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GEC’s Vision for the Infrastructure Revolution Dear readers,

n today’s ever-evolving world, the landscape of technology and infrastructure is undergoing a profound transformation. At GEC, we stand at the forefront of this revolution, and in the upcoming 1-3 years, we are more committed than ever to shape the future of infrastructure. Welcome to the latest edition of Infra Insights, where we share our vision and journey towards a data-driven world. One of the key highlights of this issue is the groundbreaking contribution from Store IT. They have played an instrumental role in revolutionizing StorIT Distribution, serving as a Value Added Distributor that empowers our partners to achieve tailored success in the data-driven era. In an age where data is the lifeblood of businesses, our partnership with Store IT is a testament to our unwavering dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in the infrastructure space. As we look ahead, we see GITEX as the perfect platform to unveil the exciting developments that are shaping the future of infrastructure. GITEX has always been a stage where the best and brightest in the industry come together to showcase their innovations. Rest assured, we are fully prepared to do just that. We are poised to offer you valuable insights into the future of infrastructure, and much more. At GEC, our focus on the infrastructure revolution is unwavering. We understand that infrastructure is the backbone of technological progress, and we are committed to driving this evolution forward. Our mission is to enable businesses, large and small, to thrive in the data-driven world by providing cutting-edge solutions, forging strategic partnerships, and staying at the forefront of industry trends. In the pages of this edition of Infra Insights, you will find thought-provoking articles, expert opinions, and in-depth analysis that will shed light on the path ahead. We invite you to join us on this journey as we explore the possibilities of a digitally connected world and the endless potential it holds for innovation, growth, and success. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing the exciting future of infrastructure with you. Happy Reading!

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INNOVATION

66% CISOS IN UAE, SAUDI ARABIA BELIEVE ORGANISATIONS LACK RESOURCES TO BE CYBER RESILIENT FINDS TRELLIX The research conducted by Vanson Bourne across nine countries, surveyed 500 CISOs at companies with more than 1,000 employees, and one in five were concerned about lack of buy-in from their board.

KHALED ALATEEQ Head of Middle East Trellix

From a process standpoint, 38% of CISOs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia said they lacked the freedom to communicate outside of their organisation for learning purposes.

espite a continued increase in cybersecurity spending in the region, organisations in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia remain ill-equipped to face down the cyber-menace. This was the key finding in a global report released by Trellix, the cybersecurity company delivering the future of extended detection and response. End-of-decade CAGRs for the GCC cybersecurity market have been revised upwards, from 5.9% in 2017 to as high as 7.6% last year. While this is a clear illustration of heightened interest in security matters at the board level, Trellix’s Mind of the CISO report shows that two thirds, 66% of CISOs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia still believe their organisations lack the right people and processes to be cyber resilient and almost three quarters, 74% believe their current technology setup is insufficient. The research, which was conducted by Vanson Bourne across nine countries and surveyed 500 CISOs at companies with more than 1,000 employees, found that when it came to challenges around people, more than one in four CISOs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, 26%

decried the lack of skilled talent, as well as their inability to recruit and retain this talent. More than one in five, 22% were concerned about a lack of buy-in from their board, and 30% cited lack of buy-in from other parts of their organisation. From a process standpoint, some 38% of CISOs in the UAE & Saudi Arabia said they lacked the freedom to communicate outside of their organisation for learning purposes. A further 38% expressed frustration with their inability to respond quickly to changing regulatory frameworks and 18% said their processes were poorly designed or they were presented with too many sources of information to be adequately in control of their environment. “The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia rank consistently high on global maturity indexes for cybersecurity,” said Khaled Alateeq, Head of Middle East, Trellix. “This is because government entities have done a great job in laying out cybersecurity guidelines and regulations and introducing a wide array of skilling initiatives and incentives to attract top talent to the region. Now it is incumbent upon organisations to answer the call and support their CISOs. Our recent Mind of the CISO research is quite clear on what would make life easier for CISOs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.” Asked for suggestions on how their enterprise’s senior leadership could help them overcome their challenges, half of CISOs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia said better engagement from such stakeholders would be a good start. And 38% said better understanding from the rest of the organisation on issues of cybersecurity would help, with 32% calling for a strong support team to assist in their defence efforts.

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TECH MAHINDRA PARTNERS WITH ESPRESSIVE TO OFFER CUSTOMERS ESPRESSIVE BARISTA, AI-BASED AGENT Tech Mahindra and Espressive will enable organisations looking to outsource and automate service desk requests to drive productivity and enhance employee experience.

T BIRENDRA SEN

Business Head, Business Process Services, Tech Mahindra.

The partnership with Espressive is in line with Tech Mahindra’s NXT.NOW framework, which aims to enhance Human Centric Experience.

ech Mahindra, announced partnership with Espressive, a pioneer in automating digital workplace assistance. The partnership will offer both their customers autonomous and cost-effective work environment assistance through Espressive Barista, an AI-based virtual support agent, VSA. Together, Tech Mahindra and Espressive will enable organisations that are looking to outsource and automate service desk requests to drive productivity and enhance the employee experience. Espressive will combine its no-code platform with Tech Mahindra’s innovative technology stack to support near-instant automation and resolution of employee requests, such as resetting passwords, accessing DocuSign, connecting to virtual private networks, and more. The platform’s advanced Natural Language Processing, NLP, Natural Language Understanding, NLU, and machine learning capabilities will ensure responses are highly personalised to reassure employees that their requests have been fully understood and resolved in real time. The ticket deflection rate of Espressive Barista coupled with Tech Mahindra’s innovative and user-centric digital experiences will enable customers to increase competence through automation and remain ahead of the curve in the services market. The partnership will also help their customers with employee retention while gaining service management efficiencies.

The partnership with Espressive is in line with Tech Mahindra’s NXT.NOW framework, which aims to enhance ‘Human Centric Experience’, with a focus on investing in emerging technologies and solutions that enable digital transformation and meet the evolving needs of the customer. Espressive Barista, the company’s innovative virtual support agent, platform, takes on the role of the service agent, bringing the best of human experience with the best of artificial intelligence. Leveraging a proprietary and domain-specific large language model, LLM, the Employee Language Cloud, as well as integration with generalised LLMs like ChatGPT. Barista automates resolution of employee questions, issues, and requests with personalised experiences that result in employee adoption of 80 to 85% and reduced help desk call volume of 50% to 70%. By adding integration to generalised LLMs in a safe and secure way, autonomous resolution rates will increase, further driving down the costs of employee service management. Birendra Sen, Business Head, Business Process Services, Tech Mahindra, said, “Enterprises are increasingly looking at automation in response to increased customer demand in a digital first world. An intelligent virtual agent is one such capability that is gaining a lot of attention. Our partnership with Espressive gives us an AI-based VSA that will help our customers significantly reduce the time taken to process customer requests. Tasks that previously took hours can now be completed in real time. This allows employees to focus on higher-skilled roles and technologies, thereby improving MTTR, mean time to recovery, mean time to restore.”

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INNOVATION

MAINONE SETS UP MDXI APPOLONIA DATACENTRE TO DRIVE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN GHANA One of the most significant contributions of MDXi Appolonia is addressing data sovereignty by offering secure and compliant data storage within Ghana, while adhering to the country’s regulations.

hana’s remarkable digital transformation journey has become a benchmark for many African nations. Driven by factors such as enhanced internet accessibility, a thriving mobile telecommunications market, and the government’s unwavering commitment to growing the country’s digital economy, Ghana stands as a shining example of digital advancement in the region. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that major global tech giants have chosen Ghana as their preferred location for African headquarters and research labs. Among the pioneers in championing Ghana’s digital revolution is MainOne, who entered the Ghana market in 2010 with the goal of supporting the digitisation of the country and providing quality telecommunications services to enterprises. Through substantial infrastructural investments and expansion projects, MainOne has significantly contributed to improving broadband penetration and driving the nation’s digital advancement. MainOne’s commitment to Ghana’s digital acceleration took a significant step forward in June 2021 with the launch of MDXi Appolonia, a state-of-the-art, Uptime Certified, Tier III datacentre in Accra. This innovative facility was purpose-built to cater to the rising demand for colocation and cloud services in Ghana’s thriv-

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ing digital landscape. MDXi Appolonia datacentre also introduced Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure platform in-country, providing customers with a seamless, single-vendor solution for deploying their applications both in cloud and on-premises. One of the most significant contributions of MDXi Appolonia is addressing the crucial issue of data sovereignty. By offering secure and compliant data storage within Ghana, the datacentre allowed businesses to safeguard critical data locally while adhering to the country’s regulations. Two years on, the facility has gained recognition as Ghana’s most certified datacentre, boasting industry-standard certifications such as TCCF, PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, and ISO 9001. Since the launch of this facility, its direct impact on the country’s digital ecosystem has not been hard to miss, from improved resiliency and reduced latency to improvement in internet user experience in Ghana. The best way to underscore the importance of MDXi Appolonia to Ghana is to take cognisance of its Internet penetration figures, which rose from 47% in 2021 to 72% as of May 2023 as reported by the National Communication Authority, Ghana. These statistics serve as a compelling testa-

ment to the pivotal role of MDXi Appolonia in driving Ghana’s digital progress and fostering greater connectivity and accessibility for its population. The Internet Society, ISOC has set ambitious targets for connectivity and peering in the country. These targets include increasing the number of networks connected to the Ghana Internet Exchange, the amount of traffic exchanged, and establishing Ghana as a regional hub for peering and interconnection. MainOne actively supports Ghana’s digital aspirations and is set to host Africa’s peering community at the prestigious Africa Peering and Interconnection Forum, AfPIF holding in Accra City, where they will be sharing enlightening discussions and insights on Africa’s internet infrastructure, interconnection, peering, and traffic exchange opportunities. The conference will also garner international visibility for Ghana, attract more players to the country’s digital ecosystem, and facilitate knowledge sharing and networking among peers. The Ghanaian economy continues to demonstrate resilience and capacity for growth, with increased demand for efficient and reliable technology solutions to service this market. The acquisition of MainOne by Equinix, the world’s leading digital infrastructure company, in 2022 has further strengthened Ghana’s digital landscape by delivering wider access to global and regional markets, connecting businesses to a vast network of 248 datacentres in 71 metros and 32 countries. MainOne’s impact extends beyond digital infrastructure in Ghana. As Ghana forges ahead in its path of digital transformation, MainOne’s contributions to infrastructure development, job creation, and knowledge sharing are paving the way for a prosperous digital future. With MDXi Appolonia at the forefront, Ghana is well-positioned to embrace the countless opportunities that the digital revolution offers.

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INNOVATION

KHAZNA DATACENTRES ENTERS EGYPT THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH BENYA GROUP The $250M datacentre will be Egypt’s first hyper-scale datacentre and will be built at the Maadi Technology Park, Egypt’s first specialised investment zone.

The construction of the new datacentre is expected to commence later this year, with completion targeted within the coming three years.

hazna Data Centers, with the largest network of datacentres in Middle East and North Africa region, announced its plan to enter Egypt market with Benya Group. The $250M datacentre will be Egypt’s first hyper-scale datacentre and will be built at the Maadi Technology Park, Egypt’s first specialised investment zone. With an expected capacity of 25MW of IT load, the datacentre will unlock opportunities for businesses in Egypt aiming to expand internationally, and targeting multinational corporations who are pursuing growth and innovation in the Middle East and North African markets. Egypt has recently undertaken a series of investments, digital government services reforms, and infrastructure upgrades to enhance the contribution of the Information and Communications Technology, ICT sector to the country’s economic growth.

