• HSBC

Novell strengthens partner network in Middle East to boost growth

  • United Arab Emirates: Sunday, October 03 - 2004 at 09:04
  • PRESS RELEASE

Novell, the leading provider of information solutions, announced today at GITEX Dubai 2004 that it continues to appoint new channel partners to support the growing demand in the Middle East for Linux-based solutions.

"As more Middle East customers assess Linux as a viable alternative, local support and technical skills are regarded to be of major importance," said Steve Brown, regional vice president, Novell Middle East. "By expanding our channel network, we can offer businesses in the Middle East greater levels of support to enable them to accelerate the realization of their Linux strategies."

At the region's largest IT trade exhibition, Novell announced a number of significant strategic partnerships, further strengthening their regional presence. Recent appointments to the new Novell Partner Program include Bahrain's Almoayyed Computers, Saudi Arabia's Jeraisy Computer and Communication Services, Kuwait's Al-Faris Information Technologies, Qatar's Computer and Office Systems Group, and Egypt's ValueSYS. Here in the UAE, Alpha Data Processing Services, Enigmatis, Oasys, Pinnacle Computer Systems and Global Challenges have all joined the new Novell Partner Programme.

Almasa Network Solutions, headquartered in Dubai with regional offices in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait and Lebanon, joined Mindware and Aptec SA last month as Novell's Regional Distributors. Almassa will be focusing on Novell's Linux solutions and will proactively support the expanding Linux channel.

Commenting on it's partnership with Novell, Haitham Al-Faris, Chairman, President, and CEO, Al-Faris, Kuwait, said: "Al-Faris Information Technologies Company has been a certified Business Expert with Novell for more than 15 years. We believe that our partnership with Novell has helped change the Kuwait IT landscape by providing our customers with cutting edge enterprise network infrastructure and a foundation for secure, scaleable, identity management and Linux solutions."

Confidence in Linux was further supported by KSN Prasad, General Manager at Alpha Data, UAE. "On hearing that Novell had acquired SUSE, I was convinced that Linux was here to stay. The coming together of Novell and SUSE, two of the most respected companies in their fields, gave us the confidence to invest in training our staff and promoting Novell Linux to our large customer base that are now looking into deploying Linux. I am confident that Novell, with its comprehensive range of tested and proven applications for Linux, will be the leader in the Linux world."

"We believe that Novell's Linux strategy and its channel partners will help Egyptian companies realise IT strategies that take advantage of Linux and open source software without limiting future infrastructure choices. Working together with Novell, Egyptian companies will be able to address key business problems, including burgeoning IT infrastructure management and hardware costs, security and stability concerns, regulatory compliance and vendor flexibility with regards to future IT plans and roadmaps," Wael Hosny, Chief Executive Officer, ValueSYS, Egypt

At GITEX Dubai 2004, Novell is offering free Linux training for all new partners that join the Novel Partner Program during the show. Taking part in the show, in hall 8 stand F8-1, Novell will highlight how organizations can leverage the security, reliability, value and flexibility of open source with confidence, knowing they have the backing of a global leader like Novell.

"Being present at GITEX 2004 gives Novell the unique chance to discuss with our channel partners the most critical business issues, from how to reduce cost and complexity to securing information and managing enterprises more efficiently," said Brown.

Visitors to the show can take part in live on-stand demonstrations from a team of Novell experts and get the opportunity to meet with some of the organization's senior executives. Experts from Novell will present demonstrations on everything from Novell Linux Desktop and Enterprise Linux Platforms to Service Orientated Architecture and Identity Management.

Informal discussion sessions covering a range of topics - from the Ximian and SUSE acquisitions, and upcoming release of Novell's Open Enterprise Server (expected to be shipped by the end of this year), to Novell's one Net world vision - will also be hosted by Novell.

