Roy Westfehling’s Legacy of Excellence and Customer Trust

Westech proudly celebrates 30 years of transforming South Africa’s IT landscape, a milestone shaped by the enduring leadership of our CEO, Roy Westfehling. Since founding Westech in 1994, Roy’s vision and resilience have built a legacy of innovation, positioning us as a premier Managed IT Services provider across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and beyond.

Roy’s journey began with a bold idea: to empower businesses by aligning IT with their goals. From a vision in his parents garage, he grew Westech into a trusted and leading IT company, offering 24/7 support, advanced cybersecurity, and tailored Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that eliminate downtime. Our capabilities are robust—XDR & SIEM systems detect threats in as little as 3.95 minutes, IT audits optimize performance, and the impressive support desk, delivers instant support.

Strategic acquisitions, like our Cape Town expansion, have broadened our reach, while partnerships with Microsoft and Dell ensure cutting-edge solutions like Microsoft 365 and Mobile Device Management. Currently in the process of becoming ISO9001 and 27001 certified!

Roy’s hard work and endurance shine through three decades of navigating technological shifts. From cloud computing to Big Data and evolving cyber threats, his proactive approach keeps Westech ahead of the curve. Clients benefit from reduced downtime—up to 81% in a week—and secure, scalable systems that comply with regulations like POPIA. His leadership fosters a culture of innovation, where we anticipate challenges and deliver solutions before issues arise, ensuring businesses thrive in a digital world.

At Westech, our customers are our priority. Your trust inspires us to provide reliable, customized IT solutions that drive efficiency and growth. Whether you’re a small business or a global enterprise, we value your partnership, tailoring services to your unique needs—be it cybersecurity, cloud solutions, or offshore support in Africa and Europe. Roy’s belief that “your purpose is our priority” guides our commitment to your success, earning praise for our responsiveness and expertise.

As we mark 30 years, we’re grateful for Roy’s vision and our customers’ loyalty. Westech’s growth reflects his dedication and your faith in us. Looking forward, we’re excited to embrace new technologies under Roy’s guidance, ensuring your business remains competitive and secure. Join us in celebrating this milestone and our shared journey toward a future powered by Westech’s innovation and trust.

When choosing an internet service provider (ISP) in South Africa, it’s essential to consider speed, reliability, customer support, and pricing. Whether you’re a business or a home user, finding the right provider can make all the difference in your online experience.

Westech Reviews The Best Business Internet Providers in South Africa

For businesses in South Africa, having a reliable internet connection is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Westech offers top-tier business internet connectivity, installation and support, ensuring your company stays connected at all times. Find out more about this service here.

With our comprehensive backup and failover solutions, you can trust that your business will remain online, even in the event of unexpected disruptions. Partner with Westech for seamless internet connectivity and support that empowers your business to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Leading IT company Westech has reported that none of its clients have been affected by the CrowdStrike outage. This success is attributed to Westech’s strategic decision to avoid using CrowdStrike software in their network architecture.

From a technical perspective, this choice has proven to be a robust safeguard, ensuring uninterrupted service for their clients who all experienced 100% uptime during this widespread issue over the last few days.

Managed Service Provider Westech’s proactive and informed approach underscores the importance of carefully selecting and managing cybersecurity tools to mitigate risks associated with software vulnerabilities and outages.

The recent CrowdStrike outage, possibly the largest internet outage recorded in history, began on July 19, 2024, has caused significant disruptions worldwide due to a faulty Windows update that led to the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on numerous machines.

This issue has impacted various sectors, including airlines and financial services, causing widespread concern and a surge in related Google searches. It is reported in a recent CNN article that costs from the global outage could top $1 billion.

Need immediate IT Assistance to get your IT Setup working for you? Contact Westech.

Summary of CrowdStrike Outage

The reported CrowdStrike outage refers to a recent service disruption experienced by CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity company. The outage is said to have been caused by a combination of factors, including a software bug and a high volume of traffic, which overwhelmed their systems.

“The latest version of its Falcon sensor software was meant to make CrowdStrike clients’ systems more secure against hacking by updating the threats it defends against. But faulty code in the update files resulted in one of the most widespread tech outages in recent years for companies using Microsoft’s (MSFT.O), opens new tab Windows operating system. (Source – Reuters) ”

Companies could have avoided this outage by implementing robust testing and quality assurance processes, ensuring scalable infrastructure, and having a comprehensive disaster recovery plan in place. To mitigate risk, consult a professional IT company like Westech to discuss a monthly IT SLA to manage your IT infrastructure.

Impact of CrowdStrike Outage

The CrowdStrike outage has caused significant disruptions to various industries, including, widespread internet outages, affecting over 200,000 websites and services, including major companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Business operations impacted, companies like Akamai, AWS, and Salesforce experienced service disruptions, affecting their customers’ operations.