The inauguration of this datacentre will further address the need for a future-ready digital infrastructure in Egypt where data demands have risen significantly in recent years. This will also support Khazna’s growth strategy into international markets, reinforcing its commitment to expand operations beyond the UAE. Following the term sheet agreement between Khazna Data Centers and Benya Group to establish a joint venture to build Egypt’s first hyper-scale datacentre, an MoU was signed by Eng Ahmed Mekky, Chairman and CEO of Benya Group; Hassan Al Naqbi, the CEO of Khazna Data Centers; and Eng Amr Aboualam, Chairman of Maadi Technology Park to secure land at Maadi Technology Park for the new datacentre. The signing ceremony was attended by Hossam Heiba, President, General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, GAFI and Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Egypt HE Mariam Khalifa Juma Mohammed Alkaabi, who have previously discussed opportunities to attract Emirati investments to the Egyptian ICT sector and enhance cooperation between Egypt and the UAE in ICT fields. The planned datacentre marks the first in a series of hyper-scale datacentres that the Benya Group and Khazna Data Centers collaboration plan to introduce to the Egyptian market in the future, aiming to leverage Egypt’s strategic location. The construction of the new datacentre is expected to commence later this year, with completion targeted for within the coming three years. Maadi Technology Park, is a strategic location for establishing telecommunications and information technology companies in Egypt. It offers a range of advantages, such as tax incentives, modern infrastructure, and proximity to various business centres in Greater Cairo. Additionally, MTP promotes a culture of innovation and collaboration among companies operating in the area, including local and international companies in various sectors of outsourcing, IT, and communications.

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INNOVATION

NOZOMI NETWORKS ADDS ACCENTURE SECURITY, IBM SECURITY, MANDIANT TO ELITE PROGRAMME The Elite Cyber Defenders programme combines Nozomi Networks AI-powered OT and IoT monitoring and detection technologies with expert skills and services from top incident response organisations.

EDGARD CAPDEVIELLE CEO Nozomi Networks.

Attacks on manufacturing and energy represented more than 35% of all attacks observed in 2022 according to IBM’s 2023 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index. Manufacturing remained the top attacked industry for second year in a row.

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ozomi Networks announced Accenture Security, IBM Security and Mandiant are participants in its new Elite Cyber Defenders Programme. The programme enables global incident response organisations with Nozomi Networks’ OT and IoT cybersecurity solutions, advanced security training, shared threat intelligence and joint security research. This technology-led, collaborative initiative provides global industrial and government customers with access to the strongest possible cybersecurity defence tools, expert-trained incident response teams, and cutting-edge threat intelligence curated specifically for operational technology environments. Meanwhile, industrial environments are rapidly transforming, creating new security challenges that attackers are actively exploiting. Attacks on manufacturing and energy represented more than 35% of all attacks observed in 2022 according to IBM’s 2023 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index. Manufacturing remained the top attacked industry for second year in a row. Elite Cyber Defenders can provide the necessary resources to respond to cyber incidents amidst these skills shortages. This technology-led, collaborative initiative provides critical infrastructure customers with access to the

superior cybersecurity defence tools, experttrained field resources, and industry-leading OT threat intelligence curated specifically for operational technology environments. “When it comes to protecting critical infrastructure in the face of an attack, accurate and timely information, full system visibility and expert response can make the difference in minutes or hours, vs days, weeks or months of system downtime and remediation,” said Nozomi Networks CEO Edgard Capdevielle. “Nozomi Networks’ Elite Cyber Defenders programme brings the industry’s most purpose-built detection technology, threat intelligence and incident response teams together for the best possible defence, without compromise.” Nozomi Networks Elite Cyber Defenders collectively staff more than 250 certified Nozomi Networks experts on their combined global OT incident response teams and utilise Nozomi Networks’ solutions for in-depth forensic analysis, proactive OT assessments and rapid response capabilities for customers. Elite Cyber Defenders are also committed to working with Nozomi Networks Labs on shared threat intelligence and joint security research focused on identifying novel malware and new TTPs employed by threat actors. Each participant in the programme will offer custom-designed incident response and assessment programs for joint customers. The Elite Cyber Defenders Programme will bring together IBM’s incident response capabilities and expertise and Nozomi Networks’ deep OT/IoT experience from the process automation field and thorough knowledge to support organisations. With the Elite Cyber Defenders Programme, participating members will aim to further enhance their collaboration in areas such as incident response, research and threat intelligence sharing on cloud, IT, OT and IoT.

EXPERT ADVICE

INNOVATION

THALES LAUNCHES SAAS BASED CIPHERTRUST DATA SECURITY PLATFORM Thales’ CipherTrust Data Security Platform supports customers in reducing the impact of external threats and overcoming operational complexity by simplifying data security operations.

T TODD MOORE

Vice President of Data Security Products, Thales.

According to Gartner, by 2025, 30% of enterprises will have adopted broad spectrum Data Security Platform, up from less than 10% in 2021, due to pent-up demand for higher levels of data security.

hales announced launch of its CipherTrust Data Security Platform on a cloud-based, as-a-service subscription model. The announcement demonstrates Thales’ commitment to give customers the choice and flexibility to consume the platform’s data discovery and classification, encryption, key management, and secrets management capabilities in an as-a-service or traditional hardware or software offering. Thales CipherTrust Cloud Key Management, is the first offering available as an as-a-service offering. Thales’ CipherTrust Data Security Platform supports customers in reducing the impact of external threats and overcoming operational complexity by simplifying data security operations across on-premises and cloud environments. The platform’s lifecycle management and data security tools help to reduce business risk significantly management time and provide access to the platforms’ unparalleled partner ecosystem of integrations with leading enterprise storage, server, database, application, and cloud vendors. Todd Moore, Vice President of Data Security Products at Thales said, “We have introduced the new cloud-based delivery model for CipherTrust Data Security Platform services to meet growing demands for business agility and interest in consuming our solutions as-a-service. Through this, we can simplify the deployment of encryption and key management by lowering the cost of ownership, reducing deployment time, and helping constrained enterprises address the mounting shortage of skilled security personnel.” According to Gartner, by 2025, 30% of

enterprises will have adopted broad spectrum Data Security Platform, up from less than 10% in 2021, due to the pent-up demand for higher levels of data security and the rapid increase in product capabilities. The CipherTrust Data Security Platform is delivering outcomes for customers. Customers say they realised a 70% reduction in encryption and key management effort, a 35% reduction in impact of a data breach, and 50% reduction in interface development effort. This is according to a Thales commissioned Forrester Total Economic Impact report on the benefits of the CipherTrust Data Security Platform. By introducing the CipherTrust Data Security Platform as-a-service, Thales gives customers a choice of key management deployment options from virtual machine, physical appliance, and hybrid cluster to include a cloud-based subscription service – all backed by a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Thales Luna Cloud Hardware Security Module, HSM. The flexible model removes the need for upfront investment in data security infrastructure and auto-scales to support capacity changes, ensuring high availability and resilience to meet industry-comparable Service Level Agreements, SLAs. Regular updates to the service give customers on-demand access to the latest CipherTrust Data Security Platform offerings without disrupting business operations and provide realtime maintenance of CipherTrust instances. Customers can sign up for CipherTrust Data Security Platform as-a-service offerings through Thales’s Data Protection on Demand Marketplace, a cloud-based online marketplace that provides a wide range of cloud data security, HSM and key management services. This platform as-a-service will provide a single pane of glass view to enterprises and is currently hosted in datacentres in Europe and North America, with additional data security services and regions to follow.

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INNOVATION

HUAWEI WILL LAUNCH COMPLETE SET OF COMMERCIAL 5.5G NETWORK EQUIPMENT IN 2024 Huawei proposed the concept of 5.5G Era, an end-to-end solution, that integrates evolved technologies, including 5.5G, F5.5G, and Net5.5G.

LI PENG

Senior Vice President and President of Carrier BG, Huawei.

50G PON is another key technology that can enable 10-gigabit speeds for F5.5G ultrabroadband networks.

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t the 5G Advanced Forum during MWC Shanghai 2023, Huawei announced that it will launch a complete set of commercial 5.5G network equipment in 2024. Huawei’s Director and President of ICT Products and Solutions Yang Chaobin, who made the announcement, said that the company intends that this launch will mark the beginning of the 5.5G era for the ICT industry. With service models and content continuously evolving, breakthroughs in technologies like glasses-free 3D are creating unprecedented immersive experiences for users. However, these new services continue to require stronger 5G network capabilities. The industry has widely agreed that 5.5G will be a key milestone in 5G evolution and that it is fast approaching. Huawei proposed the concept of a 5.5G Era, based on an end-to-end solution that integrates comprehensive evolved technologies, including 5.5G, F5.5G, and Net5.5G. This solution would protect operators’ previous investment in 5G, while also improving network performance by 10 times. This 5.5G Era would feature 10-gigabit peak downlink speeds and gigabit peak uplink speeds to meet increasingly diverse service requirements. It would also refresh the industry vision by using new technologies like pas-

sive IoT to unlock a market of 100 billion IoT connections. As an advocate for end-to-end 5.5G solutions, Huawei has been working with multiple players across the industry on R&D and verification of key 5.5G technologies. Considerable progress has been made in this verification process, specifically for extremely large antenna array, ELAA. This underpins 10-gigabit downlink, flexible spectrum access, which helps realise gigabit uplink, and passive IoT that can enable 100 billion IoT connections. 50G PON is another key technology that can enable 10-gigabit speeds for F5.5G ultra-broadband networks and is expected to be extensively used in homes, campuses, and productions in the future. Huawei has worked with over 30 operators around the world on technological verification and application pilots for these technologies. During the event, Li Peng, Huawei’s Senior Vice President, and President of the Carrier BG, called for further innovation in 5G to create new value and unleash digital dividends. He stated that the industry needs to innovate together to meet increasing digital requirements in both the consumer and industrial markets. New business scenarios for people, homes, businesses, and vehicles are delivering new experiences. This is raising higher requirements for network capabilities. Enhanced network capabilities, like 10 Gbps downlink, 1 Gbps uplink, and 100 billion IoT connections, are creating a vast market space in 5.5G for carriers. In addition to the development of key technologies for 5.5G wireless and optical access networks, Yang announced that the company has been working on applying AI-native technologies to 5.5G core networks to continuously enhance network capabilities and availability. This would allow AI capabilities to be delivered to the very ends of networks, so that they can better serve numerous industries.

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INNOVATION

LENOVO TO IMPLEMENT NEPTUNE LIQUID COOLING AT AL HATHBOOR BIKAL.AI Lenovo will provide HPC hardware and software to Al Hathboor along with operational management and support, to create on demand services for customers.

ALAA BAWAB,

General Manager, Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group, META.

The collaboration will see the joint venture working together to leverage shared experience in High Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence.

MOHAMMED AL HATHBOOR,

Management Committee Member of Al Hathboor Bikal.ai.

enovo signed a new agreement with Al Hathboor Bikal.ai, to provide public and private sector customers with innovative high performance cloud computing systems to support advanced digital transformation projects which focus on developing innovation in the UAE. Lenovo will also provide systems and expertise to support Al Hathboor Bikal.ai to build and operate a new sustainable datacentre at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, SRTIP. The collaboration will see Lenovo and Al Hathboor Bikal.ai, the joint venture between Al Hathboor Group and Bikal Technologies, working together to leverage shared experience in High Performance Computing, HPC and Artificial Intelligence, AI, to provide customers in the region with advanced capabilities that will enable them to use AI to address business challenges and create new digital technologies. The agreement was signed at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park in presence of HE Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO SRTIP and Raj Sandhu, GM Al Hathboor Bikal. ai, Mohammed Al Hathboor Management Committee Member of Al Hathboor Bikal.ai, and Alaa Bawab, General Manager, Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group, META along with other senior management and dignitaries. Lenovo will provide HPC hardware and software to Al Hathboor along with operational

management and support, to create on demand services for customers as well as managed services support. The partnership will democratise the use of HPC for various private and public sector organisations allowing them to access HPC cluster on a service model. This enables real-time monitoring, helping to identify potential threats swiftly and respond proactively. Additionally, HPC systems can also enhance emergency response and disaster management by optimising resource allocation, analysing weather patterns, and coordinating rescue efforts. Furthermore, HPC’s advanced analytics capabilities facilitate predictive modelling and machine learning algorithms, enabling agencies to detect patterns of activities and predict potential events. HPC empowers decision-makers to make data-driven choices, enhancing the safety and health of citizens throughout the UAE. Lenovo will also provide support through its AI Centres of Excellence, including access to Lenovo Data Scientists, AI architects and engineers, to leverage the company’s multi-industry domain experience to deploy AI and machine learning research solutions that can be used across various sectors including education, R&D, retail, oil and gas and more. With its AI-ready servers and storage solutions, active partnerships and an ecosystem of ISVs, Lenovo will deliver pre-validated, performance optimised AI-ready solutions on demand, even under the heaviest high-performance workloads. Lenovo will implement patented Neptune Liquid Cooling Technology, which will improve energy efficiency and sustainability of services delivered by Al Hathboor. The unique thermal solution uses efficient liquid cooling to reduce cooling requirements in the datacentre, reducing energy consumption and contributing to sustainability goals. The solution is designed for sustainable performance and scalability, while supporting the emergent demands for HPC workloads without compromising on performance.

