DRIVING THE FINE BALANCE
As the 44th edition of GITEX gets underway, enterprise IT leaders will be keenly scouting for new technologies that they can consider in their strategic roadmaps. With digital transformation accelerating across industries, the need for next-generation solutions has never been more critical. This year’s event promises to provide a showcase of innovations that are reshaping the business landscape, from AI-driven platforms to the latest advancements in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IoT.
GITEX serves as a pivotal platform where enterprise IT leaders will get to explore how emerging technologies can enhance operational efficiency, streamline workflows, and drive new growth opportunities for their respective organizations. At this year’s edition, areas such as hybrid infrastructure, edge computing, and AI automation are likely to take center stage. Considering these technologies in their roadmaps will offer organizations the chance to future-proof their operations and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive environment.
There will also be closer attention paid to sustainable technology solutions that align with global and regional green initiatives. Enterprise IT leaders would prefer to consider a fine balance between high-performance solutions as well as solutions that enhance business agility and resilience. GITEX 2024 will be a great window that will help these leaders get a sneak peek as well as understand how these innovations can be seamlessly integrated into their technology roadmaps to create a smarter, more secure, and more sustainable digital future.
As enterprises adjust their budgets for IT investments, they will need to be highly strategic and selective about which technologies and solutions to prioritize. Careful consideration will be key to ensuring that each investment delivers measurable value and supports longterm business objectives.
Of course, investing in the latest AI, cloud, cybersecurity, edge computing, and IoT solutions will be top priorities for enterprises looking to stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape. These technologies, combined with advanced data analytics and 5G, will enable organizations to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and secure their operations.
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Dell Technologies is driving innovations at every level of the AI technology stack to reshape and empower enterprise transformation
The larger-than-life shadow of AI looms over the technology landscape as GITEX Global prepares for another riveting edition, showcasing cutting-edge technologies
HPE TO SHOWCASE AI SOLUTIONS, FROM EDGE TO CLOUD
Visitors to the HPE stand can interact with the avatar of HPE CEO and experience cutting-edge AI-powered solutions.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is set to return to GITEX for the 44th edition of the world’s iconic large-scale tech exhibition. At this year’s GITEX, HPE will showcase its cutting-edge AI, hybrid cloud and networking solutions.
At the HPE stand(H6, A30) visitors have the opportunity to interact with a virtual AI avatar of HPE CEO Antonio Neri and learn about how HPE’s AI-powered solutions are shaping the future by boosting productivity and accelerating the rate of discovery and innovation. They can speak with HPE’s technical experts, and experience interactive challenges and live demonstrations.
Other highlights of the HPE GITEX 2024 stand will include:
The HPE GreenLake High-Speed challenge – HPE GreenLake is a hybrid cloud solution that allows organizations to run
Tim Pfaelzer
General Manager and Senior Vice President, EMEA, Veeam
Veeam Software will emphasize its commitment to powering Data Resilience during its participation at this year’s GITEX Global, assuring that critical business data is protected, secure, and readily recoverable across all platforms.
Tim Pfaelzer, General Manager and Senior Vice President, EMEA at Veeam, stated “The Middle East is leading the way in terms of matching an incredible vision with the very latest technological advancements. From smart cities and AI to advanced cybersecurity measures, this region is a global hub of
computing services with a public cloud experience, deploy and manage resources across their private and public clouds while retaining control of their data and flexibility over how they consume and manage services.
Predix, the culmination of HPE’s partnership with GE Digital. Together, HPE and GE Digital are transforming industries by delivering cloud, core-to-edge computing, Industrial IoT sensor technology, and advanced analytics.
AI-powered buoys developed in collaboration with Carnegie Clean Energy that generate electricity using the ocean waves. Visitors to the stand will have the chance to see the HPE deep reinforcement learning (RL) technology in action.
“At HPE, we are excited to return to
Ahmad Alkhallafi Managing Director UAE & Africa, HPE
GITEX 2024, which comes at a pivotal time for the UAE, as the country experiences the rapid adoption of advanced technologies in line with key initiatives such as UAE Vision 2030,” said Ahmad Alkhallafi, Managing Director for United Arab Emirates & Africa at HPE. “With governments leading strategic digital transformation efforts, GITEX provides the perfect platform to highlight HPE's next-generation solutions.”
HPE stand will be in Hall 6, A30.
VEEAM CHAMPIONS DATA RESILIENCE AT 2024 GITEX GLOBAL
Veeam will demonstrate how the Veeam Data Platform offers a robust data resilience strategy
innovation. Of course, in this new digital world ensuring your data is resilient is critical and Veeam's solutions are designed to make sure that every organization in the region can protect and recover their data no matter what happens. That´s why GITEX is a critical event for us to learn what’s happening and continue to forge meaningful connections that drive industry progress across the region.”
Veeam will demonstrate how the Veeam Data Platform offers a robust data resilience strategy to protect, manage, and secure organizations' most valuable asset — data. The platform goes beyond backup, providing full-scale data protection, seamless recovery, and streamlined management for any IT infrastructure, including Cloud, Virtual, Physical, SaaS, and Kubernetes environments.
The portfolio presented includes:
• Veeam Data Platform v12.2: The latest release broadens support for new platforms
while advancing end-to-end cybersecurity capabilities.
• Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8: Protecting over 21 million users worldwide, this solution offers comprehensive and flexible immutability for Microsoft 365 data.
• Veeam Data Cloud: Veeam Data Cloud provides backup-as-a-service (BaaS) for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure, with powerful data protection and security technology in a seamless user experience.
• Coveware by Veeam: Veeam’s acquisition of Coveware, a leading provider in cyber-extortion incident response, enhances ransomware recovery and first responder capabilities with new proactive threat analysis tools for Veeam Data Platform Premium customers.
• Veeam Kasten for Kubernetes V7.0: Expands support for VM and cloud-native environments, with enhanced security capabilities for ransomware protection.
Veeam will have a dedicated booth at Hall 7, stand B-20.
SOPHOS TO HIGHLIGHT ADVANCED MDR CAPABILITIES AT GITEX GLOBAL 2024
Sophos MDR is a fully managed, 24/7 cybersecurity service delivered by experts
Sophos, a global leader of security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, announced its participation at GITEX Global 2024, which runs from October 14 to October 18, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. At the event, Sophos is showcasing its advanced cybersecurity solutions and services, including Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR).
AMIVIZ TO FOCUS
Sophos MDR was recently recognised as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: European Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services in 2024 Vendor Assessment. It is a fully managed, 24/7 cybersecurity service delivered by experts who specialize in detecting, responding to and remediating cyberattacks that technology alone cannot prevent. By combining human expertise with protection technologies and advanced machine learning models, MDR analysts can detect, investigate and neutralize advanced human-led attacks, preventing data breaches and ransomware.
"As organizations expand, their IT infrastructures tend to grow making it more complex and challenging to manage the attack surface and maintain the necessary tools and technologies. The rising complexity of cyberthreats, along with the security required to combat them, is driving
ON "FORTIFYING YOUR DIGITAL FUTURE" AT
GITEX
The distributor will also highlight the transformative role of AI in cybersecurity
AmiViz, a leading cybersecurity-focused value-added distributor headquartered in the Middle East, today announced its participation in the upcoming GITEX Global 2024. The company’s presence this year is under the banner of "Fortifying Your Digital Future," focusing on assisting enterprises across the region to develop robust, future-proof cybersecurity frameworks amidst rapid digital transformations.
At GITEX 2024, AmiViz will also emphasize the transformative role of AI in cybersecurity and showcase a comprehensive range of advanced cybersecurity solutions designed to combat emerging threats. These solutions include AI-powered threat detection, cloud security, digital identity management, next-generation zero-trust frameworks, and endpoint protection technologies. By addressing key concerns like ransomware, cloud security, and compliance through automation, AmiViz aims to empower businesses to strengthen
their security posture, effectively respond to cyber threats, and maintain data integrity.
Through interactive demonstrations and live sessions, the company will showcase how AI-powered tools enhance threat detection, automate response mechanisms, and simplify the management of cybersecurity infrastructures. By partnering with leading vendors, AmiViz will demonstrate real-world use cases where AI enhances security operations, accelerates vulnerability assessments, and streamlines decision-making. The focus will be on empowering channel partners with these AI-driven tools to improve their service delivery, while end users benefit from more robust protection and increased agility in handling evolving cyber threats.
This year, AmiViz is partnering with an array of leading global cybersecurity vendors to showcase a broad spectrum of specialized solutions.
fast-growing demand for MDR services. Recent Gartner data estimates the MDR market at $7.5 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.8%," said Harish Chib, vice president of emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa, Sophos.
According to the Sophos 2024 Threat Report, 90% of mid-sized organizations now have some form of cyber insurance coverage, with 50% holding standalone policies and 40% including cyber protection within broader business insurance. Investing in cyber insurance, alongside robust cyber defenses, works hand in hand to help organizations mitigate and reduce their overall cyber risk.
Mohammed Amin President, CEEMETA, Dell Technologies
Sophos is co-exhibiting, alongside Logicom, booth H2-A10, Hall 2, and Starlink, booth H24-A40, Hall 24 (Cyber Valley).
"Our participation at GITEX 2024 underscores our commitment to empowering businesses in the Middle East to stay ahead of cybersecurity threats," said Ilyas Mohammed, COO at AmiViz. "As we witness unprecedented digital growth in the region, the need for comprehensive and innovative cybersecurity strategies has never been more critical. Through our collaborations with top-tier cybersecurity vendors, we aim to equip businesses with the tools they need to secure their digital futures."
Harish Chib
VP Emerging Markets, Middle East Africa, Sophos
Ilyas Mohammed COO, AmiViz
CLOUDFLARE TO PRESENT CLOUD FOR THE “EVERYWHERE WORLD” AT GITEX 2024
The connectivity cloud will be among the highlights of the showcase
At GITEX Global, Cloudflare will present its latest suite of products and solutions that helps businesses regain control of their technology and security environments, by reducing complexity and improving visibility across their on-premises, public cloud, SaaS, and public Internet domains. The company will spotlight the connectivity cloud, which is designed to enhance connectivity and optimize performance for enterprises.
Key highlights of Cloudflare’s GITEX 2024 showcase will include:
● Connectivity cloud: A platform that empowers enterprises with seamless, high-performance connectivity.
● Zero Trust Security: Cloudflare One, Cloudflare’s comprehensive Zero Trust solutions will be on display, offering robust protection against modern cyber threats.
● Scalable DDoS Protection: Demon-
strations of Cloudflare’s industry-leading DDoS protection solutions will highlight how enterprises can safeguard their digital assets from malicious attacks while maintaining service availability.
● Optimized Content Delivery: Attendees will experience Cloudflare’s Content Delivery Network (CDN) services that accelerate website performance and ensure uninterrupted user experiences.
● The latest Cloudflare innovations announced at its recently concluded Birthday Week:
• AI Audit tool, Workers AI, Speed Brain, the democratisation of Critical Security Tools, the securitisation of Whatsapp and the free sharing of insights and findings of Cloudforce One
Bashar Bashaireh, RVP Middle East and Türkiye at Cloudflare, said, “Cloudflare’s solutions are designed to meet the unique
challenges faced by enterprises in this region, providing them with the tools they need to achieve secure, reliable, private and high-performance connectivity. Our participation at GITEX 2024 underscores our dedication to supporting Middle Eastern businesses as they navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape.”
LIFERAY HIGHLIGHTS INTEGRATED CLOUD-POWERED DIGITAL EXPERIENCE
Featuring low-code capabilities and seamless integration for smarter, faster digital transformation across industries
Liferay, a leading provider of All-in-One cloud-powered, open-source Digital Experience Platform (DXP) solutions, will showcase its advanced digital capabilities at GITEX GLOBAL 2024. Liferay’s comprehensive platform empowers organizations to deliver personalized customer journeys, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate digital transformation through low-code capabilities and seamless integration.
Liferay DXP enables organizations to develop, deploy, and scale digital experiences across multiple touchpoints, supporting B2B, B2C, G2G, and G2C interactions for seamless customer engagement. As part of its evolving capabilities, Liferay integrates AI-driven insights to further enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency, ensuring businesses stay
competitive in a rapidly shifting market. Liferay SaaS empowers organizations to create tailored solutions, such as customer experiences, employee portals, and supply chain solutions for distributors and retailers, enhancing operational flexibility and personalization across business functions.
"At GITEX GLOBAL 2024, we will showcase how Liferay's GenAI capabilities combined with our low-code tools and cloud infrastructure, empower organizations to deliver smarter, seamless digital experiences while keeping their focus on what truly matters: their customers. AI is central to transforming business operations, and with GITEX GLOBAL spotlighting AI this year on the world stage, we are excited to demonstrate how Liferay DXP integrates with various AI platforms to solve real world problems in
Moussalam Dalati
General Manager MEA and France
driving enhanced customer engagement and operational efficiency," said Moussalam Dalati, General Manager, MEA and France at Liferay.
Liferay will be exhibiting at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 at Booth H4-B40, Hall 4.
Bashar Bashaireh RVP Middle East and Türkiye Cloudflare
Liferay
TECH FIRST GULF TO SHOWCASE AI, CLOUD, AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AT GITEX 2024
At GITEX 2024, TFG will highlight innovations in AI, cloud storage, and emerging technologies.
Tech First Gulf a leading value-added distributor in the Middle East Africa and India (MEA&I), announced its participation at GITEX Global 2024, taking place from October 14-18, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Hall 2, Stand B-30.
At GITEX 2024, TFG will highlight innovations in AI, cloud storage, and emerging technologies. Our focus is on empowering business partners by providing access to cutting-edge technologies that drive enterprise transformation and foster regional growth.
Akashdeep Singh, Chief Strategy Officer at Tech First Gulf, emphasized the transformative impact of digital technologies on the MEA & I regions, which are rapidly emerging as digital leaders. "AI is at the forefront of this transformation, creating new opportunities and business models
across various industries. At TFG, we are committed to leading this charge with our comprehensive portfolio of AI-driven solutions such as Pure storage, Commvault, Seceon, Group-IB to name few, designed to deliver significant benefits and foster innovation across all sectors."
Visitors to the TFG stand will get to see a range of advanced technologies displayed on a stunning, large-scale screen. You'll have the opportunity to explore solutions from industry-leading vendors such as Samsung, Alcatel, Logitech, Commvault, Pure Storage, H3C, Group-IB, and many more. These vendors will present their latest innovations, highlighting their dedication to driving progress and excellence in the industry.
“We invite all our partners to visit us at GITEX 2024 to explore TFG’s extensive solu-
Akashdeep Singh Chief Strategy Officer, Tech First Gulf
tions portfolio, spanning AV, infrastructure, UCC, ELV, cybersecurity, volume business, and services,” said Akashdeep Singh.
In addition to the exhibition, TFG will host a gala award night for partners and business associates on the evening before the GITEX concludes, offering an opportunity to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities.
NUTANIX TO SPOTLIGHT CLOUD INNOVATIONS WITH THE THEME “EXPERIENCE CLOUD FREEDOM”
Nutanix will be showcasing its full solution stack at GITEX
Nutanix, a leader in hybrid multicloud computing, will highlight its commitment to delivering cloud freedom through innovative solutions, including strategic partnerships and groundbreaking technologies at GITEX Global.
Raif Abu Diab, Country Manager - South Gulf & Sub-Saharan Africa at Nutanix comments, “Nutanix is dedicated to helping customers accelerate their digital transformation. Our solutions simplify the deployment and management of hybrid multi-cloud infrastructures, ensuring scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency. We are committed to supporting organizations in navigating today’s digital-first world.”
Nutanix will be showcasing its full solution stack at GITEX, with a particular focus on 4 areas of customer needs:
1. Hybrid Multi-Cloud Management with Nutanix NC2
As businesses navigate their cloud journeys, Nutanix NC2 provides a universal cloud operating model that simplifies management across private and public clouds. By partnering with major hyperscalers like Azure and AWS, NC2 enables seamless application mobility and unified management of apps and data.
2. AI: One Platform, Infinite Possibilities Nutanix empowers organizations to jumpstart their AI transformation with infrastructure that prioritizes control, privacy, and security. The company’s solutions help maximize the success of AI initiatives by providing the optimal foundation for deployment.
3. Migration to Nutanix: A Solution to IT Vendor Uncertainties
Nutanix addresses the challenges of vendor
diversity by offering a singular platform for running applications and managing data, enabling organizations to de-risk their IT strategies.
4. Nutanix Kubernetes Platform (NKP) Building on the company’s commitment to simplifying Kubernetes management, NKP is designed to streamline containerized application deployments, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.
Nutanix will be exhibit at Hall 6, stand #C10.
OPSWAT HIGHLIGHTS ‘FUTURE FORWARD CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION’
Critical infrastructure security leader to speak out on urgency to address IT-OT convergence and protect which matters most
OPSWAT, a global leader in critical infrastructure protection (CIP) cybersecurity solutions, announced its participation at GITEX Global 2024, under the theme “Future Forward CIP.” Trusted by several of the region’s governments and largest private sector entities, OPSWAT’s participation at the 44th GITEX will demonstrate its ongoing commitment to delivering cybersecurity solutions that span the OT-IT divide and give security professionals the tools they need to support mitigation of their threat vectors.
“Critical infrastructure calls for critical defense,” warned Sertan Selcuk, Vice President of Sales for the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Pakistan, and CIS at OPSWAT.