The outage raised concerns about the reliability of cloud-based security services. Estimated losses for affected companies are still being calculated, but expected to be substantial.

The issue affected not only personal computers but also servers, disrupting various industries such as airlines and financial services. Companies could have avoided this outage by not relying solely on CrowdStrike software for their cybersecurity needs and instead implementing a diversified network architecture with multiple layers of protection and backup solutions.

For detailed information, you can refer to articles on InvestorPlace and this article – 7 Things to Know About the CrowdStrike Outage.

Setup an appointment with Westech to get your IT infrastructure set up correctly with failover and backup solutions in place to mitigate risk. Ensure you have a plan ready for the unlikely event of a global internet outage.

Please note that the links provided are subject to change, and the information may not be up-to-date.

The outage has the world searching Google for answers in an attempt to get immediate assistance. Here are the top 10 most searched keywords related to the CrowdStrike outage.

1.⁠ ⁠CrowdStrike outage
2.⁠ ⁠Blue Screen of Death
3.⁠ ⁠BSOD fix
4.⁠ ⁠CrowdStrike update issue
5.⁠ ⁠Windows update BSOD
6.⁠ ⁠Internet down CrowdStrike
7.⁠ ⁠Cybersecurity outage
8.⁠ ⁠CrowdStrike fix
9.⁠ ⁠Windows critical error
10.⁠ ⁠Global internet outage

For immediate assistance and to get an alternate solution for you business, contact Westech to setup an appointment.

Why The Mass Cape Town Semigration?

Cape Town, with its captivating blend of lifestyle, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, has emerged as a premier destination for businesses and professionals alike. This article delves into the key factors that are fuelling Cape Town’s rise as a hub for business expansion and success.

Supportive Business Ecosystem:

Cape Town’s economy offers a diverse landscape for business opportunities across various sectors such as tourism, technology, and finance. The city’s vibrant economy not only attracts tourists but also provides a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. In terms of technology, Cape Town has seen significant investments, like Amazon Web Services opening an international Web Services Skills Centre in Cape Town, indicating the city’s growing tech industry. This sector provides opportunities for businesses to innovate and grow in a tech-savvy environment.

The finance sector in Cape Town offers a range of opportunities for businesses looking to establish themselves in a financial hub. The supportive business ecosystem in the city provides access to funding, networking opportunities, and business development programs, creating a favourable environment for growth.

The tourism sector in Cape Town, known for its natural beauty and rich culture, presents ample business opportunities. The city’s quality of life, affordable cost of living, and skilled workforce from reputable universities makes it an attractive location for businesses in the tourism industry.

Talent Acquisition:

Tapping into Cape Town’s pool of skilled workforce from renowned universities and technical institutions offers several advantages for businesses.

These institutions produce a highly educated and skilled talent pool, providing businesses with access to individuals with specialised knowledge and training. This can be beneficial for companies looking to fill key positions with qualified professionals who can contribute to innovation and growth.

Tapping into this talent pool can enhance a company’s reputation and credibility. By hiring employees from reputable universities and technical institutions, businesses can highlight their commitment to quality and excellence, which can attract clients, investors, and top-tier talent.

Additionally, the diverse backgrounds and expertise of individuals from these institutions can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table, fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving within the organization.

Overall, leveraging Cape Town’s skilled workforce from renowned universities and technical institutions can give businesses a competitive edge, drive innovation, and contribute to long-term success in a dynamic and evolving market.

Quality of Life:

Cape Town’s exceptional lifestyle offerings, from culinary delights to outdoor activities, can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and overall business appeal. Cape Town is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, featuring a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and food markets that cater to various tastes and preferences.

Moreover, Cape Town’s stunning natural surroundings offer a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and wine tasting in the nearby Cape Winelands. These activities provide opportunities for employees to unwind, stay active, and connect with nature, ultimately boosting morale and productivity in the workplace.

By highlighting these lifestyle offerings in Cape Town, businesses can attract and retain top talent, improve employee engagement, and create a positive work environment that reflects the city’s unique charm and allure.

Affordable Living:

Cape Town’s cost of living compared to the high costs of living in Europe and other major cities in South Africa positions it as a cost-effective location for businesses. The city offers an affordable standard of living in comparison to other urban centres in the country making it an attractive choice for businesses looking to establish a presence in a vibrant and economically feasible environment.

Brain Drain – Brain Regain

Despite the numerous attractions of life abroad, a notable reverse immigration trend is emerging. A significant number of South Africans are choosing to return home from Europe and elsewhere.

“Having moved to 3 different countries in the last 20 years in search for greener pastures, they all have a common problem, complicated, expensive, no domestic help, no service, unfriendly, no gees, no African sunsets…”

Despite South Africa’s challenges, the world’s “greener pastures” all have their own problems wherever you go.

