VMware Adria Forum 2025 unites Midis Group affiliates at successful event in Croatia
The VMware Adria Forum 2025 on October 13-14 was successful from multiple perspectives. As well as core demonstrations of the latest VMware platforms, the event opened the door to powerful new collaborations and promotions with Midis Group vendors such as HPE Selectium, Rubrik, One Identity, IGEL, Cohesity, and Quest.
Held at Amadria Park in the sunny coastal resort of Opatija, the MBCOM team brought together over 450 business and technology leaders from across the Adriatic region for two full days. The event featured expert presentations, technical deep dives, business panels, and high-value networking opportunities. The gathering offered a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow across industries, enabling participants to gain invaluable insights.
Nassif Fakhoury, Principal Strategy Lead, Emerging Commercial Markets, Broadcom, presenting at Adria Forum 2025. Photo credit: MBCOM Technologies
Adria Forum 2025 in numbers
2 days
450 attendees
3 tracks
30 presentations
20 engineers in Hands-on Labs sessions
3 networking/get-together events
Agata Dokurno, Commercial & Partners Sales Manager (PL,CZ,SK) – Broadcom, presents the latest insights on the VMware Partner Strategy at Adria Forum 2025. Photo credit: MBCOM Technologies
The event was a success in terms of outreach, attracting top executives and important leaders from key industries such as banking, public sector, manufacturing, oil and gas, telecom, healthcare, and commercial businesses. This diverse audience demonstrates MBCOM’s wide influence across the Adriatic region’s strategic sectors and underscores the company’s commitment to building strong relationships.
Special guests – and handball legends – Ivano Balic and Veselin Vujovic at the event. Photo credit: MBCOM Technologies
The event showcased real-world success stories including Erste Bank migration project, alongside networking moments, Partner Awards, and appearances by celebrity handball stars Ivano Balic and Veselin Vujovic.
As well as the regional and international contributions to Adria Forum 2025, local contributors brought their own expertise to the fore: the University of Zagreb sent their FightBotics team and local family brand OPG Matuli provided conference gifts. An AI Photo Booth was very popular with attendees – as was the craft chocolate stand.
Anas Jwaied, VP & GM at MBCOM, alongside Nenad Aleksic, Regional Director Eastern Europe at MBCOM, expressed gratitude towards the teams from MBCOM and Broadcom for their dedication in orchestrating a highly effective event: “This success stemmed from exceptional teamwork across all functions—from event planning and logistics to technical preparations, marketing, partner management, and on-site coordination. Each of you played a pivotal role in ensuring the event ran smoothly and left a lasting impression on our customers and partners.”
One of the core successes at the event was the way it brought in other Midis Group affiliate partners. Here, Tomislav Lukacevic from HPE, operated by Selectium presents to the conference. Photo credit: MBCOM Technologies
In2024, Broadcom established a sole regional partnership with MBCOM Technologies to manage the VMware business across Africa, CIS, Eastern Europe (except Poland, Czech and Slovakia), plus Levant and Middle East (except Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE). MBCOM manages all aspects of the VMware software portfolio in these regions—ranging from partner enablement and customer engagement to technical support and solution delivery. Through strategic partnerships, a robust partner ecosystem and regional expertise MBCOM delivers tailored cloud, virtualization, and infrastructure solutions that support innovation and operational agility across public and private sector enterprises.
MBCOM VCF 9 Tech Wave Cloud event in Johannesburg brings customers and partners together
Recently Johannesburg hosted the VCF 9 Tech Wave event, marking a significant milestone for MBCOM Technologies as a representative of Broadcom and VMware. This was their first premier major event under MBCOM leadership, showcasing the latest innovations in VMware solutions. The three-day event was organized by the South African MBCOM team to introduce the latest version of the VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF 9) platform.
The event hosted numerous distinguished leaders, among them, Anas Jwaied, VP & GM at MBCOM Technologies for Emerging Markets. Representing Broadcom were Paul Turner, Vice President of Products (VCF Division), Paul Nothard, Principal Solutions Architect, Juan Rubira, Head of Channel and Commercial for EMEA, Nassif Fakhoury, Principal Strategy Lead for Commercial Emerging Markets, and Mujtaba Mir, Lead Solutions Engineer for Commercial Emerging Markets.
Paul Turner, Vice President of Products, VCF Division, Broadcom, explains the important new features of VCF 9. Photo credit: MBCOM Technologies
The event kicked off with one-on-one customer meetings with key banking customers Investec and ABSA, setting the stage for the main event later in the day. The afternoon began with the VCF 9 Tech Wave keynote session, attended by over 130 customers and partners.
Paul Turner and Paul Nothard guided attendees through the evolution of the private cloud, a detailed exploration of VCF 9, and a demonstration highlighting its business value. The session concluded with an interactive panel discussion. The day wrapped up with a media interview and a dinner, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and sharing insights from the event.
