same agility and protection that large corporates enjoy, but in a way that fits their budget and operational needs.”
Smarter spending, better scale for SMEs
Client computing shifts processing power and storage from individual devices to centralised, managed environments. In doing so, it reduces hardware costs, enables hybrid work, and improves operational efficiency.
“Traditional IT demands large upfront investments in servers, licences, and maintenance. Client computing flips this model, allowing SMEs to subscribe to services and pay only for what they use. This ensures predictable cost management and makes scaling far easier,” adds Mackenzie.
Security built for today’s threats
South Africa is the most targeted African country for cybercrime, with SMEs often seen as easy prey. Client computing strengthens security by centralising IT control, automating updates, and ensuring sensitive data isn’t stored locally.
“With cyber security being a top priority, SMEs can be thankful that a lost or stolen device doesn’t automatically lead to a breach. With client computing, all data is stored securely in managed environments, providing SMEs access to enterprise-grade protection,” says Mackenzie.
Turning credit risk into business resilience
Cash flow remains the lifeblood of any business; however, for SMEs, it is often the biggest challenge. Late payment from clients can cause severe financial strain, making it difficult to pay suppliers, employees, and operating costs.
“At XDS, we are currently solving the dilemma with the development of a digital onboarding and trade credit risk management platform that simplifies credit decisions,” explains Mackenzie.
Credit policy rules are built into the system, requiring minimal expert intervention. The user simply enters the applicant’s name, registration number, and requested credit limit, and the system instantly produces a risk assessment. Available in modules, the platform will be affordable and enable a more sustainable SME economy.
From static systems to strategic tools
Embracing client computing doesn’t mean ripping out existing systems overnight. It’s about seeing IT as a strategic tool, testing and scaling at your own pace, and working with partners who understand the realities of running a small business in South Africa.
“With the right technology, SMEs can become more resilient, competitive, and innovative, and not just participate in the digital economy, but lead it. In an economy where the smallest players face the biggest hurdles, the right blend of technology and risk management isn’t merely an upgrade, but the difference between surviving and thriving,” concludes Mackenzie.
