Nimbus and VMware propel Thailand’s small business ecosystem into the Digital Future
VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW), a leading innovator in enterprise software, announced that its technology is being used by Nimbus, a start-up in Thailand, to fast track digital transformation for the country’s 20,000 wholesalers who are still doing business the traditional way. By providing them with affordable access to VMware-powered cloud services supported by Internet Thailand (INET), Nimbus aims to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies for these small businesses, enabling them to future-proof their operations to adapt to Thailand’s growing digital economy.
Micro, small-medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of Thailand’s thriving economy –making up over 95% of the local business community, MSMEs contribute 43% of the country’s GDP. To succeed in today’s digital, app-driven economy, MSMEs and local wholesalers are recognizing the importance of digital adoption. Despite so, digital adoption by local MSMEs remains low as compared to its regional peers due to challenges including the lack of tech talent and lack of government funding for the tech sector. For many local wholesalers in Thailand, the hefty upfront investment in infrastructure and hardware required for most on-premises inventory management software are key barriers to digital adoption as well.
“Our goal is to help local traditional wholesalers go digital, navigate and thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. However, to be able to support them in their digital transformation journey, we need to first modernize our infrastructure and operations so as to accelerate innovation, agility and scalability,” said Apichet Anutaravanichakul, COO, Nimbus Thailand. “With support from VMware and INET, our cost of doing business has dropped by 40% and our customer base has grown exponentially by 300%.”
To encourage and help Thailand’s wholesalers transform their operations with ease, Nimbus is offering their software as a service at an affordable price of 33 baht (US $1) a day. Previously, book-keeping was done manually and on paper, so store owners did not have a comprehensive view of their business. With Nimbus’ cloud-based solution, store owners can now check stock, set prices, manage orders, run reports and manage retail branches seamlessly and efficiently. Local wholesalers can also use any computer or barcode scanner with this solution, thereby reducing the cost of investment in new equipment and lowering the barriers to digital adoption.
“Digitalization is fast becoming the competitive game-changer across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Nimbus’ commitment to helping local traditional businesses digitalize is truly admirable and we are excited to work with them to transform Thailand’s small business ecosystem,” said Ekpawin Sukanan, Country Manager, VMware Thailand. “Together with INET, we hope Nimbus’ cloud-based inventory management service will help drive Thailand’s wholesale industry into the digital future, so local businesses can continue to thrive and flourish in the new economy.”
“With VMware, we are delivering world-class solutions and support to Nimbus. By helping them streamline costs and improve agility, Nimbus can now grow and scale on demand. This puts them at a better position to empower local wholesalers in rebooting their business, so they can succeed and thrive in the digital economy,” said Ms.Morragot Kulatumyotin Managing Director of Internet Thailand PCL.
