ZANUTIX Consulting Limited, a tech firm operating in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, is making strategic investments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced cybersecurity measures — all aimed at positioning the company as a strong competitor in the regional tech market.

The company, which started as a small firm focused on software development and testing, and IT consulting, has evolved into a business that specialises in a wide range of services including IT project management, IT audit, risk and governance, data management, business continuity, cybersecurity, network design and implementation.

Zanutix is just five years old but company founder already has plans to scale the company’s service offerings in order to chip away at sales from regional competitors. First, he wants to secure a larger share of the tech market in Jamaica and Trinidad, before moving to expand Zanutix’s footprint into oil-rich Guyana.

“We have a solid foothold and established offices in Kingston and Port of Spain, and so our existing relationships and understanding of these markets provide a strong foundation for further expansion and growth,” the founder told the Jamaica Observer although declining to state a budget for the capital expenditure project.

“Companies in Jamaica and Trinidad are seeking advanced technologies, and both markets have regulatory environments that support technological innovation and investments in IT infrastructure. This creates an opportunity for us to introduce our cutting edge solutions, particularly in sectors like health care and finance where compliance and data security are critical,” he continued.

Data protection rules in Jamaica took effect in June and as such many private and government organisations have been taking steps in recent months to comply with requirements of the Data Protection Act. It includes the upgrading of internal systems as well as the employment of data controllers in high-risk sectors such as finance, health, education, tourism, and information communication technology services.

Meanwhile, in Trinidad and Tobago work is ongoing to fully operationalise the country’s Data Protection Act and Electronic Transaction Act this year.

The Data Protection Act was enacted to safeguard personal data processed by organisations and individuals. It mandates that personal data must be collected for specific, lawful purposes and with explicit consent.

Thompson said his staff has expertise in navigating complex regulatory landscapes to assist existing clients in maintaining compliance with standards like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Jamaica Data Protection Act (JDPA), and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), while onboarding new clients.

Currently, the team at Zanutix Consulting Limited comprises 127 professionals.

“Each team member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, allowing us to deliver comprehensive and customised IT solutions to our clients. Their dedication and commitment are the driving forces behind our success, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together,” he added.

As it relates to AI, the company is looking to offer added services such as predictive analysis, automated customer support (chatbots), personalised marketing and customer insight solutions, fraud detection and prevention, intelligent process automation, smart inventory management, and natural language processing for data analysis, among others.

Other key areas of business Zanutix will target in its growth plan include cybersecurity, cloud solutions, business process automation, data management and software development.

Globally, cyber events — such as ransomware, data breaches and IT disruptions — have become the top concern for businesses, replacing business interruption and natural catastrophes.

In Jamaica the number of cyber attacks has been on the rise, with the latest reports indicating that the country had 43 million attempted cyber attacks in 2023. Meanwhile, the Latin American and Caribbean region suffered 200 billion attempted attacks in 2023, accounting for 14.5 per cent of the total reported globally last year.

“With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, businesses are prioritising the security of their digital assets. Our cybersecurity services are in high demand as organisations seek to protect their data, ensure compliance with regulations, and build resilient security frameworks. Beyond cybersecurity, broader IT security services are also seeing increased demand — this includes risk management, IT governance, and compliance services,” he said.

According to Thompson, Zanutix’s growth over the past five years has largely stemmed from its adoption of a comprehensive and proactive approach to IT security, tailored to the unique needs of each client. The IT specialist said he will seek to strengthen partnerships with key industry players so as to broaden Zanutix’s reach into new markets and sectors regionally.

Outside of Jamaica and Trinidad and Guyana, other markets in which Zanutix is looking to develop relations over the short to medium term are Barbados and Montserrat.

“We have built a strong presence in the Caribbean, serving industries from oil and natural gas companies in Trinidad to banks, corporate entities, medical outfits, and government offices across Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana. My vision for Zanutix is to continue that path, expanding our presence both regionally and globally,” he said.