With customers including American Honda, Bank One, British Telecom, Canon Business Solutions, Cathay Pacific, City of Los Angeles, Lufthansa, Michelin, Nissan, Star Alliance and the UK Ministry of Defence, Novell has expertise in meeting the requirements of organizations from key vertical sectors.
Steve Brown - Vice President, Middle East for Novell. 
Steve Brown - Vice President, Middle East for Novell.
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Notes and Media Contacts »

Press Contact:
Susan McGuire
Novell Regional Marketing Manager
UK, Ireland, Middle East & Africa
Tel: 44-1344--724153

Dubai Contact:
Camilla d'Abo
d' Events
Tel: 050 4570906

About Al Faris Information Technologies Co.
Al-Faris Information Technologies is a Kuwaiti Shareholding Company (Closed) and was founded in July 1988. Al-Faris Information Technologies Co. is the leader in delivering "Innovative eBusiness Solutions" for growing enterprises. We build scaleable and innovative eBusiness solutions that are based on "best of breed" technology with superior service that create massive economic results to the clients. We integrate our innovative open and flexible solutions of relationship management, electronic commerce and application hosting with our client corporate business and information system so they can capitalize on the Internet technologies to transform the way they support their customers, develop their markets, and build their business to stay competitive.

About Almasa Network Solutions (a division of Almasa IT Distribution FZCO)
Almasa was founded in 1996, Almasa Distribution's rapid expansion and commitment to service excellence, has positioned the company to be the reseller's first choice for sourcing leading IT hardware and networking solutions in the Middle East. Dedicated to the reseller channel, Almasa Distribution consistently delivers expert logistics to fulfill the differing requirements of the market and demands for quick product turnaround. Headquartered in Dubai, Almasa Distribution has warehousing facilities in Jebel Ali Free Zone and regional offices in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait and Lebanon. With the development of the regional offices over the coming year, the company has secured an enviable position of being close to their customers and providing localised in-country services. Almasa Distribution's international network extends to offices in Europe and the Far East.

About Almoayyed Computers
Almoayyed Computers ushered in the information technology age in the Kingdom of Bahrain in 1979. Starting as a pioneer, Almoayyed Computers has taken a leadership position in always offering the best solutions to its customers. With a comprehensive portfolio of products & service offerings that meet enterprise wide IT needs, Almoayyed Computers deliver one-stop solutions, from strategy to execution. Almoayyed Computers remain the trusted partner of a vast majority of IT users in Bahrain.

About Alpha Data Processing Services
Alpha Data processing Services is one of the largest IT solutions companies in the UAE. We have a staff population of over 350 qualified professionals and profits in excess of 250 million. Alpha Data has six core areas of expertise: Telecom, Radio, Networking, Cabling, Enterprise Solutions, and Audio Visual. Through these core fields, we aim to provide our clients with the best possible solutions to match their business needs.

About Aptec SA
Aptec SA founded in 1996 with regional office located in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with branch operations in Dammam and Jeddah. Aptec SA rapid expansion and commitment to service excellence, has positioned the company to be the resellers first choice for sourcing leading IT hardware and software solutions in the Saudi Arabia. Dedicated to the reseller channel, Aptec SA consistently delivers expert logistics to fulfill the differing requirements of the market and demands for quick product turnaround. Our terms of trading require that we do not supply end-users directly, all supply being through computer resellers. These partners are typically Business Suppliers, Value Added Resellers, Retailers and System Assemblers.

About The Computer & Office Systems Group (COS) of Mannai Corporation
The Computer & Office Systems Group based in Doha, Qatar provides IT Services, telecommunication equipment, office automation products and office interiors. IT activities of Mannai started in 1983 in association with Systime - UK who were an OEM for Digital Equipment Corporation. In 1987, Mannai became the authorized distributor for Digital Equipment Corporation and subsequently for Compaq. With the merger of Compaq and HP, Mannai are now the authorized dealers for HP and Compaq products. This covers Intel based hardware and Unix based Enterprise Servers.

About Enigmatis
Enigmatis based in Dubai is the leading packaged solution provider in the Middle East, offering complete and rapidly implemented solutions for e-Business, database and information management, CRM, email/collaboration, security, and back office systems. All solutions are Novell Linux-based, which makes them reliable, scalable and affordable, with a swift return on investment.

About Global Challenges
Global Challenges is an IT solution provider headquartered in Dubai delivering implementation, migration, corporate training and support services on Novell SUSE LINUX, Novell NetWare and related technologies. As a Novell Business Partner in UAE, Global Challenges offers total enterprise solutions centered at Novell NetWare and Novell SUSE LINUX platforms. With Novell's acquisition of SUSE LINUX and Ximian, Global Challenges is now empowered to offer industry's complete Linux offerings from server thru desktop. Our investments into advanced methodologies, best practices and partnerships with industry majors allow us to grow our core competencies and facilities to be the 'Best of Breed'.