“OPSWAT urges clients to trust no file or device. We believe it is only through this approach that we can eliminate malware,
particularly zero-day exploits, and guard against attacks on our most vital IT and OT environments.”
The central showcase of OPSWAT’s GITEX booth will be its Mobile CIP Lab where delegates can get an in-depth understanding of the company’s MetaDefender platform. Interactive demonstrations of region-specific use cases will cover storage security, supply-chain security, secure managed file transfer, peripheral and removable media protection, access and endpoint security, email security, OT security, cross-domain security, and many others.
Visitors can also tour OPSWAT’s Nuclear Plant Model Reactor, which reinforces the company’s credentials in securing the most sensitive industrial environments.
Sertan Selcuk Vice President of Sales for the META, Pakistan, and CIS, OPSWAT
GITEX visitors will see firsthand how OPSWAT’s IT/OT platform deployment works in real-world scenarios relevant to GCC critical infrastructure.
Raif Abu Diab Country Manager - South Gulf & Sub-Saharan Africa, Nutanix
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SOLARWINDS TO SHOWCASE FULL-STACK OBSERVABILITY, DATABASE MANAGEMENT AND ITSM SOLUTIONS
SolarWinds to present latest innovations at booth #H8-C15 with in-depth demonstrations of its expanded observability, database, and service management solutions
SolarWinds will present latest innovations at GITEX from it's booth #H8-C15 with in-depth demonstrations of its expanded observability, database, and service management solutions
SolarWinds will exhibit at booth H8-C15 at GITEX Global, alongside its value-added distribution partners in the region — CyberKnight and Spire Solutions. The company is spotlighting cutting-edge advancements in its full-stack observability portfolio, comprehensive database management solutions, and AI-powered IT service management software.
SolarWinds enables companies to manage increasingly complex hybrid and multicloud environments to accelerate digital transformation, drive automation, modernize applications, and undertake cloud
migration initiatives. The company has further enhanced its solutions through the unified SolarWinds® Platform, providing customers with AI-powered full-stack observability and database, service management, security, and automation capabilities. These solutions are designed to identify and remediate issues and improve service delivery, reliability, and productivity — all while reducing costs.
“The past 12 months have been transformative for the region’s IT sector. We’ve witnessed AI strategies mature from intent to implementation, cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, and a continued surge in cloud adoption. At SolarWinds, we offer powerful solutions that enable organizations to successfully navigate these trends. GITEX allows us to align our offerings precisely with the needs of the local
Abdul Rehman Tariq Butt
Regional sales director, Middle East, SolarWinds
market,” said Abdul Rehman Tariq Butt, regional sales director, Middle East at SolarWinds.
EPICOR EMPHASIZES AI STRATEGY AT MIDDLE EAST CUSTOMER CONNECT SUMMIT
Alshaya Group and Eurotech FZCO were recognised for their leadership in leveraging Epicor solutions to drive operational efficiency, innovation, and manufacturing excellence
Epicor has hosted the second Middle East edition of its annual end-customer summit and awards, highlighting its work in augmenting solutions with AI to advance the industry towards the era of Cognitive ERP. The event brought together a considerable number of CIOs and IT decision-makers from the region's leading manufacturing organisations.
Explaining how the entire notion of ERP is moving from a system of record to a people-centric system of action, Vibhu Kapoor, Regional Vice President - Middle East, Africa & India, Epicor, said, “ERP sits at the heart of an organisation, coordinating and managing core business processes across various departments. By
infusing ERP systems with AI — what we at Epicor call Cognitive AI — industries are not just automating tasks but are enabling these systems to think, learn, and make decisions in ways that were previously the sole domain of human intelligence. This symbiosis between AI and ERP is not just an enhancement of existing processes but a redefinition of possibilities within industrial operations.”
Having launched the Middle East’s first cloud-delivered ERP solution last year, Epicor detailed how many of its customers have successfully embraced the new paradigm, realising efficiency, reliability, scalability, and cost benefits as a result. The company’s Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) solutions were also in focus. At a time when enterprises must skilfully optimise budgets and capitalise on every opportunity that an increasingly competitive marketplace affords them, these solutions empower finance and sales teams to operate more effectively and deliver better outcomes for the business.
Epicor Customer Connect culminated in the recognition and felicitation of the company’s most innovative customers. Alshaya Group won the Manufacturing Champion award for their implementation of Epicor Kinetic and Epicor ECM (Enterprise Content Management). Also felicitated were Eurotech FZCO who took home the Executive Champion award.
DATAIKU LAUNCHES LLM GUARD SERVICES TO CONTROL GENERATIVE AI ROLLOUTS IN THE ENTERPRISE
Newest addition, Quality Guard, provides code-free evaluation metrics for large language models (LLMs) and GenAI applications
Dataiku has announced the launch of its LLM Guard Services suite that is designed to advance enterprise GenAI deployments at scale from proof-of-concept to full production without compromising cost, quality, or safety. Dataiku LLM Guard Services includes three solutions: Cost Guard, Safe Guard, and the newest addition, Quality Guard. These components are integrated within the Dataiku LLM Mesh, the market’s most comprehensive and agnostic LLM gateway, for building and managing enterprise-grade GenAI applications that will remain effective and relevant over time. To foster greater transparency, inclusive collaboration, and trust in GenAI projects between teams across companies, LLM Guard Services provides a scalable no-code framework. Today’s enterprise leaders want to use
DELL
fewer tools to reduce the burden of scaling projects with siloed systems, but 88% do not have specific applications or processes for managing LLMs, according to a recent Dataiku survey. Available as a fully integrated suite within the Dataiku Universal AI Platform, LLM Guard Services is designed to address this challenge and mitigate common risks when building, deploying, and managing GenAI in the enterprise.
“As the AI hype cycle follows its course, the excitement of two years ago has given way to frustration bordering on disillusionment today. However, the issue is not the abilities of GenAI, but its reliability,” said Florian Douetteau, Dataiku CEO. “Ensuring that GenAI applications deliver consistent performance in terms of cost, quality, and safety is essential for the technology
AND EJADA SIGN MOU
The partnership will drive new opportunities in AI and Multi-Cloud Solutions
Dell Technologies and Ejada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate and explore growth opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, and multi-cloud solutions using Dell’s APEX consumption models.
Under the terms of the MoU, both Dell and the Saudi-based information technology services provider Ejada, will collaborate in several key areas, including research and development, knowledge sharing, product development, training and education, and market exploration.
The memorandum was signed by Kamal Othman, Senior Director, Channel, KSA & Egypt at Dell Technologies and Mohamed Abdel Moneim, VP, Cloud Solutions at Ejada Systems alongside the 24 Fintech Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The agreement aims to leverage the
strengths of both organizations to drive innovation and accelerate the development of advanced technologies in Saudi Arabia.
Kamal Othman, Senior Director, Channel, KSA & Egypt at Dell Technologies said, "Ejada has played a key role in helping customers drive operational efficiency and business success. We are happy to expand our AI and cloud offerings and, together with Ejada’s market expertise, spur innovation in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration will help enhance the country's evolving technological capabilities and competitiveness in the global economy.”
Mohamed Abdel Moneim, VP, Cloud Solutions at Ejada Systems said, "The MOU represents a significant step forward as we continue to help our custom-
Florian Douetteau CEO, Dataiku
to deliver its full potential in the enterprise. As part of the Dataiku Universal AI platform, LLM Guard Services is effective in managing GenAI rollouts end-to-end from a centralized place that helps avoid costly setbacks and the proliferation of unsanctioned ‘shadow AI’ – which are as important to the C-suite as they are for IT and data teams.”
ers in Saudi Arabia drive business excellence. By working together with Dell, we look forward to exploring new avenues as well as leveraging our respective strengths to develop innovative products and services in the rapidly evolving business landscape.”
MINDWARE TO SHOWCASE INNOVATIONS AT GITEX 2024
The VAD will demonstrate to channel partners and customers its MAGIC Hub which includes AI services
Mindware is set to showcase its latest solutions designed to drive digital transformation across diverse industries. Mindware will be exhibiting at Booth H2-A30.
Highlights of Mindware’s participation at GITEX 2024 include:
1. Advanced Cloud Offerings: Learn about the company’s latest offerings in cloud migration, management, and optimization.
2. AI and Machine Learning Innovations: Explore Mindware’s cutting-edge AI and machine learning platforms that empower businesses with actionable insights, predictive analytics, and automation capabilities
3. Next-Generation Cybersecurity: Understand how Mindware’s advanced cybersecurity systems safeguard digital assets from emerging threats
4. Smart IT Infrastructure: See demonstrations of Mindware’s innovative IT infrastructure designed to streamline operations,
improve performance, and reduce costs
5. Interactive Workshops and Demos: Attend Mindware’s interactive workshops and live demonstrations to gain practical insights into how Mindware’s solutions can be leveraged to achieve business objectives and accelerate digital transformation.
With a dedicated AI Business Unit, Mindware is keen to demonstrate to channel partners and customers its MAGIC (Mindware's Aggregation Gateway for Innovation and Collaboration) Hub, which now includes comprehensive AI services aimed at overcoming the challenges to AI adoption in enterprise settings.
Philippe Jarre, President, Mindware Group says, “GITEX Global 2024 is a significant opportunity for us to connect with our channel ecosystem and industry leaders and display our latest innovations, while
demonstrating our commitment to driving digital transformation in the region. We are excited to present our extensive portfolio and engage with attendees to explore how we can support their technology needs and help them navigate the future of IT.”
Philippe Jarre President, Mindware Group
UAE TAKES THE LEAD IN AI TALENT RACE
The Future AI Economy takes centre stage at GITEX GLOBAL 2024
The global surge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) investments propelled by the increased demand in rising digital industries, from digital health and future finance to cybersecurity and public services, has ignited a race among businesses to secure specialized talents, sustain the relentless pace of their tech innovations, and their position among the early adopters of AI. Goldman Sachs research has forecasted that global investment into AI could reach $200 billion by 2025, while Bloomberg reported that the generative AI alone could have a $1.3 trillion market value by 2032.
This growth is driven by a widespread acknowledgment amongst global leaders that AI solutions are an increasingly vital tool for driving enhanced productivity and higher growth. As Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Abu Dhabi-based AI enterprise Presight, recently told the GITEX Tech Waves podcast: “Today you’ll see companies applying AI and AI evolving - in five, ten years’ time, it will get smarter, and when it gets smarter, you’ll get more efficiency and shorter routes to answers for difficult and complex questions. In return, that will be to the betterment of society and the world we live in.”
Such as Presight, over 3,500 of the world’s most prestigious brands investing in AI solutions will converge at the Dubai World Trade Centre, from 14-18 October, for the world’s largest tech and start-up event, GITEX GLOBAL 2024. The exhibition and conference will bring together the biggest tech community in the world, from experts, founders, and investors to government leaders and senior executives, to showcase their breakthrough AI technologies, discuss mutual synergies, and forge key collaborations to catalyze future advancements in the industry.
The landmark event will spotlight the opportunities and challenges surrounding
the AI global economy, including ethical development, quantum computing, large language models (LLM), policies and regulations, real implications of AI in edtech, health, and finance, and the future of work and employment. The rapid AI emergence still impacts the job market according to recent studies. In 2022, Deloitte estimated that there were only 22,000 AI specialists in the world while, last year, it was predicted that only half of all AI-related jobs could be filled.
UAE has been increasingly successful as a global hub for the AI industry with a robust long-term government agenda to harness the full potential of AI to empower individuals, communities, and organisations. Aligned with the UAE National Strategy for AI and a clear vision to become the world leader in AI by 2031, the country has invested in integrating AI into public services, energy, tourism, and education.
In Dubai, the leadership has shown profound commitment to making the emirate the world’s fastest, most agile, and future-ready city by launching the Dubai
Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence. This highly strategic annual plan aims to accelerate the adoption of AI applications, looking at achieving the targets of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by adding AED 100 billion, 27.2 billion dollars, yearly to the emirate’s economy and boosting productivity by 50 per cent through the adoption of digital solutions.
GITEX GLOBAL is firmly aligned with the widely recognized UAE AI-driven economy, with Dubai as the fastest-growing international hub for AI experts, leaders, academics, and top voices in the industry.
Headliners include the most powerful tech giants driving AI dynamics globally, such as Adobe, Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Builder AI, Dell, G42, Google, HPE, IBM, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, Open AI, and Oracle, among many others. Middle East’s premier companies and organisations advancing AI and projecting the region’s native tech to the world, such as Presight, e&, Technology Innovation Institute (TII), and Khazna, will also present their products and innovations at the show.
EMPOWERING
AI INNOVATIONS FOR THE ENTERPRISE
Dell Technologies is driving innovations at every level of the AI technology stack to reshape and empower enterprise transformation
Dell Technologies, a global technology powerhouse, is placing a strong emphasis on AI as a cornerstone of its next-generation solutions for enterprises. With an ex tensive AI solutions portfolio, ranging from desktop to data centers to the cloud, Dell is committed to empowering cus tomers to run AI workloads wherever they are needed.
Mohammed Amin, Senior Vice President, CEEMETA, Dell Tech nologies says, “In a world driven by increasingly massive amounts of data, the partnership between humans and machines is becom ing more important than ever. What technology enables today is absolutely incredible and the stakes for IT and its impact on society have never been higher. As the clear leader in compute and storage, Dell Technologies is at the epicenter of data-intensive technology such as AI. It is the cornerstone of our solutions spectrum and an integral component that's shaping the future of products and ser vices.”
AI is key to unlocking value within data and is becoming one of the most important tools for businesses of all sizes. With the world’s broadest AI solutions portfolio from desktop to data center to cloud, Dell helps customers run AI work loads anywhere they need them and scale AI from proof of concept to production.
Mohammed adds, “At Dell, we are innovating at ev ery level of the AI technology stack and across the AI estate to provide customers with a modern data center of the future – replumbed and redefined at every level from the node to the rack to the full data center – optimized to support a new class of AI workloads.”
As the market demand for AI enabled solutions continues to climb, Dell intends to continue to capitalize on opportunities within four areas: AIIn, which is ensuring AI is built into all their solutions and services, driving speed, intelligence, and automation; AI-On, which offers solutions and services that customers can run their AI workloads on end-to-end, across clouds, and at the edge;
AI-For, which is how Dell uses AI to modernize its business, and AI-With, which is how Dell works across an open AI ecosystem to simplify the AI experience today and well into the future.
Mohammed adds, “With this, AI is not just a trend; it's a fundamental transformation that is reshaping our industry. Dell is at the forefront of this revolution, and we are excited about the opportunities that AI presents for our customers, our employees, and our business.”
Empowering AI innovation
The rapid transformation of business through AI means organizations must harness its potential swiftly and effectively to remain competitive. The need for a robust AI foundation is critical, with infrastructure and devices purpose-built to meet the specific demands of AI. Without it, companies risk falling behind. According to Dell’s 2024 Innovation Catalyst study, 95% of customers say that AI and GenAI are set to significantly transform their industries. They are optimistic about the technology and the promise it holds in delivering value in improving IT security posture (62%), productivity gains (60%), and to improve customer experience (61%).
Mohammed says, “Our concept of the "AI Factory" reflects this shift—much like traditional factories drove the industrial revolution, AI factories will create actionable intelligence and insights, essential for every business aiming to thrive in this new era. The Dell AI Factory is our approach to help accelerate AI innovation in organizations of all sizes. It comprises a portfolio of products, solutions, and services tailored for AI workloads and designed for fast, repeatable outcomes.”
The Dell AI Factory helps customers accelerate AI adoption with an extensive AI portfolio and leading AI ecosystem partners. It is designed to empower organizations to build their own AI factories and produce transformative outcomes at scale to meet their unique needs. It’s versatile and capable of operation across various environments—be it cloud, data centers, workstations, AI PCs, or edge locations, offering right-sized approaches and greater control over AI deployments
To maximize the benefits of AI through the AI Factory, Dell assists customers in identifying impactful use cases and simplifying their deployment.
“Data is the lifeblood of these factories, and we ensure quality by bringing AI close to where data resides, minimizing latency and enhancing security. Our flexible infrastructure also supports diverse AI needs, allowing organizations to tailor their investments effectively. Furthermore, our commitment to an open ecosystem facilitates seamless integration with various AI vendors and solutions, providing customers with the tools necessary for successful AI deployment. Recognizing the shortage of AI-ready skills, we also offer professional services to guide customers through their AI journeys, from strategy to implementation. The Dell AI Factory is more than just a set of services or products; it’s our vision to empower organizations to fully harness AI's transformative potential,” says Mohammed.
AI for Telecom
Dell’s focus on AI for Telecom is set to be a huge shift in enabling telecom networks to handle AI workloads. The recently announced program ‘Dell AI for Telecom’ combines Dell’s AI expertise, services, and partnerships with telecom and silicon solutions to simplify and accelerate communications service providers (CSPs) AI
deployments.
According to a recent MeriTalk study, commissioned by Dell Technologies, 48% of telecom executives see AI as the industry’s most transformative technology in the next five years, yet 68% feel their organization is struggling to keep pace with rapidly evolving customer needs.
AI is set to play a pivotal role in the evolution of telecommunications, offering service providers innovative solutions like self-optimizing networks, energy efficiency, and real-time multilingual chatbots, as well as advanced enterprise services. The Dell AI for Telecom program brings together Dell AI expertise and infrastructure with software and silicon from across the AI ecosystem to develop and deploy secure solutions that enhance network performance, improve customer service and deliver greater value at the enterprise edge.