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INNOVATION

PURE STORAGE GUARANTEES CLEAN STORAGE FOLLOWING RANSOMWARE THREAT FOR EXISTING, NEW CUSTOMERS Existing and new Pure Storage Evergreen//One customers can now purchase an add-on service guarantee with bundled technical and professional services to recover from an attack.

P PRAKASH DARJI,

VP and GM, Digital Experience Business Unit, Pure Storage.

Evergreen//One guarantees next business day window to ship clean storage arrays, 48-hours to finalise a recovery plan started at any time, data transfer rate, 8 TiB, Hour, professional services engineer onsite through RMA.

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ure Storage announced a first of its kind ransomware recovery service level agreement, SLA guaranteeing a clean storage environment following an attack. “The demand to achieve business outcomes faster is only becoming more critical amid the uptick in malicious cyberattacks. The latest expansion of Evergreen One delivers data storage infrastructure with built-in resilience, empowering customers with peace of mind in addition to the flexibility, efficiency, and continuous innovation Pure has guaranteed for years,” said Prakash Darji, VP and GM, Digital Experience Business Unit, Pure Storage. The growing complexity and sophistication of the current threat landscape has made cybersecurity incidents a matter of when, not if. According to IDC, over 90% of organisations acknowledge being attacked by malware, and of those, 87% were attacked successfully. Together with Pure Storage’s new ransomware SLA for Evergreen//One and enhanced AIOps features, enterprises can now benefit from a comprehensive data protection strategy, backed by a guaranteed recovery environment and powerful ML, AI-based security capabilities, to not only future proof agility and resilience, but to speed recovery after an attack. Existing and new Pure Storage Evergreen// One customers can now purchase an add-on service guarantee for a clean storage environment with bundled technical and professional services to recover from an attack with speed, simplicity, and security, at scale.

Evergreen//One guarantees next business day window to ship clean storage arrays, 48-hours to finalise a recovery plan started at any time, data transfer rate, 8 TiB, Hour, as well as professional services engineer onsite through RMA. After an attack, storage arrays are often locked down for forensic investigation by cyber insurance or law enforcement, leaving organisations unable to recover data to infected arrays. By guaranteeing clean arrays, Pure enables customers to recover faster. Backed by the powerful ML, AI-driven SaaS storage management platform, Pure1, customers can now leverage AIOps for anomaly detection, data protection assessments, and self-service SafeMode configuration and administration. With new self-service upgrades, authorised users can also perform fully automated and secured non-disruptive upgrades directly from Pure1. Enhanced anomaly detection enables organisations to easily identify when and where large changes to data structures occur, resulting in reduced time to recovery and minimised data loss. New data protection assessment allows organisations to benchmark their entire Pure Storage fleet against data protection best practices while gaining actionable insights to achieve comprehensive data protection. New self-service SafeMode PIN Multi Factor Authentication enables secure and seamless access control, faster time to value by cutting down support cycles, and full control over SafeMode policies. With a suite of six concurrent SLAs and a foundation that combines the agility and flexibility of public cloud storage with the security and performance of an all-flash infrastructure, Evergreen//One continuously improves how data is stored, mobilised, and protected.

Accelerate Intelligent Outcomes Everywhere with AI to Win We are witnessing the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) at an unprecedented pace and scale, with a market forecast to reach the $500 billion mark in 2023*. Dell Technologies and NVIDIA have the AI-optimized end-to-end solutions to help you adapt to the enormous change being driven by increasing amounts of data, advancing technological capabilities and the large-scale adoption of connected devices.

Illuminate the opportunity Identify, curate and activate high-value data Enable effective data access, scale and control across your organization from edge to core to cloud to create measurable value Put AI to work anywhere in any way Power your choice of AI workloads with modern IT infrastructure that supports on-premises, cloud or hybrid environments with protection across boundaries Achieve success at any scale AI-optimize your business with AI solutions and analytics at any scale to match growing data and as your use cases change *IDC Forecasts Companies to Increase Spend on AI Solutions by 19.6% in 2022. IDC, Feb 2022.

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INNOVATION

IBM AND ALL-ENGLAND LAWN TENNIS CLUB ANNOUNCE NEW FEATURES FOR WIMBLEDON DIGITAL FAN EXPERIENCE To develop the new features, experts from IBM iX worked with The All-England Club to leverage foundation models from watsonx to train AI in the unique language of tennis

IBM AI Draw Analysis will define how favourable the path to the final might be for each player in the singles draw

Using 100,000 data points from every shot played across the tournament, analysed by IBM’s Watson AI technology on IBM Cloud, make it easier for fans to understand which players to follow, how they compare to opponents and who is likely to win.

BM, and All-England Lawn Tennis Club announced new features for the Wimbledon digital fan experience at this year’s championships. A new AI feature, leveraging generative AI technology from IBM watsonx, will produce tennis commentary for all video highlights packages during Wimbledon In a first for tennis, the IBM AI Draw Analysis feature will also provide a new statistic to define how favourable the path to the final might be for each player in the singles draw The new features expand on the suite of digital tools for fans on the Wimbledon App and wimbledon.com. They are the latest examples of how IBM and Wimbledon are using technology to help fans engage with The Championships on a deeper level. The new AI Commentary feature will provide fans watching match highlights videos with audio commentary of key moments, along with captions, which they can toggle on or off. The tool has been designed to give fans a more insightful experience when catching up on key moments from matches with highlights videos

on the Wimbledon App and wimbledon.com. To develop the new feature, experts from IBM iX, the experience design partner within IBM Consulting, worked with The All-England Club to leverage foundation models from watsonx, IBM’s enterprise AI and data platform, to train the AI in the unique language of tennis. Generative AI built on these foundation models was applied to produce narration with varied sentence structure and vocabulary to make the clips informative and engaging. Another new feature IBM will introduce this year is the IBM AI Draw Analysis, the first statistic of its kind in tennis, which uses AI to define how favourable the path to the final might be for each player in the singles draw. A player’s draw favourability will be indicated with a rating along a scale, based on factors including the player’s match-ups against potential future opponents and how the player’s position in the draw compares to competitors. This new insight will help tennis fans to uncover anomalies and potential surprises in the singles draw, which would not be apparent by looking only at the players’ ranking, inspiring more debate and engagement in the fan community. The new features being introduced this year will add to the suite of AI-powered digital tools for fans available on the Wimbledon App and wimbledon.com. They include the IBM Power Index board, IBM Match Insights and Personalised Highlights Reels and Recommendations. Using over 100,000 data points from every shot played across the tournament, analysed by IBM’s Watson AI technology on IBM Cloud, these digital features are designed to make it easier for fans to understand which players to follow, how they compare to their opponents and who’s likely to win. Fans are kept updated and engaged throughout the tournament with fresh insights tailored to the players they are following.

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INNOVATION

COMMSCOPE ANNOUNCES RUCKUS NETWORKS SOLUTIONS THAT OFFER NEW WAYS TO MANAGE PURPOSE-DRIVEN NETWORKS RUCKUS One platform is available in all global markets while NaaS and 4G, 5G solutions are available in the US and coming soon to global markets.

ommScope, announced three new RUCKUS Networks solutions that together offer enterprises and service providers new ways to deploy, manage BART GIORDANO, and operate the next generation of Senior Vice President and Segment President, purpose-driven networks. Each provides disNetworking, Intelligent Cellular and Security tinct and valuable advantages when used indiSolutions, vidually. Together they offer a robust solution CommScope. for delivering highly reliable user experiences, solving coverage and mobility issues as well as the ability to relieve IT organisations from complex operational demands. The AI-driven RUCKUS One cloud native platform delivers network assurance, service delivery and business intelligence in a unified dashboard to simplify converged network management across multi-access public and private networks. The Network as a Service, NaaS programme enables a new operational and financial model for businesses to consume networking solutions and services delivered on a subscription basis. This provides the option to forego the traditional model requiring up front capital expenditure for network equipment. The NaaS program enables businesses to outsource elements or all their lifecycle operations to experts at RUCKUS and its channel partners and to also take advantage of CommScope Financial Services traditional leasing or complete hardware-as-a-service finance models.

The solution is ideal for businesses and partners that need to deploy private cellular solutions for smart manufacturing and other applications

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The new multi-access public and private, MAPP solution is offered with NaaS and makes it easy to deploy and operate networks leveraging private cellular alone or as a converged network using a multi-access mix of Wi-Fi, IoT, wired and private cellular. The solution is ideal for businesses and partners that need to deploy private cellular solutions for smart manufacturing and other applications that integrate with their existing IP network infrastructure enabling the application of common security, QoS and roaming policies across each access technology. “Our new suite of AI-driven converged network solutions enables our customers to accelerate business transformation by simplifying the implementation of multi-access public and private networks and empowers our partners to deliver solutions tailored to each customer,” stated Bart Giordano, Senior Vice President and Segment President, Networking, Intelligent Cellular and Security Solutions, CommScope. “Many enterprises and service providers are looking to deploy both Wi-Fi and 4G, 5G networks to deliver the right type of connectivity for the right use case,” noted Chris DePuy, Technology Analyst and Co-Founder, 650 Group. “We strongly believe that RUCKUS One will enable us to provide a flexible solution for a variety of use cases for enterprises of all sizes ranging from small-to-midsized businesses to large enterprises with branch offices. Moreover, built-in artificial intelligence within RUCKUS One is helping us deliver our uptime guarantee,” noted Thomas Willems, Network Solution Architect, at VanRoey, an IT consulting and managed services provider from Belgium. The RUCKUS One platform is available in all global markets. The NaaS and 4G, 5G solutions are available immediately in the United States and are coming soon to global markets.

