Strategic ICT Partner
Technology Partners
60 Mins Show dates: 14-18 October 2012, Dubai World Trade Centre
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| AT GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK | Exhibition hours: 11am -7pm
IBM makes social media push Enterprises in the Middle East need to realise that social media can be as influential to their business as it was to the Arab Spring, according to Christopher Crummey, Executive Director of Global Sales, IBM Social Business and Web Experience. Crummey pointed to the Arab Spring as a key example of the sheer power of social media and said those tools can also be powerful to an organisation. “Corporations are starting to realise that one of the powers of social media in a personal sense also applies to business - and that’s speed. The reason why the social media was so influential in the Arab Spring was speed, so why wouldn’t you utilise that same tool for business?” Crummey said. IBM possesses the number one social product, its worldwide IBM Connections platform, according to IDC, and it is the biggest champion of the power of social in enterprise. “Organisations can bring a product to market 20% faster when implementing social business. It’s the flow of information across conventional barriers that allow that to happen. It’s a different way of working and it’s far more productive,” Cremmey said.
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“Our platform gives an organisation a social platform and the key is this is a major factor in attracting young talent. We call it the Sunday to Monday experience – where you’re at home on Sunday night checking you social media and you want the same experience on Monday morning when you come into work. So it’s a way to maintain and attract really good talent, as part of that strategy.” Whilst social business may not be directly noted to on CIOs’ lists of priorities, it definitely links in with other significant focuses, according to Cremmey. “We’ve seen that social is on the
list of CIO priorities, but what flushes out is other things like innovation. So you may not see social business on a CIO’s list of priorities but there are aspects like innovation where it links heavily in. “Social business is all about taking social media and applying it to both externally and internally. So it’s not just LinkedIn and Facebook, but it’s how do organisations actually behave differently on the inside. They can do micro blogging securely on the inside and they reduce their email usage. It’s applying the success of social media, but to 4 CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
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IBM makes social media push internal business processes.” Cremmey also pointed to the Middle East as a key market in IBM’s growth and the push of its social platform. “If you look at what IBM has done in terms of its overall business strategy, the Middle East has been one of the biggest growth markets for us. It’s really important for us to make sure that we give our growth markets the support that they need. “Every region is different in terms of their adoption strategies on certain things. The maturity curve in this region is very high. To me, you deal with certain parts of the world and they are early adopters on the technology side – and that’s why GITEX is so big and important because of that technology adoption.”
StorIT signs Moonwalk The data storage specialist VAD StorIT has signed a strategic distributor partnership agreement with Moonwalk, a company that specialises in large-scale data management solutions at GITEX. The new partnership is expected to give businesses in the Middle East and North African (MENA) regions access to more efficient data management and archiving solutions. Under the terms of the agreement, StorIT will exclusively distribute the diverse range of large-scale data solutions of Moonwalk Inc., which are now widely being used across various industry segments like banking, healthcare, government, research & development, education and resources. Moonwalk is a single technology implementation of data management policies that can be designed and installed to fit specific requirements of any organization. Moonwalk is
Bobby Joseph, CEO, StorIT expected to complement StorIT’s service and product offering in the Enterprise Storage, archiving and cloud space. According to StorIT senior executives, the company has discovered the power and ease of delivering end-to-end storage solutions by coupling the Moonwalk software with their own product offerings, which provides complete file archive systems that serve as an alternative to costly Tier 1
storage infrastructure. Moonwalk Inc. now joins StorIT’s leading portfolio of vendors, which includes EMC, Quantum, Mellanox and QLogic. “Entering into this strategic new alliance with Moonwalk Inc. gives us the advantage of offering a unique product that addresses the need to manage complex, data management through the tiers of storage and is comparatively economical as it is a software only solution,” said Bobby Joseph, CEO, StorIT. “Our participation at this year’s edition of GITEX is made more fruitful with the signing of this new distributor agreement, which ably reflects our continuing move to partner with leading engaging brands and help strenghten our leadership across the MENA data storage segment. We remain confident and look forward to the positive results of this partnership with Moonwalk.”
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Veeam launches new release of backup and replication solution Veeam Software, which provides backup, replication and virtualization management solutions for VMware vSphere and Windows Server Hyper-V, has announced at GITEX that Veeam Backup & Replication 6.5 will be available in Q4 2012. Veeam has brought a number of its firsts for the show, including new Veeam Backup & Replication 6.5. The new release includes new restore capabilities for Microsoft Exchange, and HP StoreVirtual VSA and LeftHand snapshots. Another significant addition is support for VMware vSphere 5.1 and Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V, making Veeam the first vendor to support both new hypervisor platforms.
• Advanced Monitoring and Reporting: This new functionality integrates monitoring, reporting and capacity planning for Veeam Backup & Replication in a single console using the new Veeam ONE 6.5 which is part of Veeam Management Suite 6.5.