Mohammed says, “Our strong expertise in AI, coupled with our strategic partnership with NVIDIA, positions us to support network operators in effectively implementing AI strategies that propel business growth and turn their AI aspirations into reality. This collaboration is anchored in the Dell AI Factory, leveraging Dell PowerEdge servers, NVIDIA GPUs, and third-party AI software. The solutions aim to empower CSPs to harness AI in various ways including enhancing customer care and improving network maintenance, automating call center scripts and customer care operations, conducting network troubleshooting and analysis, and developing digital twins for networks to enable predictive network maintenance.”
Dell is also already partnering with CSPs in the Dell Telecom Open Ecosystem Labs to develop AI solutions to enhance customer experiences and improve network performance.
“In 2022, we launched the Open Telecom Ecosystem Lab (OTEL), a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to developing, testing, and improving telecommunications solutions through open-source technology and vendor-neutral collaboration. It was created to help solve the network challenges of today and tomorrow. By working with Dell as an OTEL partner, CSPs benefit from a secure, state-of-the-art lab environment that allows for more comprehensive, seamless testing and faster time to market (TTM) without scaling up costs. This year, we’ve announced an MoU with e& Group to enhance 5G innovation and transform e& Group's mobile networks through open technologies and the Dell OTEL environment,” says Mohammed.
Collaboration with NVIDIA
Dell's collaboration with NVIDIA is highly strategic and brings together the strengths of both companies to deliver integrated AI infrastructure solutions to customers worldwide.
“The Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA is a prime example of an AI solution designed to make it easier for companies to adopt emerging AI applications. It is the industry’s first end-to-end AI enterprise solution integrating Dell’s compute, storage, client device, software, and services capabilities with NVIDIA’s advanced AI infrastructure and software suite, all underpinned by a high-speed networking fabric,” says Mohammed.
The Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA provides organizations with the building blocks for seamless integration of AI models and frameworks into their operations, enabling them to turn their ideas into practical applications. From digital assistants to new code gen-
eration and natural language search applications, the AI Factory framework allows organizations greater control over their proprietary data and scales efficiently, providing a more affordable alternative to many public cloud solutions.
A significant aspect of this collaboration is its focus on enabling AI at the edge, where real-time data processing is critical for applications in various industries. By leveraging Dell's capabilities in edge computing and hybrid cloud environments alongside NVIDIA’s AI advancements, the two companies are well-positioned to support organizations in deploying AI for real-time decision-making and operational efficiency. The cooperation also democratizes access to AI technologies by providing enterprises of all sizes, not just large tech companies, with powerful AI platforms that are ready to deploy.
Using AI to make cybersecurity smarter
Dell’s approach to cybersecurity is extensive and the vendor helps organizations reduce the attack surface to minimize vulnerabilities and entry points that can be exploited. The Dell Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services, combines Dell security experts with Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platforms to help thwart attacks. The Dell PowerProtect Cyber Recovery protects and isolates critical data from ransomware and other threats. They are designed for large enterprises to offer increased security, performance, efficiency and scalability. At the same time, the Dell Incident Response and Recovery services help organizations respond to security incidents, recover quickly, and prevent future attacks. Earlier this year, Dell expanded their data protection portfolio of appliances, software and as-a-Service offerings to help customers strengthen cyber resiliency in the face of increasing cyberattacks.
With the advent of AI and Generative AI (GenAI), Dell is further enhancing its approach to cybersecurity by leveraging these ad-
vanced technologies to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats more effectively.
Mohammed says, “At Dell, we build security into every layer of the AI ecosystem. We make it a priority to design, develop and deliver secure IT products and solutions. Our recent Dell Innovation Catalyst Research revealed that while a majority of the organizations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia think GenAI and AI will significantly transform industries in the future, more than a quarter are struggling to keep pace and cite data privacy and cybersecurity concerns (27%) among the top challenges that come in the way of embracing innovation. For us, given our built-in security capabilities, the breadth of our portfolio and security partnerships, we are in a unique position to help address our customers’ security challenges.”
With the recently launched AI PCs, Dell deploys advanced AI to enhance security by continuously monitoring and learning from user behavior, identifying potential threats in real-time. Dell works with CrowdStrike and Intel to offload security functions onto the device via the NPU. This provides more comprehensive threat detection, helping customers swiftly detect malicious sites and security vulnerabilities with reduced latency compared to cloud-based solutions.
Mohammed adds, “Dell is also committed to easing the design and integration burden of challenging architectures by playing a leading role in simplifying zero trust. Additionally, Dell’s AI systems automate routine security tasks, such as patch management and software updates, reducing vulnerabilities. By integrating AI-driven encryption and biometric authentication, Dell ensures robust data protection, and we remain committed to developing AI solutions that address evolving security issues.”
Dell NativeEdge is the first edge orchestration platform that automates the delivery of NVIDIA AI Enterprise software
AI and sustainability
AI has tremendous potential to address some of our planet’s biggest challenges. The data processing of AI, however, contributes to increased data center energy usage. This is why sustainability is integral to the success of digital transformation, and a sustainable transition is not an ‘either/or’ decision.
Mohammed says, “To manage AI’s impact, we support our customers in transitioning towards sustainable data center solutions. Poor utilization of IT assets is the single biggest cause of energy waste in the data center. Offering as-a-service (aaS/APEX) options allows us to provide customers with the IT resources they need while ensuring we and our customers are fully utilizing our equipment, minimizing energy waste. We use recycled and renewable materials to have a lower product carbon footprint when compared to using new (or virgin) materials. We help our customers drive climate-positive solutions to achieve their sustainability goals through the industry’s broadest and most innovative products and services that are designed to reduce waste, energy, and emissions.”
“Reducing the energy intensity of our products while continuing to maximize performance helps our customers meet their business and climate goals. For instance, our next-generation Dell PowerEdge servers with 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors are built with sustainability in mind, as the Smart Flow design supports greater server performance with less power required to cool systems for more efficient data centers,” he adds.
Dell is also ensuring that their devices are increasingly being designed, manufactured, and shipped with sustainability in mind. Dell utilizes AI to improve energy efficiency and battery life in their devices. The Dell AI PCs sets a new benchmark for battery life, productivity, security, and performance. AI algorithms optimize power usage by learning user behaviour and adjusting system performance accordingly. Dell AI PCs can predict when high performance is needed, such as during resource-intensive tasks, and when energy-saving modes can be activated during lighter workloads, thereby extending battery life.
Dell at GITEX
At GITEX this year, Dell has a partner-led stand where the vendor will showcase its integrated solutions portfolio, including the newly announced Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA that includes Dell’s infrastructure and software with NVIDIA’s advanced AI infrastructure and software suite, all underpinned by a high-speed NVIDIA networking fabric.
Mohammed says, “Dell is well positioned as one of the only companies with the depth, breadth and ecosystems to deliver real-world AI outcomes. Visitors can also expect to see our full-stack scalable GenAI solutions, cloud, edge, data security, and digital workplace solutions at our stand in Hall 6. We will also highlight tailored solutions for verticals like telco, healthcare, financial services and energy. In addition to our Infrastructure Solutions Group segment, we will showcase some of Dell’s Client Solutions Group offerings. These include hardware such as desktop PCs, monitors and peripherals, rugged products, and software, including end-point security.”
Addressing customer expectations
Across the Middle East, enterprises are grappling with a range of challenges that require agile responses and strategic foresight. These range from rolling out AI across their business processes to equipping organizations for the future of work, multi-cloud, data and edge computing and cyber security. To thrive in a digital future,
organizations must be adept at navigating these shifts without losing focus on innovation and positive business outcomes.
The recent Dell Innovation Catalyst Research, report revealed that while a majority of the organizations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia think they are well positioned competitively, almost half of the respondents (51%) are uncertain what their industry will look like in the next three to five years.
“As our customers’ trusted advisors, we are uniquely positioned to handhold them through the current pace of digital evolution. We do this by delivering the solutions and expertise that turn an organization’s workforce, edge, data center, and cloud strategies into a single, powerful modern IT strategy. Whether supporting the modern global workforce, using technology to drive efficiency and meet climate goals, or simplifying multicloud, we’re dedicated to innovation that inspires business and societal breakthroughs,” says Mohammed.
As a reaffirmation of its commitment to the region, Dell announced plans to establish a new merge and logistics fulfilment hub in Riyadh. The new centre, which includes a second touch manufacturing facility, is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2024. It will handle all Dell product lines in Saudi Arabia, including notebooks, desktops, servers, storage and networking. This, in turn, will help manage the growing demand for Dell’s end-to-end consumer and enterprise solutions, create additional services and offerings, reduce lead times, and enhance customer satisfaction. Additionally, Dell is moving its Flat Panel Monitor Hub to Riyadh with inventory stocked and delivered directly to customers with same-day or next-day shipments.
As regional enterprises navigate the complexities of digital transformation in the age of GenAI, Dell's commitment to empowering organizations to securely adopt AI across their infrastructure positions the vendor as a preferred technology partner of choice.
"As our customers’ trusted advisors, we are uniquely positioned to handhold them through the current pace of digital evolution. We do this by delivering the solutions and expertise that turn an organization’s workforce, edge, data center, and cloud strategies into a single, powerful modern IT strategy."
EMPOWERING BUSINESSES FOR DIGITAL ACCELERATION
NTT DATA, earlier known as Dimension Data is one of the leading IT services providers globally. Burcak Soydan, Managing Executive for Middle East region at NTT DATA MEA speaks about the company’s focus areas
How do you help companies navigate their digital transformation journey?
We believe that digital transformation is not just a project - it is a continuous journey, one which allows companies to constantly find new ways to deliver value to their customers, employees and other stakeholders.
At NTT DATA, we believe in a people-centered approach to digital transformation. The customer, the end-user, or the client must always come first, with companies leveraging advanced technology to solve their problems. We support businesses on this journey through a consulting-led approach, mastering data-driven modernization and workforce transformation, through combining management consulting expertise with deep technology and industry knowledge and a global perspective.
Discuss the company’s focus on emerging tech like AI, Gen AI, quantum computing etc.
NTT DATA leverages AI, generative AI, and quantum computing to drive digital transformation and innovation across industries. In recent years, the field of AI has been in constant flux, with generative AI (GenAI) emerging as the latest breakthrough. GenAI leverages predictive analytics and other conventional AI methodologies to automate tasks, handle large volumes of information and propel innovation. At NTT DATA our GENAI focus is on automation, predictive analytics, and personalized customer experiences.
In quantum computing, NTT Research focuses on research in quantum algorithms, optimization, and security, aiming to solve complex challenges in industries like healthcare, finance, and logistics.
By combining cutting-edge technologies
with industry expertise, NTT DATA accelerates business transformation while maintaining a strong commitment to safe and ethical solutions.
How is NTT DATA helping organizations with migration to cloud-based architecture, and what distinguishes your cloud services from competitors?
As a full-stack cloud transformation partner, we offer modernized cloud solutions and composable services designed to improve engagements and experience for industry and business. Our cloud solutions improve operational efficiency by 20%, migrating legacy apps and systems 30% faster and resolving 95% of breaches before they happen, minimizing business disruption.
NTT DATA’s transformative approach combines cloud strategy, an industry-aligned cloud marketplace and an intelligent cloud delivery platform with integrated GenAI. Combined with strong partnerships with leading hyperscalers and a wide array of cloud-native services, this approach drives faster time-to-market, enhances customer engagement, and accelerates value creation.
NTT DATA's cloud services stand out from the competition through a combination of global scale and local expertise, offering industry-specific solutions tailored to sectors like retail and financial services. We provide full lifecycle support, from cloud strategy to ongoing management, ensuring seamless migration and optimization. Furthermore, our commitment to innovation, backed by significant R&D investments, integrates advanced technologies like AI and IoT. We are also differentiated by our strong partnerships with cloud providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud enabling us to offer cutting-edge solutions.
Burcak Soydan
Managing Executive for Middle East region, NTT DATA MEA
What are NTT DATA’s offerings in cloud management and cloud security?
NTT DATA offers comprehensive cloud management and security services designed to optimize performance, cost, and security for clients across various industries. Their cloud management services include real-time monitoring, AI-driven optimization, and automated operations, which streamline cloud processes and reduce costs. They support multi-cloud and hybrid environments, providing centralized management, seamless governance, and cost analytics to maximize cloud efficiency.
In cloud security, NTT DATA provides robust services including threat detection, identity and access management (IAM), data encryption, and compliance with industry standards such as GDPR and HIPAA. Their Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) ensures continuous monitoring for misconfigurations and regulatory compliance. Leveraging a Zero Trust model, they implement advanced measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and micro-segmentation to prevent unauthorized access and breaches.
This integrated approach delivers scalable, secure, and optimized cloud environments that drive value for organizations while minimizing risk.
EXPANDING CAPABILITIES
Sujoy Banerjee, Associate Director, MEA region at ManageEngine discusses the company’s focus in the region, plans for GITEX and their expanding capabilities in IT management solutions
Sujoy Banerjee Associate Director, MEA region, ManageEngine
Discuss the focus at GITEX This year? Are any new launches expected?
ManageEngine is a division of Zoho Corporation and a leading provider of enterprise IT management solutions. We have been actively providing end-to-end IT management solutions for over two decades in the Middle East. We position ourselves as one of the leading providers of IT management and security solutions worldwide. GITEX GLOBAL has always been a great platform for us, with this edition being our 18th year of participation since 2007. This edition will give us the opportunity to showcase our full suite of over 60+ IT products and its latest advancements in different niches such as IT Service management, advanced analytics, operations management, endpoint security and other segments.
This year, we will be presenting our product capabilities with our experts at 2 booths - the main booth in H7 A10, and we will be showcasing our cybersecurity suite in Cyber Valley at H25 E90. We look forward to having insightful engagements with our booth visitors at GITEX GLOBAL 2024.
How has ManageEngine adapted its tools to support the demands of a distributed workforce?
In an evolving field like IT, it is important to adapt to the latest needs, demands, and market trends followed. The need to support a distributed workforce comes in various ways. Our current product portfolio has offerings for both on-prem and cloud, which can be customized to the customer's needs. Moreover, we adapt
to the specific needs of the customer so that our offerings can be streamlined towards meeting their end goals.
While specifically talking about a distributed workforce, it also comes with the need to protect the remote workforce, and we have been actively working on bolstering our cybersecurity suite of products to meet the demands of the market. With the progress and evolution of AI capabilities, we have seen a spike in cyber threats and ransomware attacks in the region. There is a need to shield against such polished attacks, and we are actively enhancing our cybersecurity suite to combat against such threats.
Discuss the focus on AI/ ML in your product offerings and how do they enhance IT management especially with the arrival of GenAI?
Ever since the popularity of using AI technology has gone up, we have seen the markets align themselves towards making the best use of emerging technology (including ML capabilities). The market has shifted and continues to shift towards using emergent tech for enhancing domain capabilities with AI and ML functionalities. At ManageEngine, we have also enhanced our product capabilities with emergent technology. Our latest enhancement to our IT Analytics Solution, Analytics Plus features the latest 6.0 version which introduces Spotlight, a contextual recommendations engine powered by AI, designed to identify key inefficiencies in IT operations and make suggestions for adopting corrective strategies. We also enhanced our security suite in Log360 with the ML-powered Exploit Triad Analytics, which allows enterprises to knowledgeably trace the path of adversaries and mitigate breaches by providing complete contextual visibility into the exploit triad: users, entities and processes.
How does ManageEngine support cloud migration strategies?
ManageEngine offers their expertise in cloud migration through its suite of IT solutions that specialises and simplifies the process for any business to be on cloud. The very basic essentials before a cloud migration would begin with assessing the existing IT infrastructure of the company and how the process could be streamlined to ensure a smooth transition to the cloud. We also specialise in capabilities such as data migration, monitoring and management of cloud assets and providing security solutions for the cloud assets in our suite of IT solutions.
Discuss how your tools support IT operations in a multi cloud environment?
ManageEngine provides IT solutions that specialise in cloud migration and to set up businesses on the cloud. We also assist businesses in their IT operations in a multi cloud environment. One of our recent enhancements focus on cost management for businesses operating in a multi cloud environment - ManageEngine Cloudspend is one such tool that allows for cloud cost management. We recently announced our expansion for cost optimization services to Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Through this extension, we now serve the three largest public cloud platforms in Microsoft Azure, AWS and now GCP.
ManageEngine support businesses to simplify their cloud finances by showing cost optimization and observability into cloud
costs through Cloudspend. By providing a simplified user experience and empowering our users to make key decisions that revolve around fixing a budget for cloud costs and to gain valuable insights about how the business goes about with their multi cloud spending at each level.
Elaborate on how the Middle East continues to be a key market for you and how has the market grown?
The Middle East market has served as one of the most important markets for ManageEngine globally. We have been operating in the region for around two decades now and have been an active part of the Middle East's stride towards digital excellence and transformation over the years. Over the course of the two decades, we have served over 6000+ customers in the MENA region and we continue to assist them with our services and expertise. We recently opened our first Middle East Data Centres in Riyadh and Jeddah in February earlier this year. We see a great future in the Middle East and we are keen on learning how the markets align and evolve towards the future at GITEX 2024 with emergent tech like AI and ML taking center stage.
With data privacy regulations becoming stricter (like GDPR, HIPAA), how do you ensure compliance through your IT management tools?