2024 TRANSFORMATION IN

SECURITY NETWORKING BUSINESS APPLICATIONS IT & COMPUTING TRANSFORMATION IN

TRANSFORMATION IN

02 MAY - UAE 09 MAY - KSA

EVENT

THE WORLD CIO 200 SUMMIT 2023 A GLOBAL CONVERGENCE OF TECH LEADERS 28

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EVENT

n a remarkable culmination that echoed globally and resonated with the principles of innovation, collaboration, and transformation, the grand conclusion of The World CIO 200 Summit 2023 convened Chief Information Officers hailing from 50 diverse countries. This culminating event has established a fresh benchmark for collaborative excellence within the continuously evolving domain of technology leadership. The eighth instalment of the world’s most extensive and remarkable innovation program, organised by GEC Media Group and the Global CIO Forum, kicked off at the Marriott Hotel Boulevard in Baku, Azerbaijan, spanning the dates of Sep-

tember 17th, 18th, and 19th. The summit centred around the theme of ‘Rise of the Power,’ aiming to assist IT leaders in cultivating and enhancing their leadership qualities, power, vision, and focus. The threeday World CIO 200 Summit 2023 Grand Finale held in Baku marked a monumental gathering of top technology leaders from around the globe. This summit represented the culmination of an incredible journey that commenced in 2017, with the primary objective of creating a global platform for CIOs and technology leaders to collaborate, share insights, and drive innovation within the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Over the years, it has evolved into

one of the most influential and coveted gatherings of CIOs and technology executives across various industries. The success of the World CIO 200 Summit owed much to the generous support of its sponsors, who played a crucial role in making the summit a resounding triumph and facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise among global technology leaders. The awards presented at the event served as a testament to the remarkable achievements and contributions of technology leaders, security experts, pioneers in digital transformation, country ambassadors, and collaborative organisations. They underscored the significance of recognising and celebrating excellence in the constantly changing fields of technology and digital leadership. The comprehensive schedule was designed to provide the 200 attending CIOs with a wellrounded and enriching experience, combining yoga sessions, thought leader discussions, tech sessions, and workshops. It aimed to cater to the diverse needs and interests of technology leaders from around the world. The Moto Challenge, featuring 80 participants from around the globe, showcased the competitive and innovative spirit that defines the world of technology leadership. The day began with rejuvenating yoga and mindfulness sessions to help attendees relax, clear their minds, and prepare for the day

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ahead. Ronak Samantaray, Co-founder & CEO of GEC Media Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the event and stressed the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the ever-evolving technology landscape in his welcome note. The first tech session concentrated on emerging technology trends, featuring keynote speakers and experts discussing various topics. Simultaneously, hands-on workshops delved into specific technology subjects, enabling CIOs to gain practical insights and skills relevant to their roles. Mahesh Vinayakram, known for his exceptional musical talent and unique fusion of genres, added a cultural richness to the World CIO 200 Summit Grand Finale. Attendees were treated to a series of thought leader sessions that inspired, promoted personal growth, and sparked discussions about the limitless potential within each individual. Distinguished Executive Coach John Mattone, one of the Co-Founders of ILEC, captivated the audience with profound insights into leadership development and the practice of executive coaching. He addressed the critical leadership

challenges that confront CIOs and IT executives in today’s digital era, providing practical approaches to enhance leadership effectiveness. The grand finale featured two outstanding workshops: John Mattone’s session on Intelligent Leadership by LiTT, providing leaders with tools to conquer contemporary challenges with a success-oriented mindset, and Sunny Gambhir, Designer-in-Chief at Windmill, delving deep into the creative process of addressing complex issues through innovative approaches in his workshop on “Design Thinking Innovation - Fundamentals.” Swami Brahmaviharidas, a respected figure in spirituality and humanitarianism, graced the event with his presence and unveiled the remarkable publication, “BOTS: The Book of Titans.” This book transcends being a mere collection of achievements; it stands as proof of the unwavering dedication to excellence within the information technology domain. The 200 featured CIOs have not only revolutionised industries and driven technological progress but have also profoundly influenced the global landscape. Their stories serve as a source of inspiration for current and future generations

of tech visionaries. Furthermore, the CAAS (CIO as a Service) session focused on exploring how organisations can benefit from outsourcing or contracting CIO services. It examined the advantages, challenges, and best practices associated with implementing the CAAS model. The event organisers also highlighted CAAS, a revolutionary platform designed to deliver technology-enabled solutions at a better price and higher quality, led by subject matter experts. Jayakumar Mohanachandran, Chief Research Officer of Research-as-a-service, discussed the Research-as-a-service arm of CAAS and its potential to disrupt the research and market study landscape. Swiss GRC, the leading software company in the development and implementation of GRC solutions hosted an enlightening roundtable discussing the ‘Latest Trends, Challenges, and Best Practices in GRC.’ Xoxoday, a rapidly growing fintech SaaS firm that propels business growth through human motivation hosted a roundtable that began with an engaging introduction of the distinguished speakers, creating an immersive and enlightening atmosphere.

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INSIGHTS FROM THE TECH SESSIONS Charbel Zreiby, Dell Technologies: In his presentation titled “Unleashing Your Status Quo Through Generative AI,” Charbel Zreiby, explored how Generative AI is driving transformation and reshaping industries through groundbreaking innovation. Ali El Kontar, Founder & CEO of Zero & One: Ali El Kontar captured the audience’s attention with his talk, “The Mastery of the Possible.” He delved into the boundless opportunities that arise when we harness technology

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and creativity, providing insight into the future of innovation. Amr Elkessi, Regional Channel Manager, Middle East, Commvault: Amr Elkessi’s session, “Redefining Data Protection,” offered valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of data security and how organisations can adapt to confront the challenges of the digital era. Rajesh Radhakrishnan, Entrepreneur and Director of F9 Infotech, Cloud Visionary: Rajesh Radhakrishnan, a visionary in cloud

technology, shared his insights on “Innovation, Elevation, and Empowerment.” His presentation inspired attendees to embrace innovation and seize opportunities in the ever-changing tech environment. Naveen Hemanna, Regional Head META at Xoxoday: Naveen Hemanna discussed the strategy of “Crafting a Comprehensive Digital Rewards Strategy That Drives Results,” emphasising the significance of employee motivation and engagement in the digital age.

EVENT

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: INSPIRING VISION AND GROWTH Event attendees were privileged to participate in a series of thought leadership sessions that not only ignited inspiration but also fostered personal growth, sparking lively conversations about the boundless potential inherent in each individual. John Mattone, a distinguished Executive Coach and the Co-Founder of ILEC, captivated the audience with his profound insights into leadership development and the art of executive coaching. Sandy Bassil, Managing Partner of LiTT, also made a significant impact with her thought leadership session, contributing to the ongoing discussions about the limitless potential within each participant. Furthermore, the event featured a compelling thought leader session led by JPierre-Edouard Sottas, PHD, delving into the theme of “The Longevity Blueprint: Achieving Peak Performance Across the Lifespan.” Marcel Kampman, Founder of the Happyplaces Project, delivered a thought-provoking session titled

“How to Be an Astronaut in Your Own Space,” leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Another noteworthy thought leader session was presented by Ektaa Sibal, focusing on “Code

Wellness: Empowering CIOs & Their Teams for Success.” Collectively, these sessions enriched the event, offering diverse perspectives and valuable insights to all participants.

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EVENT

Awarding Excellence: Honoring Tech Pioneers

The World CIO 200 Awards acknowledge and honour the accomplishments of 200 exceptional Chief Information Officers (CIOs) hailing from various corners of the world. These CIOs have showcased remarkable leadership in the realms of technology and digital transformation. In appreciation of the crucial responsibilities carried out by Chief Information Security Officers in safeguarding digital assets and data, the CISO Awards applaud the top 25 CISOs who have exhibited exceptional expertise in cybersecurity and risk management. The DX Inspire Awards are bestowed upon five individuals who have exhibited exceptional vision and unwavering dedication to digital transformation (DX). These awardees have made substantial investments in technology and have left a profound impact on their respective organisations or industries through their digital initiatives.

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The Country Ambassadors’ Awards are presented to individuals who have excellently represented their countries as ambassadors in the domains of technology and innovation. Lastly, the GCF Partners Awards recognise organisations that have played a pivotal role in fostering global collaboration and partnerships within the technology industry. The sponsors of the event had not only provided financial support but had actively engaged in the summit’s mission, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing technology leadership on a global scale. The Title partners of the event were Mindware and Dell Technologies. Moto Challenge Partners were Logitech and Microsoft. Platinum Partners include Zero&One, F9 Infotech, StorIT and Commvault. Gold Partners were Paessler, Connor, Swiss GRC, Ramco and Redington. The Knowledge Partners include GCF Academy, Litt, Windmill and Intelligent Leadership. The Majlis Partner was Quixy and Silver Partners were Truspeq, CloudHost, BITS, emt,

Finesse, Forcespot and Claroty. The Entertainment partners were Jabra and Alpha Tech. Digital reward partner was Xoxoday and Registration partner was ITQAN. Conversational AI Partner was Twixor and AI Applications Partner was V Group Inc. and Cybersecurity Partner was Spire Solutions. Supporting partners were Acronis, HPE Aruba, HTP, +971 Cyber Security, DigitalTrack and Spade Infotech. Finally, the Global Strategic Partners were CAAS and OPX Technology. The World CIO 200 Summit 2023 stands as a testament to the power of global collaboration and the relentless pursuit of innovation in the technology and digital leadership space. It brought together visionaries, thought leaders, and experts from diverse backgrounds and nations, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and experiences. As we move forward in this ever-evolving tech landscape, the lessons and insights gained from this summit will continue to guide us towards a future powered by innovation and collaboration.

PRESENTS

16 OCT 2023 CONRAD, DUBAI | 7PM ONWARDS

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COVER FEATURE

SYNERGIZING SUCCESS BY

StorIT’s TAILORED SOLUTIONS AND COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

StorIT Distribution, Value Added Distributor, supporting our partners towards tailored success in the data-driven world.

n today’s fast-paced technological landscape, data has become the backbone of businesses and organizations across industries. With data generation on the rise, the focus has shifted from merely understanding the array of solutions available to precisely identifying the sources driving this data. In a world where vendors offer an abundance of solutions, the pivotal question is, “What’s driving your data?” Is it the core application that fuels your operations, or is it the new frontiers of AI, ML, Robotics, or Genomics? The answer requires a specialized approach that transcends off-the-shelf solutions.

Partners to understand their customers’ unique requirements and craft tailored solutions that truly meet their needs. We offer a comprehensive suite of options backed by our extensive vendor relationships, ensuring they have access to the latest and most robust solutions. We go beyond being just a distributor; we provide a partnership that enables to design and position appropriate solutions for customers. Our value-added services support in engaging with customers effectively. From technical expertise to marketing resources, we’ve got you covered. Together, we navigate the complexities of the technology landscape and drive success.

Supporting Our Channel Partners and Resellers

The Consultative Edge

StorIT, is a leading Value-Added Distributor in the region for Global Technology vendors like Dell Technologies, Commvault, Quantum, AutomationEdge, Opengear, NetBrain etc. Our approach empowers our

StorIT brings a consultative approach to the table—an approach that hinges on understanding the unique needs and challenges of each organization. We firmly believe that one-size-fits-all solutions are outdated in today’s

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COVER FEATURE

MOHAMMED ABDULHADI,

Business Unit Manager – Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions at StorIT Distribution

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COVER FEATURE

multifaceted technology landscape. Our consultative process begins with engaging with our partners and investing in their customer’s comprehensive examination of the organization’s operations, objectives, and long-term aspirations. We aim not just to understand what technology they use, but why they use it and how it integrates into their overall business strategy. Moving Beyond Buzzwords

In today’s tech-driven world, buzzwords like “cloud,” “AI,” and “ML” are ubiquitous. Many organizations are drawn to these buzzwords, believing they hold the key to solving their challenges. However, our approach encourages organizations to look beyond the buzz and deliberate on a comprehensive strategy. Whether the customer preference is for cloud, hybrid, multi-cloud, or on-premises solutions, we empower them to tailor their technology stack to align precisely with their unique requirements. We understand that technology should serve the organization’s objectives rather than forcing their objectives to conform to a specific technology. Nurturing Strategic Partnerships

StorIT recognizes the critical importance of robust partnerships. We’ve cultivated relationships with leading vendors to ensure our clients have access to an extensive range of solutions. Our

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goal is to offer a comprehensive suite of options capable of addressing a wide spectrum of needs. AI and the Path Forward

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are at the forefront of technological innovation. It’s crucial to recognize that AI isn’t a new concept; it’s merely becoming more pervasive and powerful. Many organizations are eager to embrace AI, driven by the fear of missing out on the latest trend. Our approach to AI is deeply rooted in our consultative philosophy. We work closely with resellers to craft a long-term vision. Core Competencies:

As a Value Added Distributor, we go beyond mere distribution; we enhance the value of the solutions we deliver. This means that our partners can expect not only top-tier products but also unparalleled support and added value in every interaction. Collaboration is another cornerstone of our approach. We actively engage with our Channel Partners and Resellers, fostering a network of innovation and excellence. Together, we work to identify and address the unique needs of our clients. Behind the scenes, our team is comprised of dedicated professionals, including Solution Architects, Implementation Engineers, and Support Services experts. Their commit-

ment ensures that our clients receive tailored, effective solutions that meet their specific requirements. Our operational reach extends across the MENA region, allowing us to effectively serve a wide geographical area. This presence ensures that we can provide timely support and solutions to our resellers wherever they may be. Finally, our portfolio boasts a comprehensive array of vendor solutions, covering everything from Infrastructure and Backup to Hyperautomation, Data Management, Reporting, Analytics, and Security. This diversity enables us to offer a wide range of options, ensuring that we can address the varied and evolving needs of our clients. In Conclusion

In our data-centric world, organizations confront myriad challenges and opportunities. StorIT serves as a trusted VAD, guiding organizations through the intricacies of the technology landscape. As we move forward into an uncertain future, one thing remains constant: our unwavering commitment to helping channel community and channel community and organizations make informed technology decisions that drive their success. The horizon may be uncertain, but with StorIT as your ally, you can rest assured that your technology investments are seamlessly aligned with your objectives and poised for growth.

