Cisco Systems' successful project with Bahrain's MTC Vodafone allowed Cisco to demonstrate the speed of installation of its business-ready solutions. Massimo Migliuolo, Vice President Worldwide Mobile, Cisco, believes mobility is about the capability to deliver to the end-user across multiple accesses.
FileNet enjoyed strong interest at GITEX 2004 for its new Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solutions. FileNet also demonstrated Business Process Management, and the key message that it is much more than workflow. Giancarlo Sassi, Presales Director, Filenet EMEA, says governments and telcos remain the most promising sectors for growth.
Linux is an increasing threat to Microsoft, according to IBM, with the open source alternative encouraging creativity and innovation in software development. IBM has spent US$2 billion since 1999 on making sure its technology is optimised for Linux. Richard S Voaden, Manager Linux, IBM UK says the current agenda is increasingly for open standards, allowing more choice and flexibility.
Cisco Systems worked closely with Qatar Telecom (Qtel) to implement Qtel's new data centre. Several leading edge technologies were deployed as part of Cisco's Business Ready Data Centre Initiative. Sam Alkharrat , Regional Sales Manager, Cisco, says Qtel's Data Centre will meet current and future needs.
Intel sees GITEX as a great opportunity to spread its digital message and products such as the 64-bit Itanium. But Brian Harrison, General Manager, Intel EMEA, says 64-bit won't be put into consumer-end products until robust and proven software is available. Intel is enjoying solid regional growth, and believes the Middle East is still under-penetrated with PCs.
eSys Technologies has a three-pronged strategy to expand its presence in Iraq. It includes building more infrastructure in the region as well as setting up service centres in Iraq. Pavan Gupta, General Manager, eSys Technologies, says the worsening security situation is delaying certain plans, but its overall strategy remains firm.
Personal storage will be the next big thing in IT, according to hard drive manufacturer Maxtor, due to increasing concern about the safety and privacy of data. Didier Trassaert, Vice President, Maxtor EMEA, says as computer use at work and home has matured to multimedia, traditional limited storage devices are no longer an option.
Small-to-medium businesses (SMB) are seen as a major growth opportunity by Cisco Systems. Cisco recently unveiled a new line of solutions for SMBs in the Middle East. John C Mason, Vice President, Cisco Commercial Line of Business, Europe, says converged video, voice and data solutions can really help regional businesses grow and prosper.
Nevotek, Cisco Systems' strategic software development partner, is demonstrating several innovative programs for Cisco's IP telephony handsets. They range from industry-specific solutions such as hotel applications, to live weather forecasts and even games. Alburak Ucer, Regional Sales Manager, Nevotek, says the only limit is imagination.
Fujitsu Siemens' regional strategy is based on two pillars: mobility and business critical computing. Habib Bouchrara, Vice President International Sales, Fujitsu Siemens, says the company plans to reinforce its channel penetration and channel partner business, as well as developing its large enterprise business.
Cisco's intelligent network strategy aims to transform ICT by leveraging the network for intelligent services. Cisco even runs an "IQ" test to identify weaker networks. Mark de Simone, Cisco's Vice President EMEA, believes the Middle East presents a huge opportunity with the current liberalisation of telcos, as well as large scale public sector adoption of technology.
Nokia Networks identifies several trends in the Middle East , in particular a need to expand capacity that has seen the creation of several licenses. Dr Walid Moneimne, Senior Vice President, Nokia Networks EMEA, says the region presents a huge opportunity with mobile users set to double over the next four years.
US Robotics is creating products to help home users create networks for gaming and internet sharing, without having to call in a network engineer. Peter Blampied, Director Sales & Operations, US Robotics EMEA, predicts a big rise in teleworking and videoconferencing over the next few years, as well as growth in demand for intelligent security systems.
Linux is having a huge impact in the Middle East, with rapidly increasing demand for the open-source software. Steve Brown, Vice President, Novell Europe, ME & South Africa, says Linux offers a valid alternative to organisations looking to change. Novell is showcasing its largest range of solutions, as well as announcing a number of strategic partnerships.
AMD's Athlon FX is generally considered the fastest PC desktop processor on the market, making AMD chips the choice of gamers worldwide. But the company has suffered from misconceptions that AMD chips are less powerful than rival Intel Pentiums, partly due to AMD's lower pricing. AMD Regional Director Pierre Brunswick looks at AMD's strategy, and the 64-bit future.
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Experts say the persistence of a thriving grey market for business jets in the Middle East remains the biggest hurdle to the growth of the sector in the region.
The 13th Congress of the Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation (MESOT) was inaugurated by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher...
Qatar is an oil-rich peninsula jutting out into the Gulf between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The majority of the country consists of sand dunes and salt flats.