Surprisingly, affordability emerges as a major factor, with many finding the cost of living overseas simply unsustainable. However, it’s not just about money. South Africa’s unique lifestyle, beauty, cultural diversity, friendly atmosphere, and outstanding culinary scene, often surpassing what they experienced abroad, are just some of the factors that are drawing expatriates back in droves. Dozens of news articles and statistics reveal a significant uptick in returnees, what was once a brain drain has now led to the restoration of valuable skills.

With its diverse economy, supportive business ecosystem, and access to a skilled workforce, Cape Town provides a compelling value proposition for businesses seeking to optimize costs without compromising on quality or opportunities for growth. Additionally, the city’s infrastructure advantages, such as a more consistent power supply and proactive sustainable energy initiatives, further contribute to its appeal as a cost-effective business location.

By leveraging Cape Town’s affordability, businesses can benefit from a conducive environment that balances economic efficiency with quality of life, ultimately enhancing their operational sustainability and long-term success.

Infrastructure Investment:

Cape Town’s economic development and connectivity are being significantly driven by substantial investments in infrastructure projects such as the expansion of the Cape Winelands Airport and city-wide initiatives. The anticipated expansion of the Cape Winelands Airport, with a projected budget of R7.7 billion and scheduled to commence operations in 2027, is expected to stimulate economic growth and enhance connectivity in the region.

Cape Town is making SA’s biggest infrastructure investment. At R39,7bn, Cape Town’s three-year infrastructure budget is 80% larger than the next metro, Joburg (R22bn), and 98% larger than the third biggest, eThekwini (R20bn).- (CBN News Source)

Moreover, the anticipated expansion of the Cape Winelands Airport, with a projected budget of R7.7 billion and scheduled to commence operations in 2027, along with wider infrastructure initiatives across the Western Cape, underpinned by an approximate R120 billion investment by the City of Cape Town, are positioned to stimulate substantial economic development, enhance connectivity, and elevate overall appeal.

The Cape Business News recently highlighted how City of Cape Town has opened the new Invest Cape Town Centre, a multi-use hub for economic activity, showcasing investor support initiatives, Cape-made products, and projects spotlighting Cape Town as a leading African business city.

By highlighting these infrastructure investments, businesses can recognize Cape Town as a city that is actively investing in its future, providing a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth and increased connectivity opportunities.

Professional and Dependable IT Service Partner in Cape Town

Expanding businesses in the Western Cape are recognising the importance of outsourcing their Information Technology (IT) services to keep up with IT developments and remain competitive. MSP Westech, an outsourced IT service provider in Cape Town, has witnessed how outsourcing IT services can have a positive impact on business performance when IT departments and outsourced IT service providers collaborate effectively to ensure the smooth alignment of systems and a high-quality service delivery.

Westech is registering an increase in requests from private individuals in and around Cape Town for assistance with setting up business networks, home offices and troubleshooting issues. This can be attributed to the number of people moving to the Western Cape from other provinces across South Africa and even abroad for new business opportunities, moving their own business to Cape Town, a better lifestyle or retirement.

Westech has been offering professional digital solutions as a Managed Service Provider and dedicated technical support to individuals and businesses since 1995. It has a nationwide footprint and offers both remote and onsite services to actively reduce its clients’ downtime.

Need IT Support For Your Local Business?
Partner With a Local MSP – IT Company Westech for Seamless IT Support

Westech offers a range of IT services and products, including:

• Microsoft (Teams and 365 Business Voice)
• IT Connectivity
• IT Networking
• IT Audits
• IT Security
• IT Hardware
• IT Software
• IT Consumables
• Hosted Services (including Microsoft 365)
• Service Level Agreements

Contact Westech for a free quote.

Westech Systems (PTY) Ltd was recently appointed as the IS&T Onsite Support Partner for Alstom Southern Africa.

Alstom, a global leader in the transportation sector provides mobility solution in the digital age and operates in 70 countries with over 70 000 employees.

Westech, a Managed Solution Provider since 1995, has shown steady growth over the past few years and with its 27 years of experience in the South African market, is undoubtably becoming a leader in this space. Westech supports several global brands and is excited about the addition of Alstom.

Earlier this year Westech acquired a Cape Town based Managed IT Company, which has proven to bolster its presence in the region.

The success of Westech is driven by its careful selection of clients and its amazing staff.

Well done to the Westech Team and Thank you Alstom.

Digital technology has rapidly advanced to combine physical hardware and virtual applications, underpinning digital operations and strategies for companies. A brief internet search will provide thousands of results on how technology shapes our future and advances every aspect of our lives, from buying groceries to self-driving vehicles.