INDUSTRY FOCUS

• F9 Infotech

• OPSWAT

’S

• PFU

S T U RY D

• Tally Solutions

FORME

• Spade Infotech

• Proofpoint

• TechAccess Cloud

• Tech Mahindra

• ValueFirst

BUSINESS INNOVATION AND USE CASES

• WSO2

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INDUSTRY FOCUS

SERVICES

F9 INFOTECH

ELEVATING BUSINESSES WITH CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS F9 Infotech, a decade-strong IT leader, pioneers’ innovation and cybersecurity solutions for global businesses.

FORME

F9 Infotech stands as a beacon of innovation and reliability, guiding businesses through the digital age with a decade of excellence

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’S

U S T RY D N

usinesses require more than just a technology partner; they need a trusted ally to navigate the ever-evolving tech terrain. F9 Infotech emerges as a beacon of innovation, offering comprehensive IT solutions globally. With a decade of experience, F9 Infotech has been at the forefront of technological advancements, making them the go-to partner for businesses seeking transformation. Adapting to the Changing Tides Over the last four years, F9 Infotech has witnessed monumental shifts in technology and business. This journey through the dynamic industry has fortified their expertise,

establishing them as a preeminent IT services provider. A Comprehensive Digital Toolkit F9 Infotech boasts a service portfolio that reads like a comprehensive playbook for businesses in the digital age. From managed IT services to DevOps, cloud computing, security, and business continuity, they offer a wide array of solutions that form the foundation of innovation and transformation. Key services include VMC on AWS and VCDR solutions. Leading the IT Modernization Charge F9 Infotech’s proficiency in leading technologies such as AWS, VMware, Azure, Oracle, Google Cloud, and more positions them as pioneers in IT modernization. Empowering Innovation and Collaboration F9 Infotech’s commitment extends beyond technology deployment. Their cloud services empower businesses to scale, innovate, and stay competitive. Collaboration with VMware fuels digital innovation, boosting efficiency and agility. In a world fraught with cybersecurity threats, their services create a robust defense for digital assets. Their expertise in data protection and business continuity ensures critical information remains secure and accessible. Now, let’s delve into how F9 Infotech leverages advanced technologies across different domains: Cloud Services Generative AI for Resource

INDUSTRY FOCUS

Optimization: F9 Infotech employs Generative AI models to automate resource allocation and optimization, ensuring cost savings and improved performance. 2. Digital Innovation with VMware AI-Powered Analytics: AI and ML algorithms analyze data from VMware environments, identifying performance bottlenecks and suggesting optimizations for better digital innovation outcomes. 3. Cybersecurity Services AI-Based Threat Detection: AI models analyze network traffic patterns and user behavior to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats in real-time, reducing the risk of breaches. 4. Data Protection & Business Continuity Generative AI for Backup Strategies: Generative AI assists in creating optimal data backup and recovery strategies, ensuring business continuity in case of data loss or disasters. 5. Managed Services AI-Enhanced Monitoring: AI-driven monitoring tools assess the health and performance of managed services, enabling preemptive maintenance and issue resolution. 6. Microsoft AI for Office 365: AI features in Microsoft applications improve user productivity by suggesting relevant content in SharePoint and automating repetitive tasks in Excel. 7. DevOps AI-Powered Code Analysis: AI analyzes code quality, identifies vulnerabilities, and suggests improvements, speeding up development and enhancing software reliability. 8. Kubernetes AI for Container Orchestration: AI algorithms optimize container placement, scaling, and resource allocation in Kubernetes clusters, ensuring efficient resource utilization. In all these domains, AI and ML technologies play a pivotal role in automating, optimizing, securing, and enhancing various aspects of cloud services and related fields. F9 Infotech Achievements ISO-27001:2022 Certification: F9 Infotech is an ISO27001:2022 certified company, demonstrating their commitment to data security and information management. AWS Advanced Tier Partner: F9 Infotech is recognized as the region’s most popular MSP with advanced specializations, showcasing their expertise in niche AWS solutions. Microsoft Solutions Partner: We offer a wide range of Microsoft services, including Azure consulting, migration, VMware solutions, database modernization, Kubernetes service, disaster recovery, and backup services. Google Cloud Certified: F9 Infotech boasts certified Google Cloud solutions architects and engineers. Oracle Principal Membership: We have grown from an OPN member to a Principal Membership in Oracle

SERVICES

RAJESH RADHAKRISHNAN

Global Business Director, F9 Infotech

TOP EXECUTIVE Rajesh Radhakrishnan, with over 15 years of IT experience, his entrepreneurial journey at F9 Infotech has led to innovative hybrid cloud solutions. He’s been a visionary leader, fostering strategic alliances and delivering customer-centric value globally. His relentless commitment continues to drive cloud computing to new heights.

DREAM ROLE

His dream role is to become a global thought leader in the field of cloud computing and technology innovation. In this role, he envisions being at the forefront of shaping the future of cloud solutions and influencing the direction of the IT industry on a global level.

ROLE MODEL

Steve Jobs consistently played a pivotal role in shaping a vivid and persuasive vision for Rajesh Radhakrishnan. Steve’s ability to inspire guided him in decision-making, emphasizing the importance of commitment to innovation and a willingness to take risks. Jobs’ dedication to innovation pushed the limits of what was achievable and motivated him to rebound from challenges. He instilled in them the value of constructing a sustainable company with a robust product pipeline, prioritizing long-term success over immediate profits.

OFFLINE

Rajesh Radhakrishnan engages in extensive reading, particularly in business literature, biographies, and self-help materials, to gain valuable insights and knowledge. Builds and maintains a strong professional network through active participation in networking events, conferences, and industry gatherings. Enjoys exploring the culinary arts, capturing moments through photography, and tending to gardens.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS

CYBERSECURITY

OPSWAT

ADVANCING SOLUTIONS FOR THREAT PREVENTION AND DETECTION

OPSWAT safeguards critical infrastructure with innovative solutions, utilising Deep CDR and multi-scanning technologies, neutralising advanced cyberthreats.

FORME

Multi-scanning improves the accuracy and efficiency of threat detection and reduces the risk of false positives

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’S

U S T RY D N

PSWAT is a leading player in IT, operational technology, critical infrastructure cybersecurity solutions or ICS, and Deep Content Disarm and Reconstruction, CDR. It protects the world’s critical infrastructure from malware and zero-day attacks. The company defends organisations in the manufacturing, nuclear, energy, oil and gas, government, and defence sectors, among others, and offers over 20 zerotrust solutions that are tailored to protect critical infrastructure environments. Its MetaDefender platform leverages Deep CDR, Proactive DLP, and country of origin technology, to provide OT threat prevention,

industrial network security and visibility, IT security, OT data sharing, zero-trust network segmentation, file scanning, and threat intelligence. Deep CDR and Multi-scanning can make a significant difference to OPSWAT’s customers in the METAP region. Deep CDR aims to neutralise malware threats by removing potentially malicious elements from files while retaining the files’ functionality and usability. This approach helps in preventing zero-day and other advanced threats that bypass traditional security measures. The MetaDefender platform offers a comprehensive Deep CDR solution supporting numerous file formats across multiple operating systems. Multi-scanning refers to scanning a file using multiple AV engines to detect and block known and unknown threats. This technology improves the accuracy and efficiency of threat detection and reduces the risk of false positives. OPSWAT’s MetaDefender platform also incorporates this technology, simultaneously scanning files with multiple anti-malware engines. Combining Deep CDR and Multi-scanning can offer customers unparalleled threat detection and neutralisation capabilities. This robust, layered approach provides multiple fail-safes if one security measure is bypassed. The MetaDefender platform, with its powerful Deep CDR and Multi-scanning capabilities, offers customers in the META region a com-

INDUSTRY FOCUS

prehensive solution that can mitigate even the most advanced cyberthreats. The OPSWAT Channel Partner Programme is designed for security solution providers, distributors, systems integrators, and value-added resellers. The programme has three partner levels, namely Bronze, Silver, and Platinum, and offers unique benefits and resources tailored to fit each partner’s unique business model. OPSWAT partners are equipped to deliver exceptional services to their customers and achieve remarkable growth, with access to the award-winning OPSWAT Academy, Technical Solution Experts, and Sales Engineering team. Over the past three years, the programme has witnessed remarkable growth, and more than 150 global MSPs, VARs, Systems Integrators, and other security resellers have experienced quadrupled revenue growth. From a product perspective, OPSWAT commits to an ongoing innovation in security, encompassing hardware, software, and cloud. The company’s priority is maintaining top-tier threat prevention technologies, such as CDR while enhancing usability, manageability, and supportability across all products. On the solutions front, OPSWAT emphasises safeguarding network perimeters across IT and OT environments, online or offline, and offers one-stop-shop solutions rather than single-use products, with a special focus on addressing the diverse needs of critical infrastructure verticals. Over the past two years, OPSWAT’s business has grown by a rate of 2.5, and the company is projecting that it will double again in 2023 alone. To support its continued expansion, OPSWAT will be opening a new office in Dubai. This investment is being built on the foundation the company has been laying in the region for years, and are looking forward to having a strong presence in this key market.

CYBERSECURITY

SERTAN SELCUK

VP, Sales – MEA, Turkey, and Pakistan, OPSWAT.

TOP EXECUTIVE Selcuk leads and manages the regional sales team at OPSWAT, formulating and implementing sales strategies to drive revenue and business growth. He oversees client relationships with key regional accounts, identifying new business opportunities and expanding the company’s presence. With over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, telecommunications, and automation, Selcuk specialises in developing, implementing, and executing strategies to sell IT and OT security solutions and services in the META region. He has collaborated with government authorities, ministries, utilities, regulators, security intelligence councils, armed forces, financial institutions, and manufacturing and oil and gas production companies. Since 2005, Selcuk has worked with more than 50 ministries, 200 utilities, numerous security intelligence councils, 150 banks, 8 Central Banks, and 300 manufacturing companies across the region.

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Selcuk aspires to lead the charge in safeguarding nations’ critical infrastructure through innovative cybersecurity solutions, envisioning OPSWAT as a trailblazer setting the gold standard for digital defence and ensuring a secure digital future for all.

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Selcuk draws inspiration from organisations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, CISA, for their commitment to cybersecurity standards. He admires leaders such as Chris Krebs, former Director of CISA, for their determined efforts to enhance cybersecurity resilience.

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The Al-Qudra bike track is Selcuk’s favourite. He enjoys setting off very early in the morning, riding a bike for 80-100 km, watching the sunrise alone in the desert, and being alone with nature. He also believes that the best way to relieve stress is to walk. Each day, he walks 5 km on a track that he sets near his house.

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DATA MANAGEMENT

PFU

NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL DATA WAVE As data becomes critical for digital-era success, PFU is geared up with intelligent technology solutions to help businesses deal with it.

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The need to manage data will only grow, as digital transformation connects more devices and moves the physical input online

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FU is a specialist company within the Ricoh family, dedicated to information management solutions. It offers advanced technology, intelligent software, and consultancy services. The company’s portfolio of services includes document management solutions, smart meeting devices, small format keyboards for coders, and others. The company’s ScanSnap Cloud delivers scanned data directly from ScanSnap scanners to any cloud services without a computer or

mobile device. The software automatically classifies file type by documents, receipts, business cards, and photos, and sends it to the appropriate cloud, based on the pre-set profiles. Information capture and business process optimisation are the key enablers of digital transformation. PFU’s products enable organisations to leverage the benefits of digital technology with their everyday functions and processes. The ScanSnap scanners allow companies to move physical data to the digital world easily in a streamlined manner. PFU has recently launched its first product in Ricoh’s Smart Meeting Device category; The Ricoh Portable Monitor. These 15.6-inch, high-quality, high-contrast OLED 10-point multi-touch screens aim to facilitate hybrid working as they are an ideal second screen that is easy to carry, set up, and use in small spaces or when travelling. The Imaging Channel Programme provides partners with all the collateral needed to support their sales funnel and incorporate image capture devices into their solutions to end customers, including marketing material,

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DATA MANAGEMENT

ADRIAN CAFFERKEY

Regional Head – Middle East and Africa, PFU.

