U.S. Robotics to extend its channel reach in Saudi Arabia

Representatives of the vendor will meet with potential channel partners at GITEX Saudi Arabia, which is to be held from April 24 to 28, 2005 in Riyadh, in order to improve the coverage of all parts of the KSA market.

"Distribution and retail are already well represented in the Riyadh market for U.S. Robotics but we would like to recruit more ISP's and VAR's to offer our wireless solutions," said Hishamul Hasheel, Technical Sales Manager, Middle East, U.S. Robotics.

"The networking market in Saudi Arabia is growing at a rapid pace. Moreover, with increased internet penetration in the country, the SOHO (small office home office) and SMB (small and medium business) segments for wireless networking are growing exponentially. These market segments are traditionally a high technology stronghold," explained Hasheel. "Channel expansion will assist U.S. Robotics in effectively tapping into this market growth."

"2005 year is a significant year technologically for the U.S. Robotics product portfolio. Several revolutionary new products will be introduced into the Middle East markets, including the MAXg product line for wireless networks. To support the smooth induction of these new technologies in the relatively low capital intensive SOHO and SMB segments, we are committed to establishing a chain of channel partners who can provide on-ground pre and post-sales technical support to customers in Saudi Arabia," added Hasheel.

In Saudi Arabia, U.S. Robotics products are currently available with Jarir Book Store, CompuME, Extra and Electro power retailers. The company has two in-country distributors, namely Advanced Integrated Media (AIM), Essam Arabian Projects (ESAP), in KSA. The Kingdom is also served through U.S. Robotics' regional distributors TechData, APTEC, and Al-Massa. Under the expansion plans, the vendor will be exploring the option of appointing new retailers, in Saudi Arabia, especially in Jeddah and the Eastern Province.