Al-Falak signs partnership agreement with Halcyon Software

The partnership aims to take advantage of an expected double-digit growth in the Gulf's IT market within the next three years.

Halcyon Software Limited, an international software company with over 19 years experience in systems management with headquarters in Cambridgeshire, UK, has one of the largest portfolio of systems management products in the world, covering a wide spectrum of platforms from IBM iSeries, AIX, Windows, Unix, Linux and Netware. The partnership will allow Al-Falak to offer Halcyon's full range of software solutions to key areas in the GCC, a fast-growing market that is projected to exceed Dhs44bn by 2011, representing a significant 12% increase.

Ahmed Ali Ashadawi, Chief Executive Officer, Al-Falak, said, "This partnership will further strengthen our industry standing in the regional markets. Halcyon's full range of products will help us expand our extensive portfolio of IT solutions that address the various requirements of our international clients. Halcyon will likewise benefit from this partnership by having direct access to our large network of partners and our vast experience in delivering services to high-profile clients across the region."

Sean Gallagher, International Manager, Halcyon Software, said, "We are honoured to partner with Al-Falak for our expansion program in the Gulf region. Al-Falak and Halcyon have a lot in common, beginning with our heritage, as both companies were formed in the early 1980s and gradually found a niche for ourselves in the constantly changing technology landscape, while consistently delivering high quality products and services to our clients."

"Al-Falak and Halcyon have also been recipients of important technology accreditations that demonstrate our respective commitment to our clients, ensuring that the very latest proven technology tools are used. This partnership will benefit all stakeholders and in particular, our prospective clients in the GCC region," added Gallagher.

According to marketing intelligence firm IDC, the Gulf's total IT spending will exceed Dhs33bn in 2008, increasing by more than 15% compared to 2007. This presents excellent mutual growth opportunities for both Al-Falak and Halcyon, which have both implemented intensified expansion initiatives across the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the largest markets in the GCC that account for 43% and 36% respectively of the region's overall IT spending.

For over 26 years, Al-Falak has delivered enterprise IT solutions through a network of offices and trained technical personnel throughout the Middle East. Al-Falak's portfolio of business partnerships include leading solution and software providers, hardware and consumable manufacturers, business consultancy firms and implementation specialists.

Halcyon Software Limited writes software for IBM midrange computers as well as Windows, Linux, Unix, AIX and Netware platforms. Large multinational companies, corporate data centres, as well as small to medium-sized businesses use Halcyon Software products to proactively manage and automate their IT operations. The company's product portfolio consists of up to 29 individual products, each linked into suites which allow clients to gain maximum advantage from carefully constructed programs. Each suite is integrated such that the clients can have single view of their IT enterprise through a through a Graphical User Interface.