Odyssey now available across the GCC

Tapas Roy, COO of Raqmiyat, said: "Odyssey is the industry leader around the globe and 15 of the top 25 European banks use this software, as well as more than 125 leading financial institutions worldwide."

Odyssey provides market-leading solutions to the investment management community and its range of integrated business solutions include tools for portfolio and asset management.

Within its offering are Triple'A, a portfolio management programme that provides streamlined asset allocation processes, and Advisor, a customer relationship management system.

In UAE, National Bank of Dubai has already commenced live operations with both systems.

Roy said: "As with anything, sharper processes and more effective solutions allow for a more client-focused personal service. Consultants are then freed up from admin-based procedures to spend more face time with their clients.

"Triple'A has delivered proven benefits in terms of client satisfaction, client retention and new client acquisition - all good news in the increasingly competitive world of private investment."

Raqmiyat's move into the GCC with Odyssey is part of its managed expansion across portfolio and sector that should see its US$25 million turnover double within three years.

According to Roy, the company's moves to launch new software products to the region should see these ambitious targets become a reality.

He said: "After two decades in the UAE, we have built a reputation as an effective software and service provider. Now, we have put together an aggressive growth-orientated strategy to grow our product portfolio and customer base.

"We are currently a key player in the niche market of finance and banking solutions - but we intend to become more active in the broader regional software sector."

Raqmiyat is developing its line of own-brand software, with a number of new launches identified for 2004.

As well as providing innovative solutions and comprehensive third-party software, hardware and networking solutions, Raqmiyat has also established itself as the leading service provider for Migration Services for Microsoft products. In addition, Raqmiyat has recently significantly enhanced internal skill sets, focusing on services related to IBM Software Solutions.

The UAE-based Raqmiyat is a leading systems integration and IT services company, providing world-class business and technology solutions through partnerships with international firms.