Key new features in Veeam Backup & Replication 6.5: • Veeam Explorer for Exchange: VM admins will be able to look inside Exchange backups to find and retrieve individual Exchange items, without an agent.
• Veeam Explorer for SAN Snapshots: The new capability enables admins to quickly restore any or all of a VM directly from SAN snapshots, which can be taken throughout the day with very little impact on production systems.
Veeam Backup & Replication 6.5 and Veeam Management Suite 6.5 are being demoed this week at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK in Dubai in APTEC booth #C4-1, Hall 4. General availability is scheduled for Q4 2012. Attendees at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK can also visit the APTEC booth (#C4-1, Hall 4) for a free USB drive for use with Veeam Backup Free Edition and VeeamZIP.
“Stop printing,” says Oki Oki, a prominent print technology manufacturer, is driving a green message to businesses and organisations across the region at GITEX 2012—“If you’re not printing efficiently and effectively, don’t print at all” “Some printer companies are telling you to print twice as much for the same cost, but we’re suggesting if you print less by printing more wisely, you can save money and the environment,” says John Ross, GM, Oki Middle East, Africa and India. “Using a combination of green technology and basic sense, organizations can waste less paper, save energy, and save real money.” The launch of Oki’s “Stop Printing Campaign” aims to raise awareness of the growing output of print waste across the globe and in the region. Extrapolating from an Economist report detailing paper consumption per capita in 24 selected countries, a conservative
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figure for global printed paper usage across all forms of print would be 319 trillion A4 page equivalents per day. “If we consider 10% of that is produced by PC
linked printers and 10% of that in turn is wasted, we are wasting over 3 trillion A4 pages of print every day,” says Ross. “The launch of Oki’s ‘Stop Printing Campaign’ at
GITEX aims to raise awareness of these shocking figures of print waste across the globe and in the region.” Oki is also revealing its latest products offerings that are a critical element in the company’s aggressive aim to double its sales in EMEA, as it creates the opportunity to significantly increase its footprint in critical markets. “As a carbon neutral company, we maintain a strong commitment to the environment and are dedicated to helping companies reap the benefits of green technology. Our latest products are in compliance with the latest European regulations and will help businesses reduce costs and their carbon footprint simultaneously,” said Ross. As with the rest of the OKI product range, the new products are based on the company’s unique proprietary LED technology and come with a three-year warranty, it was reported.
Digital Forensic Investigations of Any Kind Incident Response & Remediation Training and Services Geoff Brooks Regional Sales Manager - Middle East, India & Africa PO BOX 211364, Dubai UAE Mobile No : +971 506 527659 gbrooks@accessdata.com www.accessdata.com
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eHosting DataFort heads for cloud The managed services provider eHosting DataFort (eHDF) has launched its public and private cloud services at GITEX Technology Week 2012. Among the first cloud service providers in the region, eHDF offers customers the advantage of hosting all data within the UAE. The new services provide clients with the flexibility to buy private or public cloud platforms and leverage customised options for specific needs. In addition to facilitating shared resources and reduced investments on hardware, the services will allow companies to buy capacity-based options rather than making purchases based on set specifications - a key imperative for growing businesses as they move online and require rapid provisioning.
Yasser Zeineldin, CEO at eHosting DataFort eHDF’s cloud services significantly lower downtime, even while efficiently managing peak loads. Most businesses often cite
security as a key inhibitor to the adoption of cloud computing. To address this concern, eHDF has ensured the maintenance of the highest security level through measures including network isolation, state-of-the-art firewall and Network Intrusion Prevention System (NIPS). Other services include anti-malware solutions, Password Auto Repository (PAR), and Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS). Yasser Zeineldin, CEO at eHosting DataFort, said: “As more organisations realize that cloud can be secure, easily managed and a key part of business strategy, cloud will quickly emerge as an indispensable tool for innovation rather than just infrastructure.
With enterprises moving from a server-centric to a service-centric approach, cloud solutions will make a bigger impact in the regional scenario. Additionally, we are seeing more and more organizations moving their most valuable information assets to the cloud. “The fact that enterprises need to pay only for the computing resources they use while simultaneously benefiting from features such as rapid deployment and unlimited scalability makes the combination extremely attractive. eHDF intends to make the journey to the cloud as seamless as possible through providing our customers with a flexible, scalable solution that matches their specific needs.”
TRA launches UAEpedia The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) launched UAEpedia at GITEX today, designed to become the first comprehensive online encyclopaedia on the UAE. The website follows an open-source model, allowing the broader public to contribute and modify content. “We present this achievement to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and to Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates,” said H.E. Mohamad Nasser Al Ghanim, TRA Director General “We also dedicate it to all citizens, residents and lovers
of the UAE. The Encyclopaedia is an embodiment of the principles of a knowledge-based society. It also enhances the principles of participation founded by the builder of our civilization and the founder of our Union the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.” The encyclopedia (UAEPedia. ae) is an initiative of the TRA’s Information and eGovernment Sector. TRA oversees development and implementation of the Federal eGovernment Plan which includes
the Encyclopedia. In its first phase, the UAEPedia is available only in Arabic. Other languages will be added later. Currently, there are nearly 1000 article distributed over 18 main topics such as geography, history, economy, language and literature, and hundreds of sub-topics related to the United Arab Emirates. The Encyclopedia will be useful to researchers, media, students and anyone interested to know more about the UAE.
