GFI Software, a leader in providing the best services and products of modern technology in the world, has recently organized a meeting for its partners at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Bahrain in cooperation with Comguard for updating them about their latest technologies from GFI.

GFI is keen to provide its partners with the latest IT products and solutions to enable companies to offer the best for their clients, as well as enhancing the relationship between its partners and the parent company.

The meeting was attended by companies who cater to the SMB and SME sectors in Bahrain. Mr. John Spoor - Channel Sales Manager MEA and Mr. Matthias Herberg - Sales Engineer attended from GFI. Mr. Mohammad Mobasseri - Senior Vice President and Mrs. Nandini Sapru - Channel Sales Manager attended from Comguard. Mr. Ebrahim Janahi, Group CEO and Managing Director attended from Nonoo Holdings.

Commenting on this occasion, Channel Sales Manager MEA Mr. John Spoor said, “It is our pleasure to hold this meeting which aims at providing our clients in Kingdom of Bahrain with the latest technologies adopted at GFI, to ensure that our valued clients are offered the best and the most superior services in the Kingdom.”

GFI has offices in USA, UK, Hong Kong, Australia and other countries with key business activities all over the world.

Vice President Comguard Mr. Mohammad Mobasseri also commented by saying, “GFI provides the best security protection for technology in cooperation with Comguard. Comguard is one of the leading Value added distributor in IT security in all over the Middle East and North Africa. The company has been recognized by several awards from vendors and industry platforms like Top 5 Value added Distributor by Reseller Middle East magazine.”

For her part, Channel Sales Manager Mrs.Nandini Sapru said, “Comguard provides a wide range of advanced IT services such as security for websites, mails, electronic programs and other IT solutions which aim at offering clients with best superior services against hacking or any electronic damages.”

CEO & MD of Nonoo Holdings Mr. Ebrahim Janahi said, “The step taken by Manam Info to join the Group is another new achievement of the company. Manam Info is one of the largest leading companies which offers advanced solutions, products and latest IT services for bans, communications companies and other firms in the Kingdom, including NBB, Zain, Bapco, and Ministry of Finance. It also provided Mobile banking services inside and outside Kingdom of Bahrain with which the client can easily carry out various banking transactions through the mobile, which saves a lot of time and effort.”

He added, “Our association with GFI ensures us to reach the SME market in Bahrain through GFI suite of products. This is the second time we are appreciated by GFI for our sales achievements. This increases our responsibility as a partner to give a better service to our customers. We strive to achieve this with the help of our dedicated staff and partners.”

In line with its focus on providing next-generation banking services, Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, announced today the launch of the “MoneyMobile,” a contactless payment solution that will enable customers to pay for purchases with a single wave of their contactless mobile device.

Today’s announcement follows the recent roll-out of an NFC-branded mobile device, among select staff at Emirates NBD, Etisalat, Visa and Gemalto, who will be testing the device during this initial phase.

With MoneyMobile, users will be able to complete retail transactions by waving their NFC mobile phone at Visa payWave terminals, providing a secure, fast and easy way to pay for everyday purchases.

“Emirates NBD is delighted to introduce this exciting new technology, which is in line with our role as the leading provider of next-generation banking solutions for customers,” said R. Sivaram, Senior Vice President and Head of Cards Business, Emirates NBD. “During this phase, working in partnership with our valued partners Etisalat, Visa and Gemalto, we will gain valuable insights into the customer experience, which we will incorporate into this offering before the wider consumer launch that will be the next phase.”

“Offering multiple levels of security, the MoneyMobile solution clearly represents the retail experience of the future,” R.Sivaram continued. “As we move towards a world of contactless solutions that make shopping easier than ever before, Emirates NBD will continue to stand at the forefront of innovation.”

“The introduction of Mobile NFC services is a great way to simplify the consumer payment experience, due to its ease of use and convenience,” said Marwan Al Qadi, Acting Senior Director, Electronic and Mobile Commerce, Etisalat. “Etisalat has always been a pioneer in introducing the latest technology catered to meet our customers’ ever-changing lifestyles. We are excited at this opportunity to work with a dynamic and progressive partner like Emirates NBD, to revolutionize the consumer payment experience here in the UAE.”

