Leading IT experts attend annual technology trends update

More than 100 Bahrain-based IT experts, including systems and IT administrators, CIOs and IT infrastructure/backup administrators, attended the EMC-VMWare 'Private Cloud Computing' event run by US IT giant EMC Corporation and coordinated by Hilal Computers, one of the leading computer hardware and software systems integrators and solution providers in Bahrain.

Private Cloud Computing is a method of storing data and other computer resources on virtual (I e Internet-based) hardware, without needing a physical hard disk. Businesses benefit because they do not need to invest in hardware, software and services, instead paying only for the virtual services they use. A virtual data storage platform is also perceived as being more secure.

Gulf-based speakers from EMC delivered presentations on the latest trends and services relevant to today's cost-conscious business environment. These included a presentation on VMWare, a software platform developed by EMC which facilitates virtual data storage; Data Deduplication, an increasingly popular tool which improves an organisation's data storage capabilities and capacity and reduces costs; and EMC Global Financial Services, a scheme which provides financial assistance to businesses purchasing EMC software and systems.

Ali Abdulla, IT Manager at Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) who also delivered a presentation, said his participation in the event was testimony to the first-class services provided by Hilal Computers to the TRA over the course of a two-year partnership.

"Hilal Computers has consistently delivered what was promised, often with short turnaround times," he explained.

Geoff Milne, General Manager, Al Hilal Group, said:

"When we talk about cloud computing we talk about embracing the full power of the Internet to provide a service for clients to minimise their hardware requirement. Hilal is looking to take a leadership position in the local market in cloud computing and embrace this paradigm shift in the way data is stored."

Hardy Koshy, General Manager, Hilal Computers, said, "Hilal Computers' high-level involvement in this important knowledge sharing process reflects our elevated status as an established EMC partner in Bahrain."

Koshy added, "Never before has this annual EMC event been more relevant, sharing knowledge of services and solutions which can assist organisations to cut costs, improve operational efficiency and make data more secure."

"Hilal Computers is honoured to be a part of this process and provide sparks for fresh ideas going forward," he concluded.