Packaged software to comprise 13% of IT spending in Gulf in 2009

The decline in the forecasted IT spending underlines the importance of Sage Software's cost reducing enterprise solution, 'Sage ERP X3', which is drawing huge attention from regional mid-sized and micro-multinational companies seeking to reduce IT infrastructure costs and adopt a single solution that can serve all of their regional operations.

'Sage ERP X3' is the result of the global reach, extensive SME-based experience and in depth knowledge of local markets of Sage Software, one of the leading global suppliers of ERP, CRM, and HRM solutions. Offering significant savings and benefits to businesses, the solution addresses the demand for affordable, easy-to-use and quick-to-install integrated ERP solutions, especially during a period when over 40% of GCC companies have reported an overall loss of $5bn so far in the year.

Furthermore, the scalability of the solution makes it highly suitable to cope with multiple government legislation, currencies and languages while offering local customisation and multiple platform options.

Vikram Suri, Managing Director, Sage Software Middle East, said:

"Through 'Sage ERP X3', we have been providing companies with an ERP solution that covers the majority of their requirements, and conforms to the local accounting practices of the countries in which their business is done."

He added, "We have designed this solution to provide mid-sized businesses, as well as subsidiaries and divisions of large corporations with an exceptional tool that will give them a competitive advantage amidst the current economic condition."

The regional SMB market, which is expected to reach $10bn by 2009, poses tremendous growth prospects for Sage Software. Particularly, the company has recognised the Middle East's propensity to undertake massive strides in modernisation, especially in the SMB sector, which is projected to account for up to 80% of businesses in the Middle East by 2011. Earlier, the company announced sizeable global revenues for 2008, and has pointed towards the Middle East's ever-growing small and medium businesses (SMBs) as a potential-laden sector to target in its global expansion plans.

Supporting Windows, Unix and Linux platforms, 'Sage ERP X3' covers all of the planning, operational and administrative functional areas. The unique application integrates the planning, transaction and decision support functions of the organisation while simultaneously optimising the flow of information with customers, suppliers and other key business partners. The provision of this solution demonstrates Sage Software's commitment to offer customers a choice of high quality solutions, which meet their evolving needs and can be easily integrated with their existing IT infrastructure.

"Our aim is to tap into the regional SMB market not only by enhancing our current range of products but also through our strategic partnerships with leading resellers in rapidly growing markets such as the UAE. With the growth of SMBs and their IT spending, which is expected to rise by more than 33% in two years, we are committed to developing our business in the region by introducing more breakthrough technologies in managing enterprise, customer relationship and human resources," concluded Suri.