TOP EXECUTIVE As the Regional Head for MEA, Cafferkey manages the region’s budgets and reports to London-based GM of sales, Brian Fortune. He oversees the MEA team responsible for local partner relationships and revenue streams. Cafferkey’s journey at PFU began in 2006 as European Channel Manager, then evolved to Country Manager in SA, and progressed further to Regional Manager for Africa. In 2021, he assumed the role of Regional Head for MEA, bringing 25 years of experience in the imaging capture industry. Under Cafferkey’s leadership, PFU achieved significant project wins and consistently increased revenue and profitability in MEA, as also expanded the Dubai team to nearly double. Since he has taken charge, PFU’s business has shown substantial growth, surpassing targets to become the leading scanner manufacturer in the region with a 32% market share in 2022. offers, and training services. It includes a loyalty scheme, Imaging Rewards, which recognises partners for their engagement, commitment and sales, with rewards such as business-building services, travel, and the latest consumer electronics and experiences. It is evident that data, and the ability to process it at a high volume in the shortest possible time, is the next focal point in technology. Enhanced by Artificial Intelligence, trends like quantum computing, the Internet of Things, and Augmented Reality are gaining prominence. As digital transformation integrates more devices online, efficient data management becomes crucial. Businesses must prepare for this shift to guarantee seamless continuity, avoiding disruptions or delays.

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Cafferkey aspires to elevate the business, aiming for a 35% market share, enhanced revenue, profitability, team growth, and unmatched technology offerings for customers.

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Cafferkey admires Elon Musk for transforming Tesla from a concept brand a decade ago to a leading car manufacturer, challenging established automotive giants.

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Cafferkey is a fitness enthusiast, who enjoys cycling, gym workouts, running, golf, and rugby. Married with a daughter, he holds two Master’s degrees, prioritising continual learning and fitness maintenance.

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CYBERSECURITY

PROOFPOINT

ENHANCING ENTERPRISE CYBERSECURITY LANDSCAPE With its focus on human behaviour, Proofpoint is harnessing advanced AI and ML technologies to provide tailor-made cybersecurity solutions.

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Proofpoint is focused on developing security innovations that protect people, wherever they may work, and defend their data from the most harmful risks.

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roofpoint is a leading cybersecurity and compliance company that uses a suite of on-premise and cloud-based solutions to help organisations around the world stop targeted threats, safeguard their data, and make their users more resilient against cyber-attacks. It provides tailor-made solutions to meet specific industry needs; such as governments, healthcare, and financial services. The company also offers solutions to combat email and cloud threats, prevent loss from ransomware, secure individual devices, and defend the remote workforce with cloud edge. It also helps in changing user behaviour by getting employees to build resistance to cyber-attacks before any damage is done. Over the years, Proofpoint has leveraged Artificial Intelligence or AI and Machine Learning or ML to provide organisations with

robust, ever-evolving defences against a broad spectrum of external threats. For instance, AI and ML in email security can detect phishing campaign URLs and webpages, while also countering business email compromise, by spotting fraudulent messages and unusual user actions in cloud accounts. Leveraging NexusAI’s extensive data, Proofpoint continually shields individuals and organisations from attackers. Furthermore, Proofpoint’s Aegis Threat Protection Platform is the only AI and ML-powered threat protection platform that disarms today’s advanced attacks, including Business Email Compromise, phishing, ransomware, supply chain threats, and more. With flexible deployment options via APIs and inline architecture, Aegis offers advanced cloud-based protection that complements Microsoft 365’s native defences. Proofpoint plays a vital role in driving digital transformation amid the ever-changing digital landscape, tackling associated cyber challenges. It focuses on educating organisations to safeguard their critical data within this dynamic environment. Proofpoint acknowledges that data security relies on both technology and human behaviour, understanding that “Data does not lose itself; people lose data.” According to Proofpoint’s 2023 Voice of the CISO Report, 47% of UAE security leaders faced a material loss of sensitive data in the past 12 months. Among them, 75% attributed the loss to employees leaving the organisation. Data protection entails defending against external breaches through compromised credentials, mitigating losses due to user errors,

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and guarding against insider threats. By providing robust controls and building employee awareness of threat identification and response, Proofpoint empowers organisations to navigate the digital transformation journey securely. Proofpoint’s partners are critical to the organisation’s success globally, regionally, and locally, and will continue to be as they look ahead. Proofpoint is a channel-first organisation, where 100% of net new business across the Middle East is through its community of partners. For instance, Proofpoint Element, a new partner programme was built to empower the channel to drive sales, enhance customer relationships, and bolster additional revenue streams, based on extensive feedback from its channel partners. The Proofpoint Element Partner Programme strips away the complexity often associated with many current partner programmes, enabling thousands of Proofpoint managed service providers, managed security service providers, distributors, and value-added resellers, to tap into the company’s growing cybersecurity and compliance platform portfolio to build their business and power their revenues. Proofpoint continues to invest in innovation to secure organisations in the Middle East and beyond. It is focused on developing security innovations that protect people, wherever they may work, and defend their data from today’s most harmful risks. To stay ahead of the threat actors, Proofpoint invest hundreds of millions annually into its products and relies on the most advanced AI/ML technologies to defend its customers. The company recently announced industry-first innovations across its solutions, fuelled by trillions of detected threat activities, sourced from one of the most comprehensive data sets in the industry. The new AI and ML-powered innovations equip security practitioners with unmatched visibility, flexibility, and depth to detect and disrupt sophisticated adversaries across their organisations’ attack surfaces. The business will continue to innovate to help protect organisations in the Middle East and Africa. Over the last year, Proofpoint has achieved significant milestones in its mission to protect people and data against advanced threats and compliance risks. The organisation has continued to innovate its cybersecurity solutions, successfully thwarting numerous sophisticated attacks, and expanding its global customer base. Their commitment to research and development remains unwavering, ensuring that they stay at the forefront of the cybersecurity industry. It is now the world’s largest insider threat management provider and second-largest data loss prevention vendor globally, by revenue.

CYBERSECURITY

EMILE ABOU SALEH

Senior Regional Director – MEA and Turkey, Proofpoint.

TOP EXECUTIVE Saleh serves as the Senior Regional Director for the META regions at Proofpoint, where his primary focus revolves around spearheading a people-centric cybersecurity approach within organisations. He also shoulders the responsibility of strengthening Proofpoint’s partner ecosystem and driving customer acquisition in this strategically vital region. Saleh’s career initially began as a programmer before transitioning to IT Sales as part of the MIDIS Group. After relocating to Dubai, he has been dedicated to working with security software companies in the UAE. In his role as Regional Senior Director for META at Proofpoint, Saleh constantly seeks the most effective solutions to achieve both company and customer objectives. He firmly believes that targets are best achieved through collaborative, diverse teams rather than in isolation. Saleh considers his most significant achievement in his current role to be the development of the META region for Proofpoint to its current status. He views this triumph as a testament to his team’s unwavering dedication and effort.

DREAM ROLE

Saleh aspires to continue to grow the Middle East region with Proofpoint. He hopes to make Proofpoint a common name in every organisation across the MENA region, recognised for its dedication to people-centric security and strong layered defences.

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Saleh advocates collaboration among top organisations to effectively protect against the evolving threat landscape. Global organisations such as Okta, Palo Alto, CrowdSrike, and Splunk are a few examples of companies in the industry that integrate with Proofpoint to provide the best protection.

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Saleh recently embraced cycling as a stress-relieving activity with colleagues and friends. He also enjoys unwinding with a good book or spending quality time with his family.

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SERVICES

SPADE INFOTECH

CRAFTING TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS, ONE INNOVATION AT A TIME

Tailoring software solutions and integrating AI, cloud technology, and generative AI, Spade Infotech drives businesses into the digital future.

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Spade Infotech has delved into generative AI, creating chatbots that transform data into engaging and meaningful conversations

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n a landscape where generic solutions often miss the mark in addressing the unique challenges faced by businesses, Spade Infotech stands out as a provider of customised enterprise software solutions. These solutions are not mere lines of code; they represent a pioneering approach in this paradigm shift. With a remarkable 13-year track record and a global client base spanning Europe, India, the Middle East, and the United States, Spade Infotech serves as a potent catalyst for business transformation. Their unwavering dedication to crafting tailor-made solutions ensures that clients are not merely keeping up with change but actively propelling it forward.

The company’s ability to adapt and thrive across various industries underscores its versatile expertise, spanning Insurtech, Retail, Healthtech, HR, Manufacturing, and Sports Analytics. Regardless of the sector, Spade Infotech showcases unparalleled technological prowess to meet the unique business needs of each industry. Their proficiency encompasses a diverse range of technologies, including Java, .Net, PHP, Node JS, Angular, React, Ionic, React Native, and comprehensive database capabilities. In today’s cloud-centric landscape, flexibility is paramount, and Spade Infotech excels by providing cloud-agnostic solutions. Whether organisations operate on private clouds, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, or Microsoft Azure, Spade Infotech seamlessly tailors its solutions to meet enterprise requirements. The company also leads the way towards integration of Artificial Intelligence or AI and Machine Learning or ML into their applications. These innovations power diverse applications, from predicting insurance claims and detecting fraud to facilitating ideal job matches. Additionally, Spade Infotech has delved into generative AI, creating chatbots that transform

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data into engaging and meaningful conversations, thereby enhancing customer engagement and support. Spade Infotech transcends the role of mere expert coders; they are true digital transformers. Their bespoke solutions are meticulously crafted to automate manual processes, simplify intricate workflows, and guide businesses through the complexities of cloud computing. Whether the goal is streamlining operations or delivering actionable insights, Spade Infotech equips businesses with the essential tools to navigate the digital landscape confidently. Moreover, their expertise extends to producing meticulously structured and visually appealing documents, including formatted PDFs, adding a touch of professionalism to every interaction. Recognising the diverse needs of their clients, Spade Infotech offers highly adaptable partnership models. Whether a client requires a dedicated offshore development team, an extended tech partner, or specialised solutions, Spade Infotech tailors its services to meet specific requirements. Furthermore, the company actively seeks dynamic channel partners to join its journey. For those bringing new business opportunities to the table, Spade Infotech offers a commission-based model ensuring mutual growth. Their belief in shared success drives their commitment to making their partners proud. The horizon for Spade Infotech gleams with immense promise as they navigate uncharted technological terrain. Their focus on advancing AI and ML integration, delving into the unexplored realms of generative AI, and enhancing predictive and prescriptive analytics capabilities showcase their pioneering spirit. In the past year, Spade Infotech achieved significant milestones, including the prestigious ISO 27001:2013 certification, underscoring its commitment to data security and compliance. However, their impact stretches far beyond certifications. Spade Infotech’s dedication to societal well-being shines through in its creation of a job portal tailored for individuals with disabilities. This endeavour reflects not just their expertise but also their core values, epitomising their belief in harnessing technology for the greater good.

SERVICES

RITU GARG

Director and CEO, Spade Infotech.

TOP EXECUTIVE A technology visionary, Garg leads Spade Infotech as its Director and Chief Executive Officer. Armed with a B. Tech in Computer Science and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, she returned to India in 2012 after a decade of shaping the global telecom industry. Her leadership at Spade Infotech has transformed the company into a global force for custom enterprise software solutions. Garg’s foresight, deep tech insights, and dedication to innovation have expanded Spade Infotech’s influence across industries worldwide, establishing it as a trusted digital transformation partner.

