High-tech company founder visits Qatar to look into opening branch office

Panasas is a U.S.-based company that offers high-performance data storage systems that enable customers to maximize the benefits of their computing systems. This technology helps alleviate bottlenecks that can occur when using off-the-shelf technologies.

"Panasas is reaching out to companies in the entire Gulf Region so we are looking into having a development site close to them," says Gibson. "Because of Carnegie Mellon Qatar, we are looking at opening in Doha."

Gibson calls Panasas a realization of cutting-edge Carnegie Mellon technology, and proof of how the university is a leader in the evolution of high-end data storage. In addition to talking with students about how his company grew out of research he did in the classroom, Gibson also met with representatives from Qatar Science & Technology Park about the possibility of opening a branch of his company here in Qatar.

"These are the types of endeavors that we anticipate will continue to want to move to Qatar," says Majd Sakr, Ph.D., professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon Qatar. "The market has needs, Qatar Foundation lends support and the universities are providing the talent to bring everything to fruition."

Graduates of Carnegie Mellon are regularly recruited by Panasas in the United States, and Gibson is hoping to forge the same relationship here. "The Carnegie Mellon education is something we know, understand and value. We know what we're getting when we hire Carnegie Mellon computer science graduates." Additionally, with a proven track record of success, Panasas can bring its well-established organization to Doha where it can make a vital contribution to the knowledge-based economy of Qatar.

"The types of computer systems that Panasas creates are critical for running applications for large oil and gas companies," says Sakr. "With the advanced technological needs of Qatar, more and more high-tech companies will move here. This is especially true if they are confident that they will be able to recruit highly skilled employees, which will lead to their success in the region."