About Jeraisy Computer & Communication Services (JCCS)
In 1977, a computer division was added to the existing lines of operations in Riyadh House Est. In 1983, Jeraisy Computer & Communication Services (JCCS) was established as an independent entity. Today, JCCS is one of the largest companies of its kind in Saudi Arabia, providing its customer, networking and communication technologies. JCCS success is based on the consistent approach of offering customers superior quality products and excellent service.

About Mindware
Headquartered in Dubai Internet City, Mindware has developed sales and distribution networks across the region to serve their customers face to face. Their coverage spans across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Cyprus and North Africa. Mindware's office opening in Lebanon in 2000 was the beginning of the company's expansion plans, which continued with the opening of Mindware's Saudi Arabia office in 2003 and a representative office in Egypt. Future expansion plans include Kuwait.

About Overseas Business Machines
Overseas Business Machines known as well by MDS Holdings is an international IT sales and support organization which operates in 20 countries and has 86 subsidiaries worldwide with a total of 1389 highly qualified staff. MDS Holdings has established a strong presence in Africa, Eastern and Central Europe, Lebanon, Central Asia and the Middle-east. MDS first started as an interbureau (Olivetti) in 1967, in 1978 it became known as Mideast Data Systems finally it evolved to MDS Holdings in 1992.

About Oasys
Oasys is an IT services company dedicated solely to Linux and Open Source solutions for the Enterprise. Despite being started in late 2003 at the Dubai Internet City, it relies on the long experience of its team in IT both at the academic research and the enterprise systems levels; our staff is composed of experienced and certified Unix/Linux developers and systems and security engineers.

About Pinnacle Computer Systems
Pinnacle Computer Systems LLC is an IT solutions provider established in 1995; providing end to end solutions including computer systems, networking, internet, storage, security solutions and application/ERP solutions. We translate these advanced solutions and technologies into value for our customers through our professional solutions and services. Novell SUSE LINUX fits very well into our spectrum of technology solutions; catering to a market segment which requires reliable and scaleable open-source solutions with the advantage of reduced software and operational costs, backed by a reputed company known for the quality of their solutions.

About ADB
ADB FZ-LLC is leading IT Solutions Company that provides Mobile Computing, Security and Wireless services to Enterprises and Governments. Headquartered at the Dubai Internet City, U.A.E., ADB has emerged as a formidable force in the IT sector, offering its solutions through channel partners in over twenty countries across the Middle East and Africa.

About Gulf Business Machines
With roots stretching back for more than 60 years, Gulf Business Machines is the Sole Distributor for IBM Products and services in the Gulf countries excluding Saudi Arabia. As the largest locally situated IT solutions and service provider, it satisfies the technology requirements of local, regional and international businesses and governments in the region. The company's comprehensive portfolio of IT solutions and services are complemented by a unique affiliation with an IBM community of more than 325,000 IT experts, as well as a number of international business partners. The company offers award-winning, globally acclaimed solutions and the security of its strong regional presence, extensive reach and its unrivalled market knowledge.

About ValueSYS
ValueSYS is a solutions provider for ERP. We are an Oracle Partner and one of the leading companies for Oracle implementation in the Middle East. Based on four years of a successful experience in Egypt and KSA, we expanded our operation in KSA by opening a new branch with Egyptian /Saudi partner ship. We implemented Oracle ERP for different types of business (Distribution, Manufacturing, CRM, Medical, Agriculture and Holding Companies). Our main strength is based on qualified resources deployed for different business and technical ERP areas. Customer's satisfaction is our success.

About Novell
Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL) is a leading provider of information solutions that deliver secure identity management (Novell Nsure™), Web application development (Novell exteNd™) and cross-platform networking services (Novell Nterprise™), all supported by strategic consulting and professional services (Novell NgageSM). Active in the open source community with its XimianŽ and SUSE LINUX brands, Novell provides a full range of Linux products and services for the enterprise, from the desktop to the server. Novell's vision of one Net - a world without information boundaries - helps customers realize the value of their information securely and economically. For more information, call Novell's Middle East headquarters on (++971) 04 3901020 or visit http://www.novell.com. Press should visit http://www.novell.com/pressroom.

Novell and Ximian are registered trademarks; exteNd, Nsure, Nterprise and Red Carpet Enterprise are trademarks; and Ngage is a service mark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SUSE is a registered trademark of SUSE LINUX AG. *All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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