In the panel discussion, Anas Jwaied, VP & GM at MBCOM, takes the audience through the MBCOM Emerging Markets journey. Photo credit: MBCOM Technologies
On the next day, MBCOM hosted a Public Sector round table and luncheon with executives and representatives from SARB (South African Reserve Bank), SARS (South African Revenue Service), the Department of Defence, SITA (South Africa’s State Information Technology Agency), the Department of Home Affairs and North-West University. Meetings which followed were with partners, distributors, and a significant customer session with the Standard Bank of South Africa.
Paul Nothard, Principal Solutions Architect, Financial Services Global Industries Group, Broadcom. Photo credit: MBCOM Technologies
“The collaboration and insights shared here highlight our deep commitment to understanding and innovating in the South African market. The innovative edge and business value that VCF 9 brings to the private cloud landscape are particularly relevant in this dynamic market. VCF 9 is a redefinition of what a modern private cloud platform can be, simplifying infrastructure management whilst creating space for innovation, faster execution, and stronger governance” said Mark Reynolds, Regional Director South Africa at MBCOM.
The three day event concluded on South Africa’s National Heritage Day. In celebration of this public holiday, MBCOM hosted the Broadcom team and enjoyed a series of local cultural activities.
In 2024, Broadcom established a sole regional partnership with MBCOM Technologies to manage the VMware business across Africa, CIS, Eastern Europe (except Poland, Czech and Slovakia), plus Levant and Middle East (except Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE). MBCOM manages all aspects of the VMware software portfolio in these regions—ranging from partner enablement and customer engagement to technical support and solution delivery. Through strategic partnerships, a robust partner ecosystem and regional expertise MBCOM delivers tailored cloud, virtualization, and infrastructure solutions that support innovation and operational agility across public and private sector enterprises.
Advanced Business Computing (ABC) and Google Cloud bring AI to life with Gemini Enterprise hands-on experience in Doha
Doha, October 29, 2025 – Advanced Business Computing (ABC), in collaboration with Google Cloud, hosted an engaging hands-on session that redefined what it means to learn about artificial intelligence. Held at the W Doha Hotel, the event drew more than 50 professionals eager to explore Google Gemini Enterprise through real-world demonstrations, guided labs, and collaborative learning.
The Google AgentSpace Hands-on Lab event moved beyond theory, giving participants the chance to experiment, prompt, and create using Gemini Enterprise’s advanced AI capabilities. Attendees discovered how to command AI effectively, uncovering new ways to generate ideas, automate workflows, and approach business challenges through an entirely new lens.
Bassem Shatila, General Manager, ABC, welcomes everyone to the event. Photo credit: ABC
The morning opened with remarks from ABC and Google Cloud, setting the tone for a day focused on purposeful innovation. Participants then took part in a guided, hands-on lab where they explored Gemini Enterprise’s interface and applied it to real business scenarios. Facilitators from both organizations provided step-by-step support, helping attendees see how the technology can adapt to their own organizational needs.
The Lab was all about hands-on experience of the latest Google AI platform. Photo credit: ABC
Networking sessions over coffee and lunch encouraged conversations that bridged technology and strategy, highlighting how Gemini Enterprise can accelerate AI adoption across industries in Qatar.
By the end of the event, participants didn’t just learn about Google’s latest AI platform—they experienced it. The workshop reflected ABC and Google Cloud’s shared commitment to making innovation tangible and empowering teams to use AI as a practical tool for growth and creativity.
A group photo at the end of the session. Photo credit: ABC
Advanced Business Computing W.L.L. is a leading provider of Information Technology products and services in Qatar. The company collaborates with top industry vendors and holds several prestigious partnerships, including being a Google Cloud Premier Partner, a Dell Technologies Titanium Black Partner, an Nvidia Partner, a VMware by Broadcom Partner, a Gold Trellix Partner, and an Apple Authorized Reseller. With extensive experience and a strong reputation as a trusted IT partner in the Qatari market, ABC is known for delivering exceptional products, solutions, and services, all complemented by outstanding customer care.
Driving asset lifecycle with IBM AI Infused Technology’ – eSolutions hosts successful sessions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Dubai, UAE – October 2025 – eSolutions, part of MDS System Integration Group, successfully hosted ‘Driving Asset Lifecycle with IBM AI Infused Technology’ in Abu Dhabi on October 28 and in Dubai on October 30. The two-day event brought together industry leaders, technology experts, and enterprise decision-makers to explore how AI, automation, and data-driven insights are transforming asset management, operational efficiency, and sustainability across industries in the Middle East.
Two Cities, One Vision
The Abu Dhabi session kicked off the event series with insightful discussions on digital transformation and sustainable asset management, followed by the Dubai session which highlighted the practical applications of AI-powered enterprise solutions and data-driven operations. Both events reinforced eSolutions’ commitment to helping organizations maximize value from IBM technologies.