Kamran Siddiqi, General Manager, Visa Middle East, added: “Mobile payments are quickly becoming the way of the future as the widespread adoption of mobile technology changes how people connect with each other. As one of the market leaders in the provision of payment solutions, Visa is committed to accelerating the global shift towards electronic payments and has a long track record of creating innovative solutions that meet the ever-changing needs of consumers. That’s why we’re so delighted to be partnering with Emirates NBD and Etisalat to develop this exciting initiative in the UAE. Users will enjoy the ease and convenience of simply scanning their phone to pay as they breeze through the checkout in stores where they see the Visa payWave sign,” Siddiqi added.

“Gemalto’s ‘Trusted Services Management’ services allow for the secure deployment and management of contactless mobile payment,” added Jean-Claude Deturche, Senior Vice President, Mobile Financial Services at Gemalto. “Gemalto will dedicate its global experience in NFC solutions to supporting Etisalat and Emirates NBD in achieving success in this innovative business proposition. This new service promises to revolutionize the payment, retail and mobile ecosystems, whilst enhancing the shopping experience and bringing enormous benefits to consumers and merchants.”

- Avnet Technology Solutions runs a series of training workshops on HP Networking and Server Solutions for channel partners and customers across Saudi Arabia -

Dubai, UAE, 28th February, 2012 –Avnet Technology Solutions, an IT solutions distribution leader and an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), as part of its value add program held a series of special training programs in association with HP to enhance the skill sets of channel partners and update them on latest technology trends in the market.

Avnet Technology Solutions in association with HP Networking (HPN) ran training workshops on networking solutions in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. Experts from both Avnet and HP gave an overview of HP Networking product portfolio and provided sales and technical training to update the skill-sets of channel partners on HP Networking products and solutions.

Osama AbdElhai, Channel Manager HPN, Avnet Technology Solutions, said, “The adoption of latest technology is on the rise in Saudi Arabia and networking forms the backbone of any IT infrastructure which is creating huge business opportunities for channel partners in the country. Our training programs aim to upgrade the knowledge base and skills sets of our partners on HP Networking products and solutions, to enable them to maximize their business growth and margins”.

The growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Saudi Arabia is also opening new ways for emerging technologies. Avnet took another step in that direction by conducting special training programs in Riyadh and Jeddah on Industry Standard Servers (ISS) in association with HP ISS division. Sales and Technical specialists from both Avnet and HP provided latest updates on the wide range of HP Servers. Channel Partners were also briefed about the rising opportunities that Virtualization and Cloud offer in the country, which would help them to tap into the fast expanding market of emerging technologies.

“With the growth of newer technologies, we feel that for our partners there is an urgent requirement for a reliable distributor who can add value to channel partners by upgrading their skill sets and updating their knowledge base to drive their business in the fast expanding Saudi market. The HP ISS training program is part of the value proposition that Avnet offers to its partners to increase their chances of winning more business opportunities,” said, Emad Abu Jazar, Sales Director Saudi Arabia – Hewlett Packard, Avnet Technology Solutions.

During the events Avnet also highlighted other value added services, such as sales & technical support, financial solutions and logistics support that can accelerate their business growth in the Kingdom to the next level.

H.E. the Minister of Economy and Trade Mr. Nicolas Nahhas opened the Open Door 2012 event organized by Microsoft-Lebanon at BIEL-Beirut on 21 and 22 February 2012.

This event gathered key players in the IT industry, including Nokia, Dell, Polycom, FVC, Promethean, local Microsoft partners and clients, as well as developers, in an effort to foster local IT development and drive innovation.

The opening ceremony started with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by the speech of H.E. the Minister of Economy and Trade, Nicolas Nahhas, who stressed the importance of this event under the current circumstances and comes as a token of the Lebanese enthusiasm vis-à-vis information technology and its latest developments.

Microsoft-Lebanon’s address was delivered by Mrs. Leila Serhan Salem, who made a technical presentation that highlighted the consumerization of IT in our daily lives to such an extent that technology became our daily bread and has an instrumental role for businesses.

