ZyXEL’s New ZyWALL USG 50/20/20W Series Ensures Optimal Network Protection and Performance for Small Businesses

ZyXEL's New ZyWALL

New Delhi, September 01, 2010 – ZyXEL Communications, the world’s leading broadband access solutions provider, announces today, the ZyWALL USG 50/20/20W Series. The latest Unified Security Gateway Series which provides integrated, complete, and advanced enterprise-class solutions to help satisfy the security needs of small businesses.

As network demand and usage rapidly increases for businesses, then network threats also become an unavoidable problem that businesses must deal with. For small businesses without a dedicated IT team, how to overcome the challenge of protecting their networks is one the most important issues they have to face. Small businesses, like large companies, cannot afford to put their customers’ records, financial information, intellectual property and other critical resources at risk in this network environment. With the new ZyWALL USG 50/20/20W Series, it is easy for small businesses to meet all of these security demands and needs, while having optimum protection.

Powered with an integrated, high-performance security processor and a proven Gigabit fiber architecture, the new ZyWALL USG50/20/20W Series features real-time inspection during operation of the content filter with granular control. It ensures that all content flowing through the network is seamlessly and flawlessly inspected and that network threats are blocked without hampering the throughput efficiency, simultaneously optimizing protection and performance, while filtering applications, such as file loading, e-mailing and information searches, are processed at higher speeds. Meanwhile, the unique clean-traffic feature for inspection also protects the network against risks such as viruses and other internet threats to assure business operation efficiency and high network performance.

Social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, has become popular with people to communicate and share information and they are also good marketing tools to deliver product or service information to customers for businesses. According to research, 77% of people connect to Facebook while at work and some of them use Facebook for as much as two hours per day at the workplace. Social media usage by employees for personal reasons may cause an employee’s productivity to suffer, increase bandwidth waste, and also increase scareware threats to their employer’s business. With the maximum protection and performance provided by the ZyWALL USG 50/20/20W Series, business productivity and efficiency are maximized while not violating any human resource policies.

While non-stop network security protection is a must-have, small businesses will have to measure the trade-offs between energy savings and performance. The ZyWALL USG 50/20/20W Series, as the world’s first green security products, incorporate power saving features to effectively reduce energy costs through smart power consumption management. Powered by ZyXEL’s exclusive IntelliEnergy Green Technology, the ZyWALL USG 50/20/20W Series can automatically detect network traffic, link status and temperature and then adjust the power consumption accordingly. This “Green Technology” will benefit businesses in reducing their power consumption by up to 80%.

As network threats increase in number and sophistication, small businesses, even with limited resources, will still need this continuously updated protection while minimizing costs. The USG 50/20/20W Series provides lifetime care that protects your IT investments. Customers can download up-to-date firmware on ZyXEL’s website without any additional cost for the duration of the product’s life. No complicated effort or additional expense is involved. 

Availability

To find a local ZyXEL distributor or for more information about ZyXEL’s products, please visit http://www.zyxel.com/web/where_tobuy.php

‘ProSafe 20-AP Wireless Controller WC7520’ simplifies wireless deployments and network management to meet demands of medium-sized businesses, schools, and hospitals in ME

August 30, 2010

NETGEAR, a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking and storage products, has launched in the region the ‘ProSafe 20-AP Wireless Controller WC7520’, a new Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) architecture that offers best-in-class wireless reliability, coverage, and performance. By simplifying wireless deployments and network management, the scalable WC7520 controller meets the demands of medium-sized businesses, schools, and hospitals in the Middle East with up to 1,500 users and more, and enables businesses to grow their wireless network as needed with a dramatic return on investment.

Through licensing upgrades, the ProSafe Wireless Controller scales up to 50 access points (AP) and is stackable up to three units to support up to 150-APs, including controller redundancy. Meeting the next generation needs of larger installations across the region, the WC7520 Controller delivers central wireless management and management tools, integrated wireless mobility, seamless roaming, rich converged services, guest access captive portal and Voice over Wi-Fi support. Regional businesses can also benefit from a single point of management for the entire wireless network with comprehensive security through the ProSafe 20-AP Wireless Controller’s identity-based security features, and rock-solid performance under heavy loading with a self healing infrastructure.

“Our new product combines the network management features of our enterprise products including mass firmware upgrades, centralized configuration options, and load-balancing to address the needs of organisations with different network needs and IT resources,” said Ahmad Zeidan, Channel Sales Manager, NETGEAR Middle East. “As the GCC and Middle East market remains a receptive market to new technologies, we are confident that our new ‘ProSafe 20-AP Wireless Controller WC7520’ will generate excellent response from regional institutions involved in business, education and healthcare industries.”

