From A Small Room To The Big, Wide World: BUI Goes Global With A People-First Strategy
At the dawn of this millennium, when technology was changing at an unprecedented pace and the world was getting used to new gadgets like mobile phones, South Africans Ryan Roseveare and Willem Malan started an IT company.
Their decision, born of a desire to “do IT differently” and “put people first,” marked the birth of BUI, which has evolved from humble origins in Roseveare’s spare room to become an award-winning Microsoft Partner with branches in North America, Europe, and Africa.
How did Ryan and Willem scale up? Carefully. After launching BUI in 2000, they developed a customer base in Johannesburg before tackling projects across South Africa. “It took a lot of energy, but we did it. We planned, prepared, and executed,” says Ryan.
Going all-in with Microsoft was a natural decision, recalls Ryan. “It was a Microsoft world when we started BUI. That worked in our favor because we knew the market. But we also saw how technology was transforming society. We knew we’d have the chance to innovate alongside one of the most innovative companies around.”
A 2014 acquisition in Cape Town gave BUI a foothold in another SA hub and later expansions in Durban and Nairobi, Kenya, cemented its position in Africa. When it came time for BUI to broaden its horizons in the USA in 2018, Ryan and Willem turned to Lizette Van Wyk – their Business Development Manager in Johannesburg.
Lizette had joined BUI in 2015 and leveraged her extensive business background to support its growth ambitions in Africa. She was eager to apply her expertise in the American market – and help other women in technology shine.
After settling in California, Lizette began establishing BUI’s US presence – first as Business Development Manager and then as Vice President of Business Development. Today she serves as US General Manager, is part of the global executive committee, and is approaching her 10-year BUI anniversary.
“BUI’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is unlike anything I’ve seen,” says Lizette. “Here, we celebrate our differences and encourage collaboration and communication. We’re creating a workplace where tomorrow’s IT leaders receive the guidance they need to thrive.”
To achieve this, BUI has a two-pronged approach: an internship program that gives IT graduates an immersive experience alongside certified professionals; and a mentorship program for women to fast-track their careers.
The company culture of continuous learning and teamwork was cultivated from Day 1. Aptitude is important, but attitude is paramount, notes Ryan. “There’s a golden thread in our business: everyone has the same drive and passion to be the best.”
With over two decades of success worldwide, BUI has established itself as a trusted customer ally, delivering tailored Microsoft solutions that enable businesses to become more productive and secure. As a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP, a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association, and a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Microsoft Cloud, BUI is one of the few Microsoft partners with end-to-end capabilities in cloud and cybersecurity. Its a2zManaged service offers customers a comprehensive cloud-management experience, focusing on optimizing Azure environments for performance, security, and cost efficiency.
“Customers want the best partners to support them through digital transformation. Our Microsoft Azure Expert MSP status is a validation of our abilities, but more importantly, it’s an assurance for our customers. It shows we’re equipped to provide world-class service and deliver Azure cloud services at scale,” says Willem.
As a three-time Microsoft Country Partner of the Year, BUI is consistently recognized for helping customers safeguard connected environments. Cyber MXDR, its Microsoft Verified Managed XDR solution, gives IT leaders protection and peace of mind through proactive vulnerability detection and remediation built on Microsoft Security technologies.
Looking ahead to its 25th year, BUI remains committed to expanding its footprint, maintaining its leadership as a Microsoft Partner, and supporting organizations globally.
“Our mission is to empower businesses with innovative cloud and security solutions. We believe in driving digital transformation that not only optimizes operations but also secures a resilient future for our customers,” says Ryan.
