Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, a division of Alcatel-Lucent, will have an increased presence at Gulfcomms 2011, as part of GITEX. It will continue to focus on its theme of ‘Change the Conversation’ - the aim is to change the conversation across partners, customers and employees.

Alain Penel, Regional Director

for Middle East & Africa at Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, believes that, “The explosive growth in the use of social media, mobile devices, smart phones and video is changing how we share information. At Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, we envision Dynamic Enterprises are those that are

60 MinsShow dates: 9-13 October 2011, Dubai World Trade Centre | AT GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK | Exhibition hours: 10am - 5pm

“Commvault is a supplier of data management software solutions. Our key product is Simpana: a unified software platform, which manages critical functions such as back up, deduplication, disaster recovery, archiving and management information. In parallel, CommVault provides Professional Services such as project management, training, support and on-site installation and implementation services to augment Simpana. GITEX enables CommVault to showcase its products and gain access to new customers and new channel partners. Currently, ommVault is undergoing a massive investment within the Middle East Region, hence we expect to increase the Colin Summers, Regional Director, CommVault.

Changing the conversation

WHAT’S INSIDE

UAE demand for consumer electronics still robust

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The UAE’s consumer electronics market is set for strong growth with demand for goods and appliances likely to remain robust, a recent analysis by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has found.

Exceptional learning Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (PSUAD) has selected SunGard Higher Education, a global provider of higher education software solutions and technology management services, to help extend its heritage of educational excellence to its Abu Dhabi campus on Al Reem Island.

Getting analytical

my InfoComm

Business analytics is a hot topic in the industry at present, but SAS has been delivering real business value for decades through data and business analysis.

capable of incorporating the features and benefits of today’s consumer’s conversation into its conversation. This vision is supported by our OpenTouch platform that drives collaborative conversations.”

One of the key highlights is the live demonstration of the beta ‘WeTalk’ translating telephone being developed by Bell Labs. The device, not yet in production, has been demonstrated at Alcatel-Lucent’s Dynamic Enterprise road show globally. In addition,

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4 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Changing the conversation

Alain Penel, Regional Director for Middle East & Africa, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise

“The explosive growth in the use of social media, mobile devices, smart phones and video is changing how we share information.”

visitors will be introduced to Open Touch Business Edition including Blackberry seamless transfer and iPad ‘Blast Dialing’, Video & Visual Collaboration with life size Digital Signage linked to Whiteboard; Genesys Mobile Performance Management Solution with iPad2 demo among others. There will also be a special presentation area where Alcatel-Lucent will share its Interactive Whiteboard Solution with MyTeamwork and Windows tablet demo.

In addition to its communications solutions, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise is exhibiting and sharing the latest data centre solutions. The company’s presence at GITEX is headed by its Chief Marketing Officer, Nicolas De Kouchkovsky, who will be meeting customers and discussing solutions that will help enterprises in the region to maximize their return on ICT investment.

Philips has achieved supersector leader classification in the Personal and Household Goods category of the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI). This result underlines Philips’ ongoing commitment to sustainability as an integral part of the company’s strategy to become a leader in the domain of health and well-being.

Philips’ continued investments in innovation, efficiency and transparency within the supply chain and focus on positive customer experiences consistently place sustainability at the core of business practices across the company. This philosophy has translated into DJSI’s ranking recognition for Philips on such aspects as customer relationship management, environmental reporting, climate strategy and

stakeholder engagement.In its evaluation, the DJSI

notes that, “Philips recognizes its environmental responsibility and has accelerated its research efforts in developing green products and solutions over the past year. In 2010, Green Products represented 38% of its global revenues, an increase of 18% over 2007, resulting from more than EUR 1 billion investment in Green Innovation.”

Under the EcoVision5 programme, Philips focuses on three sustainability targets for 2015 in the areas of care, energy efficiency and recycling.

Philips named supersector leader

The UAE’s consumer electronics market is set for strong growth with demand for goods and appliances likely to remain robust, a recent analysis by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has found.

