Tag Archive | "Technology"

Emirates NBD wins Banker Middle East Award 2010 for Best Use of Technology

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Emirates NBD wins Banker Middle East Award 2010 for Best Use of Technology


• Winners selected from 150,000 votes from financial services professionals
• Builds on previous award for Best Systems Integration Project Financial Sector Technology

2225Dubai, June 21, 2010: Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, announced today that it has won the Banker Middle East Award 2010 in the Best Use of Technology category, building on its success in April when it won the 2010 Financial Sector Technology (FST London) award for “Systems Integration Project of the Year.” The award was received by Ali Sajwani, Chief Information Officer, Emirates NBD, at a gala dinner held at the Godolphin Ballroom in Emirates Towers Hotel, Dubai.

Emirates NBD was selected as the best out of five nominees, shortlisted by the Banker Middle East panel of judges, who consisted of previous winners, financial regulators and consultants, as well as industry experts. The shortlist was selected from entries received from 107 financial institutions across the Middle East.

“We are extremely pleased to have been named the winner of Best Use of Technology Award  this year, as it recognises the considerable achievements of Emirates NBD in the area of technology over the past 12 months, “ said Abdulla Qassem, Group Chief Operating Officer at Emirates NBD. “This award is a tribute to the successful systems integration programme completed in November 2009, which was an essential cornerstone in the merger process, enabling the IT systems of the two legacy banks to operate as one. ”

Ali Sajwani, Chief Information Officer at Emirates NBD said, “In addition to the integration project, completed in a remarkable 30 month-period, the award also recognised the bank’s use of technology in countless areas, such as our online, telephone, PDA and mobile banking services. Our strategic use of technology has enabled us to provide leading-edge solutions to meet our customers’ financial services needs and international best practice standards.”

Out of 29 categories, a total of 26 banks and financial institutions from across the GCC, Levant and North Africa received awards. The final winner in each category was selected via an online poll conducted among financial services practitioners who are also registered readers of Banker Middle East magazine.

Other awards won by Emirates NBD in the Information Technology category include Network World Middle East’s “Data Centre Project of the Year” Award 2010, for the bank’s state-of-the-art Data Centre in Al Barsha, Dubai. Emirates NBD has also been recognised for its contribution to financial services when it won Banker Middle East’s Products Award 2010 in the “Best Personal Loan” category and was also named Best Retail Bank in 2009.

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Kohler Katalyst technology summons the Arabian summer rains on demand

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Kohler Katalyst technology summons the Arabian summer rains on demand


New technology for showerheads features optimized sprayface, new internal waterway design and innovative air-induction system

2207Dubai, UAE – June 20, 2010 – Kohler Co., the global leader in kitchen and bath design, has launched the Kohler Katalyst - an innovative new showering experience that simulates the large heavy drops and beauty of an Arabian summer downpour. The Katalyst was unveiled recently at the 2010 International Builders’ Show (IBS) held in Orlando earlier this year.

Constructed from solid brass, the Katalyst spray technology utilises a unique air induction ball joint design to generate large water droplets, delivering a luxurious and drenching experience reminiscent of the Gulf’s swollen desert rains. The Kohler Katalyst’s large, heavy droplets stimulate the senses and provide customers with a natural intense hydrotherapy experience.

Introduced as an additional model option on both the Forté® and Purist® suites of sophisticated bathroom products, Katalyst uses cutting-edge technology to intensify the flow of water for a showering experience that is completely indulgent. With a nozzle pattern, internal waterway design and air-induction system, this technology maximizes every water drop and creates a richer, more intense flow of water that heightens the shower’s sensory experience.

The air-induction technology maximizes the air/water mix for a powerful even flow, infusing two litres of air per minute. Air is introduced into the water stream to deliver a potent, voluptuous spray that engulfs the body with larger and fuller water drops without using any more water than a standard showerhead. Engineered to provide a quiet and soothing shower, Katalyst technology enhances the benefits of the rainhead experience.