Data privacy regulations become more stricter with every passing year. With the rise in emergent technology, especially AI and all the focus revolves around building LLMs and other models that could potentially make use of customer data, the need to uphold privacy regulations become more important.
At ManageEngine, we ensure regulation and compliance through our IT solutions. We support compliance with various data privacy regulations like GDPR and HIPAA through the various functionalities of our suite of products. This includes data discovery and classification of data that enables to classify sensitive data, access control for users, audit reporting, data encryption, and incident management.
Discuss how observability is different from IT monitoring and the focus at ManageEngine?
Full-stack observability provides organisations with end-to-end visibility across all layers of the IT infrastructure. By implementing full-stack observability, organizations will be able to monitor each layer of the stack and identify patterns, dependencies, and potential issues between them. It also ensures seamless operations by providing real-time insights and facilitating data-driven decisions. Full-stack observability solutions will continue to evolve to provide even deeper insights into the performance of complex IT environments.
At ManageEngine, we focus on full-stack observability wherein we can observe and identify issues in real time that can accelerate remediation time. This will also enable to provide a deeper visibility about the issues as well as understand why and how it has happened. This level of visibility would empower users to figure out the root cause for a particular problem and can work towards fixing them without recurrence.
DELIVERING ON AN EXPANSIVE VISION
Sabir Saleem, CEO of MBUZZ discusses their focus on delivering customized, scalable solutions from leading technology vendors to empower businesses
Discuss briefly the key areas of focus in your distribution business in terms of products and solutions.
Our key focus areas are the Compute, Network, and Storage portfolios, with a particular emphasis on HPC and AI Infrastructure to address the rising demand driven by the AI boom in the region. On the other side, we are expanding our PC Gaming portfolio, facilitating rapid growth in E-Sports and Gaming to meet the evolving needs of this dynamic market.
What have been some key highlights of the company's growth and initiatives over the past year?
In response to the growing demand for AI, we have made significant investments in strengthening our resources, particularly in IT & Services. We now offer comprehensive end-to-end consultancy covering Pre-Sales, Post-Sales, and Professional Services. This strategic move has positioned us uniquely in the market, bridging the gap between our strategic vendors and customers. Additionally, we have invested heavily in establishing the MBUZZLabs Integration Center, which has gained substantial traction in the region. This center allows us to design customized hardware solutions for high-demand applications such as AI research, engineering, and content creation, further cementing our presence in these sectors.
What would be some of the major highlights of your GITEX showcase this year?
This year, we are showcasing NVIDIA-powered HPC AI Infrastructure Solutions, featuring NVIDIA, Supermicro, ASUS, and Micron technologies. We will also present the full lineup of ASUS Business Solutions, including their AI PC launch.
On the consumer side, we're excited to display our Gaming portfolio, supported by MBUZZ Labs Integration Services, and we will demonstrate our Liquid-Cooled AI Workstation at GITEX Global. We proudly welcome Lexar and Micron as our main sponsors, highlighting their award-winning Data Center Storage, Client DRAM and SSD, and Digital Imaging products at our stand.
Discuss some of the recent vendor partnerships finalized. Are there any new ones to be announced soon?
At MBUZZ, we follow a systematic approach to evaluating new strategic alliances. A dedicated team constantly works to introduce innovative technology vendors and disruptive technologies to the region. Recently, we onboarded HYTE in the gaming space and Alpha Cool for Liquid Cooling Solutions. Several other discussions are in progress, and we will announce these partnerships as contracts are finalized.
Elaborate on your focus on the channel network and your enablement initiatives to support them.
At MBUZZ, we are committed to Channel and Field Enablement. We have made significant investments in establishing an Experience Center and launched the MBUZZ Excellence Training Program for our partners, whom we view as an extension of our team. We aim to strengthen partner engagements across all segments by rolling out additional training initiatives and loyalty programs.
What is the business outlook looking ahead?
Technology is advancing rapidly, and early adopters of the latest innovations are best positioned to seize these opportunities. At MBUZZ, we are deeply committed to this approach. We boldly take distinctive paths, steering clear of conventional competitive pressures. In recent years, we invested in the right resources, anticipating the AI wave and preparing our team to meet market demands. We firmly believe that early adopters win the game.
Mention some of the key investments made.
We are expanding vertically and geographically, with investments required at every level. Last year, we launched our Jabal Ali Freezone operations to strengthen our distribution business. Vertically, we have begun capturing opportunities in physical and infrastructure security solutions.
Sabir Saleem CEO, MBUZZ
A RIVETING TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE IN PROSPECT
The larger-than-life shadow of AI looms over the technology landscape as GITEX Global prepares for another riveting edition, showcasing cutting-edge technologies
Regional Channel Sales Manager – Emerging EMEA, Riverbed
GITEX Global, one of the largest technology expos in the world, continues to expand and diversify its focus areas each year. This year’s edition is poised to spotlight the opportunities and challenges within the global AI economy, covering key topics such as ethical development, quantum computing, large language models (LLMs), policies and regulations, and the real-world implications of AI in sectors like education, healthcare, and finance.
As with all editions of GITEX, Attendees will get to see a diverse range of cutting-edge solutions from leading vendors, with a strong emphasis on emerging technologies. Vendors will present their latest products aimed at addressing the evolving needs of businesses in a digital landscape. From AI-driven analytics and automation tools to advanced cybersecurity measures and multi-cloud, GITEX will highlight some of the latest solutions across domains that can support their ongoing digital transformation.
Ghassan
Abou
Rjeily,
Regional Channel
Sales
Manager – Emerging EMEA, Riverbed says, “This year, we unveiled some of the most significant advancements to our Riverbed Platform which provides full-stack observability (using real data), enabling customers to optimize digital experiences by using AI to prevent, identify, and resolve IT issues. Riverbed collects full-fidelity data from across the entire technology stack, through the application of AI, it then analyses all this data and accelerates troubleshooting by offering automated remediations.”
As a result, by leveraging the Riverbed Platform which includes Unified Observability and Application Acceleration solutions, organisations can reduce the complexity of supporting highly distributed environments to drive operational efficiency, deliver better digital experiences, and enable business growth. At their GITEX stand, Riverbed will host live demos of this platform to highlight the value it can deliver to regional enterprises as they accelerate forward on their digital transformation journeys.
At GITEX, SolarWinds will showcase its suite of solutions designed to simplify complex IT environments and drive greater productivity for organizations. This includes the latest enhancements to the SolarWinds Platform, which integrates AI-powered full-stack observability, security, database management, service management, and automation capabilities.
Abdul Rehman Tariq Butt, Regional Director - Middle East at SolarWinds says, “Visitors will be able to experience how these solutions work together to help busi-
nesses improve visibility across their hybrid IT environments, quickly identify and resolve issues, and optimize performance, all while reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
SolarWinds will also highlight their industry-leading frameworks, ‘Secure by Design’ and ‘AI by Design,’ which promote the ethical and secure development of advanced technologies.
Pure Storage will use this year’s GITEX to showcase several innovations in the Pure Storage platform which enable organizations to address their broad set of data challenges. These include supporting current and future AI needs, handling exponential data growth, mitigating data loss incidents and cyber threats, and meeting sustainability goals.
Omar Akar, Regional VP for CEE & META at Pure Storage says, “Between the pace of technological advancement, demands to incorporate more AI, focus on sustainability, and managing disparate systems, it’s no wonder today’s customers are struggling. Pure Storage continues to
Abdul Rehman Tariq Butt
Regional sales director, Middle East, SolarWinds
Ghassan Abou Rjeily
» GITEX SPOTLIGHT
innovate and set the industry benchmark for what a storage platform should deliver. I look forward to GITEX and the opportunity to show customers and partners how Pure Storage’s unified data storage platform can be the engine that powers regional organizations’ business transformation strategies.
Sophos has been an exhibitor at GITEX for 15 years and this year it is showcasing its advanced cybersecurity solutions and services, including Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR).
“As a global leader and innovator of advanced cybersecurity solutions with a strong presence in the Middle East region, Sophos is participating at GITEX to promote its advanced cybersecurity solutions (ACE Platform), including a large portfolio of endpoint and network products. With Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Sophos Incident Response services, organizations are better protected against cyberattacks and can be more efficient/prepared to defeat phishing, malware, active lateral attacks, ransomware, and more,” says Harish Chib, VP Emerging Markets, Middle East & Africa, Sophos.
SentinelOne is set to put the spotlight on its AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, focusing on the Singularity Platform, autonomous endpoint protection, and cloud-native security.
Ezzeldin Hussein, Regional Senior Direc-
tor, Solution Engineering at SentinelOne says, “The Singularity Platform offers unparalleled speed, visibility, and scalability, empowering enterprises to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats with machine-speed efficiency. Our autonomous endpoint protection minimizes human intervention, accelerating threat mitigation and ensuring real-time defense across the enterprise. We will also showcase Singularity Identity, safeguarding critical identity infrastructures like Active Directory, and Singularity Cloud Security, which protects workloads across multi-cloud environments. Purple AI, our advanced AI security analyst, will highlight the future of autonomous cybersecurity operations, enhancing SecOps performance.”
OPSWAT will be participating under the theme “Future Forward CIP” at GITEX and will focus on solutions that transcend the IT-OT spectrum.
Sertan Selcuk, VP for METAP & CIS at OPSWAT says, “At GITEX Global 2024, we will be participating under the theme “Future Forward CIP”. Trusted by several of the region’s governments and largest private sector entities, our participation at the 44th GITEX will demonstrate our ongoing commitment to delivering cybersecurity solutions that are capable of spanning the OT-IT divide and arming security professionals with a range of tools to support their daily battle with threat actors.”
The central showcase of OPSWAT’s GITEX booth will be the CIP Mobile Lab
Ezzeldin Hussein Regional Senior Director, Solution Engineering – META, SentinelOne
Ranjith Kaippada
Managing Director, Cloud Box Technologies
where delegates can get an in-depth understanding of the company’s MetaDefender platform. Interactive demonstrations of region-specific use cases will cover storage security, supply-chain security, secure managed file transfer, peripheral and removable media protection, access and endpoint security, email security, OT security, cross-domain security, and a range of others.
Ranjith Kaippada, Managing Director, Cloud Box Technologies, says that his company will focus on highlighting new technologies including AI and partnerships.
Ranjith says, “ At GITEX 2024, our primary focus will be on innovative technologies, cybersecurity resilience, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it will impact businesses across the globe to realize their potential, uncover opportunities, and plug any shortcomings including operational inefficiencies. GITEX is undoubtedly one of the largest platforms for us and we have been actively participating in the same for years. This year’s edition will be huge as we will showcase our technology partners including Tier 1 partnership with Dell Technologies, Zenith partnership with HPE, as well as Sharjah-based AHB which has the Middle East’s first-ever liquid-cooled data center, etc.”
Transforming with AI and GenAI
AI's influence is far-reaching, with nearly
Omar Akar
Regional vice president, CEE META, Pure Storage
every new generation of solutions incorporating AI-driven features. AI capabilities have significantly enhanced solutions, offering greater efficiency, precision, and adaptability when compared with traditional technologies. The advent of Generative AI has accelerated this curve of improvement, driving rapid advancements in solution capabilities and pushing the boundaries of innovation even further.
Ezzeldin says, “AI powers our Singularity Platform, enabling autonomous detection, prevention, and response to cyber threats at machine speed. By continuously learning from data across endpoints, identities, and cloud environments, AI enhances threat hunting, identifying malicious behaviors in real-time without relying on human intervention. This also reduces response times and minimizes operational overhead. Additionally, Purple AI, our Generative AI security analyst, assists SecOps teams by streamlining workflows, analyzing massive datasets, and recommending actionable insights to stay ahead of threats. These AI-powered solutions ensure continuous, adaptive cybersecurity, providing faster and more scalable defenses.”
Sophos delivers outcome-focused AI that empowers security analysts, neutralizes adversaries faster, and enables businesses and analysts to operate with confidence.
Harish says, “We’ve been successfully elevating cybersecurity with AI since 2017,
and today our innovative, battle-proven AI-powered solutions secure more than 600,000 organizations worldwide. Sophos Artificial Intelligence was formed in 2017 to produce breakthrough technologies in data science and machine learning for information security. We're currently focused on machine learning, large scale scientific computing architecture, human-AI interaction, and information visualization. Sophos uses both in house and off the shelf AI across all of its products and services, from malware detection, web filtering, through to empowering security analysts in our Managed Services SOC.”
Riverbed is integrating AI into its portfolio through enhanced observability and automation tools that provide predictive intelligence, helping IT teams focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine tasks. Riverbed’s AI-enabled solutions empower organisations to stay ahead in an increasingly complex digital landscape, ensuring that performance issues are resolved before they impact end users.
Ghassan says, “AI is a game-changer and at Riverbed, we focus on AI use cases that deliver tangible business outcomes. Most notable, we're leveraging AI to enable deeper insights, faster problem-solving, and more proactive management across our solutions. AI-driven analytics allow us to detect network anomalies in real-time, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.
Pure Storage sees the need for AI-led workloads and applications driving demand for better storage solutions that offer resilience, scalability and energy efficiency.
Omar elaborates, “As enterprises further embrace AI to drive innovation, streamline operations, and gain a competitive edge, traditional storage infrastructure fails to meet the performance, scalability and energy-efficiency requirements needed. In fact, according to a recent survey that Pure Storage conducted, 98% of CIOS & IT decision makers state that their IT in-
frastructure requires urgent improvements in order to create the necessary conditions for AI success. 81% believe that AI-generated data is likely to outgrow their organisation’s current data centers, emphasising the need for a robust, high-performance, efficient and cyber-resilient AI infrastructure.”
He adds, “Customers today also face challenges around ease of management and automation of disparate systems. While competitors look to address these issues by offering a potpourri of disparate products — consisting of different operating systems, APIs and management — Pure Storage offers a single, consolidated, consistent, and highly orchestrated platform that delivers more than 10x the reliability at less than one half the power, space, cooling and labour of competitive solutions.”
In the final analysis, GITEX 2024 will be a crucial platform for technology vendors to present their most cutting-edge solutions and forward-thinking strategies, offering a glimpse into the future of the tech landscape. From AI-driven advancements and cloud technologies to cutting-edge cybersecurity and IoT solutions, the event will highlight how vendors are addressing the evolving needs of businesses in a digital-first world. And as the larger-than-life shadow of AI looms over the technology landscape, it will continue to drive transformation across industries.
Harish Chib
Harish Chib, VP Emerging Markets, Middle East & Africa, Sophos
Sertan Selcuk
Vice President of METAP CIS, OPSWAT
ENABLING REAL-TIME CYBER PROTECTION
Ram Narayanan, Country Manager at Check Point Software Technologies, Middle East says that their prevention-first security approach and AI-powered solutions have resonated with businesses looking to enhance their defences in the region
What are some of the major kinds of threats on the threat landscape that are a major concern for Businesses? Discuss your views in the context of GenAI being weaponized to deliver cyber attacks
Businesses today face significant risks, particularly from generative AI (GenAI) tools that can lead to data leaks and security vulnerabilities. As organizations increasingly allow employees to use GenAI applications, a Check Point and Vason Bourne study revealed that 92% of organizations express concern over potential security issues, with 55% of data leakage events directly linked to GenAI usage. Traditional data protection solutions struggle to address these risks because they rely on static keywords, failing to comprehend the context of unstructured data generated by AI. Moreover, prompt injection attacks can manipulate AI behaviour, causing data exposure and unauthorized actions. To combat these threats, businesses must adopt a Zero Trust AI Access (ZTAI) approach, focusing on stringent access controls and continuous verification to safeguard sensitive data and mitigate risks associated with generative AI.
What are the highlights of Check Point's GITEX showcase this year?
At GITEX 2024, we are excited to showcase Check Point Software’s latest innovations, reinforcing our prevention-first approach to security. A key highlight will be the introduction of the Check Point Infinity XDR/XPR solution in the UAE, offering 360-degree visibility and automated incident response across all security vectors. This solution not only consolidates threat data but also integrates with third-party security tools to enhance multi-vector attack prevention. Another key feature is the Check Point Infinity AI copilot, designed to improve security operations using AI-powered automation. We’ll also be presenting our new comprehensive SOC solution, following the acquisition of Cyberint, which addresses both external and internal threats. Our partners,
including distributors and resellers, will be at the booth with us, showcasing how we are expanding our regional footprint through collaboration.
Do you see Zero Trust Security as a major shift in cybersecurity strategies? Discuss your focus around this
Yes, Zero Trust is a crucial shift in cyber security strategies, especially as businesses face more sophisticated cyber threats and increasingly rely on cloud environments and remote work. Traditional perimeter-based defences are no longer sufficient to secure modern networks. The principle of "never trust, always verify" in Zero Trust addresses these challenges by strictly regulating access to resources. Check Point’s Infinity Platform is at the forefront of this approach, ranked #1 in Miercom’s Zero Trust Platform Assessment for its security effectiveness and ease of use. It ensures continuous verification of users, devices and applications, providing advanced threat prevention and access control. This framework reduces risks, enhances visibility and strengthens overall resilience, making Zero Trust essential in today’s cyber security landscape.
Discuss how the regional Business has grown for Check Point?
Check Point Software has seen significant growth in the region over the past years, driven by increasing demand for advanced cyber security solutions. As organizations embrace digital transformation, the need for robust protection against sophisticated cyber threats has intensified. Our prevention-first security approach and AI-powered solutions have resonated with businesses looking to enhance their defences. Our expansion in the regional market has been supported by strong channel partnerships that enable us to deliver tailored solutions to local organizations. By collaborating closely with our partners, we've built a robust ecosystem that addresses the region's unique security challenges. We remain committed to investing in the region and innovating to provide comprehensive security solutions for businesses.