Backed by a lifetime warranty, the WC7520 Controller hosts a guest portal where guests can register themselves before entering the network, while prohibiting them any access to the sensitive data on the corporate network. For fastest processing, local traffic is automatically switched at the access points level, while enabling customers to select the right access points for their needs, even mixing models to provide the right coverage. Supported models include professional-class ProSafe access points WNAP210 and WNDAP350, all with Power over Ethernet capabilities and lifetime warranties.

“While developing new products that address the need of our customer remains our top priority, we also remain committed to enriching our relations with strategic partners who continue to drive our growth in the region. We are also strengthening our channel by forging partnerships with best retailers to ensure that our products reach customers from all over the Gulf region,” concluded Zeidan.

The UAE’s integrated telecom service provider du and Injazat, the leading information communication & technology and business process managed services provider in the United Arab Emirates, have formally entered into a go-to-market partnership agreement to provide business customers with state-of-the-art networked IT services. It is envisaged the new agreement once finalised, will allow du and Injazat, who currently have a longstanding partnership, to quickly integrate Injazat’s latest world-class managed networked IT services with du’s and Injazat’s combined market-leading telecommunication services and business solutions.

“du and Injazat share tremendous synergy in the area of managed network services. The benefits of a potential joint proposition could see customers gain significant return from their networks through greater productivity and reduced operating expenses. Not only will this potential collaboration be beneficial to the UAE’s business by making these services available to them, but it will serve as a benchmark for the increased adoption of managed networked IT services in the region, commented Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du.

Together, the two companies are looking to launch managed networked IT services, which will allow businesses to dramatically reduce up-front investment costs, while also accelerating the adoption of managed networked IT services on a large scal

“This recent venture strengthens our existing partnership with du and combines du’s superior telecom expertise with our business solution experience to provide the UAE’s businesses with highly sophisticated managed networked IT services. We look forward to exploring the opportunity of working with du to provide advanced networked services that will considerably reduce costs and boost efficiency for UAE businesses,” commented Ibrahim Mohamed Lari, CEO, Injazat.

In March 2009, du and Injazat had signed a 3-year deal under which Injazat provides managed collocation services for du’s mission-critical systems through its Abu Dhabi-based Tier IV data centre, the first commercially-available facility of its kind in the region. The fault-tolerant centre supports reliable, secure, and high-value 24-hour IT managed services incorporating IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) standards.

Prompt and quality technical support complements corporate mission of surpassing customer expectations

August 23, 2010

Injazat Data Systems, the leading information technology and business process managed services provider in the UAE, has announced that its Injazat Service Desk has recently resolved  its one-millionth ticket. The Service Desk is Injazat’s central point of contact for handling customer concerns and providing technical support. The Service Desk is also co-responsible for achieving Injazat’s mission of constantly exceeding customer expectations, particularly through swift and quality service delivery.

Injazat’s Service Desk coordinates with other resolver groups to support the management of desktops, laptops, printers, scanners, anti-virus software, and software installations as well as the resolution of various technical issues.  The Service Desk strives to exceed customer expectations. It invests in its people, processes and technology. A three step mantra is also followed in order to serve Injazat’s customers. The three steps mantra includes 1. Increase Scope of First Response 2. Accelerate Response Time 3. Prevent Issues. Aside from responding efficiently to customers, the Service Desk also constantly performs root-cause analyses’ to prevent similar future calls. It has contributed significantly to Injazat’s growth into the UAE’s top IT and business process managed services provider. 

“The Service Desk is critical to the innovation and improvement of the Injazat experience. Its success is founded on the exceptional collaboration among the resolver groups and delivery managers involved in its activities. Customers appreciate the team’s exceptional efforts to resolve issues during the very first call or contact. This group’s commitment to expediency and effectiveness will make it a centerpiece of Injazat’s services through the next millionth ticket,” said Saeed Basweidan, COO, Injazat Data Systems.