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Garg aspires to position Spade Infotech as the preferred global digital transformation partner, driving innovation and empowering businesses to thrive in the digital age.

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Drawing inspiration from trailblazing organisations like TCS, Infosys, Google, and Apple, Garg admires leaders such as Narayan Murthy, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Sheryl Sandberg for their visionary leadership and commitment to meaningful change.

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Beyond technology, her passions include finding balance through yoga, indulging in diverse podcasts, and enjoying serene nature treks. She channels creativity into experimenting with cooking and exploring various flavours, and cuisines.

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SERVICES

TALLY SOLUTIONS

DRIVING TECH INNOVATION IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

With its user-friendly tools that enable real-time access to critical data, Tally Solutions is paving the way for efficient decision-making and success.

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Across three decades, Tally Solutions has consistently delivered cuttingedge technology, exemplifying unmatched innovation and industry leadership.

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ally Solutions provides a comprehensive range of business management solutions, including TallyPrime, a tool for business expansion, TallyPrime Server for enhanced enterprise operations, and Tally Software Services, or TSS, featuring integrated services. TallyPrime offers the flexibility to access real-time business reports securely via a web browser on any device, ensuring convenient access to critical information. Additionally, TallyPrime’s remote access services enable roundthe-clock business connectivity, allowing users to manage their business from anywhere globally. This ensures that essential business

performance data is readily available, regardless of the time or location, facilitating efficient decision-making. The company stands tall as a provider of business management software, accredited by both the FTA and the GAZT. With 15 years of expertise, Tally has assisted over 67,000 regional businesses in managing their accounting, inventory, and compliance needs. Since its establishment in 1986, it has pioneered userfriendly yet robust products, revolutionising business operations. With over three decades of innovation, it serves 7 million users in 100+ countries across diverse industries. Tally Solutions relies on word-of-mouth referrals, prioritising customer satisfaction and exceeding expectations. Its main focus is on ensuring the satisfaction of its customers and being dedicated to exceeding their expectations. To achieve this, the company has established a Certified Partner Framework comprising Gold and Silver Partners. Within this framework, all partner resources undergo Belt Certification, including Green Belt and Yellow Belt, indicating varying levels of product and domain expertise, tailored to meet the diverse needs of their customers.

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SERVICES

VIKAS PANCHAL

General Manager – MENA, Tally Solutions.

TOP EXECUTIVE As the General Manager of Tally Solutions for the MENA region, Panchal oversees P&L responsibilities and leads a 25-member team across the GCC. Reporting to the Head of International Business, his role involves formulating and guiding the MENA strategy to establish Tally as a dominant force in the region. Panchal started his professional journey as a Direct Sales Professional and, with over 22 years of experience, he currently heads Tally’s Middle East Operations. With 15 years at Tally Solutions and prior experience in various IT companies in India, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role. Tally Solutions has positively impacted over 67,000 SMEs in the GCC region by providing them with appropriate and user-friendly tools during the implementation of taxation policies. Panchal actively engages with accounting and auditing professionals through training sessions, workshops, and events, offering essential knowledge initially for VAT and now for Corporate Tax.

DREAM ROLE

Going ahead, Tally Solutions is preparing to leverage the possibilities of AI to enhance its product offerings. Their objective extends beyond boosting customer productivity, they are also dedicated to reducing errors. Additionally, Tally Solutions is embarking on an exploration into the world of conversational AI. Overall, Tally has actively supported the SME growth in the UAE, hosting more than 50 events, drawing over 10,000 registrations, and collaborating with esteemed organisations like Gulf News, Khaleej Times, NAFA, SME Tech Innovation Summit, ICAI Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and RAK Chapters, India Club, and the Taxation Society, among others. They launched ‘Talk Compliance,’ a radio chat series with over 430 thousand listeners, covering compliance-related topics for business leaders across 40 episodes.

Panchal’s aspiration is to support SMEs on their entrepreneurial journey, facilitating their growth and simplifying their lives. He shares this vision with Tally Solutions and is proud to contribute to the company’s mission.

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Apple and Microsoft, which have impacted the lives of millions worldwide are two of Panchal’s main role models, along with Bharat Goenka, the Founder of Tally, who is also often hailed as the Father of the Indian software industry.

OFFLINE

Panchal enjoys travelling to explore new destinations. Regular jogging not only promotes an active lifestyle but also clears his mind, offering fresh perspectives. It is his way of enjoying quality me time.

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CLOUD SOLUTIONS

TECHACCESS CLOUD

ACCELERATING ENTERPRISE’S AGILE, DATA-DRIVEN JOURNEY From robust database solutions to cutting-edge technologies, TAC is using them all to revolutionise productivity and enhance customer engagement.

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echAccess Cloud or TAC provides a diverse range of cutting-edge products and services sourced from renowned vendors like EnterpriseDB Postgres, BMC, AMD, Supermicro, Canonical Ubuntu, and RACANNA Energy Management. TAC’s offerings encompass robust database solutions such as EnterpriseDB Postgres Platform and BMC Helix ITSM for seamless service management. Additionally, TAC delivers high-performance infrastructure solutions, including AMD’s Ryzen processors and EPYC server CPUs, and Supermicro’s SuperServer systems and Super Storage platforms, tailored to various datacentre requirements. TAC also offers StarWind’s hyper-converged infrastructure and software-defined storage solutions for enhanced data management. Furthermore, TAC provides Canonical Ubuntu’s flagship products, Ubuntu Server

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and Ubuntu Desktop, coupled with premium support and management services through Ubuntu Advantage. Cloud solutions like Ubuntu on AWS, Azure, and OpenStack are also available, facilitating the deployment of scalable and efficient cloud environments. In line with the growing emphasis on sustainability, TAC offers comprehensive solutions through RACANNA Energy Management. RACANNA focuses on sustainable energy solutions, offering products such as energy monitoring systems, smart grid solutions, and renewable energy integration services. These offerings empower organisations to optimise energy usage, reduce costs, and achieve their sustainability goals, contributing to a greener and more efficient future. TAC distributes flagship products and solutions that encompass a range of businesses and developer tools powered by Artificial Intel-

ligence, AI. The products also leverage cloud platforms for licensing and delivery, enabling scalable access, seamless updates, and efficient usage tracking via cloud-based APIs and services, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for their channel and customers. Generative AI enables content generation, such as code, text, and images, automating time-consuming tasks and fostering creativity. Conversational AI powers interactive and personalised user experiences, whether it is in customer support, virtual assistants, or chatbots, streamlining communication and reducing response times. TAC offerings incorporate other AI and Machine Learning, ML technologies for tasks like data analysis, recommendation systems, and pattern recognition, delivering data-driven insights and optimising decision-making processes. These capabilities collectively empower users to achieve more, faster and with greater precision, revolutionising productivity across industries. TAC’s products, solutions, and services offerings play a pivotal role in driving digital transformation across industries. By offering advanced AI and ML capabilities, it is empowering organisations to automate repetitive tasks, enhance data analysis and deliver personalised user experiences, thus increasing operational efficiency and customer engagement. TAC’s tools facilitate the development of innovative applications, powering intelligent automation, and enabling the creation of AI-driven solutions that adapt to evolving market demands. Besides, TAC’s cloud-based licensing and delivery infrastructure also helps businesses seamlessly integrate these transformative

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TOP EXECUTIVE Alfred Chrispanous, the founder and Managing Director of TechAccess Cloud, shapes the company’s strategic vision, fosters innovation, and recruits top talent for operational excellence. With a career spanning since 1996 in the UAE, Chrispanous has held pivotal roles at renowned multinational corporations including Oracle, HPE, and Huawei Enterprise. His expertise lies in building customer success, robust channel ecosystems, impactful sales solutions of GTM and RTM, and driving business growth in the dynamic Middle East and Africa markets. In his current role, he oversees all facets of the organisation, from vendor product solutions to investments across channel partners, ensuring alignment with the mission and values of ‘one team one goal’. Chrispanous takes pride in TechAccess Cloud’s upcoming contributions to COP28 and their focus on Net Zero suitability AI solutions that align with global sustainability goals. Under his leadership, TAC has facilitated knowledge transfer within its channel ecosystem, enabling the migration of complex legacy databases and applications to open-source platforms like EDB Postgres. Additionally, TAC’s RACANNA initiative enhances efficiency and reduces energy management and operational costs.

TAC is collaborating with local cloud providers, expanding their product offerings and deepening industry partnerships

CLOUD SOLUTIONS

ALFRED CHRISPANOUS

Managing Director, TechAccess Cloud.

DREAM ROLE

For Chrispanous, teamwork is key. His future aspiration is to play a pivotal role in expanding and helping countries reduce massive ICT costs while contributing to their energy management and sustainability objectives. Particularly in the Middle East, he aims to drive widespread adoption of EDB Postgres through migration initiatives and offer free training and certifications to empower professionals and organisations in the region in database management.

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Chrispanous draws inspiration from innovative and customer-centric organisations like Nike and Apple. Institutions such as Harvard Business School have shaped numerous successful leaders, influencing their approach to business. He admires exceptional leaders for their vision and exceptional leadership.

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Outside of work, Chrispanous indulges in running and hiking in natural landscapes, exploring world cuisines, reading self-help books, and staying updated with health and fitness. He is passionate about volunteering for community causes and leads a socially conscious lifestyle.

technologies into their workflows, accelerating their journey towards a more agile, data-driven, and digitally enabled future. TechAcess Cloud’s channel partner programme has been designed to foster collaboration and success for their valued partners since 1999. The programme offers multiple partner levels, ranging from Registered to Platinum, each with increasing benefits and support. TAC also provides comprehensive skills certification programmes to ensure that its partners have

the necessary expertise to effectively market, sell, and implement its solutions. In addition, TAC conducts road shows and training events to keep their partners updated on the latest innovations, best practices and market trends. Overall, the TAC channel partner programme fosters a strong community of partners, enabling them to deliver exceptional value to customers while enjoying the rewards of growth and success.

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SERVICES

TECH MAHINDRA

DELIVERING TECH-ENABLED BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION Tech Mahindra is harnessing the power of 5G, Metaverse, Blockchain, and AI to facilitate seamless digital transformation for enterprises.

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A commitment to innovation and excellence in cloud solutions empowers organisations to achieve their digital aspirations swiftly and efficiently.

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ech Mahindra is focused on leveraging the next-generation technologies including 5G, Metaverse, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and more, to enable end-to-end digital transformation for global customers. With their NXT.NOW framework, Tech Mahindra aims to enhance the human-centric experience for its ecosystem and drive collaborative disruption with synergies arising from a robust portfolio of companies. It aims at delivering tomorrow’s experiences today and believes that the future is now.

With a portfolio of cloud services combined with cloud expertise from their acquisitions, the company brings cloud operating models and engineering services to customers by leveraging SRE and DevOps platforms that accelerate business value with hybrid cloud. TechM’s CLOUDNXT.NOW is a comprehensive set of services, solutions, and frameworks that help customers accelerate their cloud journey. It has helped over 250 F100 and F500 customers in their cloud journey, including a few of the world’s largest Cloud transformation projects globally for CME and Enterprise verticals. Tech Mahindra has a strong ecosystem of alliances with leading cloud service providers. The recently launched ‘Ops amplifAIer’ solution under Tech Mahindra’s Artificial Intelligence, AI suit exemplifies the company’s commitment to boosting productivity through Generative AI, or GenAI. The solution supports engineers by providing a single-pane integrated view with all the contextual information and tools to resolve issues. It promotes seamless team collaboration, and GenAI assistance capabilities,and makes the processes future-proof and responsible. Ops amplifAIer integrates a GenAI chatbot for assistance, liberating the enterprise IT knowledge being restricted to vendor-specific platforms and tools. The unified operations console streamlines the IT support engineer’s workflow, reducing the need to access multiple IT Ops tools. The contextual data collected allows GenAI to perform most of the activities that a support engineer does today.