How does Check Point’s Infinity Architecture secure cybersecurity across networks, cloud, and mobile environments?
The Check Point Infinity Architecture is an AI-powered, cloud-delivered platform that secures networks, cloud infrastructures, branch offices and remote users through unified management. It provides real-time threat prevention across all attack vectors, leveraging over fifty AI engines to effectively combat sophisticated threats like Zero-Day malware and phishing, achieving a remarkable 99.8% block rate.
Infinity consolidates security operations, ensuring seamless threat intelligence sharing across environments. Key components include Check Point Quantum for network security, Check Point CloudGuard for cloud protection, Check Point Harmony for workspace security and complimented by Infinity Platform Services, offering a centralized interface for managing and orchestrating security across various IT environments. Features such as consolidated policy management, unified visibility and collaborative threat intelligence streamline security operations and reduce complexity.
Discuss highlights of how your ThreatCloud intelligence platform helps stay ahead of rapidly evolving cyber threats
Infinity ThreatCloud AI is a cornerstone of Check Point’s Infinity Core Services, aggregating and analysing vast amounts of telemetry data and millions of Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) daily. Our intelligence database draws from 150,000 connected networks and millions of endpoint devices, enhanced by insights from Check Point Research and various external feeds. With over 50 AI-powered engines, ThreatCloud AI excels at detecting and neutralizing novel threats by continuously updating its defences based on the latest IoCs. It categorizes threats with precision, enhancing security across all environments—networks through Quantum, cloud via CloudGuard and user access with Harmony. Additionally, Threat Extraction, a feature of Quantum and Harmony, provides real-time threat prevention without disrupting business operations, ensuring comprehensive protection against emerging cyber threats.
As more businesses migrate to cloud environments, what specific cloud security solutions is Check Point offering to ensure data protection and compliance?
Check Point Software's CloudGuard platform offers comprehensive, prevention-first cloud security solutions specifically designed for businesses transitioning to the cloud. It protects applications, workloads, and networks from both known and unknown threats, including Zero Day attacks, ensuring data protection and compliance. Powered by industry-leading AI technology, CloudGuard boasts an impressive 99.7% block rate and a 99.8% catch rate, enhancing visibility and threat intelligence across various cloud environments. By utilizing CloudGuard, organizations can significantly lower their risk profile, achieving up to an 84% reduction in risk and an outstanding 169% return on investment, underscoring the critical importance of prioritizing cloud security. Furthermore, the UAE Infinity Portal, launched last year, offers a unified security management platform specifically designed for local businesses, to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.
"Our prevention-first security approach and AI-powered solutions have resonated with businesses looking to enhance their defences. Our expansion in the regional market has been supported by strong channel partnerships that enable us to deliver tailored solutions to local organizations"
EMBRACING THE FUTURE
Abdulrahman Khaiwi, Head of Information
Technology Department at Emirates National Schools discusses how transformation is being accelerated especially by
AI
Abdulrahman Khaiwi Head of IT Department Emirates National Schools
Discuss some of the key tech trends that are influencing the IT strategies of organizations?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming business operations by automating tasks and providing advanced analytics. Generative AI, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, is reshaping business operations and shifting competitive landscapes. Digital acceleration, amplified by AI, drives the need for greater cyber resilience. Sustainability is becoming a significant focus, with organizations prioritizing sustainable technology and practices. Additionally, platform engineering, AI-augmented development, industry cloud platforms, intelligent applications, and democratized generative
AI are also key trends driving innovation and competitive advantage.
How do you assess the need and the benefits before opting for the investment?
As a CIO, assessing the needs and benefits before opting for an investment involves a strategic approach.
1-Identify the business problem or opportunity that the investment aims to address.
2-Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the potential return on investment (ROI) and the impact on business operations.
3- Engage with key stakeholders to gather insights and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
4- Additionally, consider the long-term scalability and sustainability of the investment.
5-Finally, pilot the solution on a smaller scale to validate its effectiveness before full-scale implementation. This methodical approach ensures that investments are well-informed and aligned with the organization's strategic objectives.
How important is it today for organizations to deploy robust infrastructure that enables the best productivity for the workforce?
In today's dynamic work environment, deploying robust infrastructure with the necessary security controls is crucial for organizations to ensure optimal productivity for a remote or distributed workforce. A strong infrastructure supports seamless communication, collaboration, and access to essential resources, regardless of location. It enables employees to work efficiently and securely, fostering a flexible
work culture that can adapt to changing circumstances. Additionally, investing in reliable infrastructure helps mitigate potential disruptions and enhances overall business resilience. As a CIO with an open mindset, prioritizing such infrastructure is key to maintaining a competitive edge and supporting a productive, engaged workforce.
How has the increasing focus on data privacy and regulations like GDPR impacted your IT investments?
The increasing focus on data privacy and regulations like GDPR has significantly impacted IT investments. It's essential to prioritize compliance with these regulations to avoid hefty fines and protect the organization's reputation. This has led to increased investments in data protection technologies, such as encryption, anonymization, and secure data storage solutions. Additionally, organizations are investing in robust data governance frameworks to ensure that data is handled in accordance with regulatory requirements. This includes implementing policies and procedures for data access, retention, and disposal. Furthermore, there is a growing need for continuous monitoring and auditing of data practices to identify and mitigate potential risks. Training and awareness programs for employees are also crucial to ensure that they understand their responsibilities regarding data privacy. Overall, the focus on data privacy and GDPR compliance has driven organizations to adopt a more proactive and comprehensive approach to data management, resulting in increased IT investments to safeguard sensitive information and maintain regulatory compliance.
Aditya Kaushik
ICT Director, Zakher Marine International
What are some of the key tech trends influencing the IT strategies of organizations?
Multiple technological trends are influencing the IT strategies of Organizations. The rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, particularly generative AI, is driving innovation and garnering significant attention. Cloud and edge computing are enabling limitless processing power and real-time data handling, while the rollout of 5G networks is unlocking new possibilities for IoT and autonomous systems. As this digital integration deepens in the coming years, a strong focus is also required on cybersecurity and digital trust as essentials for protecting assets. Finally, immersive technologies like the metaverse are transitioning from experimentation to practical applications, offering exciting new avenues for virtual collaboration and learning.
Do organizations feel the necessity to accelerate their deployments around AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud to be ahead in their respective industries?
Organizations across industries feel a strong imperative to accelerate their deployments in AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies to maintain a competitive edge. This urgency is evident in the
TRANSFORMATION ON THE AGENDA
Aditya Kaushik, ICT Director at Zakher Marine International discusses trends that are influencing technology investments
significant number of companies actively investing in and rolling out AI initiatives, with over half of those deploying or exploring AI having accelerated their investments in the past two years. The rapid advancement of technologies like generative AI, is reshaping IT landscapes and enabling new possibilities for customer engagement, IoT, and autonomous systems. The pressure to harness these technologies is industry-wide, driven by the potential for gaining competitive advantages and improving operational efficiency. To meet this challenge, companies are adopting various strategies, including leveraging AI technologies and platforms to streamline the deployment and management of advanced technologies. While the scale of deployments may vary across the various sectors, this acceleration in technology adoption reflects the broader trend of rapid innovation across the sectors and underscores the importance of staying ahead in an increasingly digital business environment.
How do you assess the need and the benefits before opting for the investment?
When assessing the need and benefits of a technology investment, organizations should start by clearly defining their business objectives and identifying specific challenges to address. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis is crucial, considering both direct and indirect costs alongside quantitative and qualitative benefits. It is crucial to establish a robust model for value realization and the metrics to measure this for an effective outcome. It's essential to evaluate how well the proposed technology aligns with business strategy including its scalability and integration ca-
pabilities. Thorough research into potential solutions, including case studies and industry benchmarks, can provide valuable insights and help establish a rational basis for the investments. Finally, consider piloting the technology on a small scale to validate its real-world performance and benefits before full implementation. This structured approach helps organizations make informed decisions, ensuring technology investments align with business needs and offer tangible advantages.
Discuss some of the technologies your organization is likely to invest in over the next year.
As a maritime company, we are looking to embark and deploy AI and automation solutions as the focus in several key areas. Fleet optimization using AI to reduce turnaround times, and deploying predictive maintenance systems that can minimize costly downtime will be key technologies from next year. Safety and security can be enhanced through AI-powered vision platforms for behavior monitoring and safety systems. Environmental monitoring and fuel consumption reduction technologies that can support sustainability efforts and regulatory compliance will be a key focus. AI technologies would also be utilized for supply chain optimization, improving demand forecasting and operational efficiency. Additionally, enhancing the network, cloud, and cybersecurity capabilities to support these initiatives will also be in focus. These use cases leverage existing technologies and successful industry implementations, making them realistic options for deployment in the coming years, subject to the specific business needs and value potential.
THE ROAD TO DIGITAL ACCELERATION
Mustansir Aziz, Head of IT at Automech Group discusses his perspectives on the evolving technology landscape and the approach to drawing up a robust IT strategy for the organization
Mustansir Aziz Head of IT Automech Group
Discuss some of the key tech trends that are influencing the IT strategies of organizations?
In today’s rapidly evolving world, several key technology trends are reshaping business strategies. Hybrid infrastructure and cloud computing are becoming increasingly popular, allowing organizations to cut costs, improve disaster recovery, and easily scale operations by combining on-premises systems with cloud services. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming industries by automating processes and enhancing decision-making, particularly in areas like predictive maintenance and quality control. The Internet of Things (IoT) is driving smart manufacturing by connecting machines and systems to gather real-time data, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.
As cybersecurity becomes more critical, companies are adopting Zero Trust models to ensure every user and device is authenticated before accessing resources. Data-driven insights, powered by advanced business intelligence and analytics tools, are helping businesses make more informed decisions in areas like supply chain management and customer behaviour. Sustainability is also a growing focus, with green IT initiatives, such as energy-efficient cloud solutions, aligning with environmental goals like those championed at COP28. The advent of 5G and edge computing is enhancing real-time data processing, particularly in IoT-related sectors. Additionally, robotic process automation (RPA) is streamlining repetitive tasks, freeing up human resources for strategic roles. Finally, blockchain is being explored for improving transparency, security, and efficiency in supply chains and business transactions.
Do organizations feel the necessity to accelerate their deployments around AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud to be ahead in their respective industries? Thanks to the digital transformation initiatives brought in by the CIOs, organizations today are certainly becoming aware that they need to accelerate their use of AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies to remain competitive. Adopting AI can make operations more efficient and give customers a better experience, which is the way to stay on top of the curve.
Real-time data collection and process optimization depend on Internet of Things (IoT). Manufacturing, an industry I come from, is witnessing fast adoption of IoT because it allows companies to introduce smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance and improve product quality. The organizations that push for quicker deployment of IoT, are the ones that have been able to recognize its potential and capitalize more with it.
With the attack surface growing significantly in the pursuit of digital transformation, cyber security is also a top-ofthe-mind priority. To protect data and the continuity of business, organizations must accelerate the adoption of advanced security measures, including Zero Trust models, AI driven threat detection, and robust encryption.
Finally, rapid Cloud adoption will enable businesses to embrace fast developments in the market, increase the level of collaboration between employees, and increase operational efficiency by implementing critical systems in the cloud.
How do you assess the need and the benefits before opting for the investment?
In my current role as the head of Technology, I assist the management in making ideal technological investment decisions by making them aware of the requirements and probable benefits to the company. The first step is to assess the business challenges as in current times. First, we must know what the end goals are, then we need to determine if a particular technology is really needed to achieve these goals. A complete cost-benefit analysis of both short-term and long-term impacts should follow which includes a look at the upfront investment, the operational costs, the potential financial return on investment, and how it fits with the business strategy. Potential risks such as cybersecurity challenges should be considered. Next, gauge the scalability and futureproofing of the investment. And then, evaluate the quality of vendors and partners delivering the solution. With the right partners, implementation is smooth, and long-term support is assured to reduce downtime and increase efficiency.
ENABLING INNOVATION, SECURITY AND EFFICIENCY
Sunil Paul, CEO at Finess, a leading SI, says that their comprehensive portfolio of solutions and services are designed to support every aspect of digital transformation, from strategy to implementation and ongoing management.
What are the solutions of focus for Finesse at this year's GITEX?
At GITEX 2024, Finesse is set to showcase an impressive array of solutions designed to revolutionize the digital transformation journey for enterprises. Visitors to Finesse’s booth at GITEX 2024 can expect an immersive experience into the future of digital transformation.
With a keen focus on innovation, security, and efficiency, Finesse’s three core business units will highlight how their cutting-edge offerings are shaping the future of businesses in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
1CXO, our suite of advisory services for digital transformation is designed for senior executives and provides strategic guidance in essential areas, including customer experience, corporate services, digital transformation, information management, cyberse-
curity and data privacy. At GITEX 2024, we will present a series of interactive workshops and case studies demonstrating how we help organizations build resilient, future-ready business models. Finesse with a focus on enabling digital transformation will unveil a portfolio of advanced solutions aimed at enhancing business intelligence, streamlining operations, and delivering exceptional customer and employee experiences. Attendees at GITEX 2024 can explore innovations in AI-powered chatbots, business intelligence (BI) and analytics, customer experience management (CRM/CEM), enterprise content and treasury management systems (ECM/TMS), corporate performance management (CPM), human capital management (HCM), robotic process automation (RPA), and fully managed IT services.
Finesse’s CyberHub 24*7 CSOC will showcase a suite of next-generation cybersecurity solutions. The CyberHub team will present managed security services, digital risk and compliance solutions, zero trust frameworks, cloud and application assurance, digital identity & access management, and advanced data protection and privacy offerings.
What solutions are you offering at GITEX that focus on cybersecurity?
At GITEX, Finesse is proud to showcase its comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity solutions, designed to address the growing demands of data protection, compliance, and threat mitigation. Our dedicated CyberHub business unit is at the forefront of providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that empower businesses to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.
What specific services does CyberHub offer?
CyberHub's suite of services is designed to provide end-to-end cybersecurity protection, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our customers' data. Our Managed Security Services offer proactive monitoring and management of security systems to detect and respond to threats in real-time. We offer Digital Risk and Compliance Solutions providing expert guidance on risk assessment, compliance, and governance to ensure businesses meet regulatory requirements. The Zero-Trust Frameworks help with implementation of zero-trust architectures to minimize the attack surface and prevent lateral movement. Our Cloud and Application Assurance services provide comprehensive security testing and validation of cloud and application environments. The Digital Identity Management solutions are a set of secure identity and access management solutions to protect sensitive data and systems. We also offer Advanced Data Protec-
Sunil Paul CEO, Finesse
tion and Privacy Offerings for data encryption, tokenization, and anonymization.
We're excited to launch our IAM as a Service, a smarter, safer access management solution that simplifies identity and access management for businesses. Additionally, we're showcasing our state-of-the-art CyberHub 24x7 CSOC, a cybersecurity operations center based in Dubai, UAE, that provides 24/7 monitoring and management of security systems.
Tell us about your SOC services. Discuss the demand for managed SOC services?
Finesse provides comprehensive Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) services designed to deliver robust cybersecurity protection and monitoring for organizations. Finesse’s Cognitive SOC services focus on preventing, detecting, and responding to cyber threats, ensuring the safety and security of your IT infrastructure.
The CSOC operates 24/7, providing real-time monitoring of networks, systems, and applications to swiftly identify and address any suspicious activities. Our team of expert security analysts uses cutting-edge threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging attack vectors. Our experienced security analysts are equipped to respond quickly to security incidents, helping mitigate damage and ensuring prompt recovery of systems. We employ advanced analytics to detect patterns and anomalies in network traffic, providing early warning signs of potential breaches. We also offer regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing identify and address security gaps to enhance your organization's defenses. Our CSOC services help organizations meet regulatory compliance requirements by offering detailed reporting and assistance with audit processes.
The demand for managed CSOC services is increasing due to several critical factors. The frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks are continually growing. Managed CSOC services are crucial in providing the specialized expertise and technology needed to combat these advanced threats effectively.
Many organizations face challenges in hiring and retaining skilled cybersecurity professionals. Managed CSOC services offer access to a team of experts without the need for significant internal staffing.
Establishing an in-house SOC can be costly. Managed Cognitive SOC services offer a more economical solution by providing shared resources and infrastructure, reducing overall expenses. By outsourcing cybersecurity operations to a managed CSOC, organizations can concentrate on their core business activities, knowing their IT infrastructure is well-protected. Further, with increasing regulatory requirements for data protection and privacy, managed CSOC services help ensure compliance and reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties.
In summary, Finesse’s CSOC services provide an essential layer of security and expertise, helping organizations navigate the complex landscape of modern cybersecurity challenges. The rising demand for managed CSOC services reflects the need for specialized capabilities and cost-effective security solutions in today's digital world.
Elaborate about the focus on AI at Finesse in terms of solutions provided?