More than 1500 visitors attend Microsoft Open Door every year to experience how consumer and business technology products and services can improve the way they communicate and perform at work, at home and on the go. “Technological advancements are burgeoning faster each day; with events like Open Door we work with our partners in the region to bring the fruits of technology to local technology professionals and enthusiasts, helping expand the possibilities for computing and technology use for business and consumer use”, said Leila Serhan Salem, Country Manager, Microsoft Lebanon.

The two-day event included a series of presentations from Microsoft’s strategic highlighting the instrumental role of technology for consumers, businesses and national economies at large. The keynotes revolved around the latest topics in the IT industry, such as the consumerization of IT, the power of cloud computing, the workplace of the future and the next-generation mobility with Windows Phones. The event also included deep-dive sessions on technology tools for enterprises, the education sector and developers within TechDays3.

Mona Shantouf, Head of Sales for Nokia Levant stated: “Participating with Microsoft Lebanon in the Open Door event emphasizes our joint vision of providing great adventures for people through compelling solutions that include not only devices but software, services and applications. We are actively working to build and nurture an innovative ecosystem that benefits consumers, operators and developers. We are looking forward to meeting all professionals and experts in order to work together and develop local solutions that make a difference in people’s everyday’s lives.”

‘Open Door’ is an annual Microsoft experiential technology showcases taking place in the Middle East and Africa, reaching over 13,000 people across 13 countries including Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, KSA, Morocco, Tunisia, Pakistan, Kenya, Libya, Nigeria, Mauritius, and Angola.

- Spectrami new partnership with TITUS to benefit the growing security and compliance issues in the Middle East region -

Dubai, UAE - February 22nd, 2012 — Spectrami, the leading value added distributor in the region, has partnered with leading secure information management software vendor, TITUS.

TITUS is a leading provider of enterprise information security and compliance solutions for email, documents and SharePoint that enable organizations to secure information assets and address compliance requirements.

With the growing number of security concerns and compliance issues in the Middle East region, Spectrami, with region wide reach of its loyal and focused security channel partners, is best placed to address the customer’s overall security and compliance challenges by working with TITUS.

“We are pleased to partner with Spectrami to enable them to meet the ever growing security and compliance issues faced by organizations in Middle Eastern countries,” said Antonio Piazza, Regional Sales Manager, TITUS.
“The majority of security breaches related to data leakage are entirely preventable, and TITUS’ solutions are specifically designed to raise end user awareness with a simple and easy to use approach to data classification.” 

Organizations are increasingly faced with the challenge of effectively classifying, sharing and protecting data. TITUS delivers software products and services for data loss prevention, security and compliance that enable companies to know what information they have, and to classify, protect and share it right at the desktop. Tight integration with existing Microsoft infrastructure ensures organizations are able to not only meet business goals, but quickly drive value from their investments.

“Middle East offers a growing opportunity in the security and compliance space, we believe that by partnering with TITUS, we will be able to deliver our channel a proven and practical solution to address security and compliance.” said, Anand Choudha, Managing Director, Spectrami.

Dubai – February 19th, 2012: In a move to accelerate the introduction of world-class high voltage technology to the UAE, Ducab HV has signed a collaboration agreement with J-Power Systems Corporation (JPS), an equally owned joint venture of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. and Hitachi Cable, Ltd., covering all areas of high voltage cable technology.  Ducab-HV is the joint venture between Ducab (50%), DEWA (25%) and ADWEA (25%) to manufacture high voltage cable systems.

“The inauguration and launch of Ducab HV in November 2011 was a defining moment in our mission to supply regional and international markets with world class high voltage cable systems designed to exacting standards and stringently quality tested,” said Jon Vail, CEO, Ducab HV. “We are now furthering our commitment to the rapid delivery of excellent HV products by partnering with J-Power Systems, one of the world’s leading companies in HV technology.”

HV and EHV projects require the most advanced cable technology as well as proven joints and terminations to complete the system. The quality and reliability of each component in the entire system is critical to the success of projects. “Due to the exacting nature of this business, our customers want to see a proven track record of success. For a new company, this creates barriers to entry that we will overcome through this collaboration,” added Vail.

