Middle East banks explore new technologies to manage increasing competitive pressures

The events, scheduled for Abu Dhabi, on May 26, and Dubai, on May 27, will feature case studies delivered by Klaus Miserra, Sun's financial services practice manager for the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East & Africa (EMMA) region. Miserra will provide an overview of Sun's financial services and outline how newly-available software and hardware is affecting the industry in the Middle East.

Event attendees will also hear from a number of independent software vendors (ISVs) currently building financial solutions using the Sun technology platform. Thomas Been, senior consultant, Sybase France, will provide an introduction to his company's services, and help attendees understand how they can realize maximum value from their data assets by getting the right information to the right people at the right time.

"Sybase's direct experience in the banking industry has indicated that financial services organizations are technology-savvy, and want greater insight into the types of services that Sun solutions can enable. Together, Sybase and Sun offer complete professional financial services and solutions that encompass every phase of implementation, from planning to deployment and beyond. We plan to address the specific business needs of the banking sector with options that give maximum return on investment as well as flexibility during this time of regulatory and economic change," stated Been.

Web services, a significant new area of interest for financial services institutions, will also be discussed at the seminars.

In addition, Haitham Abdou, ITS' manager of strategic products development, will focus on how emerging technologies can support a customer-centric approach in the financial sector - a critical challenge for banks that wish to differentiate themselves in this increasingly competitive arena.

"The banking industry is being reshaped by new patterns of customer demand - both in the private and corporate sector - and companies that wish to stay competitive will need to adapt to this wave of change," said Abdou. "Financial services institutions are looking at new technology as a key enabler of better customer service, and this event will provide essential insights into this area."

The event comes at a key point in the development of the banking industry in the Middle East, when deregulation, increased competitive pressures and shifts in investment are combining to create major challenges and opportunities.

"Both regulatory changes and intense competition are significantly altering the landscape for the Middle East's financial sector. The event is targeted at decision-makers in the banking industry who want to keep on top of new advances in technology and ensure that their companies fully realize the benefits these can bring," commented Sun's Miserra.

Regional managers participating in the upcoming event also have the opportunity for one-on-one consultations with either Sun financial services experts or Sun partners with experience of developing banking solutions.