Joint Wireless Solutions Drive: IBM, Intel, and Symbol Technologies Unite for Middle East E-Business Growth

Strategic Insights -

Major technology companies IBM, Intel, and Symbol Technologies have teamed up to drive the adoption of wireless solutions in the Middle East, with a focus on extending e-business infrastructure. The agreement integrates Intel's Centrino mobile technology and Symbol's wireless handheld devices with IBM software, hardware, and services. This strategic partnership aims to help companies in the region harness the power of wireless solutions, enabling them to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint initiative by IBM, Intel, and Symbol Technologies will help companies in the Middle East extend their e-business infrastructure and drive the adoption of wireless solutions.
  • The solutions will integrate Intel's Centrino mobile technology and Symbol's wireless handheld devices with IBM software, hardware, and services.
  • Etisalat, a UAE-based telco, is showcasing an IP-based virtual private network (VPN) telecommunications system that allows companies to make free calls between their different offices.
  • LG Electronics has become the world's largest plasma display panel (PDP) producer, manufacturing 350,000 PDPs a month.
  • The company aims to achieve 30% market share in PDP modules by 2005 and 20% market share in PDP television sets by 2006.
  • 70% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the Middle East plan to increase IT spending in 2006.
  • Priority areas for SMBs include basic IT infrastructure (74%), packaged software (57%), data communication (28%), and external IT services (17%).
  • Etisalat is set to partner with Lebanon's new state-owned teleco, Leban Telecom, which will offer a 40% partnership stake to local or foreign telecom operators.
  • The UAE Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) has chosen Computer Associates' (CA) eTrust Secure Content Management and eTrust PestPatrol security solutions to protect 15,000 users across its 13 campuses.
  • The Arab Business Forum for Information and Communication Technology (ABfict) and the Arab Internet Forum have agreed to cooperate in research and development and support regional projects in the ICT sector.
  • Nawras, Oman's second mobile operator, has launched a special offer for postpaid Ajel service users in a bid to improve its market share.
  • LG Electronics is introducing two mini notebooks from its Express series, the LW20 and LW40 Express, which feature Intel wireless connectivity and Pentium M processors.
  • Apple is showcasing its full range of products and accessories at GITEX 2005, including the market's most powerful iPod Speaker/Dock.
  • Computer Associates is demonstrating its Virtual Enterprise at GITEX 2005, a real-world simulation of an enterprise IT environment.

Statistics:

  • 70% of SMBs in the Middle East plan to increase IT spending in 2006.
  • 74% of SMBs prioritize basic IT infrastructure.
  • 57% of SMBs prioritize packaged software.
  • 28% of SMBs prioritize data communication.
  • 17% of SMBs prioritize external IT services.
  • 76% of SMBs consider return on investment in IT purchasing.
  • 22% of SMBs work out the total cost of ownership before buying.
  • 98% of Global 1000 companies work with Computer Associates.
  • LG Electronics manufactures 350,000 PDPs a month.
  • Etisalat's IP-based VPN telecommunications system allows companies to make free calls between their different offices.

Sources:

  • AME Info, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  • Gulf News
  • HP
  • Etisalat
  • LG Electronics
  • Nawras
  • Apple
  • Computer Associates
  • Arab Business Forum for Information and Communication Technology (ABfict)
  • Arab Internet Forum