“Rainheads are a signature of most common showering installations,” says Mohamed Nada, Regional Marketing Manager for Kohler Co. in the Middle East. “They deliver a new and exhilarating water experience that is very different from regular showerheads and handshowers. This affords our regional customers the luxury of bringing the rare Arabian summer rains into their everyday routine.”

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KOHLER LAUNCHES BREAKTHROUGH KARBON ARTICULATING KITCHEN FAUCET

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KOHLER LAUNCHES BREAKTHROUGH KARBON ARTICULATING KITCHEN FAUCET


New kitchen faucet marries ultimate kitchen functionality with visually entrancing design

2206Dubai, UAE – May 19, 2010 – What does the ultimate in functionality for a kitchen faucet really mean?

For Kohler Co. – a global leader in kitchen and bath design and technology – ultimate functionality can be defined as a kitchen faucet that possesses the functionality and performance of a pull-down faucet, while also allowing the user to position and leave the sprayhead right where it’s needed, thereby freeing up both hands for kitchen prep and clean-up tasks. To develop a kitchen faucet that satisfied this requirement was the tall task presented to the Kohler new product development team.

The result is the new KOHLER Karbon kitchen faucet, a faucet of unexpected and intriguing design that will undoubtedly become the primary focal point of any contemporary kitchen setting. “This articulating faucet represents a breakthrough in the evolution of the category,” commented Les Petch, senior product manager for KOHLER kitchen faucets. “The quest for the ultimate in functionality has not only produced a faucet that outperforms other models but has also yielded an Karbon Kitchen Faucet astonishing piece of contemporary design work that represents as much a piece of art as the next generation in faucet technology. It truly is a one-of-a-kind.”

The original design impetus of the Karbon kitchen faucet was inspired by lighting and construction equipment with articulating joints. The Kohler design team took this concept and created a product that signals a paradigm shift in the functionality and design of modern kitchen faucets.

“Form really does follow function in this case,” said Petch. “But that doesn’t take away from the fact that the Karbon faucet is an outstanding piece of modern industrial design.” The use of a textured carbon fiber composite adds further appeal to a unique visual aesthetic that reinforces the contemporary nature of the design.

Unlike other kitchen faucets, the Karbon faucet will maintain the exact position where a user places it within its allotted reach in or outside the sink, keeping the spray head and water flow exactly where it’s desired. Additionally, the faucet offers both spray and aerated water flow options, eliminating the need for a sidespray. An elaborate design detail is featured in the remote joystick valve that consists of two disks of identical size installed flush with the countertop to provide an unusually sleek look and offer easy cleaning.

The actual construction of the faucet is a combination of traditional brass and innovative carbon fiber composite tubing. The logic behind the use of carbon fiber lies in its superior strength and lightweight, allowing for tight movement tolerance and the exceptional functional performance of this faucet. The joints connecting the four sections of the faucet employ a novel patented technology that provides exceptional resistance to support the spout while allowing for smooth and effortless handling.

The Karbon kitchen faucet is available in high quality, durable Polished Chrome and Vibrant® Stainless finishes and carries a lifetime-limited warranty. Offering easy installation, it relies on flexible connections and installation rings. Installers will want to take note that the joystick valve requires non-standard holes of two inches in diameter.

Ends

For more information on KOHLER Karbon faucet or other KOHLER products, individuals may visit the Kohler Co. Web site at KOHLER.com. The Kohler Web sites for all international markets are listed under the Worldwide link in the upper righthand corner of the Kitchen & Bath Web site. Our customers in the Middle East can directly visit our regional website me.KOHLER.com.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and an international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.

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Dubai Judicial Institute organizes orientation day for Ajman University of Science and Technology law students

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Dubai Judicial Institute organizes orientation day for Ajman University of Science and Technology law students


Initiative introduces 68 students to practical training program for improving skills & vocational expertise based on high-quality standards

March 21, 2010

2231Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI), the leading center for legal studies and judicial training in the emirate of Dubai, has organized a special orientation day for law students of Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST), highlighting a vocational training program specifically targeted towards 68 students.

