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AL Falak Electronic Equipment & Supplies Co., a provider of technology-based end-to-end solutions in the Middle East, says that the Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) solution bundled with the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system (OS) it distributes across the Middle East offers solid protection against the various threats faced by the region’s home and office computing environments. The Middle East’s internet usage has grown a phenomenal 1,987 per cent from 2000 to 2011 – the highest rate in the world. With almost 70 million internet users and growing, the region is also witnessing a surge in malicious software and web-based attacks.
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SHASTECH, the leading distributer in KSA announced that it has secured the rights to distribute Belkin products in Saudi Arabia. It claims its success in attracting key products and brands is due to its excellent after sales services and its highly talented sales team that has expert marketing capabilities and strong relationships with the largest electronic outlets in the Kingdom. SHASTECH will distribute a wide variety of award-winning smart and innovative Belkin products designed to add more integration and operations on computers and mobile phones, as well as solutions to make devices easier to use while at home or roaming, including accessories for many of the kingdom’s most popular electronic devices including the iPhone, iPod, laptops and tablets.
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The Global Software Piracy Study conducted by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the world advocate for the software industry, in partnership with International Data Corporation (IDC), covered 116 countries, and revealed that commercial losses caused by software piracy in the Kingdom increased from $304 million in 2009 to $414 million in 2010. The study underscored the reality of software piracy in KSA during a time when many emerging markets are making concerted efforts to tackle software piracy. The study found that software piracy in developing nations was 2.5 times higher than in developed markets, and the total worldwide commercial value of pirated software in 2010 was US$59 billion, nearly double when the first study was conducted in 2003.Read More…

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In: Enterprise, Features, Networking, News, Storage, Telecom

Schneider Electric announced the successful installation of first Tier IV data centre with Saudi Telecom Company (STC) in Saudi Arabia. STC has always been a front runner in keeping pace with the emerging technologies in the telecommunications sector to satisfy the ever growing needs of their customers. Its goal has always been to provide the highest quality service at affordable prices. This strong commitment for customer satisfaction ensures that they are up-to-date with advances in technology. This prompted their decision to go for a Tier IV technology-led data centre.Read More…

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Adobe appointed Alfalak Distribution, a leading IT distributor in KSA, to target the fast growing Saudi Arabian market. Alfalak joins the company’s strategic network of Middle East and North African distributors and it will be supporting the full range of Adobe products to ensure availability for business users and retail outlets. “During the past year, we have been carefully reviewing our distribution strategy in Saudi Arabia to ensure that we understand the needs of channel partners and customers, and have the ability to deliver products efficiently and effectively across the Kingdom,” said Abdallah Saqqa, General Manager, Adobe Systems MENA. “Alfalak has an extensive understanding and widespread penetration of the market in the Kingdom and we are pleased to welcome them to our network.”
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Belkin strengthens is position further with the appoint of Shastech as its authorized distributor in KSA and under this new partnership, Shastech will be servicing both the Retail and SMB sectors across the KSA market. “We are looking forward to working closely with Shastech to further support our active regional expansion. The key components to partnering with Shastech were based on their solid experience and successful history in KSA, good channel presence and relationships in both the retail and SMB sector, well determined and effective logistics solutions as well as a team that understands the KSA market very well,” said, Youssef El-Arif, National Account Manager MEA, Belkin Ltd.Read More…

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In: Case Studies, Features, Networking, Security

Al Rajhi Holding, a diversified business conglomerate with operations spread in Saudi Arabia and UAE, secured and integrated its wide area network (WAN), using SonicWALL’s Network Security Appliance (NSA) series. The Group, with distributed server assets across various locations: Jeddah, Jubail, Dammam and Yanbu in Saudi Arabia; and Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah in the UAE, sought to gain enhanced returns on its technology investments by better controlling the cumbersome and expensive maintenance and upkeep of hard-ware and network infrastructure.
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In: Features, Hardware, News, Notebooks, Products

Research In Motion (RIM) has showcased the new BlackBerry PlayBook tablet in various mall locations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The initiative aims at familiarising clients in KSA throughout the months of June and July. The BlackBerry PlayBook is a professional-grade tablet, delivering consumer-friendly experiences that redefine the possibilities of mobile computing. This ultra-portable tablet features a vivid 7-inch high-resolution display that is highly-responsive with a fluid touch screen experience.Read More…

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In: Features, News, SME, Software

Epicor Software Corporation, a global provider of business software solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organizations has revealed plans to expand and strengthen its channel programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a focus on adding more partners with value-added industry and market expertise to support the growing demand for its next-generation ERP solution. The “Saudi Arabia Information Technology Report Q1 2011” forecasts excellent growth opportunities with the value of KSA’s IT market to reach US $4.9 billion by 2014 from the forecast value of $3.6 billion in 2011. The report shows that the Saudi government continues to regard development of the country’s information communications technologies (ICT) industries as a national priority.
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Accenture is enhancing its capabilitiesin the Middle East through a JV with Saudi Arabia-based Al Faisaliah Group (Al Faisaliah). The partnership has come about through the acquisition of a majority stake in Al FaisaliahBusiness & Technology Company (FBTC), an Al Faisaliah subsidiary. FBTC is a recognised ERP solution provider in Saudi Arabia and provides integrated business and technology services to a wide range of clients. Once the transaction is completed, Accenture’s position in the Middle East market will be strengthened by the combination of FBTC’s enterprise architecture, systems implementation and technology consulting skills, with Accenture’s broad management consulting, technology and outsourcing experience, industry depth, focus on innovation and global delivery capabilities.
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Avnet Technology Solutions, a VAD in the Middle East and Africa region recently held a special training programme called “HP Software Academy” in association with HP to educate its Preferred Partners in Jeddah and Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Emad Aboukhater, channel manager for HP Software Solutions at Avnet Technology Solutions says the HP Software Academy is an initiative designed specifically to inform partners about the vendor’s software portfolio and increase awareness about the benefits of key software products and solutions offered by it.
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Regional VAD FVC, in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced that Yakob Kafina is its new GM for its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Kafina will spearhead FVC’s continuing expansion in the Kingdom.
Before joining FVC, Kafina worked as director with Jeraisy Computer Services, one of the top three system integrators in KSA. During his 25-year IT career, he has worked with some of the leading vendors in emerging technologies including unified communications, security and networking, successfully integrating them into major government and private sector projects.Read More…