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An upcoming project is Tech Mahindra’s Indus, an AI-driven solution, catering to India’s vast population of Hindi speakers. The organisation seeks to create an Open-Source Large Language AI model that can satisfy the demands of 25% of the world’s population. Large language models, LLMs, like the GPT models by OpenAI, despite their multilingual capabilities, have been predominantly trained on English datasets, which limits their proficiency in comprehending and generating content in Indic languages. Hence, an open-source Indic LLM will be hugely beneficial for India. Tech Mahindra is positioned as a leader in the digital transformation space and uses a combination of advanced technologies and a strategic framework to deliver innovative solutions as well as enhance the overall customer experience. The company has cultivated strategic partnerships and subsidiaries with offerings that align seamlessly with its overarching digital transformation objectives. This collaborative ecosystem enhances Tech Mahindra’s ability to drive innovation and deliver comprehensive solutions. Additionally, a commitment to innovation and excellence in cloud solutions empowers organisations to achieve their digital aspirations swiftly and efficiently. Tech Mahindra is at the forefront of leveraging emerging technology like AI and Machine Learning to ensure its clients can confidently navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape and achieve their transformation goals. In the past 12 months, the company has deepened its relationships in the region by setting up a global delivery centre in Egypt and signing a MOU with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, MCIT, Saudi Arabia to establish a Data and AI and Cloud Centre of Excellence, or Co, in Riyadh. The company has forged many partnerships to further its presence in varied industries. One notable alliance was with Retalon to provide a full spectrum of Digital Solutions for Retail and Consumer. Other partners include Anyverse, which aims to accelerate AI adoption in the Automotive Industry, Mahindra Lifespaces to drive innovation in FinTech, and EarthID to create a Blueprint for Self- Sovereign Identity, or SSI. The company also expanded its partnership with Microsoft as an Azure Operator Nexus Ready Systems Integrator. Tech Mahindra launched various prod-

SERVICES

RAM RAMACHANDRAN

Senior VP and Head – MEA, Tech Mahindra.

TOP EXECUTIVE Ramachandran, the Senior Vice President and Head of the MEA region at Tech Mahindra excels in overseeing the telecom and enterprise business sectors. A member of the company’s Leadership Council and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry-Arab Regional Council, he has represented the company at international forums, including the World Economic Forum in the MEA and ASEAN. With over 20 years of experience, Ramachandran has led consulting and value-driven sales across diverse regions. His tenure in Singapore involved steering the ASEAN business through a transformative phase post the acquisition of Satyam by Tech Mahindra. His efforts earned him recognition in Forbes as one of the ‘Top 100 Global-Local Executives in the Middle East’ for four consecutive years. He is also featured in Forbes’ list of the ‘Top 50 Indian Executives in the Arab World.’

OFFLINE

Outside work, Ramachandran finds solace in family time, movies, and cooking. He has recently embraced transcendental meditation, finding tranquillity in its practice.

ucts and services in the last year. Some of the launches included Generative AI Powered Ops amplifAIer, a digital assistant to support IT engineers, and Generative AI-Powered Email amplifAIer, which is a one-stop solution to manage all email communication of contact in partnership with Google. The company also launched a Generative AI Studio, which enables enterprises to see and explore the world of GenAI by bringing six aspects of content generation. Another path-breaking capability launched by the company is its Evangelized

Pair Programming solution that enables Enterprises to build a new-age developer ecosystem. Tech Mahindra has won many recognitions during this period. One of them was by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand evaluation firm, which recognised Tech Mahindra as the fastest-growing brand amongst the top 25 IT services brands. Tech Mahindra was also included in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year and was ranked number one in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2023.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS

PLATFORM

VALUEFIRST

DELIVERING CUTTINGEDGE CONVERSATIONAL AI SOLUTION

Surbo integrates advanced Generative AI technologies, enhancing customer interactions, operational efficiency, and data-driven decisions for businesses.

FORME

ValueFirst’s strategic focus lies in merging CPaaS and Unified Communications as a Service, or UCaaS sector, into a unified offering

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alueFirst’s flagship Conversational Artificial intelligence or AI platform, Surbo, addresses a wide range of conversational use cases, catering to both chat and voice bots. The platform integrates advanced Generative AI technologies like ChatGPT and Rasa, empowering businesses to facilitate personalised customer interactions. These AI capabilities are strategically designed to assist business users in making data-driven decisions, enhancing operational efficiency, and ultimately boosting customer satisfaction. Surbo stands as a testament to ValueFirst’s commitment to leveraging cut-

ting-edge AI to provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving demands of businesses in the digital age. The company stands at the forefront of catalysing digital transformation for enterprises. Capitalising on technological advancements, the company empowers businesses to surmount challenges, including cost optimisation, and enabling robust data reporting. Their portfolio of solutions, featuring email automation and NotifyHub, not only streamlines operations and cost-efficiency but also fosters personalised and automated customer engagement. ValueFirst extends businesses’ reach to emerging markets via WhatsApp, enhancing brand interactions and engagement. Prioritising data protection through secure technology platforms, the company nurtures customer trust. Amidst the growth of the Communication-Platform-as-a-Service, or CPaaS sector, their innovative solutions facilitate digital transformation across industries like healthcare, education, logistics, and transport. Going ahead, ValueFirst’s strategic focus lies in merging CPaaS and Unified Communications as a Service, or UCaaS sector, into a

INDUSTRY FOCUS

PLATFORM

ARVIND KALLA

Chief Regional Officer, ValueFirst.

TOP EXECUTIVE Kalla, the Chief Regional Officer at ValueFirst, holds a multifaceted role encompassing market analysis, strategic planning, compliance oversight, and financial management. Reporting to the executive leadership team, he ensures alignment with organisational goals and oversees the effective execution of his responsibilities. Kalla boasts a distinguished career marked by four successful inceptions within ValueFirst, spanning North India, West India, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. His strategic leadership consistently fuels growth, evident in his role’s accomplishments. Notably, he spearheaded the establishment of a 600 Million business in Saudi Arabia from scratch, achieving impressive annual growth rates of 60%. These achievements underscore his ability to drive significant results and expand the organisation’s regional footprint.

DREAM ROLE

unified offering. This approach aims to empower businesses to create tailored communication journeys and channels for individual consumer interactions while centralising data for regulatory compliance. The significance of APIs in this evolution cannot be overstated, as they enable seamless integrations with third-party applications, offering scalability. Overall, ValueFirst is shifting towards a solution-centric approach, emphasising comprehensive solutions over individual offerings and ValueFirst’s Boarding Pass solution, serving 57% of India’s boarding passes, exemplifies this transition. Tanla Platforms’ acquisition of ValueFirst is a resounding endorsement of ValueFirst’s success in regional markets and its offerings. This strategic move strengthens Tanla Platforms’ global CPaaS standing, promising heightened innovation and excellence in communication and customer engagement solutions.

Kalla aspires to lead an organisation to substantial growth and success, aiming for a valuation exceeding $100 Million. His ambition involves leveraging his expertise and strategic acumen to achieve this goal.

ROLE MODEL

Kalla draws inspiration from industry giants like Apple, Amazon, and Google, admired for their innovation, customer-centric approach, and market leadership. Among executives, Steve Jobs stands out as a role model, appreciated for his visionary leadership and transformative impact on the technology and business sectors.

OFFLINE

Outside work, Kalla prioritises physical fitness, embracing a healthy and active lifestyle. He indulges in strategic and intellectual pursuits, particularly enjoying games like chess, which align with his keen analytical mindset and problem-solving skills.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS

INTEGRATION

WSO2

DRIVING DIGITAL INNOVATION FOR CLOUD-NATIVE SOLUTIONS

WSO2 leads the way in seamless digital innovation, embracing cloud-native solutions, open-source technologies, and AI advancements.

FORME

WSO2’s cloud-native approach ensures seamless compatibility with platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform

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SO2 provides core technologies, empowering organisations in constructing digital platforms. Its API Manager offers a comprehensive solution for managing, integrating, and exposing digital services as APIs across diverse environments. WSO2’s micro-Integrator and Ballerina serve as open-source hybrid integration technologies, equipped with graphical, textual, and CLI tools, integration runtimes, and adaptable deployment choices. WSO2 Identity Server and Asgardeo dominate the open-source and SaaS Identity and Access Management or IAM market, providing contemporary features for customer work-

force, API, and application IAM requirements. Moreover, the company provides an Internal Developer Platform on an “as-a-service” model for comprehensive application development, ensuring a straightforward process for adding developers and eliminating complexities. WSO2 adopts a cloud-native approach, ensuring seamless compatibility with popular platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. This flexibility enables customers to effortlessly deploy WSO2 software in their preferred cloud environment, managing costs efficiently through WSO2’s dedicated cloud team rather than costly in-house expertise. Regarding licensing and delivery, WSO2’s adaptable models cater to both on-premise and cloud-based deployments. WSO2 subscription offers users a full range of software product benefits, which include expert support, continuous product updates, vulnerability monitoring, and access to licensed distribution for commercial use. The company utilises generative AI, conversational AI, and various machine learning techniques to boost user productivity. These technologies simplify core functionality

INDUSTRY FOCUS

creation and testing, fostering efficient development processes. WSO2’s solutions enable organisations to interact with and build AI platforms, promoting versatility. Across API Management, Integration, and IAM products, WSO2 facilitates practical AI utilisation, empowering businesses in today’s dynamic landscape. WSO2 empowers numerous enterprises, including major corporations, leading universities, and governments, in their digital transformation initiatives. Handling over 60 trillion transactions and managing more than 1 billion identities annually, WSO2 enables organisations to securely deliver digital services and applications through API management, integration, and IAM. Its open-source, API-first software approach, operating both on-premises and on the cloud, enhances developer productivity, allowing rapid composition of digital products while ensuring freedom from vendor lock-in. WSO2 equips systems integrators and resellers with essential building blocks for rapid, secure digital innovation. Their partner programme offers financial benefits based on business growth and skills development, providing training and certification through the WSO2 Partner Portal. On-Demand Generation offers co-branded campaigns, marketing funds, sponsorship opportunities, and marketing collateral access. Additionally, WSO2 maintains a dedicated community platform, uniting tech enthusiasts globally, fostering engagement, sharing resources, best practices, and networking opportunities. In the next 1-2 years, WSO2 aims to enhance software products and SaaS platforms, simplifying digital experience creation and boosting software manufacturing productivity. Rooted in first principles, it leverages cloud-native, AI, Web 3.0, and metaverse technologies, empowering organisations in digital transformations.

INTEGRATION

UDAY SHANKAR KIZHEPAT

Vice President and General Manager – Middle East, WSO2

TOP EXECUTIVE As WSO2’s Vice President and General Manager for the Middle East Region, Kizhepat assumes comprehensive responsibility for regional growth, devising go-to-market strategies, managing investments, and staffing. His mission is to enhance the region’s status as an emerging hub for innovation, enabling customers to achieve digital transformation objectives. With over two decades of professional experience, Kizhepat has excelled in various leadership roles. A certified Cloud Practitioner and Digital Change Champion, he possesses profound expertise in guiding enterprise-level solutions across diverse verticals. Before joining WSO2, Kizhepat held pivotal roles in global and regional SIs, including LTI, Zensar Technologies, and Intercol, where he spearheaded business growth and development initiatives. Kizhepat has been instrumental in propelling WSO2’s growth in the MEA region, with consistent 50% YOY growth and expansion into six new markets last year. Under his leadership, the existing customer portfolio and channel business have significantly expanded.

ROLE MODEL

In the current era, digital disruption is crucial, and Kizhepat finds inspiration in innovators like Uber, Netflix, and Airbnb, who transformed their industries with novel approaches. He admires Ratan Tata and Azim Premji, who exemplify inspirational tales of humanity and ethics, prioritising compassion over financial gains in their vast conglomerates.

OFFLINE

Kizhepat is a skilled communicator and music enthusiast, with a passion for travel, historical literature, and diverse cultures. He enjoys cricket and golf, occasionally organising tournaments and mentoring young talents. Actively engaging in CSR initiatives, he played a pivotal role in mobilising aid for underprivileged communities during the peak of the pandemic.

O CTO B E R 2023

MAY-SEPTEMBER 2024

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