My experience with remote management from Suriname for the Netherlands
Published on: Author: Mellisa Michely-Kartowikromo Category: NewsAs a Database Administrator at Qualogy Caribbean, I take care of remote management for a lot of clients in the Netherlands. To do this, I formed a team with colleagues from Qualogy Nederland. And it is going great! It really is a win-win situation: extra support for our clients and a contribution to my own development as a professional. I would love to tell you more.
I have been working at Qualogy Caribbean since 2012. Currently, I am a Database Administrator in the management department. I have been working for various clients in the Netherlands since 2018. In addition, I work for Surinamese clients and other companies in the Caribbean region.
My team is specialized in remote management. Think of troubleshooting errors, installing and patching databases, and restoring databases and stand-by activities. I also check every database environment daily.
Training in the Netherlands
I visited the Netherlands for 5 weeks in 2017 to learn more about the projects for our Dutch clients. I also got to know my colleagues from Qualogy Nederland better. It was a great experience! I learned more about the Dutch working culture and practiced with new technologies.
Support after office hours
Our customers are also pleased with our support from Suriname. When it is 5 PM in the Netherlands, it is only noon or 1 PM in Suriname (depending on daylight saving time). We can offer support after Dutch office hours at the standard (beneficial) rate thanks to this time difference.
And if our Dutch clients call for support after 6 PM, the phone automatically connects with Suriname. We are stand-by after 10 PM.
Smooth communication
Our communication and collaboration run smoothly because we work together as a team. All of us are Qualogy colleagues who work for the same client. Speaking of, communication with customers also goes smoothly. All our colleagues in Suriname speak Dutch (native language) and English. We often use Google Hangouts and VoIP telephones to communicate, which works perfectly.
Plenty of team spirit
Working for Dutch clients is refreshing. They use different technologies than they do in Suriname. Think Unix, Oracle Enterprise Databases and Data Guard.
My Dutch colleagues are ready to help whenever I have questions. And I help them with tasks that need to be completed at or after 6 PM (UTC +1). It is a win-win situation!
Educational and refreshing
I’ve learned a lot since I’ve been working for Dutch clients in 2018. I gained more experience with bigger environments, enterprise environments and various operating systems.
But it also means a lot to me on a personal level. Though I don’t encounter a huge language or culture barrier, there are of course difference between Suriname and The Netherlands. For example, Dutch people keep their job and private life more separated than Surinamese people. I learn to look at manners and cultures in different ways. I find it very refreshing!
Offshore IT works!
In conclusion: my experiences with remote management from Suriname are very positive. The time difference is beneficial to customers, and the Dutch and Surinamese teams mutually reinforce one another. An enrichment for our company and service.
Want to know more?
Are you inspired by Mellisa’s story? Do you want to know more about the services we provide? We would love to get to know you better. You can contact us via info_caribbean@qualogy.com or at +597 450 972 (Surinamese telephone number).