Hitachi Cable and Sumitomo Electric, JPS’ founding partners, have been leading high voltage cable technology since the 1960’s are involved in supplying projects up to 500kV both in Japan and the rest of the world, including significant projects in the Middle East. They formed JPS by spinning off their high voltage power cable divisions in 2001. Ducab HV’s collaboration, which came after a detailed evaluation of all the qualified international cable companies, extends up to the 400 kV range, which is the highest voltage in use in the UAE.  “We are very happy to enter this agreement with Ducab HV, and look forward to working together to transfer expertise and knowledge to the UAE to ensure that Ducab-HV products meet the highest international standards,” said Mr Fukunaga, President, J-Power Systems.

Technology transfer is a key part of the agreement and will take place through a combination of Ducab HV engineering teams visiting Japan, as well as experienced JPS engineers’ stationed in the UAE to train Ducab HV staff. The knowledge and technology transfer will cover all aspects of HV cable manufacture.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 15, 2012: Golden Systems Middle East announced that it is holding a multi-city road show for its customers and partners in the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar to showcase the latest motherboards from its vendor-partner, GIGABYTE Technologies. The road show will be held at the Safir Hotel in Doha, the Majestic Hotel in Dubai and the Ibis Salmiya Kuwait hotel in Kuwait on February 19th, 21st and 22nd respectively. Technology experts from GIGABYTE and Golden Systems will hold presentations, training sessions and demos for Golden Systems’ customers and partners in these countries.

“GIGABYTE is globally renowned for its high-performance, durable and high-quality motherboards. The company is continuously setting new quality and performance standards in the motherboard market and in the recent years has introduced new technologies for better solutions and more environmentally friendly designs for customers.  By holding these road shows in Kuwait, Qatar and UAE, we are aiming to educate our channel about GIGABYTE’s awarding-winning products and help strengthen the vendor’s relationship with our channel partners and customers. We also plan to share GIGABYTE’s product roadmap and demonstrate the features and benefits of select motherboard models,” says Chantelle Tavid, Marketing Manager, Golden Systems Middle East.

GIGABYTE and Golden Systems have been organizing regular road shows and seminars to educate retail partners and drive sales of GIGABTYE’s motherboards. The company’s representative will share the latest product roadmap with attendees and cover topics ranging from the local PC industry to the latest motherboard technology with a focus on GIGABYTE’s X79-UD5 and Z68XP-UD4 motherboards.

The GIGABYTE X79-UD5 motherboard provides the ultimate media processing workstation. Design and Engineering professionals that employ the latest CAD and multimedia creation software will be impressed with eight DDR3 memory slots combined with GIGABYTE’s unique 3D Power design to offer the ultimate platform for memory and CPU intensive workloads. The motherboard also features a back panel access overclocking via a simple OC button so that the user can get an instant boost in performance when needed.

The GIGABYTE Z68XP-UD4 motherboard combines the advantages of the Intel® P67 and H67 platforms in one complete package. Offering the best of both worlds, users can take advantage of the system tuning and overclocking features found in the Intel® P67 platform, as well as the built-in visual features of Intel® H67 platforms when combined with 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processors.

Delegates attending the seminars will also have a chance to win some exciting prizes from GIGABYTE.

LG hosted The Retailer Awards 2012 at the Park Hyatt Hotel. The event was an opportunity whereby LG identified retailing excellence and extended its appreciation to its partners and retailers for their commitment during 2011. LG embarked on a quest to highlight retailers that are outstanding in their field by rewarding their efforts and hard-work.

Mr. D. Y. Kim, President of LG Electronics, Gulf FZE said, “For 60 years, LG has seen an unstoppable growth enriching every household’s lives with impeccable technology and break through innovations. The Retailer Awards 2012 is a way to show our appreciation for all the hard-work retailers have put throughout 2011.”

He continues, “It is important to take the time to look back and thank all the retailers who are continuously supporting the LG brand directly and indirectly. We can only hope that 2012 will continue to bring bigger and better opportunities and continued brand loyalty from our partners.”

With more than 300 retailers participating in this year’s Retailer awards, LG presented 25 awards in total for the best sales performance, in-store display, and supportive retailer corresponding to various business sectors including: Home Appliance, IT, TV/AV, Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions and Global Systems for Mobile Communications or GSM.