The orientation day was held in line with a cooperative agreement signed recently with AUST’s Law School which calls for mutual initiatives to enhance the UAE’s judicial system as a whole. The event featured a detailed presentation on the key objectives of the vocational training program as well as the various training venues that DJI, acting as the main center, will utilize. The training venues include the Dubai Courts; Forensic Lab; Dubai Forensic Medicine; Public Prosecution; specialized prosecutions; penal facilities in Dubai, Dubai Arbitration Center, Police Stations, Juvenile Care Centers, DIFC Courts, and Virtual Court Trials.

During the course of the orientation day, the students were familiarized about several training tools such as presentations, study visits, a mock trial, discussion forums, workshops, video material, practical presentations of lawsuit forms and investigation minutes.

The vocational training program for law students aims to help participants properly apply information and theoretical studies, gain substantial practical experience, and understand the legal and judicial environments along with their applicable values and practices within various specialized departments and authorities. It will familiarize students on the application of laws and procedures and develop vocational skills using methods that are in line with today’s job market requirements, so as to facilitate further career advancement.

Commenting on the event, Judge Dr. Jamal Alsumaiti, Director General of Dubai Judicial Institute, said: “Vocational training is of critical importance for trainees and the civil and legal community alike as it is a vital investment that supports the goals of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 at all levels in conformance with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who stated that ‘Our spending on training and rehabilitation is a great future investment that is second to none.’ Out of this vision comes the need to build a balanced personality for legal professionals, leveraging judicial excellence by associating theoretical studies with applied practical training that adheres to the highest international standards, which the Institute is highly committed to offer.”

“We are thus pleased to launch a new training program that has been specifically developed for law students of AUST, one of our strategic partners in providing local human resources with comprehensive training programs that meet their vocational needs and qualify them to hold key positions within the judicial system,” he added.

“This initiative is part of our vision of cementing the Institute’s position as a regional hub for legal and judicial excellence. It also helps achieve our mission of providing the legal community with the best professional training in accordance with the highest international standards. We look forward to collaborating with AUST on more training programs which will achieve our shared vision of upgrading the UAE’s judicial system and strengthening the role played by law in establishing an integrated knowledge-based community,” concluded Judge Dr. Alsumaiti.

The Dubai Judicial Institute was established in 1996 to help educate and train aspiring judges, prosecutors and their assistants, legal experts and lawyers. DJI also offers rehabilitation programs for public prosecutors to enhance their efficiency. The Institute also provides training and consultancy services to various agencies and institutions - both private and public – and conducts research and studies in all areas of law and jurisdiction, locally, regionally and globally.

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Al-Falak partners with Axway to provide managed file transfer solutions in the Middle East

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Al-Falak partners with Axway to provide managed file transfer solutions in the Middle East


MFT to facilitate secure transfer of business information, provide an alternative to legacy systems in the region

March 21, 2010

2227Al-Falak Electronic Equipment & Supplies Co., a leading provider of technology-based end-to-end solutions in the Middle East, has announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Axway, the Business Interaction Networks company, to provide managed file transfer (MFT) solutions to the region’s companies as a more economical and advanced alternative to legacy systems.

Under the terms of the agreement, Al-Falak will be authorized to deploy Axway MFT solutions to help Middle Eastern companies monitor file transfers across the web, thus reducing the possibility of data loss and significantly enhancing business transactions.

“Our business alliance with Axway allows us to offer a viable and preferable alternative to the legacy solutions currently in place that no longer meet the needs of today’s evolving business standards. This partnership gives us an opportunity to reinvigorate the market and offer businesses the ability to gain control of their data while reducing costs,” said Bob Hall, Regional Sales Manager, Software Products Division, Al-Falak. 