UAE sales of consumer electronics are predicted to rise from U$3.14 billion in 2011 to $3.97 billion by 2015, according to the Dubai Chamber analysis.

Though, the recent global downturn had an impact on the UAE’s consumer electronics market, especially in Dubai, the structural development of the market has remained buoyant.

The increase has been driven by popular electronic devices such as computers, LED and 3G TV sets, 3G mobile phone handsets, smart

phones, feature-rich notebooks and Blu-ray format DVD players.

According to the analysis, citing data from Business Monitor International’s (BMI) UAE retail sector Q2 report for 2011, in 2010, TV sets, digital camera and VCR Players accounted for about 81% of the UAE’s consumer electronics spending, followed by computers and audio video (AV) devices. The demand for consumer electronics

goods is likely to remain robust in the coming years.

Over the last decade, the consumer electronics market has seen exponential growth in the UAE. Each year, the demand for consumer electronics has increased beyond expectations. The upswing in demand has been largely attributed to strong household consumption of Emiratis, expatriate wealth and inflows of tourists to the country. Besides, the UAE’s strategic location, which connects it with the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent, Eastern Europe and North African regions, provides favourable conditions for the consumer electronics market to flourish, the analysis states.

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UAE demand for consumer electronics still robust

New apps for ERP

FVC sharing innovative enterprise solutions

Retailers of consumer electronics are faced with challenges moving ahead due to the fast changing nature of the technology industry.

Focus Softnet has launched its latest apps for Android-based smart phones and iPhones, where customers can access their Focus’ Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software from their mobile phones from anywhere. As part of its regional expansion plans, Focus Softnet has announced the opening of its newest office in South Africa.

“Last year, we launched our mobile version of Focusi for BlackBerry phone users. Our customers were happy with the convenience it offered them as they had the option to access their reports anytime and from anywhere. Encouraged with the feedback we received from our valued clients, we decided to introduce Focusi mobile app for Android Smart phones and iPhones as well. The new app will not only allow customers to access their ERP from anywhere but will also allow them to customise their dashboards

on their mobile phone screens. This will help them stay in touch with their business while on the move thus offering them a competitive edge,” says Sunil Mathew, Vice President Operations at Focus Softnet.

Focusi has a mobile interface allowing customers to manage their business directly through their Smart phones. Focusi offers the customer a distinct advantage with a list of innovative features that

FVC, a leading Value Added Distributors in MENA has its usual presence at Gulfcomms as well as participating in the second Cloud Confex. FVC is introducing at least two new vendors - Zoho and Esnatech - at the event.

It has recently been appointed the authorised VAD for Zoho and Esnatech for Middle East and North Africa. In addition to new vendors, FVC is showcasing new and updated technology from its existing vendor partners categorised under four categories: Unified Communications, Information Security, Application Delivery and Cloud Computing.

In addition to demonstrating the popular Polycom Immersive Real Presence solution (RPX), FVC is exhibiting the use of visual communications in telemedicine as well as promote CIE (Customer Immersive Experience). CIE, using collaborative technology from Polycom and Microsoft Lync Solutions delivers standards-based, Unified Communications that lets the enterprise user collaborate from the desk, on the road, at home, or in a conference room.

KS Parag, MD at FVC, said, “As collaboration becomes mobile, it has become necessary for enterprises to maximise its internal as well as external communications and the solution from Polycom and Microsoft allows our partners to offer their customers standards-based solutions.”

are available across all modules. With the multiple reporting tools and customisation options available in Focusi, companies using Focusi would not require any external reporting tool.

Focusi is a revolutionary mid-tier ERP solution with fully integrated with Business Intelligence (BI) tools. Focusi provides real-time, multi-dimensional posting of transactions, resulting in real-time reports. Focus i also features incredible applications such as an enterprise dashboard, where customers can get information about their business at a glance, and a comprehensive Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) module, which provides full support for multi-process production for stocking, order-based, assemble-to-order environments. 2011 has been an expansion year for Focus Softnet with the company opening new offices across Asia and the Middle East. Recently, the company also acquired a stake in Insta Healthcare to expand its product line and strengthen its portfolio.