The LG STAR Award was given to lqbal Electronics, Lulu, Jumbo Retail, and Carrefour based on sales growth of the year 2011 versus 2010. LG Excellence Award is presented to retailers with the best display and LG in-shop branding. Winners of this award included E-max, Costless, Plug Ins, Sharaf DG, and Metro Deluxe. Another prominent award handed out on the night was for those who have been a continuous support to the LG brand providing consistency and loyalty. The winners of the LG Consistency Award include Plug Ins, Jacky’s Electronics, Lulu, Sharaf DG, and E-max.

The retailers that attended the event were delighted with this event as they considered it as recognition of their supported to LG during 2011.

Dubai, UAE – Philadelphia by Kraft Foods announced today that nominations have opened for the third edition of its Spread Some Inspiration campaign, which celebrates the contributions of women in philanthropy, community development and charitable causes across the GCC. At a press conference held today at The Pavilion Downtown Dubai, Philadelphia also announced its partnership with UN Women, the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women globally. The partnership marks a significant milestone for Philadelphia who has pledged to donate 8% from its sales proceeds in KSA, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait to support UN Women projects that are geared towards women’s economic empowerment in the GCC.

Present at the event were dignitaries from UN Women, led by Maha Al Nuaimy Deputy Regional Director and Officer in Charge, representatives from Kraft Foods, as well as this year’s panel of judges headlined by Dr. Aisha Abbas Natto, Entrepreneur and Boardmember of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Iqbal Al Ahmed, one of Kuwait’s key media personalities, writer and journalist, and Azza Al Qubaisi UAE’s leading artist in jewellery and sculptures and environmental advocate. Also in attendance were some of the campaign’s previous nominees and judges, all of whom have contributed significantly to their respective communities and countries in the GCC.

“We are honored to announce our partnership with UN Women, whose association with the 2012 edition of Philadelphia Spread Some Inspiration campaign will enable us to reach out to even more inspiring women across the GCC. Starting January to February 2012, and again from July to August during the month of Ramadan, Philadelphia will be donating 8% of its sales towards UN Women projects in the region. These funds will be channeled towards developing women’s capacities and opportunities for leadership and socio economic empowerment”, said Vishal Tikku, Managing Director, GCC and Middle East Shared Services, Kraft Foods MEA.

“As such, our partnership with UN Women on the Philadelphia Spread Some Inspiration campaign is an ideal fit. Now in its third year, this campaign brings together many exemplary women who positively impact their communities each and every day of their lives through social work, charity and other philanthropic activities. This campaign enables us to document and follow the inspiring contributions of these women, bringing much needed awareness to their causes and celebrating their achievements”, added Tikku.

On her part Maha Al Nuaimy Deputy Regional Director and Officer in Charge at UN Women Arab States Regional Office (ASRO) commented: “UN Women(ASRO is delighted to be partnering with Philadelphia a global brand of Kraft Foods, and the world’s 2nd largest food manufacturing company in the Spread Some Inspiration campaign. This is an initiative that will support UN Women ASRO’s efforts to promote economic empowerment by highlighting the achievements of inspiring women in different fields. While enhancing women’s capacity and access to economic opportunities, this partnership is also setting the perfect model of cooperation between a UN organization and the private sector to bring about the aspired change in women’s lives in the region.” she concluded.

In his address at the beginning of the Press Conference, Azzam Alameddin, Corporate Affairs Director Kraft Foods, Middle East and Africa, stated that the campaign has to date brought to light the inspiring stories of some 230 women from the GCC, bringing much needed awareness and recognition for their respective causes. He added: “The campaign has flourished into one of the region’s most significant forums for women in the region to be recognized and rewarded for their inspiring contributions to community”.

Commencing today, women from GCC who have made extraordinary contributions to others around them can share their inspiring story on www.phillyarabia.com.Spread Some Inspiration with Philadelphia is an open forum for women to either submit their own stories or nominate stories of other women who spread feelings of joy, love and hope through their efforts in community relations and philanthropic initiatives. The panel of judges will shortlist the three most compelling stories, and the public will be then invited to vote online for the one story that has inspired them the most.

