Jens Montanana, the visionary founder and CEO of Datatec, a multinational technology powerhouse, stands as a prominent figure in Africa’s tech landscape.
With a career marked by triumphs and strategic prowess, Montanana’s journey began in the late 1980s. Notably, he held pivotal roles at U.S. Robotics (UK) Limited, gaining invaluable insights into the tech sector and setting the stage for his future ventures.
In 1993, Montanana co-founded Xedia Corporation, a U.S. startup that caught the attention of Lucent Corporation, leading to its acquisition in 1999. This early success showcased his knack for identifying promising opportunities.
However, the true turning point arrived in 1994 with the establishment of Datatec, which later debuted on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Montanana played a pivotal role in elevating Datatec’s global eminence.
Guided by his astute leadership, Datatec expanded its footprint across more than 50 countries, offering diverse ICT solutions, notably in Software as a Service (SaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
While navigating Datatec’s course, he adeptly managed challenges posed by the volatile rand, showcasing his strategic acumen in navigating fluctuating market dynamics.
Today, Montanana owns a 14.06-percent stake in Datatec, making him one of the richest investors on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
As Datatec’s pioneering founder and CEO, Montanana’s indelible impact in the tech realm reverberates globally. His journey from budding entrepreneur to seasoned titan serves as inspiration for aspiring business leaders.
Billionaires.Africa has identified various companies and holdings linked to Jens Montanana. Here are five companies where he holds direct or indirect ownership:
- Datatec: Incorporated in 1986 and headquartered in Sandown, South Africa, Datatec stands as a pioneering force in the realm of ICT solutions. This industry stalwart is renowned for its unwavering focus on software and cloud computing solutions, boasting a comprehensive repertoire that encompasses everything from Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) to Software as a Service (SaaS). With a multi-faceted approach, Datatec’s operations are structured across four key segments: Westcon International, Logicalis International, Logicalis Latin America, and Corporate and Management Consulting. It brings its visionary solutions to life through an extensive network of service providers, systems integrators, and specialized resellers.
- Xedia Corporation: Based in the United States, this company has carved out a niche for itself as a master of hardware and software network routers specifically tailored for broadband Internet access. Xedia’s hallmark products, known as Access Point products, serve as gateways to the digital realm and employ cutting-edge encryption techniques to safeguard the information flowing between interconnected networks.
- Synnex Corporation: Synnex Corporation commands attention as a global powerhouse in IT ecosystem distribution and solutions aggregation. Operating under the banner of TD Synnex Corporation, this juggernaut operates across two pivotal solution portfolios: Endpoint Solutions and Advanced Solutions. The former encompasses an extensive range, spanning PC systems, mobile phones, printers, peripherals, and beyond. Meanwhile, the latter delves into the realm of data center technologies, including storage, networking, servers, and specialized solutions. With an expansive spectrum of services encompassing systems design, logistics, online services, and financial expertise, TD Synnex’s 23,500-strong workforce propels its reach across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Japan.
- Corero Network Security Plc: Corero Network Security Plc, a UK-based entity, stands as a bulwark against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) cyber threats. Founded in 1991, the company’s expertise is concentrated in its single segment, aptly named Corero Network Security. Leveraging its SmartWall and SecureWatch technologies, Corero’s defenses scale impressively against both external DDoS attackers and internal DDoS botnets, thriving even within the complex edge and subscriber environments. To bolster its offerings, the company extends SecureWatch Managed Services, an all-encompassing suite that spans configuration optimization, monitoring, and swift mitigation response.
- Westcon Group Pty Limited: Founded in 1990, Westcon Group is a leading global technology provider and specialist distributor of business technology, providing the wholesale distribution of computers, peripheral equipment, and software. The Company offers its products to private and commercial customers throughout New South Wales, Australia, with operations in more than 70 countries.