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Paramount – The regional leader in Information Security

www.paramountassure.com

Suite 102, Building No 1, Dubai Internet City

P.O Box 25703,Dubai, UAETel: 971-4-3918600

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Exceptional learning

GITEX is an important platform for Cyberoam and we look forward to showcasing our new product line at this important ICT gathering for the Middle East. With high Internet penetration in the region, we expect to have a very positive response to the launch of our revolutionary routers that are aimed at the home and SOHO markets. We also have plans to sign up a new distributor for the region and build on our market share for both routers and UTM lines. The year has been an extremely positive year for Cyberoam. Having achieved over 70% of our targets within Q1 and Q2, and with the new product launch and on-going channel enhancements, we expect to see a very strong growth this year.

Publisher Dominic De Sousa, COO Nadeem Hood, Managing Director Richard Judd, Sales Director Rajashree R Kumar, Editorial Director Dave Reeder Senior Editors Sathya Mira Ashok, Jeevan Thankappan, Arun Shankar Circulation Manager Rajeesh M, Production Manager James Tharian, Art Director Kamil Roxas, Designers Analou Balbero, Froilan Cosgafa IV, Glenn Roxas, Digital Services Manager Tristan Troy Magma

Web Developers Jerus King Bation, Erik Briones, Jefferson De Joya, Louie Alma, Jay Colina

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my GITEx

Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (PSUAD) has selected SunGard Higher Education, a global provider of higher education software solutions and technology management services, to help extend its heritage of educational excellence to its Abu Dhabi campus on Al Reem Island.

PSUAD has named its far-reaching initiative the Talaki Digital Campus - Talaki stands for bringing people together to collaborate. The objectives of the Talaki project, built on SunGard Higher Education’s Banner Digital Campus, are to improve services, promote student success, manage enrolment growth and enhance decision making through greater access to information.

“As an economic leader in the region, the UAE’s government is increasingly focusing on the importance of the highest quality education to help create the next generation of leaders. We are pleased to be a key player in this quest for knowledge-based society creation. We are committed to provide the best solutions and infrastructures to contribute to the Abu Dhabi vision,” said professor Jean-Yves de Cara, executive director of PSUAD.

“Paris-Sorbonne University has a rich history and reputation that cannot be compromised, irrespective of location.

Therefore, we undertook a thorough selection process before opting for SunGard Higher Education to help us maintain our global standards of excellence,” said Muhammad Javeed, chief information officer, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.

The first phase of the project, which went l ive in early October 2011, saw PSUAD deploying SunGard Higher Education’s Banner Student

solution as a foundation for the digital campus environment. Banner Student is now helping PSUAD to provide self-service functionality and enhancements for business processes, allowing professors and students to spend less time on administrative processes and more time on learning. For instance, students are now be able to view and manage their personal information (demographic, academic - including course information, and accounts receivable) online. In addition, university staff are now able to streamline processes and administer programs to help manage the entire student l ifecycle - from recruitment to admissions, registration, advising and assessment, helping make sure students are engaged and on track for success. In order to achieve this PSUAD deployed a system that provides students, faculty and administration with a 360 view allowing for a seamless interdependency among staff thus reducing the amount of inquiries within several departments.

During the second phase of the project, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will build out its Talaki Digital Campus with the implementation of the Banner Document Management Suite, Luminis Platform, and Banner Operational Data Store.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to help the UAE and the community of universities and colleges here achieve greater student success and excellence.” Mathew Boice, vice president, EMEAI, SunGard Higher Education

Hemal Patel, CEO

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Getting analytical

“Not using analytics? Then prepare to lose your market share to a company that is analytics enabled and it will be over before you know it. Case in point was Blockbuster Video ,the largest video rental company in the US. In a matter of 12 months they lost 60% of their market share to a startup (NetFlix) using analytics to plan what their customers wanted to see.”

Business analytics is a hot topic in the industry at present, but SAS has been delivering real business value for decades through data and business analysis. 60 Minutes gets an update from Amir Sohrabi, MEA Regional Alliances Head, SAS Middle East.

