Sahara Centre ties up with Emitac to build advanced fibre-optic communication infrastructure

Key aspects of the planned infrastructure include a complete internal network and access to the Internet for all the outlets within the mall.

The mall has also signed up with leading UK-based manufacturer of retail performance systems, Senstec, to install hi-tech traffic counters, both within the mall and in all the retail outlets.

"Fast and easy communication is a pre-requisite for the smooth functioning of the day-to-day business of our tenants. By installing a state-of-the art communication network for the entire mall, we aim to provide our retailers with a highly secure technological infrastructure that will assist them in increasing their productivity and efficiency levels," said Mr. Raymond Casey, General Manager, Sahara Centre.

Based on innovative fibre optic technology, the network being developed by Emitac, a UAE-based leading regional provider of IT solutions will feature a central database that can be accessed by all tenants for data backup and storage, email services and secure communication facilities for transfer of critical data, such as sales and stock reports.

Mr. Casey further said that Sahara Centre will also be one of the few malls in the world to install advanced traffic counting equipment from Senstec at strategic locations in the mall, as well as within all the retail outlets.

"An accurate foot fall measuring system, will provide us with crucial management information that will assist us in monitoring the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns and in monitoring customer buying trends. The systems installed in all the retail outlets will similarly benefit our tenants by giving them invaluable feedback on key marketing and sales related issues such as the effectiveness of promotional material, peak trading hours and the comparison between traffic flows and conversion ratios," said Pam Bryson, Marketing Manager.