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ME telcos repel business
Restrictive regional telcos are driving businesses away, according to Olivier Campenon, British Telecom's regional President. BT is expanding its presence in the Middle East, opening an office in Dubai. High prices are slowing down expansion, but Campenon is optimistic that Middle East markets will liberalise.
Apple of the eye
The continued success of the ipod is encouraging more people to try Apple technology, according to Mohammed Ramadan, GM, Evo. Apple's switch to an Intel-based platform means Apple computers can now run Windows, attracting even more converts.
HP focus on ME
In terms of growth, the Middle East stacks up favourably against China and India, according to Anil Gandhi, GM PSG, HP ME. Gandhi says the sheer size of HP helps it compete and grow in the region.
Palm's regional renaissance
After closing its Middle East office five months ago, Palm is re-strengthening its presence in the region through a distribution agreement with ITE Distribution. ITE marketing director Anne Jafery looks at the prospects for Palm in an increasingly competitive handheld and smartphone market.
Cisco goes for Gulf
The degree of investment and number of new projects taking place in the Gulf make it a clear focus for international companies, according to Mohsen Moazami, VP Internet Business Solutions Group, Cisco Systems. Moazami says that while the UAE doesn't enjoy the same advantage of scale as India, it can still play an important role in business process and IT outsourcing.
Wonders of WiMAX
WiMAX, a new wireless internet technology, will help big cities and remote villages alike to get online. Abdul Jarrar, Regional Manager Government Affairs, Intel, explains how it works.
Publish on demand
Digital printing on demand is giving businesses greater flexibility, and making self-publishing increasingly affordable for wannabe authors. Chris Govier, Production Business Manager, Xerox ME&A, says digital printing is opening up the market to out-of-print and limited print run books.
The X factor
In every market there is a top five percent which demands the latest, fastest, most advanced technology, according Scott Davis, VP Worldwide Sales, Western Digital. Davis reveals how Western Digital targets this segment, seen as the key target market for its Raptor X hard drive.
CA looks to Lebanon
Computer Associates chose to establish its new pre-sales support centre in Lebanon, due to its highly skilled and multilingual workforce. Gilbert Lacroix, Regional Vice President, CA, says having the right solutions, partners and infrastructure will help the company achieve its aggressive 50% growth targets over the next three years.
Satellite video streaming
High quality video streaming and broadband internet can now be carried out anywhere in the region, with Inmarsat's latest BGAN product. Samer Halawi, Regional Director, Inmarsat explains how the 2.8kg device represents the next generation of satellite video phones, set to revolutionise news reporting.
Green and mean
HP's large format printers are getting greener and meaner, using less solvent and printing at much higher speeds. Wim Heuninck, Business Manager EMEA IPG, HP, looks at the opportunities in the Middle East market for large format printers and outdoor printing.
Flash the future
Flash memory capacity will continue to double every twelve months for the next couple of years, according to Nelson Chan, Exec VP & GM, SanDisk. Chan says digital cameras, USB drives and mp3 players are among the main markets driving growth. Durability is also a driver: with some Flash cards surving trips into space.
Beam up with Bgan
From the highest mountain to the deepest desert, broadband mobile internet is now available across the region with Inmarsat's Bgan service. Regional director Samer Halawi says the service is aimed at people working in isolated areas, such as oil industry workers and field-based personnel.
Need to understand culture
International businesses need to understand Middle East culture and closely cooperate with local people to grow their businesses, according to Barbara Schaedler, Chief Marketing Officer, Fujitsu Siemens Computers. Schaedler says the regional consumer market is more price sensitive than elsewhere, meaning that a careful product strategy is necessary.
Sun rises at eCompany
Being the best in the region is no longer enough, as internet service providers have to compete at an international level, according to Abdulla Hashim, Senior Manager, eCompany. eCompany recently became the first service provider in the Middle East and North Africa region to achieve SunTone certification, after an 18-month process.
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