Founded in Abu Dhabi in early 2005, Injazat Data Systems provides a comprehensive range of IT and business strategy, consultancy, management and deployment services. It is currently an IT  Managed Services leader in the United Arab Emirates and is the owner and operator of the region’s first design-certified Tier IV data centre

• 50,000 members in 12 months: the world’s largest Business Process Management Community publishes its first balance sheet
• The ARIS Community enables organizations to retain and reuse their intellectual capital and assets
• Intellectual capital, including an organizations ability to continuously improve processes, is increasingly a source of competitive advantage

August 18, 2010

Software AG today announced that the ARIS Community has passed the 50,000 membership mark within a year of its launch. The world’s largest Business Process Management (BPM) Community enables individuals, businesses and universities to analyze, visualize and share business information. Capturing and collaborating on an organization’s intellectual capital is increasingly seen as a source of competitive advantage and a fundamental step in creating the knowledge-based organization and economy. The ARIS Community enables collaboration and learning between process beginners and experts, provides a comprehensive information exchange platform and free modeling software allowing immediate process design and analysis. Further access to BPM expertise is provided by the complementary social BPM network ARISalign. Process models can be then used in Software AG’s webMethods BPM Suite for implementation delivering the full “model to execute” value chain.

“The ability to share content within interest groups and collaboratively create, discuss and share business information; to become knowledge driven, is a source of competitive advantage”, said Software AG’s Chief Product Officer, Wolfram Jost. “The ARIS Community is a force in releasing people’s creative potential and knowledge and the fact that we have attracted 50,000 members and downloads within one year shows that the market is ready and demanding these capabilities.“

Launched in August 2009, the ARIS Community is now the largest Community in the field of Business Process Management. The members’ backgrounds range from BPM beginners to experts, from university to professional businesses, from occasional users to full-time project teams. The ability to model processes (EPC or BPMN 2.0), organizational charts, data models or to brainstorm, analyze and visualize business information to support process workers - without any initial cost - was a clear success factor for the community.

Freely available software such as ARIS Express allows any employee to capture their individual intellectual capital and information assets such as presentations and spreadsheets and use them as input for a process initiative. The combination of ARIS Express and the ARIS Platform allows organizations to directly reuse these assets by the BPM experts.

Members of the ARIS Community can also use Software AG’s full webMethods product suite to implement process models created through ARIS Express. The community provides a step by step introduction utilizing international expertise and free technology to full Business Process Excellence.  

Community Facts:
 50,000 Members within 1 year
 Largest BPM Community world wide
 Multiple country specific interest groups (e.g. US, Russia, Germany)
 Multiple industry specific interest groups (e.g. Public sector, metal industry)
 Multiple subject matter interest groups (e.g. BPMN, Process Intelligence)
 Content Sharing of processes, organizational charts, BPMN 2, data, applications, brainstorming (via ARIS Express)
 Over 50,000 ARIS Express downloads (Free modeling software)
 Over 6,000 ARIS MashZone downloads (Free analytical software)

Business Process Analysis is now available to everyone at www.ariscommunity.com

Experience a 23.6-inch Full HD widescreen with SonicMaster Technology

ASUS_All_in_one_PC_ET2400_left

ASUS today enhanced the home entertainment experience with the introduction of the ASUS All-in-one PC ET2400 series. The ET2400 effectively combines the computing capabilities of the Super Hybrid Engine and the audio prowess of the ASUS SonicMaster Technology with a 23.6-inch Full HD widescreen.

Pure Sound Reproduction with SonicMaster Technology

The ASUS All-in-one PC ET2400 delivers pure audio reproduction through ASUS’ proprietary SonicMaster Technology. It is a complete hardware and software audio solution that utilizes codecs designed to minimize distortions and deliver crystal clear sound through a wide audio spectrum between 80Hz and 12 KHz. It gives richer and more distinct vocals at a wider frequency range, as well as deeper bass at the lower ranges. SonicMaster Technology replicates the audio from surround sound systems and has a higher volume threshold than other all-in-one PCs.

Speed and Performance through the Latest Technologies

The ASUS All-in-one PC ET2400 delivers unprecedented levels of speed and performance thanks to a host of new technologies. The ASUS Super Hybrid Engine* works in tandem with the latest Intel® processors to enhance system performance by up to 15 percent.

USB 3.0* speeds up file transfers ten-fold when compared to USB 2.0 to give users high speed data transmissions, while Bluetooth 3.0* syncs mobile devices up to 8 times faster than current standards.  The ET2400 also features a removable rear bezel to facilitate system memory upgrades.

3D Home Entertainment

All ASUS All-in-one PC ET2400 models come with a 16:9, 23.6-inch Full HD display. The top of the range ET2400XVT adds a whole new dimension to the already colorful world of movies and games, with NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ technology delivering stereoscopic 3D content in Full HD*.