The winner chosen by the public through online voting will be announced at an awards ceremony, which will be held in Dubai on 8th March in conjunction with International Women’s Day. Philadelphia will honor the winner with USD10,000 in support of her cause, while the two runners up will also receive a fund worth USD5,000 each.

Follow the inspiring and heart-warming stories of women across the GCC on www.phillyarabia.com. And if you know of a woman whose story of helping the community should be told and celebrated this International Women’s Day, or if you yourself have a great story to share, visit the website and submit your nominations by 4 February 2012

Abu Dhabi : Egyptian tourism will be witnessing a prime event during 2012, as Egypt has been named Country Partner in the ITB Berlin 2012, which will take place during the period from March 7th to March 11th, 2012. Egypt will be the first Arab Country to be hosted as a Country Partner in the ITB Berlin.

The ITB Berlin hosts around 17,000 visitors, and is considered the largest international congregation for experts in the tourism industry.This prime event provides Egypt with an ideal platform and a unique opportunity to present its diverse touristic portfolio , which makes it one of the world’s most attractive holiday destinations all year round to the German and international markets .

In 2011 and during the first months of 2012, the Egyptian Tourism Authority has, and will promote Egypt as a country partner in the ITB Berlin in all exhibitions and international forums, such as the IMEX held in Germany in May 2011, and the WTM held in London in November 2011. Besides, a promotional campaign for the event is set on the official website of the Egyptian Tourism Authority” www.egypt.travel” and also through various social networks.

Furthermore, the Egyptian Tourism Office in Frankfurt has been participating in all important events taking place in the various cities of Germany,  especially the Tutankhamen exhibition in Wiesbaden held in June 2011, the World Equestrian Festival held in August 2011, the  Berlin International Economics Conference held in September 2011, the Global Forum for the Development and Enhancement of Communication between the air carriers and airports in October 2011, as well as,  the 4th Annual Golf Tournament,  initiated in Germany and was ended in Hurghada, Egypt, with a closing ceremony at Habo Temple in Luxor in December 2011, in the presence of a huge media coverage.The Egyptian Tourism Office in Frankfurt, also exploited all major events held by the German Chamber of Commerce to promote this event , as well as other cultural activities across Germany.

Over and above, intensive advertising campaigns, aiming the Trade sector, were launched in major German publications specialized in tourism and travel, as well as, organizing a number of trips for major German tour operators and travel agents, perhaps the most important was a trip in cooperation with the Turkish Airlines in Germany and with Sun Express for charter flights.

In terms of advertisement aiming the public, the Egyptian Tourism office in Frankfurt prepared an intensive campaign to cover the fair before, during and after, using all traditional and non-traditional means of advertising to support Egypt’s media presence, starting January 2012.

Also, The Egyptian Tourism Authority will be organizing several events, in Egypt and Germany, to promote this important occasion, which includes a press conference on the 20th of December to announce the event, and will also sponsor a number of artistic events such as the concert of Sama3 Band to be held in January in one of the churches in Berlin, whereby a message of love and peace will be sent from Egypt to the whole world.  A second press conference will be held in Berlin in February 2012 to promote Egypt as a key partner in ITB, besides other cultural and artistic events, confirming Egypt’s presence as a prime touristic destination.

On another note, Egypt’s Pavillion will be held at Hall No. 23A of the International Congress Center in Berlin in an area covering ​​2526 m² with the participation of 120 travel agencies and hotels. The “Unique Fusion “and “All-Round Welcome” will be the main themes further expressed through the design of the Egyptian Hall where the Ankh iconic symbol of life, one of the Pharaonic icons of ancient Egypt will be the consistent visual cue for Brand Egypt in the ITB, over and above exhibiting touristic products in Egypt and a model of an Egyptian bazaar will be set, displaying handicrafts products and folkloric activities, to reflect the true Egyptian spirit, offering tourists a unique and lively experience of an old Egyptian souk.

The event will also witness the launch of the new advertising campaign, “We Are Egypt,” a message of peace and hospitality sent by the people of Egypt to the whole world, inviting them for an unforgettable experience.