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Over 80% of leading global ICT brands are expected at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from October 14-18, with the exhibitors and speakers list packed with industry heavyweights such as Facebook, Google, Cisco, Dell, and more. DWTC estimates that 1,000 launches will take place during Gitex.
Big Data in focus at Gitex
Among several prominent trends in IT, Big Data is set to be at the top of this year's agenda. A staggering 1.8 zettabytes (1.8 trillion gigabytes) of digital information was created globally last year and, over the next decade, the number of files managed by enterprise data centres will grow 50 times over.
Gitex's Cloud Confex, is the 'largest cloud computing forum in the world' and is putting Big Data top of the agenda this year, according to Yvonne Zeljkovic, DWTC's Director of Exhibitions.
"Last year the big focus was on cloud security and this year it's big data - how to manage the enormous amounts of information that companies are dealing with - and the consumerisation of IT, which focuses on how technology is affecting consumers and the crossover between business and personal life," Zeljkovic told AMEinfo.com.
The buzz surrounding SMEs is almost on par. The current trend to support and facilitate small-to-medium sized enterprises in the region, as a key to drive the economy and boost employment.
The SME Zone is being officially launched at this year's event, following last year's successful trial run. Tailored to maximise return on investment, the new feature will serve as a conduit for SME ICT businesses from MEA to engage with a high concentration of influential investors.
"Gitex this year is definitely SME focussed," explained Zeljkovic. "We're making sure to be a platform for small-to-medium enterprises. We've expanded the SME zone, launched last year, which will entice a lot of SMEs into the event - having a focussed sector is ideal for networking."
Gitex welcomes InfoComm and ITU
Following its regional debut alongside Gitex Technology Week last year, InfoComm MEA returns to the region. The event is a joint collaboration with Dubai World Trade Centre in an effort by the international association of pro AudioVisual and information communication industries to help AV professionals and end-users in the region to keep abreast of latest developments and expand their skills and knowledge.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecom World 2012 will also debut alongside the other two events as part the drive to offer more lucrative opportunities for investors and global companies, according to DWTC CEO Helal Saeed Almarri.
"Over its successful 32 years, GITEX Technology Week has been a catalyst and influence in growing technology tourism and strengthening trade ties with Africa as the continent experiences an ICT boom. It's growing international impact has also led to the strategic co-location of the ITU Telecom World 2012, the leading platform for high-level networking, strategic debate and knowledge-sharing for the global ICT community, which will take place for the first time in Dubai alongside Gitex," he said.
Steven Bond, Reporter
