Enterprise software management firms specialize in developing and providing software solutions tailored for large organizations. These firms create applications that help businesses manage complex processes, integrate various functions, and improve overall efficiency. Cloud23 is one such firm that was founded in 2021 by tech executive Ram Ramakrishnan. With more than 175 employees in Africa and Asia, it has grown over the last two years and has seen its revenue rise by 80% each year.
Harnessing Technology for Transformation
Mr Ram Ramakrishnan, the CEO of Cloud23, began his career with a solid foundation in Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering, which provided him with the technical expertise to navigate the complexities of the overall engineering lifecycle. From the start, he was introduced to ICT and software development within major multinational companies like TCS.
Over the years, his focus shifted towards Salesforce, where he found a unique blend of technical challenge and business transformation potential with minimum operational and/or transformation costs. This journey was marked by numerous successful projects that reinforced his belief in the power of Salesforce to drive digital transformation. The culmination of Mr Ram’s experiences and his vision to create a company dedicated to excellence in technical delivery and strategic client alignment led to the founding of Cloud23.
Transforming Business Through Strategic Salesforce Consulting
Cloud23 is a Summit Salesforce consulting partner with a global presence, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to drive digital transformation. The company’s core services include Salesforce implementation, managed services, and strategic consulting during business transformation. It specializes in Salesforce Platform, Integration, and Financial Services Cloud (FSC), leveraging its deep expertise to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of the financial sector. A client-centric approach, innovative problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence characterize its offerings, ensuring it delivers significant value and sustainable growth for its clients. Cloud23 is the top 3 Salesforce Financial Services Partner for Managed Services based on Expertise and the No. 1 Salesforce Managed Services Partner in South Africa by Expertise.
Cloud23’s DTAAS (Digital Transformation As A Service) approach ensures a structured and comprehensive methodology that addresses all aspects of digital transformation. The company prides itself on its extensive certifications and deep expertise, particularly in products that it works on, like the Financial Services Cloud. Its commitment to continuous improvement and client satisfaction is reflected in its high CSAT scores and long-term client relationships. The company’s ability to blend technical proficiency with strategic insight allows it to deliver solutions that are effective and align with its client’s business objectives. It has a global presence in South Africa, India, Mauritius, and the US, which provides Cloud23 with the resources for delivering a successful transformation at an acceptable operational cost.
Overcoming Market Challenges
One of the most significant challenges was establishing Cloud23 in a highly competitive market. The initial phase involved not only building a capable and dedicated team but also gaining the trust of clients and partners. This, coupled with the scarcity of resources made it difficult to kick-start the company. Overcoming this challenge required a clear vision, relentless pursuit of excellence, and the ability to demonstrate its unique value proposition consistently. Cloud23 focused on its core strengths—technical expertise, a client-centric approach, and quick innovative solutions. By delivering exceptional results and maintaining high standards, the company gradually built a reputation that helped it secure strategic partnerships and loyal clients.
Milestones of Excellence in Salesforce Consulting
Since its establishment, Cloud23 has grown from a small team of dedicated professionals to a global leader in Salesforce consulting. Some of its key milestones include over 300 certifications, expanding the team to over 150 members, and being recognized as the number one Managed Services Partner in South Africa and a top 3 FSC Managed Services Partner worldwide. Strategic partnerships, successful project implementations across multiple industries, and continuous innovation in service offerings have marked the company’s journey. Each milestone has reinforced its commitment to excellence and the ability to deliver transformative solutions to our clients.
One of the most notable achievements is Cloud23’s work with Standard Bank Group, as a strategic partner for the bank within their transformational journey across Africa. It was a series of projects in the last 2 years and these projects involved complex integrations and a focus on security, performance, and user experience, resulting in significant operational efficiencies and enhanced customer satisfaction. Another highlight is its recognition as a Rising Star Partner in 2023 and Outstanding Knowledge Partner in 2024.
Commitment Towards Client-Centric Innovation
Cloud23 emphasizes understanding its client’s unique news and expectations. The company’s approach involves thorough industry analysis, aligning its solutions with the client’s strategic goals, and maintaining open lines of communication throughout the project lifecycle. It leverages Design Thinking to ensure its solutions are user-centric and relevant, and its value-based approach ensures the company connects with clients in their language, identifying what matters most to them. This deep understanding allows Cloud23 to tailor its services and deliver solutions that exceed expectations and drive long-term success.
The Salesforce ecosystem is poised for continued growth and innovation, with increasing emphasis on AI, automation, and personalized customer experiences. As the ecosystem evolves, Cloud23 will play a pivotal role by staying at the forefront of these trends and leveraging its expertise to help clients navigate this dynamic landscape. The company will continue to invest in its capabilities, expand its service offerings, and strengthen its partnerships to ensure that it delivers cutting-edge solutions that drive digital transformation. Its goal is to remain a trusted partner for its clients, helping them unlock the full potential of Salesforce and achieve their business objectives.
Key Trends in the Salesforce Ecosystem
These include the rise of AI and machine learning, increased focus on data security and privacy, and the growing importance of seamless, omnichannel customer experiences. Businesses should also be aware of the shift towards low-code/no-code development, which empowers users to create and customize applications with minimal technical expertise. The integration of salesforce with other enterprise systems and the use of advanced analytics to drive insights and decision-making are becoming increasingly important. Staying informed about these trends will enable businesses to leverage Salesforce more effectively and stay competitive in their respective markets.
Cloud23 is proactively adapting to these trends by continuously enhancing its capabilities and expanding in service offerings. It is investing in AI and machine learning to provide more intelligent and automated solutions, ensuring its clients can harness the power of these technologies. The company’s focus on data security and privacy ensures that its solutions comply with the latest regulations and best practices. It is also embracing low-code/no-code development to enable faster and more flexible application development. By staying ahead of industry trends and maintaining a forward-thinking approach, Cloud23 is well-positioned to help its clients navigate future changes and achieve sustained success.
Collaborative Leadership Style
Mr Ram’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and a strong emphasis on continuous learning. He believes in leading as an example, servant leadership, empowering his team, and providing an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best. Over the years, his approach has evolved to incorporate more strategic thinking and adaptability, essential in navigating the dynamic landscape of technology and business. He prioritizes clear communication, setting achievable goals, and supporting his team in overcoming challenges. This evolution has been crucial in steering Cloud23 through growth phases and ensuring it remains agile and responsive to market needs.
Advice for Fellow Companies for Salesforce Adoption
For companies looking to leverage Salesforce solutions, Mr. Ram advises to start with a clear understanding of their business goals and how Salesforce can help achieve them. It’s crucial to work with a trusted partner who can provide strategic guidance and technical expertise. Focus on user adoption and continuous improvement to ensure the solution delivers the desired outcomes. Moreover, stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in the Salesforce ecosystem to maximize the value of investment. Finally, prioritize data security and compliance to protect business and build trust with customers. Also, understand that it is a business transformation and resourcing alone can not do it and it is a mutual success plan that one needs to operate with.
