Global IT Companies to target USD7.9 Billion MENA IT market at GITEX 2004

"What started in 1981 as an exhibition that showcased 46 local exhibitors, GITEX now has a truly global stature and features more than 2000 exhibitors from countries that lead IT initiatives throughout the world. The exhibition in its current format is divided into GITEX Computer Shopper, which is purely focused on the needs of the individual home user, while GITEX targets the trade segment constituted by business managers, developers, technology vendors, channel professionals, web professionals, finance executives and more.

"With both these exhibitions, our promise is to create a valuable experience for all our attendees. We invite our trade visitors to go online on www.gitex.com and pre-register themselves for fast track admission to the exhibition," said a spokesperson from DWTC, organisers of GITEX.

The 24th edition of the event has a roster of exhibitor companies who understand the pulse of the market in the Middle East. Vendors touting Wireless Solutions, Security Software, ERP software, Personal Computers, Telecom Services, Data Storage, and IT Telephony will jostle for the visitors' mindspace along with a host of specialized offerings such as Arabic desktop publishing software, Arabic speech solutions etc.

With numbers looking stronger with combined visitor attendance potentially increasing by 20% to 200,000, exhibitors from 60 countries are anticipating that revenues from participation will be higher as well.

3Com, the leading provider of networking technology, announced recently that its presence at GITEX 2004 will be the most impressive ever, with a new range of enterprise-class products on display, including a broad range of IP telephony products, an expanded family of switches and routers, and updated wireless platforms. Key themes of 3Com's presence at this year's event will include security, enterprise-wide networking, wireless solutions, and voice-over-internet. The company will also be unveiling a number of world 'firsts' on its stand, with the Middle East premier of a number of break-through networking products.

'In 2004, 3Com won significant enterprise business through-out the Middle East, working with a number of leading banking, government, hospitality and educational organizations. GITEX 2004 is an ideal opportunity for us to demonstrate this wealth of expertise, and also to introduce visitors to our expanded range of network solutions,' said Wael Fakharany, regional manager, 3Com Middle East. 'The 3Com stand at GITEX will display a complete range of network telephony, wireless, security, and router products,' said Fakharany.

Similarly, GITEX Computer Shopper will see the global consumer electronics giant, Sony Corporation showcasing an array of its eclectic new generation digital product range at an exclusive, dedicated 'Sony World' arena.

Says Managing Director, Sony Gulf FZE, Mr. Masaru Tamagawa, 'The Middle East is a very discerning market and GITEX and Computer Shopper have always been ideal platforms for Sony to introduce and showcase its array of superior consumer electronics products. This year, `Sony World' will reflect our focus on high-end digital products which we consider as the engine of growth for Sony.'

Technologies major, Microsoft will double its presence at this year's GITEX in order to showcase Microsoft's vision of Integrated Innovation to visitors. Over 50 Microsoft partners will also be exhibiting their solutions on the stand.

The Microsoft stand will feature the latest product offerings from the company, as well as demos of upcoming products and a special future area that will showcase how Microsoft solutions will meet business needs in addition to enabling the offices and homes of the future.

'Microsoft's mission is to enable people and businesses to realize their full potential,' said Abdullatif Al Mulla, General Manager of Microsoft South Gulf. 'To achieve this, we create solutions that are innovative, leading the way in giving the end user more ways to get things done, integrated with other business solutions to provide a more powerful connected working environment, as well as being cost effective and secure. At this year's Gitex we will have our largest presence ever, to give visitors the chance to see how all of Microsoft's applications work together to as part of integrated solutions.'

Adds Philip Ashkar, director of sales and marketing, Acer Computer (M.E.) Ltd, "GITEX provides us with the platform to meet new customers and show them what we do. At Acer, we continue to return to GITEX because of the strong business benefits that the exhibition delivers. 'At Acer', our aim is to deliver customers in the Middle East with dependable IT solutions that empower people to reach their goals and enhance their lives.

At GITEX 2004, visitors will be able to see and test Acer's range of products including: desktop and mobile PCs, servers and storage, displays, peripherals, and e-business solutions for business, government, education, and home users.