2006
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Mena region IT worth $26.8bn
The Information Technology market in the Middle East and Africa is currently worth around $26.8bn and is predicted to grow significantly in the next few years. According to Dr Philip Van Heerden, a senior analyst at the IDC, the Middle East is now the third fastest growing region in the world.
HP, Dubai World deal
HP Middle East has agreed a deal with Dubai World, whereby all Dubai World companies will have one centralised, standardised cost centre and increased manageability for all IT resources through a new technology infrastructure. Dubai World has adopted new Superdome servers for its core infrastructure and the project actually went live last month.
Etisalat cuts business rates
Etisalat has revealed that, from January 1, off peak rates will be introduced for all international calls for business customers, resulting in discounts of up to 35%. Etisalat will also revise its monthly rental fees for business direct exchange lines to Dhs50. These pricing revisions have already been approved by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
Tejari e-Exhibition for Sharjah
Tejari has signed a deal with the Expo Centre Sharjah which it says will give exhibitors access to an online exhibition and marketing portal. Exhibitors will get access to Tejari's online marketplace through the portal, allowing them to advertise, buy and sell their products.
CA risk assessment at Gitex
CA is offering a free storage risk assessment to Gitex participants who pre-register on its website ca.com/arabworld/gitex2006. CA says the assessment helps organisations evaluate their risk level around data protection and information management. The IT management software company is also headline sponsor of the Arab Technology Awards on 19 November.
Du to charge per second
UAE telco Du says it will charge out mobile phone calls on a per-second basis, which could allow it to offer lower calling rates than Etisalat, its only competitor, according to Gulf News. The company has still not fixed a launch date, citing unresolved technical issues over sharing infrastructure with Etisalat. Du struck a deal with Axiom Telecom to distribute its products in the UAE.
Etisalat, time-based Internet
Etisalat has introduced a new time-based Al Shamil broadband package for home users. It allows access to high speed Internet based on a 15-hour time limit. Etislalat sends a warning via e-mail to users nearing limits, and extra time can be purchased.
Mindware to market Kingston
Mindware has signed a deal with Kingston Technology, a maker of memory and digital media products, to distribute its products in the Middle East and North Africa, the company said in statement. Kingston manufactures more than 2,000 memory items that support computers, servers, printers, MP3 players, digital cameras and mobile phones.
Banks big at Gitex
Banks are gearing up for a bigger showing in the consumer segment at this year's Gitex technology trade event in Dubai, according to Gulf News. There will be nearly double the number of banks compared to last year, said a Dubai World Trade Centre official. Organisers expect sales to increase by 20% at Gitex Shopper and Consumer Electronics Expo, due in part to lending programmes by banks.
Jumbo, prizes and bigger stand
Dubai-based Jumbo Electronics is putting up Dhs0.5m worth of prizes to celebrate 16 years at Gitex Computer Shopper, the retail arm of Gitex. Jumbo's stand this year will be 20% bigger to accommodate the latest products from major consumer electronics and technology firms.
Gitex spawns ICT growth
ICT spend in the Middle East will reach $16.8bn by 2010, according to IDC figures. Gitex, the major ICT exhibition in Dubai, will have 16% more exhibitors this year when the event opens on 18 November, say organisers. Exhibits will be spread over 33% more space than last year. GulfComms, in its inaugural year, will provide a B2B platform for the telecommunications market.
Nawras, 200 roaming partners
Oman-based telecoms provider Nawras says it has 200 international mobile roaming partners, offering a major coverage of Omani leisure and business travel destinations, Oman Daily Observer reported. Nawras offers a GPRS data roaming service and a prepaid roaming service.
Security spend to grow 38%
IT Security spend in the GCC will grow by 38% to $153.2m in 2006, according to IDC figures cited by Gulf News. Cisco, Juniper and Symantec hold around 48% of the market share in security software and appliances, the report said. The banking sector was the biggest market for security products.
Toshiba tops the ME
Toshiba is the fastest-growing notebook vendor in the Middle East, with 99% year on year growth according to IDC figures, the company said in statement. Toshiba was also back in the top spot for overall sales in Q3. Acer was the UAE's biggest seller of both notebooks and desktops for Q3, holding 21.2% of the market.
Internet calls not yet
The UAE has no immediate plans to lift the ban on VoIP phone calls, according to Minister of Communications Sultan Saeed Al Mansouri quoted by Emirates Today. He said the country's two telcos would be 'badly affected' by the introduction of the internet call service, and a decision would be taken at the 'right time' through the Telecom Regulatory Authority.
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