“As the Middle East is expanding its technology adoption, companies located in this region are looking to leaders such as Axway and Al-Falak to provide them with MFT solutions that enhance visibility, improve governance and solidify community management. Working with Al-Falak enables us to expand our MFT reach into new markets across the globe and provide organizations with the ability to conduct flawless business interactions,” added Tristan Corsi, Vice President, Indirect Distribution - EMEA, Axway.

Many organizations are still using unsecure tools such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) to handle complex file and data sharing requirements, making it difficult for them to manage the transfer of information between disparate entities.  Companies can no longer rely on home-grown or outdated systems to transfer mission-critical business information online in today’s fast-paced and security-sensitive world.  Ensuring that business interactions are flexible and secure is critical for the successful exchange of data, both inside and outside the organization.  Now, companies can move information as part of planned and unplanned processes, regardless of size and complexity, between trading partners, suppliers and customers across different formats, applications and technologies while keeping up with regulatory standards.

Al-Falak and Axway will be exhibiting together at Middle East Financial Technology conference (MEFTEC) 2010, the world’s leading financial technology event for emerging markets. The event will be held from April 20 to 21, 2010 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre in Manama, the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

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Emirates NBD launches its new suite of Visa Debit Cards with latest CHIP and PIN technology

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Emirates NBD launches its new suite of Visa Debit Cards with latest CHIP and PIN technology


• First bank in UAE to introduce state-of-art cards to all customers
• Full range of cards available to Personal, Priority, Private and Business Banking clients

351Dubai, February 10, 2010: Emirates NBD, the largest banking group in the Middle East in terms of assets, in association with Visa, announced today the launch of its complete suite of Chip enabled Debit Cards. The new Emirates NBD Visa Debit Card comes equipped with the latest in card technology with the new generation of CHIP cards.

The bank which launched its new brand in November 2009, also unveiled its complete suite of Debit cards which cater to suit the varying needs of its customers. The new range of cards include vanilla offerings to the Personal Banking segment, in addition to variants like Platinum Debit card targeted at the Priority Banking segment, Infinite Debit card targeted at the Private Banking segment and a Business Banking Debit card catering to the large SME segment.

“Emirates NBD is proud to again be the UAE’s leader in product and service innovation, launching the country’s newest and most secure debit cards with EMV chip technology. This Visa Chip Debit card has been launched to offer cardholders a payment card with enhanced chip features, combining the convenience of a chip-enabled card with a greater level of security, thus falling in line with our strategy to combat fraud.” said Jamal Bin Ghalaita, Group Deputy CEO, Emirates NBD.

“Also we have segmented our customer base and have thereby targeted the right Debit Card product to the right customer segment. This has been a key priority given that we are the market leader in Debit Cards and this is the fastest growing segment across the globe”, he added.

Kamran Siddiqi, Visa’s General Manager for GCC, Levant, Pakistan and Afghanistan said: ‘Visa is delighted to partner with Emirates NBD and enable Chip and Pin technology on the new suite of Debit cards. Chip and PIN technologies add an important security layer to transactions, bringing convenience, speed and peace of mind to cardholders and merchants alike. Emirates NBD now offers a full stable of Visa Debit products, from HNW cards to business Debit cards, enabling everyone to take advantage of the benefits that Debit offers.”

The Emirates NBD Visa chip debit cards are great alternatives to carrying cash. It eliminates the need to write cheques or use ATMs to withdraw cash. It is faster, more convenient and can be used to pay for all day to day purchases anywhere cardholders see the Visa Logo. And what’s more – with the new Chip and PIN technology, transactions are more secure than ever before. 

