IBM tackles critical issues at GITEX 2006

"We're showing global innovation at GITEX but we're also proud to be working closely with our partners and customers to show innovation that is being driven from our region. That's a big first: and one that we're very proud to have played a role in helping to foster," said Takreem El-Tohamy, general manager of IBM Middle East, Egypt and Pakistan (MEEP).

IBM has teamed up with regional and international partners to provide tools that help businesses in different sectors to innovate. For the media sector, IBM is demonstrating IPTV solutions, supporting content creation, management and distribution for next generation converged public service networks.

IBM is also focusing on the breakthrough technology of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) software, which leading users in the Middle East are already deploying to drive new generation applications and systems that are more efficient, effective and collaborative.

Through showcasing its Blade Cells, IBM addresses the topics of rapid deployment of high speed Internet and consumer broadband technologies, the creation and population of rich media content, and the growth of open source infrastructure.

The core of the IBM stand at GITEX is, however, reserved for the important work being undertaken to develop solutions that address traffic and road management: CERT's Telematics project. CERT, (the Centre of Excellence in applied Research and Technology) is the research arm of HCT, the Higher Colleges of Technology, and is building innovations based around the research and development efforts of the UAE's technical higher education establishments.