Finesse is leveraging artificial intelligence to revolutionize customer experiences and drive business outcomes for its clients. As customer expectations continue to rise, businesses must adapt by embracing innovative technologies. Finesse harnesses the power of AI to deliver personalized, efficient, and secure interactions that exceed customer expectations. Here are six key ways that Finesse is reshaping the customer experience through AI:
1. Cyberhub 24*7 CSOC Cybersecurity Solutions: Finesse integrates AI into its Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) for round-the-clock threat detection and response. AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of network data in real-time to identify anomalies and potential security breaches. Machine learning models are trained on historical threats to predict future vulnerabilities and automate responses, ensuring clients can counteract cyber threats swiftly and efficiently. This proactive approach helps clients secure their data and maintain customer trust, creating a safe online environment.
2. Enhanced Customer Support: By implementing AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants, Finesse delivers efficient 24/7 customer support. These AI systems use natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to customer inquiries in real time. They can handle a high volume of routine questions, recommend solutions, and facilitate transactions, allowing human agents to focus on more complex customer issues. This AI-driven support improves service quality, reduces response times, and increases customer satisfaction.
3. Personalized Interactions: Finesse employs AI-driven analytics to gather and analyze customer data from various touchpoints. This helps businesses understand individual customer preferences, behaviors, and purchase history. Using this information, organizations can craft personalized marketing messages and tailored communications that resonate more deeply with each customer. This level of personalization not only enhances customer satisfaction but also boosts engagement and loyalty.
4. Predictive Analytics and Proactive Engagement: Finesse leverages predictive analytics powered by AI to foresee customer needs and preferences based on historical data and behavior patterns. Machine learning algorithms analyze this data to identify trends and predict future actions, enabling businesses to engage proactively. For instance, by anticipating potential issues with a product or service, organizations can reach out to customers with solutions before they experience problems, thereby enhancing customer experiences and reducing churn.
STAYING AHEAD
Dharshana
Kosgalage, Executive Vice President, Technology Solutions Group, Redington MEA discusses industry trends and some of the focus areas of Redington
Dharshana Kosgalage Executive Vice President, Technology Solutions Group, Redington MEA
What is your focus at GITEX GLOBAL in 2024?
GITEX GLOBAL is a pivotal event that brings together the brightest minds and the latest innovations in the tech space. For Redington, GITEX is more than just an exhibition; it is our 11th year of participation. It is a platform that enables us to drive thought leadership, showcase our innovations, and build strategic partnerships. By participating in GITEX, we align ourselves with global technology trends and position ourselves as a key player in shaping the future of the tech ecosystem in the Middle East and beyond.
GITEX 2024 is a strategic platform for Redington to connect with key industry players, showcase our latest innovations, and engage in meaningful discussions on the future of technology. Our duplex stand at the entrance of Hall 5, a premium location, ensures maximum visibility and the opportunity to make a lasting
impact. We are excited to participate by hosting podcasts, showcasing tech demos, and hosting C-level executives for leadership sessions.
Our participation will also include product showcases, partner recruitment via The Bridge initiative, and participation in live sessions to foster knowledge sharing. Through these activities, we aim to build stronger industry relationships, expand our channel network, and explore new growth opportunities.
How is your Redington adopting and integrating AI innovation?
Redington is leveraging the power of AI to enhance internal efficiencies as well as to significantly improve the interventions provided to our esteemed Customers and Partners. Redington has put the “adoption of AI” high on its agenda and is being pursued at every level starting from the management to right up to the sales organization and even to specific functions like HR, Credit and Finance. Every possibility to enhance the Customer and Partner experience through new and unique adoption of AI is being looked at. For example, internal and external competency building regarding various products and solutions in the digital transformation space has been taken up as a high-priority project. The virtual agents created as part of the project help the sales force to uniquely address the customer and partner requirements in the most efficient and timely manner. In line with our agenda of “High on AI”, a series of high-impact areas have been identified and will be rolled over the next 6 months. With the setting up of Redington AI COE (RACE), we are committed to keep on improving in the journey with AI and making it a sustainable practice within the organization.
What key trends besides AI are driving transformation in the industry and in distribution?
In addition to AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), and automation are set to revolutionize the technology distribution sector. Cloud solutions provide businesses with the scalability and flexibility to manage data more effectively, while advanced cybersecurity measures are critical in an increasingly digital world. IoT enables real-time data collection and decision-making, and automation is driving efficiency across various operations. We believe that the Middle East, particularly the UAE, will lead these advancements by 2025. The UAE’s strategic focus on becoming a global technology hub, combined with its commitment to smart city development and digital transformation, positions it at the forefront of these innovations. Redington’s role in this transformation is crucial as we continue to partner with industry leaders to drive technological growth in the region.
What was the focus of the Vertical Congress you held recently?
The Vertical Congress was an exceptional gathering of leaders and visionaries sharing insightful ideas that redefine industry outcomes. The summit perfectly aligned with our commitment to advancing collaboration and innovation in the digital landscape through our channel ecosystem. The Vertical Congress was an opportunity to highlight Redington's role in accelerating technology adoption and reducing barriers to innovation for organizations across key verticals. We look forward to hosting more such thought-provoking platforms for our stakeholders, fostering continued dialogue and innovation in the industry.”
ENABLING ENTERPRISE TRANSFORMATION
Renjan George, MD of DVCOM discusses how the distributor in addition to its forte in unified communications has expanded to include solutions for cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity
What are the major focus areas for DVCOM?
DVCOM primarily focuses on unified communications, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity solutions. These key areas drive our commitment to deliver the latest and most innovative technology for seamless communication, secure operations, and robust cloud services.
How has DVCOM diversified its product offerings in the past 1-2 years?
Over the past two years, we’ve significantly expanded our offerings, especially in cloud and cybersecurity solutions. While we continue to provide top-tier hardware, we've also ventured into cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, and enhanced cybersecurity to meet the growing needs of our customers.
What are the expected highlights of your GITEX showcase with Yeastar, OneScreen and Sangfor?
At GITEX this year, visitors can explore AI-powered video collaboration tools, advanced cloud and cybersecurity solutions, smart home automation products and next-generation smart classrooms.
Yeastar will showcase its enhanced cloud communication solutions, including the P-Series Phone System, supporting Voice, SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Live Chat, helping eliminate barriers to digital collaboration and transformation. Yealink will feature AI-powered meeting solutions designed to streamline meetings and enhance collaboration. A key highlight is the Microsoft Teams Rooms MeetingBoard series, integrating AI-driven video conferencing and interactive features, transforming workspaces into hubs of productivity and innovation. At the forefront of OneScreen’s showcase will be the TL7 Interactive LED Display, designed for both the education and corporate sectors. The TL7 combines user-friendly technology with advanced features to enhance collaboration and communication in classrooms and meeting rooms. OneScreen also provides GURU Support, offering live, 24/6 tech assistance in five languages to ensure real-time help without relying on chatbots. The OneScreen Share feature enables wireless mirroring across devices, supporting up to nine connections, with additional functionality for streaming to Android devices and control through Samsung Dex. OneScreen Class fosters engagement by allowing presenters to ask questions, conduct polls, and receive real-time responses, facilitating seamless communication among participants. Sangfor will present its comprehensive IT solutions, including their Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) for advanced network protection, Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) for simplified data center management, and Endpoint Secure for safeguarding devices from cyber threats. They will also showcase their Internet Access Management (IAM), Cyber Command for real-time security control, and cloud solutions like Engage Cloud and Sangfor Access VPN, providing businesses with secure, optimized IT infrastructure.
What are the other solutions being showcased?
We will be showcasing several solutions from eXTRAVIS. This includes the Automation Suite bringing advanced automation capabilities to global audiences and is engineered to streamline business operations, enhance efficiency, and provide sustainable solutions for enterprises in today’s rapidly evolving digital land-
Renjan George MD, DVCOM
scape. The showcase includes MonetX, a powerful cloud and network automation platform that offers real-time monitoring, analytics, and optimization, transforming how organizations manage their cloud infrastructure and network systems. SupportX, eXTRAVIS's latest ticketing automation platform, enhances IT support by automating Level 1 processes, improving customer satisfaction, and minimizing manual intervention. Finally, GreenX addresses global sustainability challenges by offering data center energy optimization, enabling organizations to reduce their environmental footprint and achieve sustainability goals.
InstaVC will present the world’s first complete video application suite with unique, vertical-specific platforms designed for seamless collaboration across diverse industries. Their suite includes inClass for virtual classrooms, inAPI for video API integration, inLynk as a 360° digital workspace ecosystem, and inMeet for HD video meetings. They also offer inMeet Webinar for largescale interactive webinars, inMeet Fusion for multi-video collaboration, and inClinic for virtual healthcare applications. Additionally, InstaVC provides inAffiliate for digital sales, inConsult for virtual consulting, inSupport for virtual support, inShop for virtual shopping, inView for video content management, and inShare for wireless screen sharing.
Akuvox, renowned for its smart intercom systems, will present the groundbreaking S567G, the GMS-Certified Intercom Device, designed to elevate the convenience of residential and commercial properties. Meanwhile, akubela, synonymous with luxury smart home solutions, will showcase its well-acclaimed largescreen smart home center HyPanel Ultra, along with its yet-tobe-released new product, HyPanel KeyPlus, and tailored smart home solutions for discerning homeowners and developers seeking seamless integration of communication protocols.
What are some of the recent partnerships you have finalized in the past year?
In the past year, we’ve formed exciting partnerships with leading companies such as ViewSonic, InstaVC, and Sangfor, expanding our ecosystem and bringing more value to our clients.
How do you support and enable your partners?
We are committed to empowering our partners by providing comprehensive support. This includes offering free training for their sales and support teams, helping them deliver better services to their customers. Additionally, we provide marketing ideas, design support, and help promote their brands and products through our social media channels and networks, enabling them to grow their business.
How has the demand for unified communication solutions evolved?
The demand for unified communication (UC) solutions has seen significant growth in recent years, driven largely by the shift towards remote and hybrid work environments. The need for seamless, real-time collaboration tools has become critical as businesses look to maintain productivity across geographically dispersed teams. This shift has accelerated the adoption of cloud-based communication platforms, video conferencing, and integrated collaboration tools, as organizations aim to unify their communication channels.
Moreover, businesses are increasingly recognizing the benefits of
UC solutions in enhancing customer experiences and streamlining internal processes. The integration of voice, video, messaging, and data sharing into a single platform allows for more efficient communication, which in turn drives faster decision-making and greater agility.
At DVCOM, we've witnessed this transformation firsthand, with growing demand from companies across various sectors seeking flexible, scalable solutions that can adapt to their evolving communication needs. We continue to partner with leading technology providers to offer robust UC solutions that not only meet current demands but also future-proof businesses for the next phase of digital transformation.
What unified communications solutions do you offer for multi-cloud environments?
At DVCOM, we recognize the growing importance of multicloud strategies as businesses seek flexibility, security, and scalability in their communication infrastructure. We offer a comprehensive range of unified communication (UC) solutions that are optimized for multi-cloud environments, allowing organizations to seamlessly integrate voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools across various cloud platforms.
Our solutions are designed to ensure interoperability between private, public, and hybrid cloud deployments, giving businesses the freedom to choose the infrastructure that best suits their operational needs. Partnering with leading technology providers, we deliver cloud-based communication platforms that support secure, high-performance collaboration—whether it's on-premise, in the cloud, or across multiple cloud environments.
Yeastar Cloud: With Yeastar’s cloud-based PBX system, we provide scalable and feature-rich UC solutions that support voice, video, and messaging, all within a multi-cloud framework, enabling easy deployment across distributed teams and locations.
Sangfor Cloud: Through our partnership with Sangfor, we deliver secure cloud solutions that offer reliable infrastructure for UC systems. Sangfor Cloud ensures high performance and robust security, making it ideal for businesses that need flexible communication tools across multiple cloud platforms.
InstaVC: This cloud-based video conferencing platform enhances real-time collaboration, offering high-quality video and seamless integration with other UC tools. Its multi-cloud capabilities ensure smooth communication regardless of the underlying cloud architecture.
Intact Cloud: Intact Cloud enables businesses to unify voice, video, and data services on a secure, scalable platform. It supports integration with other cloud services, making it easy to manage UC in multi-cloud environments.
Akuvox Cloud: Akuvox Cloud offers advanced communication solutions focused on secure intercom systems and intelligent building solutions. By leveraging its multi-cloud compatibility, businesses can integrate communication across physical spaces and digital platforms, ensuring seamless interaction and management from anywhere.
With these solutions, DVCOM helps businesses harness the power of multi-cloud UC deployments, ensuring enhanced communication, greater flexibility, and a secure, future-proof infrastructure.
ENHANCING THE BRAND RECALL
Goher Ali Rizwi, Marketing Manager at ITQAN Al Khaleej Computers shares an insider view of the work being done to enhance the brand’s success
Discuss how you help enhance the brand recall of ITQAN in the region? How important is brand recall with customers in your domain?
When I joined ITQAN, I had one mission in mind: Exposure, Exposure, Exposure! My goal? Make ITQAN the star of the show—visible everywhere, all the time. You know that feeling when you hear a song, and it’s stuck in your head all day? That’s what I wanted for ITQAN—only way less annoying and way more impactful! We wanted customers to think of us the second they needed a solution. Brand recall is everything in our business. If they aren’t thinking of you, someone else is taking your spot.
Luckily, ITQAN’s been around since 1984—so it’s like jumping into a relay race where the baton’s already halfway across the track. My job was to take that momentum and keep running. So, we showed up in every digital space, at every industry event, and in front of every decision-maker possible. And when you do that consistently? Well, let’s just say ITQAN has become quite the unforgettable brand in the UAE.
What are the key objectives to work towards for the Marketing team?
For me, it’s all about Brand Positioning and Lead Generation—like two best friends that always stick together. If brand positioning is our GPS, lead generation is the destination. We’ve got to make sure we’re out there, being seen and heard in the right places, by the right people. But more than that, it’s about creating relationships that stick. We’re here for the long haul. We’ve got our hands in everything, making sure ITQAN and Digital Okta is
always at the front of customers’ minds.
What are the challenges typically faced by Marketing teams in your domain?
Ah, the life of a marketing team in the IT world—sometimes it feels like being a one-person band trying to juggle drums, a guitar, and a trumpet all at once. In the system integrator or distributor space, marketing often gets handed off to whoever is closest to it. Channel partners, field marketers—they’re great, but marketing needs its own spotlight, its own stage! When you have a tiny team, or worse, just one person doing it all, it’s easy to drop the ball or miss opportunities.
Meanwhile, the vendor side has their roles locked down with big, shiny marketing teams. But on our side? We’re the Swiss Army knives of marketing. We do it all— branding, lead gen, events, partnerships— while balancing flaming swords. (Okay, maybe not actual swords, but you get the idea!) It’s challenging, but let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good challenge?
How are new technologies and tools helpful in the Marketing role towards more efficient execution of tasks? Discuss some tools you have adopted in the past year or so.
New tech? Let’s just say it’s the secret sauce that turns a good marketing strategy into a great one. Whether it’s automation or analytics, these tools are like my trusty sidekicks, helping me look way more efficient than I probably am (don’t tell my boss!).
In the past year, tools like HubSpot, Google Analytics, Adobe Suite, Google Search Console, Lusha, Mailchimp and
Manager,
Asana have saved my life—and my sanity—more times than I can count. Hootsuite keeps us organized on social, Lusha helps us find those all-important leads, and WordPress makes sure our digital presence is sharp. Honestly, they’re the reason I can sleep at night and still hit our targets during the day.
How important is synergy with the sales for marketing towards greater success?
Sales and marketing? It’s like the classic love story. They fight, they bicker, but at the end of the day, they’re inseparable.
On a serious note, sales and marketing are like a power couple. We may have our disagreements, but without that synergy, the whole company loses. Think of it like this: sales is the star of the show, but marketing writes the script, builds the set, and promotes the event. We’re all working toward the same goal—taking the company higher. And when sales and marketing are in sync? Magic happens. It’s like a happy home where everyone’s contributing to the family’s success.
Goher Ali Rizwi Marketing
ITQAN Al Khaleej Computers
What are the new products and solutions Lexar is showcasing at GITEX?
Lexar’s product showcase at this edition of GITEX Global will be headlined by our ARMOR series - the world's first memory cards made of 316 stainless steel. The series includes the GOLD SD UHS-II and the SILVER PRO SD UHS-II cards. Encased in high-quality steel, both these rugged cards offer IP68 waterproofing, dustproofing and bend-resistance, making it ideal for outdoor filming.
Lexar’s suite of memory cards also includes CFexpress 4.0, and SD 8.0. Using next-gen PCIe 4.0 technology, Lexar is showcasing four new CFexpress 4.0 memory cards, the TYPE-B DIAMOND, GOLD, SILVER, and the TYPE-A GOLD card, all boosted with massive capacities of up to 4TB, enabling seamless 8K RAW video shooting at blazing read and write speeds.
Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a revolutionary 1-2TB portable SSD for seamless mobile video shooting. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSD delivers blistering 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds, enabling 4K 60fps ProRes video capture directly on iPhone 15 Pro/Max and beyond. Lexar ARES RGB 2nd Gen DDR5 Desktop Memory is an exclusive series featuring premium SK hynix DRAM chips and blazing-fast speeds of up to 8000MT/s.
Lexar is also introducing the new 'pexar' brand and its product— the pexar digital picture frame. Featuring an excellent 2K and anti-glare display, it is a smart WiFi frame that serves as a shared photo album for the whole family, making it a perfect gift for loved ones.
How key is the Middle East market for Lexar? How are you looking to expand your market reach here?
The Middle East and Africa region is central to Lexar’s ambitious growth strategy, driven by favourable market dynamics. Lexar is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for memory and storage solutions in this market through our wide range of award-winning products targeted at the region’s professional photographers, videographers, content creators and gamers.
