Exclusive: Rimini Street's CEO on navigating IT challenges

In an exclusive interview with TechDay, Seth Ravin, the CEO of Rimini Street, shed light on the evolution and growth of the company he founded nearly two decades ago.

From its humble beginnings in his living room to its current status as a global enterprise, Rimini Street has continually adapted and expanded its services to meet the complex needs of its clients.

Rimini Street, founded in 2005, initially focused on providing a cost-effective alternative to the high-cost maintenance programs of major enterprise software vendors.

"We saw an opportunity in the classic entrepreneurial way to offer better service at half the price," Ravin explained. Over the years, the company has evolved into a full-service provider, offering everything from software support to system security and custom work that aligns with clients' business objectives.

Ravin admitted the growth of Rimini Street has been "impressive."

Starting from scratch, the company now serves thousands of clients across 150 countries, with operations in 22 of those.

The company's expansion into regions like India and Brazil has been particularly significant, with Ravin adding: "We're 11 years in India now, and I think we're getting closer to 1,000 employees just in India. It has been an amazing operation."

One of the key drivers of Rimini Street's success has been its ability to innovate and adapt to the needs of its clients.

The company has moved beyond just providing maintenance support to offering a comprehensive suite of services that help clients optimise their IT budgets. "We are about driving value and return on investment first and foremost out of existing assets," Ravin said. This approach has been particularly valuable in the current economic climate, where many companies face budget constraints and are looking for ways to achieve more with less.

Ravin's recent visit to Australia highlights the company's ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in key markets. During his visit, Rimini Street hosted thought leadership events in Melbourne and Sydney, where industry leaders discussed strategies for IT budget allocation, innovation, and navigating the complexities of modern enterprise software.

"These are very, very important events," Ravin said. "We do them all over the world, and customers and prospects alike consider these some of the best events that they ever attend."

The economic slowdown has presented challenges for many businesses, but it has also created opportunities for Rimini Street. "When companies are in trouble and budgets are under pressure, we are in a position to come in and help," Ravin added.

The company's focus on helping clients maximise the value of their existing IT investments has resonated in a market where many are being forced to make cuts.

Rimini Street's approach is distinct from many of its competitors, who often push for costly upgrades and migrations. Instead, Rimini Street works closely with clients to identify areas where they can reduce spending without sacrificing performance.

"We are so client-focused when we think about our fiduciary duty," Ravin said. "We work with the customer to understand what they want, what they need, and when we present what we believe is in their best interest."

One of the most recent additions to Rimini Street's service offerings is support for VMware, a widely used platform that has recently undergone significant changes in pricing and licensing terms. Ravin explained that many companies were taken by surprise by these changes and are now seeking alternatives. Rimini Street provides a way for these companies to continue using their existing VMware software without being forced into costly new subscriptions.

"We're buying them time to really assess the situation and make decisions," Ravin said.

As Rimini Street approaches its 20th anniversary, Ravin reflected on the journey and the challenges that lie ahead.

"You always want to grow faster and bigger," he admitted, "but I think we've done fairly well in what we've been able to accomplish in 19 years." Looking forward, the company aims to continue expanding its services globally and deepening its relationships with clients, particularly in regions like Australia where it sees significant potential.

Ravin's insights into the challenges facing modern enterprises underscore the importance of strategic IT management in today's business environment. As companies grapple with rising costs and the need for innovation, Rimini Street's model of value-driven support offers a compelling alternative to the traditional approach.

"In today's world," Ravin said, "you're either growing or you're dying. And that's just the truth."