Business analytics, BI and data analysis have been a key part of the IT market for more than two decades. What makes SAS special amongst so many players? SAS is the Global Leader in the area of business analytics because analytics is the core focuses of SAS since its creation 35 years ago. SAS’ singular focuses is to leverage advanced analytics to solve complex business problems and every year SAS spends over 25% of its revenue on R&D. This coupled with a client centric business strategy is the primary reason SAS is the undisputed leader in the field of business analytics.

How has the regional market changed over the last few years? Do you see real maturity in the analytics space? And what are the reasons?The regional market is facing ever more complex challenges and during the last few years we have noticed that organisations of all sizes are realising they need to understand their customers and business better. This is the only way they can grow their business in a hyper competitive market. Business analytics is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a ‘must have’ for any size organisation and companies in our region are starting to make the required investments in order to stay competitive and grow their market share.

What are the main inhibitors to organisations adopting analytic solutions? Is it cost or a lack of understanding of the benefits?First education and second cost. Many organisations think they are too small to leverage business analytics or that its to complex. This is when SAS can help educate organizations in the region buy helping them build a roadmap towards a Business Analytics Competency Center. SAS has been holding a series of enablement seminars in the region throughout 2011 to help organisations

better understand how they can harness the power of business analytics to make their organization more competitive. Price is also a top concern regarding Business Analytics. SAS is also addressing this issue by releasing an all one business analytics Appliance (D1 Business Analytics Appliance) for the SME market in the Middle East and Africa. This appliance helps take out the complexity of deploying and business analytics Sslution and is competitively priced so any SME can make the required investment in creating a Business Analytics Center for their company.

The industry is now full of stories of co-ompetition - rival players working together. How does SAS play in this space? What key partnerships does it enjoy? How do these benefit customers?

SAS has many strategic relationships with other technology providers which help drive value for our mutual clients. The D1 SME Business Analytics Appliance is a good example of our collaborative efforts with other technology providers like GreenPlum and Dell. The D1 appliance leverages SAS’s data management, business intelligence and analytics technology

coupled with GreemPlum’s (In Database Analytical)Data Warehousing technology and Dell’s open architecture hardware platform. This drives tremendous value for the SME market in our region. Three tier one vendors coming together and driving tremendous value for the market. This is a huge benefit to clients in our region because of the we have now taken the complexity of business analytics out of the game and also reduced the price to market for the SME.

There’s a common perception that business analytics only deliver significant ROI for larger organisations. What is SAS doing in

the SME market? Who would you see as typical potential customers here and what potential benefits would you point to?Yes, this is a common perception but not the fact or reality its primarily based on pricing and complexity of a business analytics solution. SAS has now created a paradigm shift with the release of D1, the first Business Analytics Appliance in the market for the SME. D1 addresses

the complexity and price issues which have kept business analytics out of the SME market. Now any SME can afford to invest in and leverage the power of analytics to become more competitive and to expand its market share. History has shown that smaller more nimble companies who use analytics are able to better address market changes and hence take a bigger share of the market. It’s called competing on analytics.

Is take up of business analytics at an equal level in the key markets of the region? Which industry sectors are adopting faster than others?We are starting to see an uptake in all sectors that are data rich and these days most organisations have a lot of data but they simply do not know how to leverage this data to help grow their business.

What’s a typical ROI projection for SAS customers?ROI will always depend on adapting the practice of competing with analytics. If this becomes a core practice in the organisation then the ROI can be many fold over.

The hot topic now for the BI/data market is ‘big data’. SAS founder and CEO Jim Goodnight admitted earlier this year that the company had been behind the curve in launching its Social Network Analysis tool. [“We should have got on that a little bit earlier.”] Are you seeing both demand and understanding from senior executives about the need for analyzing social networking data?That said we are still one of the leaders in the social network analysis space which is based on our strong analytical capabilities. We are seeing a huge demand for SNA in our region because organisations what to know how they are being perceived and perception both good and bad can be monetised.