FORGING AHEAD
Fissal Oubida, General Manager and Global Marketing Director, Middle East, Africa, and India, Lexar discusses the company’s significant strides in expanding its share of the region’s memory solutions market.
Lexar has aggressive growth plans for the Middle East & Africa market, and a key factor to achieving our goals in this region is our partner ecosystem. We are firming up our distribution channel with key distribution partnership agreements across the region, with a focus on improving customer service at all touch points.
What are your key customer segments in the region in addition?
Lexar’s product portfolio has a proven track record of allowing content creators to capture for longer, while offering blazing transfer speeds to accelerate workflows. Our products are designed to enable photography and videography professionals and enthusiasts get their best shot, while allowing gamers to play at their peak without worrying about load times, stuttering graphics, or game lag.
We are diligent in working to consistently improve our storage offerings for photographers, gamers and professional content creators in the region and beyond.
Lexar is able to make our products available to all our customer segments through our ever-growing footprint across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Our presence is now solidified in over 400 stores, accounting for nearly 20% of the region’s sales. Esteemed retail giants such as Carrefour, Lulu, Nesto, Sharaf DG, Virgin Megastore, Grand Store, Emax, Jumbo, and iStyle are among the many carrying Lexar’s high-performance, innovative products.
How key are channel partners for Lexar?
The strategic collaboration with our channel and distribution partners is key to Lexar’s growing market share in our focus markets. Lexar recorded an impressive 200 percent revenue growth in the GCC region over the past two years. This milestone reflects a significant increase in market share and unprecedented retail expansion in the region.
The Middle East is undeniably one of Lexar’s top-performing markets. We effectively leverage our partners’ extensive network, market knowledge, and strong distribution capabilities to accelerate our market penetration and enhance our brand presence.
Fissal Oubida
General Manager & Global Marketing Director, Middle East, Africa, and India, Lexar
THE #GONATIVE APPROACH TO CYBERSECURITY
Jishant
Karunakaran,
CEO
of Mindfire Technologies discusses the "#GoNative" approach to cybersecurity that the company is advocating
Discuss what you mean when you say "#GoNative" in cybersecurity?
The threat landscape is constantly evolving, becoming more sophisticated and pervasive. Traditional security solutions often rely on reactive measures, trying to catch threats after they've already infiltrated your systems. This approach is no longer sufficient.
#GoNative represents a fundamental shift in how we approach cybersecurity. Instead of treating security as an add-on or afterthought, we believe it must be an inherent part of your digital ecosystem. Just like a native species thrives in its environment, #GoNative security seamlessly integrates with your existing infrastructure, applications, and processes. This creates a proactive, resilient, and truly organic security posture.
#GoNative allows organizations to anticipate and mitigate threats before they even arise. By integrating security into the very fabric of their operations, they can proactively address vulnerabilities, reduce their attack surface, and build a robust defense against cyberattacks.
How is Mindfire helping its customers #GoNative?
Let's take data security, for instance. We don't just offer generic data loss prevention (DLP) solutions. We work with our clients to understand their unique data flow, identify critical assets, and implement DLP measures that are seamlessly integrated into their applications.
Another example is our approach to Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). We go beyond simple compliance checklists. We help organizations embed GRC considerations into their development lifecycle and operational processes. This ensures continuous compliance, reduces risk, and fosters a security-conscious culture.
How does the #GoNative philosophy work with Mindfire's Managed Security Services?
Our Managed Security Services (MSS) is designed to extend our clients' security teams, providing 24/7 monitoring, threat hunting, and incident response capabilities. This allows organizations to leverage our expertise and advanced security tools without having to build and manage their own security operations center (SOC). It's about providing a safety net that operates natively within their environment, constantly adapting and responding to threats.
Jishant Karunakaran CEO, Mindfire Technologies
How do you ensure that these services are truly tailored to each customer's unique needs?
That's a crucial aspect of our approach. We don't believe in onesize-fits-all solutions. We start with a thorough assessment of our client's security posture, their specific risks, and their business objectives. This allows us to develop a customized #GoNative strategy that aligns with their needs and seamlessly integrates with their existing systems.
For businesses looking to enhance their cybersecurity, what would be the first step in embracing this #GoNative approach? The first step is to reach out to us. Our team of experts will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your current security posture and identify potential vulnerabilities. From there, we'll work with you to develop a tailored #GoNative strategy that strengthens your defenses and simplifies your security management.
In today's interconnected world, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it's a business imperative. By embracing the #GoNative approach, organizations can build a resilient security foundation that protects their assets, their reputation, and their future. We're passionate about helping organizations #GoNative and secure their digital future.
CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS WITH VERSATILITY
Sakkeer Hussain, Director - Sales & Marketing at D-Link Middle East & Africa discusses how the company is staying ahead in addressing the evolving network connectivity requirements of Businesses
Discuss how D-Link has positioned itself in the region’s Mid-market segment?
D-Link has been a key player in addressing the network infrastructure needs of mid-market businesses in the region. These enterprises face the challenge of balancing rapid growth with limited budgets, and D-Link provides cost-effective, scalable solutions to meet these demands. Our product range, including switches, routers, and wireless access points, is designed to deliver reliable, high-performance networking without overextending resources.
Beyond hardware, our local presence and dedicated support teams ensure that businesses receive timely assistance, fostering strong, lasting relationships. By offering affordable and adaptable networking solutions, we've enabled mid-market enterprises to optimize their operations and achieve their goals.
What have been the enhancements on the Nuclias platform?
The Nuclias network management solution has seen continuous enhancements to meet the growing needs of SMBs and mid-market businesses. These include expanded cloud-based management for remote access, AI-driven network optimization, strengthened security features to combat cyber threats, and improved IoT device management. The user interface has also been refined for better usability.
For SMBs and mid-market enterprises, Nuclias simplifies network management with centralized control, enhances security to protect sensitive data, and optimizes performance through AI, all while supporting scalability. These features help businesses save costs and reduce downtime, making Nuclias an ideal choice for efficient, secure network management.
How has D-Link responded to post pandemic hybrid work ethos in terms of product strategies
As the world shifts toward a balanced hybrid work model, the convergence of office and home networks is becoming essential. This trend demands versatile solutions that can seamlessly support both on-site and remote employees. We’re addressing this by developing products that adapt to these evolving work styles, offering features like seamless network roaming and advanced security protocols to safeguard sensitive data across diverse environments.
Discuss your recent product releases and their specific highlights D-Link has expanded its multi-gigabit product line with the launch of the DMS-1250 series smart switches. Building on the success of the popular unmanaged DMS-105 and DMS-108 switches, this
new lineup includes three models: the DMS-1250-10S, DMS1250-10SP, and DMS-1250-12TP. These switches are designed to deliver enhanced multi-gigabit performance, advanced features, and effortless management.
Fully backward compatible with 1Gbps infrastructure, the DMS1250 series allows users to upgrade speeds without added costs. As more devices like PCs, access points, and routers integrate 2.5Gbps LAN, this series stands out as the ideal solution for WiFi 6 deployments, particularly in SOHO, SMB environments, and multi-dwelling units (MDUs).
D-Link has also introduced the DAP-X3060 and DAP-X3060OU enterprise-grade access points, leveraging Wi-Fi 6 technology to boost network performance and reduce latency. These access points offer up to a 25% speed increase with 1024-QAM and deliver speeds of up to 3,000 Mbps, providing reliable, high-speed connectivity for demanding environments. With dual-band capabilities, they support 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
Sakkeer Hussain Director - Sales & Marketing D-Link MEA
Samsung WAD Interactive Display
Unlimited Learning Possibilities
Introducing the Interactive Display WAD series, which offers engaging educational experiences. Based on Android OS, it provides a familiar and intuitive user experience. Download apps through Google Play and use pre-installed apps like YouTube and Chrome to stay productive and open a new era of education.
4 WAYS MODERN OPERATIONS CONTROL CAN BOOST YOUR SUSTAINABILITY AND EFFICIENCY
Today’s operational systems go beyond mere control panels to transform business efficiency and competitiveness, writes Doug Warren, AVEVA’s Senior Vice President – HMI/SCADA Business Area
With the growing importance of digital transformation, human-machine interface systems (HMIs) and supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) have evolved from control panels to vast operational hubs.
Next-gen HMI/SCADA can bring together data, personalization, and advanced insights to enrich the user experience. To successfully achieve organizational goals, it’s important to think about HMI/ SCADA holistically within the operations ecosystem.
Humans at the core
People remain at the heart of company operations. To achieve real transformation, businesses should empower operations with better situational awareness, so that teams have the best resources and insight at all levels.
Situational awareness provides actionable information, allowing quick identification and resolution of abnormal incidents or take advantage of an opportunity in the marketplace, all the time with an added measure of critical decision support that can help you optimize your operations.
Critical data
Whether it is termed “operational data” or “Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) data”, much of it is critical information for the organization. This has always been true for the plant floor or control room, but removing data silos to share this data across the enterprise is becoming an imperative for most businesses.
Regardless of the term you wish to use, HMI/SCADA systems not only continue to be the primary data collection infrastructure for this critical information, they are also tasked with presenting that data and its associated context to downstream systems – whether on-premise or in the cloud.
Modern HMI/SCADA systems are transforming operations in a few specific ways:
Intuitive interfaces
Modern HMI/SCADA can deliver advancements in technology such as touch screens, gesture controls, and voice recognition, to
Doug Warren
AVEVA’s Senior Vice President – HMI/SCADA Business Area
provide a more intuitive and user-friendly interface. This reduces the learning curve and enables operators to quickly navigate complex systems, resulting in improved productivity.
Seamless integration
Legacy HMI/SCADA systems are often incompatible with newer software, which limits their functionality and hinders system integration. Upgrading to modern HMI/SCADA ensures seamless connectivity, data exchange, and interoperability with other systems, fostering better decision-making and overall system performance.
Visualization
Modern HMIs offer enhanced visualization capabilities, allowing operators to interpret data and trends more effectively, leading to proactive decision-making and improved safety.
Security
As technology evolves and the connectedness of the plant and workforce grows, security threats also evolve. Modern HMI/SCADA comes equipped with robust security features, safeguarding critical systems from unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks.
So, what makes a good HMI/SCADA solution?
Just a few years ago, the criteria for a good HMI/SCADA system would have been the number of licenses, tags, and screens that the solution provider offered. Not anymore. The digital solutions that support HMI/SCADA are advancing quickly. New features like adaptive interfaces and context-aware automation have arrived.
Digital transformation involves adopting entirely new operating processes that empower every individual to drive the organization forward andchange the way we perform work.
To transform in ways that drive operational efficiency and profitability, teams must be armed with greater levels of insight and
intelligence to monitor and control operations. They should be empowered to take steps to improve the availability and reliability of assets. They should also be able to make data-driven decisions based on an accurate, holistic view of operational execution and performance.
These tools also help fulfill organizational goals, like serving the end customer, improving the supply chain experience, finding efficiency and value leaks, and discovering cost reduction opportunities.
A case in point is California’s La Tortilla Factory, which supplies US customers with 1.5 million wraps daily. When it adopted the right HMI solution and got visibility into its operational data, the company’s line efficiency improved within six months, accounting for a 5% increase in production and a 2% decrease in waste.
As a company committed to reducing waste and keeping costs down, La Tortilla Factory sharpened its competitive edge by adopting a solution that afforded it a single view of real-time data.
Sharpen efficiency to stay ahead of the competition
Many organizations that continue to rely on outdated HMI/SCADA systems are missing opportunities to improve their operational efficiency and agility.
They simply can no longer ignore the cost of ineffective operations, as a growing number of organizations continue to invest in industrial transformation initiatives.
To avert the opportunity costs associated with relying on outmoded approaches, decision-makers must look to upgrade to systems that empower employees with real-time data visualization and operations control.
DATA COLLABORATION, THE GATEWAY TO BUSINESS GROWTH
A privacy-first data collaboration platform must be the foundation of any strategy as it will allow for management and analysis, as much as for the responsible sharing of data says Paul Wright, General Manager Western Europe and MENAT at AppsFlyer
Paul Wright General Manager Western Europe and MENAT, AppsFlyer
The secret sauce of human success is collaboration. We have always been a social species and that has been at the heart of our success. Through history, we have specialised, directing talent to where it would do the most good. And we shared information. The ancients of the Silk Road and the Library of Alexandria shared knowledge. Renaissance and Victorian thinkers exchanged letters on the topics of the day. And modern scientists have put their heads together on everything from climate change to COVID vaccines.
In the United Arab Emirates’ commercial space, businesses have much to gain from data collaboration, but many of these enterprises have understandable reservations when it comes to letting third parties have access to that most precious of assets. Even when the will is there, organisations that share data may be in breach of federal decrees on privacy, or of international regulations such as the European Union’s GDPR. But it is important that we do not consider these challenges as unscalable walls. Modern endeavours such as the Open-Source Movement — which made possible much of our current global technology ecosystem — demonstrate the prospective benefits of sharing what we know with others.
We even see cooperation in legacy industries. Airlines share data to optimise routes and banks join forces with fintech startups to bring new value to consumers. There is a catalogue of success stories out there that do not involve lone innovators but rather partners strategizing together to achieve something of benefit to both of them.
Tug of war
In the UAE, as elsewhere, data collaboration is a challenging prospect. One pandemic-era study on the surge in trust between the nation’s consumers and its online commercial entities showed 53% of private individuals were willing to share their data. But recent findings in Cisco’s App Attention Index series included the fact that 74% of UAE consumers expect exceptional digital experiences as standard, and similar numbers, in the 65%-80%
range, said they would treat anything less as “disrespectful” and would likely delete the associated app. It is this gap between the willingness to share data and the expectation of quality (which relies on shared data) that presents the greatest challenge. Consumers are served by laws passed to protect them, but they still demand individualised services. How do app producers handle this tug o’ war?
The first step I would recommend is to realise that regulations, far from being a burden to enterprises, are merely a reflection of current consumer tastes. Even if the laws had never been passed, companies would still have to face the “soft” regulation of private citizens who want to keep their private data private. Any brand that failed to act appropriately where customer data was concerned would be subject to a market backlash.
However, acting appropriately need not rule out the prospect of data sharing. In a region known for fierce competition in B2C markets, many businesses have an understandable fear of what their user-level data will be used for once it leaves their control space. Are they handing over a competitive advantage? A means of enticing customers away from their brand? Are they revealing the inner workings of their business? These concerns raise many flags around security and ethics and signal the need for strategy when sharing data.
Now: an economic interlude
But despite its challenges, data sharing is worth pursuing because of its potential for tangible economic value. There are reasons that data has become the new gold. PII data has an unlimited shelflife. While the usefulness of some transactional and behavioural data may diminish over time, it does not do so through use and reuse. It can be replicated at a very low cost. Retail conglomerates like Alshaya and Majid Al Futtaim are sitting on potential goldmines. Likewise, airlines like Etihad and Emirates or ride-sharing apps like Careem or property-finding services like Bayut.
To hammer the economic point home, let’s compare the minimal costs of data with those of high-overhead businesses like traditional retailers. Now we can look upon data collaboration not as a potential boardroom leak but as a high-margin service stream that could positively affect the bottom line.
None of this is to say that data collaboration should be undertaken lightly. A privacy-first data collaboration platform must be the foundation of any strategy as it will allow for management and analysis, as much as for the responsible sharing of data. These platforms also include governance frameworks and the means for users to manage their consent. Further — and critical in a region known for its attentive regulators — these platforms provide auditing capabilities.
Let’s join hands
In the data collaboration world, strategic partnerships will take you far. Some organisations not only value privacy and innova-
tion but have built entire business models around solving the tug o’ war between the two concepts. They can help app providers amplify the benefits of shared data and point the way to monetisation.
Trust is hard won, and consumer markets are a savage testing ground for companies that want to provide peerless experiences while still respecting the privacy preferences of users. Data collaboration is the answer to the dilemma and while it apparently contributes its own bumps to the road, it is an approach that has enormous potential for competitiveness and profitability. Enterprises that take this route will come to rely on their privacy-first data collaboration platforms to help them balance the pull of two consumer-demand forces — privacy and experience. Yes, market insights can be thought of as the secret sauce, but they also offer a competitive edge when collaborating with the right partners.
The Etihads and Alshayas of the world have a role to play in convincing others that such information ecosystems can work. Data collaboration worked for the ancients, and it can work for us. In competitive industries where businesses are perched on a knife edge, collaboration has the potential to remove uncertainty and allow innovation and privacy to coexist.
"In the data collaboration world, strategic partnerships will take you far. Some organisations not only value privacy and innovation but have built entire business models around solving the tug o’ war between the two concepts."
THE CASE FOR CRYPTOGRAPHY
Carlos Aguilar Melchor, Chief Scientist – Cybersecurity, SandboxAQ says that Cryptography offers effective defence against the most common threats we face today.
Following the rise of cloud and mobile computing — not to mention a pandemic that forced many in the Middle East to embrace both technologies — our attitude to cybersecurity has undergone a sea change. A PwC survey showed that 45% of Middle East organisations placed the mitigation of cyber risk as a top priority for 2024. For comparison, only 38% were prioritising inflation. The same poll showed that 77% of regional enterprises would be increasing their cybersecurity budgets this year. Figures like these serve as strong indicators of the anxiety the cyberthreat landscape engenders in boardrooms around the world.
