Bahrain Government signs agreement with Cisco Systems

His Excellency Shaikh Ahmed Bin Ateyatallah Al Khalifa, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, recently met with Mr. Duncan Mitchell, Vice President of Cisco Systems for the emerging markets in the Middle East, to discuss cooperation and exchange of expertise between Bahrain and the world's leading technology provider.

The agreement, considered to be the first if its kind in the region, will also serve as a template for Cisco in future agreements with governments across the globe.

H.E. Shaikh Ahmed Bin Ateyatallah Al Khalifa described the agreement as a leading step toward the electronic integration of the public sector establishments within the strategy of the Bahrain e-Government Authority, noting that all government agencies will benefit from Cisco's leading ICT experience to support their infrastructure projects, helping to strengthen the national economy and create employment opportunities for Bahrainis.

"Through this partnership, we are seeking modern solutions that are both flexible and easy to manage in order to accommodate our expansion plans,"

said Al Qaed.

"We are confident that these needs will be met by Cisco's renowned networking solutions. This step will help implement a fully integrated and economical communications system, thereby allowing us to grow even further."

"Because we will be dealing with a reduced number of suppliers through one company, technical troubleshooting and problem-solving will be much simpler and cost-effective because the agreement stipulates that Cisco experts be available in the Kingdom at all times to provide any technical support needed," Al Qaed explained.

"Over the past year, Cisco and the Bahrain government have started to define a national technology blueprint that would help foster a culture of innovation and business efficiency and position the kingdom for future growth opportunities," said Mr. Mitchell.

"With less than one million citizens, the Bahrain government's efforts in applying innovation will help enable the kingdom to become a regional center for excellence and economic advancement."