Xerox hosts its annual partner conference in Dubai reflecting the growing importance of the MEA region

Under the theme of "Growth through Partnerships", The Xerox year start event was focused on growth opportunities through the adoption of creative and targeted strategies to market, Xerox & its partners also took the opportunity to celebrate successes and strong performances in 2008, growth in partner networks, and global leadership in the document management arena.

More than 120 Xerox partners from across the MEA markets took part in the conference to review the past year's milestones & market trends as well as hear strategies, focus areas and upcoming technology innovations for 2009. The event was held at the Atlantis Resort, the Palm, in Dubai, UAE.

Over the past 2 years Xerox has expanded its presence in the region through numerous global launches across different product segments - affordable end-user printing solutions, office & production - as well as ground-breaking innovations including Invisible Ink, Self-erasable paper & EA toners. In addition to new partner signings designed to extend the company's reach in the region to a wider target audience.

Dan Smith, General Manager for Integrated Marketing for the Middle East and Africa region of Xerox's Developing Markets Operations, said at the event; "One of our objectives for 2009 is to continue to seek partnerships to strengthen our value proposition to our customers."

"Our customers are enjoying more Xerox offerings to choose from and more ways to buy them. The company is very much a partner-centric company, bringing a broader array of offerings and revenue growth opportunities to value-added resellers and independent agents. Our regular training and constant support for Xerox's ever expanding partner network underlines our commitment to the region and to be the best partner in the document domain," added Smith

The number of channel partners has grown significantly across the Middle East over the last year. In addition to this, Xerox has made the transition from a direct sales business model to an indirect sales model for their printers & entry level MFP's a smooth & successful one in a relatively short period of time,

With the market moving more towards entry level & more affordable printers & MFP's, Xerox has appointed specialised partners - power retailers, SI/VARs - to ensure strong visibility and availability for their extensive range of printers & entry level MFP's.

Xerox channel partners enjoy a variety of benefits including Xerox broad range of award winning solutions which offer a strong value proposition, as well as selective distribution, rebate schemes with strong brand pull through a series of creative & focused marketing campaigns across the region. In addition regular promotions and incentives are implemented to help focus and drive unit and revenue activity.

"Our channel program is enhanced on an annual basis and takes into account a combination of factors - market dynamics, intended market share growth, new product launches, input from channel partners, benchmarking of activity and corporate objectives," said Smith.

In addition to a complete program of business-related presentations and workshops the attendees will experience a number of activities and outings, including a magnificent gala dinner at the Al Sahara desert resort. A selection of partner awards will be presented at the gala dinner which will be held tomorrow, Thursday the 8th of Jan 09.