But determination alone is ill-fated against the cyber hordes. It is all very well to now be wise to the booby-gift at the gates, but what about the threats you cannot readily see? Firewalls, endpoint security, identity access management (IAM) tools, and others are not foolproof in a world in which cyberthreat actors have moved lightyears ahead of wooden horses. Few today talk of the technology that arguably is our greatest countermeasure. Stealthy though it may be, cryptography stands as our silent defender.
The great mitigator
Cryptography offers effective defence against the most common threats we face today. By encrypting sensitive files, and
Carlos Aguilar Melchor Chief Scientist - Cybersecurity, SandboxAQ
properly protecting the associated encryption keys, we take a huge step towards preventing attackers from gaining access to our crown jewels. If we encrypt to the highest industry standard, we ensure that even attackers that exfiltrate personal, payment, or IP data will not be able to use that information. So, cryptography mitigates the risk of extortion in ransomware campaigns.
Cryptography, with robust key-management policies, can also protect against advanced persistent threats (APTs). Indeed, key-management policies ensure key rotation and guide employees on best practices when generating and issuing keys. Practices like these lay the groundwork for more secure authentication and authorisation because they enable time-limited and granular access to resources and data. This practice protects services, data at rest, and data in transit, all of which are key in the context of APTs.
But as with all great tools, cryptography must be used properly to effect positive results. Despite its many benefits, encryption and authentication mechanisms remain largely overlooked allies. This oversight has led to fragmented and poorly-managed, or not managed at all, cryptographic ecosystems, and most Middle East organisations today would likely be unaware of the precise state of their cryptographic assets. This leads to regular outages, high governance and risk mitigation costs, and a state of vulnerability in an area where most organisations consider themselves secure. Many business executives believe encryption to be a straightforward, box-ticking exercise and are not aware of the spectrum of quality that pertains to it, nor of the associated direct and indirect losses resulting from low quality approaches.
Plugging all gaps
Any plan must begin with a status audit. How does the organi-
sation use cryptography? What keys are live and in service, how are they secured, and how are they allocated? Care must be taken to specify the frequency of key rotation and to understand, in detail, the potential business impacts of compromise for every key in service. And when vulnerabilities are discovered, what then? A plan of action is required for such discoveries. The same scrutiny must apply to vulnerabilities in cryptographic libraries, to urgent key rollovers, and to the cryptographic algorithms that underpin it all.
Continuous and (partially) automated auditing is thus key. However, it can lead to significant technical debt that some enterprises may struggle to manage effectively. Implementing cryptographic agility can help reduce this burden by allowing systems to adapt to new cryptographic standards, or repair issues, more easily and cost-effectively. My colleagues and I think of it as the ability to effectively manage risk related to the changing needs of cryptographic systems. Gartner tells us that crypto-agility plays a major role in defending against a fluctuating threat landscape. In 2017, the analyst firm said those organisations with an established crypto-agility plan would suffer 60% fewer breaches that could be tied back to encryption failures. So, there is a measurable incentive to get it right.
Every enterprise wants to be technologically agile. This must also apply to our most silent sentinels. In a recent interview with Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, announced new regulations on key standards for data-transmission security in line with quantum systems will be rolled out by the end of the year. While giant horses may be a thing of the past, crypto-agility can protect us from the thousands of would-be infiltrators that try to tunnel into our digital estates daily. If we take it seriously.
DRIVING WORKFORCE TRANSFORMATION THROUGH DIGITAL EXCELLENCE
Moueen Zahreddine, Regional Director – Strategic Business, EMEA Emerging, Riverbed writes how how DEX is shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Moueen Zahreddine
Regional Director – Strategic Business, EMEA Emerging, Riverbed
As Saudi Arabia forges ahead with its Vision 2030 initiative, technology is at the forefront of this national transformation, driving innovation across all sectors. Central to this shift is the digital employee experience (DEX), which is rapidly becoming the key factor in attracting and retaining top local talent. With more than 92% of public entities reaching advanced stages of innovation or integration, the focus on DEX signals a shift in how organisations are positioning themselves as attractive employers for the Kingdom's growing and evolving workforce.
As more and more projects receive the green light, an increasing number of public and private entities are recognizing the critical role digital technologies can play in the attraction and retention of talent.
Saudi Arabia is witnessing a workforce transformation on an unprecedented scale. World-famous megaprojects have provided significant opportunities for Saudi workers who can upskill and advance their careers while contributing to Vision 2030. Backed by a Saudization mandate, citizens are shopping around for employers that can offer them the best of all possible futures. The digital employee experience (DEX), therefore, is fast becoming the decisive factor in attracting top local talent. Organizations must empower employees to work as effectively as possible, which calls for seamless online experiences backed by the optimal technology mix.
The criticality of investing in the right technologies like DEX is evidenced in the findings of Riverbed’s Global Digital Employee Experience (DEX) survey, which found that 72% of Saudi and UAE leaders believed that if an organisation failed to deliver the seamless digital experiences that younger-generation employees now demand, they risked losing those workers. And more than half (53%) said if digital experience expectations were not met, it would impact the company’s reputation and its overall business health. Interestingly, half of all leaders in Saudi Arabia and the UAE say a seamless digital experience is the best way to keep workforces engaged, surpassing traditional office perks such as free coffee and snacks (14%). But just what is good DEX, and how can companies deliver it?
The essence of DEX-cellence DEX is how employees use technology at work and how they feel while using it. Today’s employees, especially younger ones, expect employers to deliver seamless digital experiences free from performance bottlenecks and sluggish workflows, with functionality that empowers them to share ideas and work collaboratively.
Saudi Vision 2030 is a people-oriented program. It is a multiyear plan in which the people of Saudi Arabia build a better future for themselves under the guidance of government and business leaders. This implies that people must be empowered every day, at home and at work. Effective DEX programs deliver self-perpetuating benefits, allowing employees to become more productive, innovative, and collaborative, leading to further improvements in technology and business outcomes. Technologically robust environments allow employees to do their job more effectively, leading to a confident workforce that can see the value of their input to overall business goals. This boosts retention, cutting expensive turnover and building a company’s reputation as an enviable employer.
Superlative DEX offers several key advantages. First, it reduces costs by ensuring underused and underperforming hardware and software are decommissioned, refurbished, or replaced at the optimal time, rather than being allowed to drain resources. Additionally, it boosts productivity rates by minimising technology issues and disruptions, allowing employees to focus on their tasks without frequent interruptions. This, in turn, accelerates time to market and increases revenue, as product teams can capitalise on fully optimised ecosystems. Lastly, DEX enhances visibility into business success, enabling leaders to showcase real-time, objective wins to investors and stakeholders, which further strengthens organisational credibility and strategic planning.
Analysing DEX in the modern workplace Saudi Vision 2030 is all about progress, and progress is impossible if decision-makers have no visibility of what needs to be fixed. To determine how effective a business’s DEX is, user behaviour and sentiment data must be continually gathered, monitored, and assessed across all business systems. Companies can then make better-informed decisions about what tools they prioritise when investing, including licence purchases and the building or procurement of new solutions.
Many organisations use employee survey components, or a Net
Promoter Score (NPS), to gather this information, asking users about the efficiency of apps, networks, and devices. NPS is an industry-standard scale for measuring satisfaction. Feedback can also be collected manually through one-to-one interviews or group sessions. If gathered accurately, feedback can reveal the real-world experiences of workers. But to gain insights from data gathered by disparate methods is problematic.
The answer?
Observability platforms are the ideal way to snapshot the employee experience. Advanced platforms monitor user interactions as they happen and use emerging tech like AI and machine learning to automatically remedy points of irritation, create shortcuts, and notify IT teams of the most critical issues.
In addition to addressing individual events and instances, observability tools can map trends and analyse journeys across countless devices and locations, from the server room to the cloud. This creates a network of experiences that leaders can trace to – and use to replicate or remediate – the successes and challenges of particular departments, units, or teams. Lessons learned can be used to improve overall employee experience, assist with forecasting and strategy planning, and take preventative measures before IT incidents happen.
As Saudi Arabia continues to advance towards its Vision 2030 goals, the digital employee experience will play a pivotal role in defining the success of both businesses and the broader economy. By investing in technologies that enhance DEX, organisations can ensure they attract the best talent, boost productivity, and foster a culture of innovation. Ultimately, a seamless digital experience isn't just about technology—it’s about empowering people to build the future.
"Today’s employees, especially younger ones, expect employers to deliver seamless digital experiences free from performance bottlenecks and sluggish workflows, with functionality that empowers them to share ideas and work collaboratively."
AGON PRO GAMING MONITORS WITH OLED
The world’s number one gaming monitor brand, AGON by AOC, is taking the world by storm again with AGON PRO OLED Gaming Monitors. Their high-end gaming monitors are primed and ready for action, prepared to deliver superior performance that raises gameplay to the maximum level for professional gamers and hardcore enthusiasts.
Representing a pinnacle pillar of display technology, OLED brings gamers immersion like no other, with the ability to display perfectly deep blacks alongside stunning brightness. This ability is thanks to each pixel on the display being self-illuminating, which is why OLED stands for “organic light-emitting diodes”.
With AGON OLED panels, any environment, no matter how dark, can still be enjoyed with highly detailed images, infinite contrast ratio, and purer colors. This not only allows gamers to dive right into any gaming universe of their choosing for complete immersion, but also enhances gameplay performance through allowing for details to be more easily seen. The benefits of OLED don’t stop there, with OLED also providing faster response
times, superior viewing angles, and lower levels of harmful blue light emission compared to traditional LCD displays.
AGON Pro has already established its prestige with two of its high-end OLED monitors earning awards as Red Dot winners of 2023 the 27” Slim AGON Pro Monitor AG276QZD and the 45” Curved AGON Pro Monitor AG456UCZD. These award-winning monitors not only boast a comprehensive suite of premium gaming features that are synonymous with the AGON Pro, they are also meticulously engineered to meet the highest technological standards, while their distinctive
D-LINK'S NEW DAP-X3060 AND DAP-X3060OU
DAP-X3060 and DAP-X3060OU, the latest enterprise-grade access points from D-Link featuring state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 6 technology, significantly enhance network performance and reduce latency, offering up to a 25% increase in speed from 256-QAM to 1024-QAM compared to previous Wi-Fi standards. Equipped with dual-band capabilities and an intuitive management platform, both access points provide exceptional network efficiency and seamless, interference-free coverage for businesses of all sizes.
Harnessing the power of Wi-Fi 6 with speeds up to 3,000 Mbps, the DAP-X3060 and DAP-X3060OU deliver blazing-fast connectivity that ensures stable data transfer and high-quality streaming, even in the most demanding environments. The dual-band
stand designs set them apart in a fiercely competitive market.
In addition to their cutting-edge technology, these monitors prioritize the comfort and well-being of gamers, equipped with height-adjustable stands and TUV Eye comfort certifications to ensure gamers can enjoy extended gaming sessions without compromising on comfort. By combining top-tier technology with iconic design and ergonomic considerations, the AGON OLED monitors redefine the gaming experience, setting a new standard for excellence in the industry.
capability supports maximum wireless signal rates of up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. These enterprise access points are equipped with advanced features such as band steering, 2x2 MU-MIMO, and beamforming to optimize the Wi-Fi experience by minimizing congestion. A PoE 2.5-Gigabit LAN port provides extensive backhaul capabilities, eliminating bottlenecks at the access point. With 802.3at Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, deployment of both access points is streamlined, requiring only a single cable for power and data, thereby reducing installation costs. The Wi-Fi 6-enabled DAP-X3060 and DAP-X3060OU deliver robust, reliable connectivity for enterprises of all sizes.
The DAP-X3060 is expertly designed for indoor environments,
RICOH 360 MEETING HUB
PFU (EMEA) Limited, a RICOH company, has launched the RICOH 360 Meeting Hub in the Middle East, designed to address the growing challenges of virtual meeting fatigue by offering a more inclusive and immersive meeting experience. This launch coincides with the company's participation at GITEX Global 2024, the region's premier technology event, taking place from October 14 to 18 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
With a 3-in-1 video camera, speaker and microphone, the RICOH 360 Meeting Hub delivers a panoramic 360-degree view to allow whole groups to be displayed simultaneously, helping remote attendees feel engaged and confident to participate. Even if participants are standing or moving around, omni-directional microphones pick-up all speakers’ voices to a 6-metre radius.
Designed for versatility, the RICOH 360 Meeting Hub is ideal for office settings, trade shows, factory floors, and remote work scenarios – a perfect fit for the UAE's diverse business landscape. Its lightweight, portable design allows it to be positioned on any flat surface or mounted on a tripod, providing seamless meetings wherever required. Advanced noise reduction and acoustic echo cancellation technology ensure clear audio in bustling environments, such as Dubai’s busy business districts.
Set-up and operation are stress-free and seamless – the intuitive plug-and-play functionality means the RICOH 360 Meeting Hub is simply plugged into a laptop with no need to configure multiple devices or install complicated software.
A HiFi4 DSP audio processing chip and firmware combine with the omni-directional speakers deliver high-quality sound. Acoustic echo cancellation, noise reduction and simultaneous two-way conversation technology ensure all meeting participants, even those in areas with background noise, can speak and be heard clearly and naturally. This Zoom certified Smart Meeting Hub works with most common conferencing platforms including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex and Google Meet.
offering versatile installation options, including ceiling and wall mounting, to seamlessly integrate into any business space. For outdoor applications, the DAP-X3060OU comes equipped with surge protection and an IP68-certified weatherproof housing, safeguarding against dust, rain, heat, snow, and rust, even in extreme temperatures ranging from -30°C to 60°C. This makes the DAP-X3060OU ideal for outdoor locations that demand reliable wireless coverage, such as campuses, resorts, public parks, and event venues.
To meet the diverse needs of modern wireless networks, the DAP-X3060 and DAP-X3060OU are fully compatible with the Nuclias Connect on-premises management platform.
GARTNER PREDICTS 40% OF GENERATIVE AI SOLUTIONS WILL BE
MULTIMODAL BY 2027
Multimodal GenAI and open-source large language models (LLMs) are expected to have a high impact potential on organizations within the next five years
Forty percent of generative AI (GenAI) solutions will be multimodal (text, image, audio and video) by 2027, up from 1% in 2023, according to Gartner, Inc. This shift from individual to multimodal models provides an enhanced human-AI interaction and an opportunity for GenAI-enabled offerings to be differentiated.
Erick Brethenoux, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, said, “As the GenAI market evolves towards models natively trained on more than one modality, this helps capture relationships between different data streams and has the potential to scale the benefits of GenAI across all data types and applications. It also allows AI to support humans in performing more tasks, regardless of the environment.”
Multimodal GenAI is one of two technologies identified in the 2024 Gartner Hype Cycle for Generative AI, where early adoption has potential to lead to notable
competitive advantage and time-to-market benefits. Along with open-source large language models (LLMs), both technologies have high impact potential on organizations within the next five years.
Among the GenAI innovations Gartner expects will reach mainstream adoption within 10 years, two technologies have been identified as offering the highest potential - domain-specific GenAI models and autonomous agents.
Multimodal GenAI
Multimodal GenAI will have a transformational impact on enterprise applications by enabling the addition of new features and functionality otherwise unachievable. The impact is not limited to specific industries or use cases, and can be applied at any touchpoint between AI and humans. Today, many multimodal models are limited to two or three modalities, though this will increase over the next few years to include more.
“In the real world, people encounter and comprehend information through a combination of different modalities such as audio, visual and sensing,” said Brethenoux. “Multimodal GenAI is important because data is typically multimodal. When single modality models are combined or assembled to support multimodal GenAI applications, it often leads to latency and less accurate results, resulting in a lower quality experience.”
Open-Source LLMs
Open-source LLMs are deep-learning foundation models that accelerate enterprise value from the implementation of GenAI, by democratizing commercial access and allowing developers to optimize models for specific tasks and use cases. Additionally, they provide access to developer communities in enterprises, academia and other research roles that are working toward common goals to improve and make the models more valuable.
“Open-source LLMs increase innovation potential through customization, better control over privacy and security, model
transparency, ability to leverage collaborative development, and potential to reduce vendor lock-in,” said Arun Chandrasekaran, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner. “Ultimately, they offer enterprises smaller models that are easier and less costly to train, and enable business applications and core business processes.”
Domain-Specific GenAI Models
Domain-specific GenAI models are optimized for the needs of specific industries, business functions or tasks. They can improve use-case alignment within the enterprise, while delivering improved accuracy, security and privacy, as well as better contextualized answers. This reduces the need for advanced prompt engineering compared with general-purpose models and can lower hallucination risks through targeted training.
“Domain-specific models can achieve faster time to value, improved performance and enhanced security for AI projects by providing a more advanced starting point for industry-specific tasks,” said Chandrasekaran. “This will encourage broader adoption of GenAI because organizations will be able to apply them to use cases where general-purpose models are not performant enough.”
Autonomous Agents
Autonomous agents are combined systems that achieve defined goals without human intervention. They use a variety of AI techniques to identify patterns in their environment, make decisions, invoke a sequence of actions and generate outputs. These agents have the potential to learn from their environment and improve over time, enabling them to handle complex tasks.
“Autonomous agents represent a significant shift in AI capabilities,” said Brethenoux. “Their independent operation and decision capabilities enable them to improve business operations, enhance customer experiences and enable new products and services. This will likely deliver cost savings, granting a competitive edge. It also poses an organizational workforce shift from delivery to supervision.”
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