This advancement in digital technology, while allowing individuals and companies access to vast opportunities, ultimately increases our reliance on digital infrastructure. As a result, KPMG believes that the demand for digital technology will only increase, and companies will need to respond accordingly and proactively.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IT software engineers and developers are constantly striving towards other solutions for business innovation and to improve personal and social lives. The Internet of Things (IoT) was a term coined around 199 and refers to smart devices that can connect to each other through the Web to exchange information to perform specific tasks. These smart devices currently include not only computers but also vehicles, phones, homes, and home appliances.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence is being used to help businesses make quicker decisions through “machine learning”, which facilitates computers to perform forecasting, business modelling, facilitating and detecting roles in many aspects of life and business.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain helps users interact safely with one another in the digital space and is very relevant to today’s cybercrime numbers. It has been highly beneficial in ensuring security and reducing expenditure and transactional turnaround times by providing stability and transparency. However, in terms of digital deployment for enterprise use, it is still in its infancy, hampered by scalability and compatibility issues for the time being.

3D Printing

3D printing refers to a process where three-dimensional solid objects are created from a digital file. These tangible objects are gradually built up from layers of material instead of cutting the object from a larger block of material. Originally used to develop quick prototypes, this technology is now used by manufacturers, engineers, medical industries, teachers, designers, and hobbyists.

Digital technology is undoubtedly the new competitive space for businesses and industries and will continue to play a significant transformational role in driving IT strategy and infrastructure. Furthermore, the advancements in digital technology will contribute to economic growth, much needed in a post-Covid world.

The importance of harnessing the power of new digital technology cannot be overemphasised, as is the need for digital transformation to improve the environment and enable companies and employees to access new opportunities. Moreover, smart policies for a world of smart devices promise a stronger future for all.

Westech is a professional IT support company in Johannesburg, with branches in Cape Town and Durban. We assist companies in creating efficiency and improving production by implementing the right IT strategy, hardware, and software at a fair price.

Westech has an extensive IT services portfolio, including:

• IT audits
• IT support and Service Level Agreements (SLA)
• Virtual IT support
• IT security
• IT networking and connectivity
• Business Internet
• IT Hardware (Dell authorised partner)
• IT Software (Microsoft certified partner)
• Mac support
• Hosted services

Contact us to find out how we can assist your business to become more strategically competitive:

• Westech IT company in Johannesburg
• Westech IT company in Pretoria
• Westech IT company in Midrand
• Westech IT company in Cape Town
• Westech IT company in Durban

Your first question is probably “What are VBA macros, and how do they affect me?”. VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) macros are a common way that malicious individuals use to gain access to deploy malware and ransomware to your device. In an effort to make life harder for cybercriminals, Microsoft has announced that it will be blocking untrusted VBA macros sourced from the internet by default. However, users will still be able to bypass this – depending on their permission setup.

Why is Microsoft Blocking Macros?

Apart from stopping malicious attacks, Microsoft feels it’s time for Microsoft Office to step up its defence systems. This change is expected to come in Microsoft Office version 2203, which is due out in April 2022. The Microsoft Office blocking update will initially apply to Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access, and Visio.

While macros add some decent functionality, they aren’t needed for editing or viewing documents, and you can do everything you need to across Microsoft Office without them.

What Should I Do If Asked to Download a Macro?

Firstly, you need to ascertain if you were expecting to receive a file with macros, even if you know the person who sent the file to you. Cybercriminals often impersonate people and businesses you know. If you were not expecting such a file. DO NOT OPEN IT AND DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY.

Another common tactic cyber attackers use is to try and get you to read a legal document or cancel an order that you never placed. As soon as you download the document, it will request you to run macros. You will never need macros to read a document or open an Excel file. DO NOT OPEN IT AND DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY.

If you have already downloaded the file from a website and receive messages asking you to enable the content, DO NOT ACTIVATE IT. These are common tactics that cybercriminals use. If you are unsure about downloading a macro, it’s probably best not to do so.

How Can I Unblock a Macro?

However, if you are sure that the file is safe and need to unblock the macros, here are the steps you should take:

1. Save the file to a local hard drive, network share, or cloud share like OneDrive.
2. Open Windows File Explorer and go to the folder where you saved the file.
3. Right-click the file and choose Properties from the context menu.
4. At the bottom of the General tab, you should see a section for Security. 
5. Select the Unblock checkbox and select OK.

IT departments may use a policy that prevents company employees from overriding macros. However, Microsoft warns against this unless absolutely necessary.

Regular IT Audits are the Solution

Unsecured devices and networks put you and your business at risk. Therefore, it is essential to conduct regular security IT audits to ensure that your IT security is sufficient and in place. Regular IT audits will also reduce the risk of lost or stolen data and your intellectual property falling into the wrong hands.

Westech is a highly experienced and professional IT support company in South Africa, providing networking, maintenance, and IT-related services since 1994. Contact one of our security specialists today to determine if your network is secure.