Users are given a wealth of additional entertainment options thanks to its built-in TV tuner*, Blu-ray drive*, and HDMI-in* compatibility with devices like game consoles, cameras and notebooks*.

An optional optical touchscreen* lets users easily zoom in and out or rotate images, or scroll through webpages*.And with the VESA wall mount, it can be set up in any room of the house.

Smart buildings help save 30 per cent on energy, cut dioxide emissions and water consumption by half and reduce building waste by 90 per cent

August 17, 2010

Shahid Bhatti

A total of SAR 150 billion is expected to be spent in the next eight years for the construction of “smart buildings” all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), a trend that is influenced by efforts to promote long-term sustainability and energy efficiency in the country. Studies have revealed that cooling, heating and lighting techniques used by smart buildings can help save 30 per cent on energy consumption, reduce 50 per cent of dioxide emissions, cut down 50 per cent water consumption and minimise up to 90 per cent of waste produced by buildings.

Saudi Build 2010, the 22nd International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition, and Saudi Stone-Tech, the 13th International Stone and Stone Technology Show, are expected to provide contractors, real estate developers and building owners with direct access to a full range of smart building solutions from hundreds of exhibiting companies from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The two events will be held concurrently at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre from October 18 to 21, 2010 / Dhu-al-Qa’dah 10 to 13 1431 (H), gathering thousands of professional trade visitors and at least 42 national pavilions. 

“Building owners are increasingly becoming interested in making their facilities more energy efficient to save money and decrease operating costs. In this regard, smart building solutions provide a convenient way to improve the energy efficiency and optimise the performance of buildings. Saudi Build and Saudi Stone-Tech will offer a complete array of smart-based solutions to match the needs of any building. We will have exhibitors from all over the world, including at least 42 national pavilions,” said Shahid Bhatti, Project Manager of Saudi Build at Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

“At this point, 70 per cent of exhibition space has already been booked with several more applications being processed, while thousands of trade visitors have already confirmed their participation. We have also witnessed a significant increase in participation in the Stone and Heavy Machinery & Equipment sector, so we have decided to dedicate indoor and outdoor exhibition areas to serve exhibitors and visitors in this specialised market segment,” added Bhatti.

Saudi Build expects the participation of high-profile business leaders from Saudi Arabia and around the world, along with diplomats and senior Saudi Government officials. Supported by VeronaFiere and Italian MARMOMACCHINE Association, Saudi Stone-Tech will cater to evolving requirements and changing trends in stone technology products, machinery and services. Saudi Stone-Tech will also feature designers and landscapers who will showcase cutting-edge stone products, including marble, granite, travertine and stone derivatives, as well as cutting, polishing and manufacturing machinery

Saudi Build/Stone 2010, the biggest business-to-business construction event in the Gulf, is the only construction trade show in Saudi Arabia accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. UFI grants certification only to world-class professional events overseen by seasoned events organisers with proven track records in international exhibitions.

Move comes in line with manufacturer’s plans to boost regional growth

August 15, 2010

NETGEAR, a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking and storage products, has signed a strategic partnership with Network Information Technology (NIT), its newest value added reseller (VAR) in the Middle East. With aims to capitalise on NIT’s wide-ranging partner network in the EMEA region, the company’s efforts to further expand its family of VARs in the Middle East is part of its strategy to obtain major growth by providing better value to both its channel and customers in the Gulf region. The announcement of the new partnership also follows the launch of NETGEAR’s latest offerings, including its new network storage system, ‘ReadyNAS 4200’.

Founded in 1995 to specialise in providing top-of-the-line ICT and physical security products and services, NIT is set to distribute NETGEAR’s full range of innovative products, with a view to providing solutions that best fit the requirements of customers. Having forged strategic partnerships with over 200 resellers and playing a significant role in the regional success of various brands, the VAR has committed to extending the reach of NETGEAR products around the Greater Middle East region.

“As we grow in strength and in market share across the region, we continue to appreciate the impact our value added resellers have on our continuing success, and this awareness is what has driven us to partner with Network Information Technology,” said Omar Lutfi Azzawi, SMB Channel Manager, NETGEAR Middle East. “Our latest partnership agreement is part of our expansion initiative in the region, where our strategy is composed not only of providing outstanding products to customers but helping our channel network through extended technical and support business models. We are confident that NIT will be a major contributor to our growth given its strong commitment to the region, and with our wide range of quality products coupled with the growing market segment that we target, we are positive of the prospects this year.”