The Emirates NBD Visa Debit Cards can be used to shop online or at any domestic or overseas merchant displaying the Visa logo - over 40,000 in the UAE and more than 24 million retail outlets worldwide.  This card can also be used to withdraw cash or make other transactions at more than 650 Emirates NBD ATMs as well as at over a million ATMs world wide. Unlike a credit card, funds are deducted directly from the cardholder’s account and there are no monthly bill or interest charges. The new Emirates NBD Visa chip debit card has both a magnetic stripe as well as chip functionality. The card will offer Emirates NBD Debit cardholders increased security and will mitigate fraudulent and disputed payments. When making a purchase with their card, cardholders have the opportunity to key in their unique PIN, thereby validating their identity. Around the world payment cards and card terminals are becoming chip compliant.

All new cards issued since January have been equipped with the latest technology and Cards will be issued to existing customers on a renewal basis; Emirates NBD will contact customers when their card is ready for issue to arrange a convenient time to deliver. Million of chip cards in use in countries around the world today points to the way the bank card industry is heading. Being the largest bank in the UAE, Emirates NBD has made the first move to rollout chip cards on a large scale for its banking customers.

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Epicor® to educate local businesses on how to employ technology for better financial and risk management

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Epicor® to educate local businesses on how to employ technology for better financial and risk management


Demonstrating Epicor for Financial Services for the First Time in Bahrain

2115Bahrain — 10 March 2010 — Epicor Software Corporation (NASDAQ: EPIC), a leading provider of enterprise business software solutions for the midmarket and divisions of Global 1000 companies, today announced that Matt Muldoon, Epicor’s senior director of product marketing will be presenting at the ICAI Conference on 12 March 2010. Muldoon is presenting at 11.00 a.m. on the topic “Leveraging Technology for Better Financial and Risk Management,” educating local businesses on how they can use technology to improve accounting and risk management processes. Epicor will also use the event to demonstrate Epicor for Financial Services, its industry-specific next-generation Epicor 9 enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, together with its local partner Incarnate ICT.

“The financial services industry is under pressure to look at ways of improving governance, risk and compliance management, while reducing costs at the same time,” said Matt Muldoon, senior director, product marketing for Epicor. “Many businesses in the Middle East are running large, expensive and aging accounting systems, or are stuck with cumbersome manual processes—not realizing that there are other options. Any financial services organization that is serious about growing its business should have a financial platform that is cost-effective in the long term yet flexible enough to change with the business where and when needed.”

“As the financial capital of the region, Bahrain is an important hub for Epicor, and with more than 400 customers and 15 partners in the Middle East, we are well placed to support local businesses across all industries,” said Basil Daniells, regional director for Epicor in the Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India. “We have been present in the Middle East for over ten years and during that time we have helped organizations to improve business processes and grow operations locally, regionally and internationally.”

“Business technology is an important part of local BCICAI’s members’ roles today and we want to help them understand how they can better use technology to their advantage when managing finances and risks within their organizations,” said BCICAI chairman Alok Gupta. “As a global company with experience of solving financial challenges for small and large businesses we believe that Epicor is well placed to advise our members during the event this week.”

Epicor’s next-generation software provides support for the world’s most complex tax, currency, and legal standards. Available in 30 languages and 60 countries worldwide Epicor offers the financial services sector an innovative and flexible solution that has been built on a technologically advanced infrastructure. With comprehensive Financial Management and Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) capabilities, Epicor also has expanded functionality for measuring key performance indicators across all operational aspects, helping organizations further their financial goals. Advanced financial reporting capabilities and a sophisticated advanced allocations module help finance departments greatly simplify business processes, and be integral to tracking financial performance across the enterprise, providing new levels of efficiency, visibility and audit-ability.

Incarnate ICT (ME) WLL, Epicor Authorised Partner in Bahrain, will be jointly participating for the event. Incarnate ICT has always focussed on achieving excellence by providing customer designed, client specific, result oriented IT solutions for a diverse set of clients. Incarnate prides itself in its perseverance to understand the clients business objectives, issues, processes, and resources; and then provide an effective solution built on its comprehensive repertoire of technologies, which are a natural extension of the existing setup. Their services include enterprise application software, networking, security consulting, IT audit, bio metric solutions, helpdesk management, and others.