Publisher Dominic De Sousa, COO Nadeem Hood, Managing Director Richard Judd, Commercial Director Rajashree R Kumar, Group Editor Jeevan Thankappan Editors Pallavi Sharma, Ben Rossi Sub-editor Joe Lipscombe Circulation Manager Rajeesh M, Production Manager James Tharian, Design Director Ruth Sheehy, Senior Designers Analou Balbero, Froilan Cosgafa IV, Glenn Roxas, Digital Services Manager Tristan Troy Magma Web Developers Erik Briones, Jefferson De Joya Photographer and Social Media Co-ordinator Jay Colina
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LifeSize projects HD video growth What is the relevance of this exhibition to your business in the region? According to market analysts and press, the industry forecasts in the MEA region are exceptionally strong, and at LifeSize, we want to create more awareness in the region by educating the marketplace of our innovative, high-definition video collaboration solutions. For this reason, we have chosen to come to GITEX. We’re always looking to understand more about the markets in which we operate, and this show promotes intelligent discussion on key trends. By learning more about the industry and the region in particular from those who know best, we can apply this new insight to our operations. At the show, we intend to display our comprehensive line of endto-end video solutions, simple integration with UC solutions, and our strength in HD infrastructure, mobility and virtualization. This will enable new and existing systems integrators, as well as AV integrators, to understand and align with our offerings and create new avenues for business. Many of the factors that create ‘the perfect storm’ for HD video communication have intensified all across the world, including in the MEA region. Business is now more global than ever before, the time, expense and complexity of air travel has increased, and the desire to support corporate green initiatives has never been greater. Companies are looking for alternative technology solutions and we want to help them find it with LifeSize. GITEX provides a great platform to help us do this in the MEA region. Will you be launching any solutions at the show? If not, will you be focusing your activities
companies who want to record and broadcast business presentations, sales meetings, data and more. LifeSize Bridge - LifeSize Bridge redefines HD video conferencing for large multiparty calling. The solution offers a low-risk, costeffective platform to extend HD video conferencing to more people across your organization, with the lowest TCO in the industry. This is HD video collaboration that scales intelligently with your organization’s communication needs with support for up to 48 participants on a single call.
Andreas Wienold, Vice President Europe, Middle East, Africa on any particular solution in your existing set? At GITEX this year, LifeSize will be focusing on the following solutions: LifeSize ClearSea – As the BringYour-Own-Device phenomenon increases in popularity across the world, it is imperative that companies invest in a video conferencing solution that can support the broadest range of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. LifeSize ClearSea is an enterprise-class, client/ server solution for desktop and mobile video collaboration that can currently support over 40 iOS and Android mobile devices. An open and interoperable solution, LifeSize ClearSea can seamlessly connect to any standards-based video collaboration system or infrastructure solution in seconds. LifeSize UVC Multipoint: With the evolution of the modern
workplace resulting in more remote workers, fewer physical office spaces and more flexible hours, IT teams are facing a challenge. How can they effectively collaborate and boost productivity in an increasingly mobile world? LifeSize UVC Multipoint is the industry’s first fully virtualized, standards-based multiparty video calling solution for on-demand meetings. LifeSize UVC Multipoint is also the newest application on the LifeSize UVC Platform, the industry’s first fully integrated, software-based platform for video infrastructure. LifeSize UVC Video Center - is the world’s most powerful onebutton HD (720p30) streaming, recording and auto-publishing solution on the market. It ensures that live and on-demand videos are easily accessible from any location or device, including phones and tablets. This solution is ideal for
How do you believe GITEX is an indication of the health of the ICT business in the Middle East? GITEX attracts an impressive number of key IT personnel from the MEA market. With such strong participation, it definitely indicates that these customers are looking to evaluate the latest technologies. What do you believe will be special about GITEX this year? The sheer fact that all of the spaces are sold out is a strong indicator that GITEX is definitely going to see a host of good companies, showcasing the latest technologies and trends. We believe that this turnout indicates that the show will definitely continue to grow in the future. Are you planning on being back next year? This is our first year at Gitex and we´re excited to have LifeSize present with an own booth. This is planned to be the first of many. What are the key trends we can expect in the next two years? At LifeSize, we believe that the hot trends for the next two years will center around virtualization, cloud, BYOD and mobility.
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CLOUD TRANSFORMS I.T. EMC Partners at GITEX
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