Last month, NETGEAR revealed its aims to secure 10 per cent growth in Saudi Arabia this year, as the Kingdom’s SMB sector poses positive prospects with increased IT activity and consumer interest. Shortly after, the company has launched the initial phase of its new channel initiative in KSA, which coincided with the unveiling of its new networking, security and storage solutions. This included the ‘ReadyNAS 4200’, a network storage system with 10Gb Ethernet and iSCSI support for small and medium businesses (SMBs), Quad WAN Gigabit SSL VPN Firewall, unmanaged switches, L2 Gigabit POE Switches, and new wireless controller supporting up to 150-APs.

“While we remain committed to offering pioneering solutions more accessible to regional customers, we also focus on future proofing their investment in those technologies, and we believe that NETGEAR’s impressive channel initiatives will help us in this respect. Partnering with this global brand also bodes well for our plans to develop and establish regional strategic partners and markets in order to be able to best serve our partners and provide better representation for our business values and ethics summarized in genuine quality and professional services” concluded Wael Abdallah, Business Development Manager, Network Information Technology.

• SMBs can boost business productivity by 30 percent; without upfront capital expenditure
• Leading ICT provider also launches eZajil, a unique offering for individuals and small companies

Abdulla Hashim, Chairman, Smartworld

Dubai, UAE: August 9th, 2010 — Smartworld, a leading next-generation ICT services provider today announced the launch of its cloud-based Smart Hosted UC services for small and medium businesses (SMBs) in the Middle East. The service is offered in two modules - standard and premium and provides a single secure platform for e-mail, contacts, instant messaging, calendaring, file sharing, mobility, telephony and 24×7 customer support; thereby allowing users to streamline information, collaborate and work anywhere and at anytime.

Smartworld’s hosted service is a secure end-to-end solution for SMBs with a user friendly interface that allows companies to instantly implement and seamlessly integrate with existing applications and smartphones; consequently allowing employees to access information with ease. Companies do not need to invest upfront and can rapidly scale their infrastructure resource to meet business demands; as the service is billed on a ‘usage’ basis. In addition, the cloud based solution gives companies the flexibility and control to seamlessly add or remove employee accounts from the service accommodating its business needs.

Companies can avail the Smart Hosted UC service either through their own domain, or purchase a domain through Smartworld, or host it through Smartworld’s eZajil service. The eZajil service offers Smart Hosted UC to self-employed, small companies or individuals the convenience to sync all their communications on one platform without having any hassle to own or maintain a company domain.

Addressing the event, Abdulla Hashim, Chairman of the Board, Smartworld said, “Smartworld has remained committed to product and service innovation to offer solutions to suit real-world business demands. Today, as every enterprise is reviewing the potential benefits of cloud computing, we are glad to introduce the Smart Hosted UC service, an excellent technology proposition for businesses in the region to increase productivity and business continuity.”

Speaking on the launch, Iyad Hindiyeh, COO of Smartworld said, “As businesses and employees have increasingly becoming more mobile, there is a growing trend and demand for more service delivery over the cloud. Smart Hosted UC provides a robust and very secure platform for small and medium sized businesses to manage business processes and boost employee productivity. Additionally, its user friendly interface can adapt to growing business needs of the company; and giving them the advantage to remain competitive.”

Hindiyeh added that Smart Hosted UC is the next –generation solution to meet all communication and operational needs of today’s and tomorrow’s dynamic businesses environment. Furthermore, the pay-as you go model requires minimal management overhead or dedicated staff to manage the systems – thus reducing operation, IT management and infrastructure expenses significantly.

Dubai, UAE, August 9, 2010 – Amadeus, a leading travel technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, announced the appointment of Mario Segovia Sman as the Regional Head for Amadeus’ Airline Business Group, across MENA.

In his new role, Mario will lead the existing MENA airline account management team. Based in Dubai, Mario will report to Antoine Medawar, Vice President, Middle East and North Africa and will liaise with Amadeus’ central Airline IT and Distribution teams in Madrid.

Mario joined Amadeus in 2000 and has since held several positions with the Business Information Group and Airline Sales and Marketing in Madrid and Dubai.  In his previous role as Account Manager, Mario was responsible for overseeing and maintaining successful relationship with Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Kuwait Airways.

Commenting on the appointment, Antoine Medawar, Vice President – Middle East and North Africa, said, “Mario has demonstrated great leadership skills and has been an asset to our operations. Under his guidance we are confident of continuing our position as the preferred technology partner to the region’s aviation sector and maintain our consistent level of services to our partners in the Middle East.”

Mario holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Hogeschool Alkmaar in the Netherlands.