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QNB chooses Misys BankFusion Equation to underpin banking operations with latest technology

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QNB chooses Misys BankFusion Equation to underpin banking operations with latest technology


2667 March, 2010 - Misys plc (FTSE: MSY.L), the global application software and services company, today announced that QNB, the leading national bank in Qatar, has licensed Misys BankFusion™ Equation to ensure it has the most modern technology platform available to underpin its business strategy.

QNB has the largest distribution network in Qatar, comprising 44 branches in addition to eleven Islamic branches and offices operated by its Islamic banking subsidiary QNB Al Islami, and more than 160 ATMs. QNB’s international presence is rapidly expanding to include new locations around the world to supplement long-established branches in London and Paris.  The Bank has affiliates and subsidiaries in 22 countries including, most recently Syria and Switzerland where the Bank commenced operations in 2009.

QNB is also among the highest rated regional banks according to leading credit rating agencies including Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch, and Capital Intelligence.

BankFusion Equation tailors business processes to the exact requirements of each bank eliminating any constraints of underlying technology. BankFusion Equation automatically generates the system’s Java code, significantly reducing manual input and errors and accelerating solution modifications. This helps bring new solutions to market faster and better serve customers.

In this latest release of the solution, Equation has been re-architected into an SOA environment using Misys’ revolutionary BankFusion™ platform. Misys BankFusion Equation provides improved security and risk management capabilities as well as the flexibility to scale the business rapidly when required. 

“QNB is one of the most advanced banking groups in the GCC region and invests considerable resources in deploying innovative technology and expertise to ensure the seamless delivery of its banking solutions to customers,” the bank states. “Advanced platforms such as BankFusion Equation serve the strategic growth objectives of QNB Group by, most importantly, providing an automated risk management framework, whilst seamlessly integrating with existing systems and technologies.”

QNB is already a leader in modern banking solutions such as straight through processing of foreign currency transactions and has won awards from Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan for the quality of its Euro and Dollar payments. The Bank is also one of the first institutions in Qatar to have developed an integrated eBanking platform. Branded “EAZYLife”, it is a suite of internet, mobile, telephone and ATM banking solutions serving customers in Qatar and abroad.

Guy Warren, EVP and General Manager, Banking, Misys states, “The ground-breaking technology in BankFusion Equation will allow QNB to launch innovative new products and services quickly to the market.  The management team has chosen to invest in Misys, our BankFusion strategy and the future roadmap of the solution.  This gives them the most modern, flexible next-generation core banking platform available on the market today to underpin the bank’s operations.”


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Go Anywhere for Less: Microsoft Hardware Offers BlueTrack Technology at Its Lowest Price Ever1

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Go Anywhere for Less: Microsoft Hardware Offers BlueTrack Technology at Its Lowest Price Ever1


Three new mice in fun colors give consumers ultimate mobility.

173February 25, 2010 - Today Microsoft Hardware extends its award-winning line of BlueTrack Technology mouse products, debuting the advanced tracking technology at its lowest prices ever — under AED110.1 Now people have the opportunity to track on virtually any surface2 at an affordable price with three new mice to choose from — the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500, Wireless Mouse 2000 and Comfort Mouse 4500. The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 and Comfort Mouse 4500 will be available in bright colors just in time for spring so people can add a touch of personality to their computers.

BlueTrack Technology was created in response to people’s increasingly mobile lifestyles, letting them ditch their mouse pad and use their BlueTrack mouse virtually anywhere — from the granite kitchen counter and the wood table at the coffee shop to the armrest at the airport. Debuting in September 2008, BlueTrack Technology is now available in eight Microsoft mice so consumers can choose the best design, color and price to fit their needs.

Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 and Wireless Mouse 2000

The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 includes a Nano transceiver that sticks out less than a centimeter from the USB port, so it can remain plugged into the computer at all times, and the Wireless Mouse 2000 comes with a minitransceiver that easily snaps into the bottom of the mouse when on the go. The two mice also offer an ambidextrous shape with rubber side grips; the Wireless Mouse 2000 is a full-size mouse while the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 is a bit smaller, so people can pick the best fit for their hand size. The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 will be available in Loch Ness Gray and Dragon Fruit Pink, and the Wireless Mouse 2000 will be available in gray.

Comfort Mouse 4500

The Comfort Mouse 4500 is the first wired mouse featuring BlueTrack Technology, making it a great choice for people who never want to deal with changing batteries. Like its wireless counterparts, the Comfort Mouse 4500 will track on virtually any surface2 and will be available in black as well as three fresh special-edition colors: Sea Blue, Poppy Red and Strawberry Pink.

Pricing and Availability

The Wireless Mouse 2000 and Comfort Mouse 4500 will be available for AED 109 and AED99,1 respectively, and will ship in March when they are widely released. The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 will be available for AED 1091 and ship in April when it is widely released. All three mice are backed by a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty. More information about this and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.


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HP Unveils Service for Design of Scalable, Flexible Cloud-based Infrastructures

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HP Unveils Service for Design of Scalable, Flexible Cloud-based Infrastructures


samer-zein-technology-services-manager-at-hp-middle-east-1Dubai, UAE., Feb. 18, 2010 – HP today extended its cloud consulting services portfolio with a new design service that helps businesses and government agencies accelerate the adoption of cloud-based infrastructures to improve technology and business flexibility.

The HP Cloud Design Service takes a proven approach to designing and deploying scalable, cloud-based infrastructures that speed up the delivery of projects while mitigating risk. Additionally, HP’s design principles ensure the cloud infrastructure can support a hybrid sourcing model that includes private and public cloud options. This allows organizations to consume and deliver services that support different workloads.

As part of the HP Cloud Design Service, HP works with clients to understand their requirements and existing IT investments. HP then creates a customized cloud infrastructure design blueprint and an implementation plan. This plan includes cost estimates, guidelines for deployment, testing, operational management, service life cycle management, governance and support.

The HP Cloud Design Service offers the following benefits for clients:

— Everything needed to offer a cloud service. The HP Reference Architecture for Cloud acts as a common framework for all cloud engagements and accommodates different business requirements, technologies, software stacks and cloud service requirements.

— Speed time to delivery and mitigate implementation risk. The design blueprint and implementation plan take into account people, process, technology, cost estimations and workload migration aspects.

— Reduces costly technology redundancies while helping clients make strategic investment decisions. HP uses tested, repeatable planning and analysis tools from HP Labs, the company’s central research arm, Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) v3 best practices and proven methodologies developed from major cloud design implementations.

— Leverage existing technology investments. Heterogeneous and highly repeatable design principals and objective recommendations ensure seamless integration of HP Converged Infrastructure technologies, HP software and third-party products into the overall cloud infrastructure design.

“Organizations of all types are struggling to understand how to build a cloud-specific infrastructure that is safe and effective while meeting their business objectives,” said Samer Zein, Technology Services Manager, HP Middle East. “HP has the experience to help clients ensure the design and implementation of cloud infrastructure will deliver the expected benefits today and in the future.”

The HP Cloud Design Service is available worldwide with pricing based on specific customer requirements. For clients that are still at the education, strategy or planning stages, HP offers the HP Cloud Discovery Workshop and the HP Cloud Roadmap Service.

The HP cloud services portfolio helps organizations use the cloud as part of a broader IT service delivery strategy. HP takes a comprehensive approach to cloud design – how to build, source, manage and secure it. Most importantly, HP helps customers develop a solid, fact-based business case for fast investment decision making. More information about the complete portfolio of HP Cloud Consulting and Infrastructure Services is available at www.hp.com/services/cloud.

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