Industry Leadership and Expertise
The events featured senior executives and technology experts from eSolutions and IBM, including:
Miguel Khouri, Senior Vice President, eSolutions UAE
Tahseen Abuzaineh, Technical Sales Specialist, Sustainability Software, IBM
Hani Obeid, Vice President, Picacity
Vaheetha Banu M., Director, Sales & Services, eSolutions
Alex Sanders, Director of Consulting and Pre-Sales, eSolutionsMEA
Chris Genin, Global VP, Asset Management, DP World
Olga Parra, Asset Lifecycle Management Solutions Leader, IBM Middle East and Africa
Vaheetha Banu M., Director, Sales & Services, eSolutions, presents to the attendees. Photo credit: eSolutions
Driving Digital Transformation and Sustainability
Through presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions, attendees explored how organizations can leverage AI and digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, improve sustainability, and achieve measurable business outcomes.
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai sessions, eSolutions continues to strengthen its position as a regional leader in digital asset management and enterprise solutions. The company remains committed to helping organizations across the Middle East to harness AI, automation, and advanced analytics to drive operational excellence, sustainability, and long-term business growth.
Relaxing at one of the events – from eSolutions, Roy Assaf (Sales Manager), Sultan Aloran (Regional Sales Manager), Rizwan Sayyed (Account Manager), and Seifeldin Wally (Senior Marketing Executive, MDS System Integration Group). Photo credit: eSolutions
eSolutions, part of MDS SI Group, is a premier asset management provider in the Middle East, established in 1996. As the region’s leading IBM and GE partner that focuses on sustainability solutions. The company delivers innovative and cost-effective EAM and APM solutions that enhance operational efficiency, excellence and promote sustainable practices. Serving industries like Oil and Gas, Petrochemicals, Utilities, and Telecom, the company leverages advanced analytics and AI to reduce downtime and boost productivity. With over 120 professionals, eSolutions drives digital transformation across many countries.
Bringing new green and sustainable life back to the Faraya mountains: Midis Group HO teams plant 200 new trees
In partnership with the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI), Midis Group employees recently united to restore biodiversity and combat climate change.
In a powerful demonstration of environmental commitment and team spirit, over 150 employees from Midis Group’s Head Office gathered in the Faraya mountains in Lebanon for a reforestation event. Together, they planted 200 native trees, breathing new life into a landscape rooted in Lebanon’s heritage.
Finding out about the day’s tasks: the LRI is a long established environmental charity and has already been responsible for planting millions of trees across the nation. Photo credit: Midis Group
This initiative reflects Midis Group’s long-term vision for sustainability and ecological responsibility. LRI is a leading national NGO that restores ecosystems, enhances climate resilience, and promotes sustainable land management across Lebanon. The newly planted ‘Midis Forest’ will contribute to carbon offsetting, support biodiversity, and help stabilize the fragile mountain soil.
Each tree was carefully selected to thrive in the Faraya region and to play a unique role in the ecosystem:
Cedrus libani – the iconic Cedar of Lebanon, symbol of strength and endurance.
Juniperus excelsa – a hardy pioneer species that stabilizes soil and thrives in harsh conditions.
Acer tauricolum – a graceful maple that adds seasonal beauty and shade.
Rosa canina – a resilient wild rose known for its fragrant blooms and vitamin-rich rosehips.
Quercus kotschyana – a rare and endangered oak, vital to Lebanon’s native biodiversity.
The HO team enjoyed the sun and the hard work and had a brilliant day. Photo credit: Midis Group
This reforestation effort is part of a broader Midis Group strategy to integrate sustainability into its corporate culture. By engaging employees in hands-on environmental action, the company fosters a deeper connection to nature and a shared sense of purpose.
MDS System Integration Group and Vertiv showcase next-generation AI infrastructure at GITEX GLOBAL 2025
Dubai, UAE – 13 October 2025 – MDS System Integration Group (MDS SI Group), one of the region’s leading digital system integrators, together with Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure solutions, is showcasing next-generation AI-ready data center technologies at GITEX GLOBAL 2025, taking place from October 13–17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
At Stand H3B50 in Data Center Hall 3, MDS SI Group and Vertiv are demonstrating how enterprises can accelerate AI adoption with infrastructure designed to deliver the power, cooling, and scalability that modern workloads demand. The joint showcase highlights both companies’ commitment to supporting the Middle East’s leadership in digital transformation and AI innovation.
Sami Abi Esber, President of MDS System Integration Group, said:
“For over four decades, MDS SI Group and Vertiv have worked side by side to deliver mission-critical infrastructure and full data center site preparation in the region with an undisputed leadership position in this market. At GITEX, we are once again joining forces to showcase how our partnership continues to support enterprises in building resilient and scalable foundations for AI-driven transformation based on the latest technologies in the data center industry.”
The booth features Vertiv’s latest innovations integrated with MDS SI Group’s end-to-end systems expertise, including:
Vertiv™ OneCore – A scalable, prefabricated modular system that unifies power, thermal, and IT infrastructure for high-density AI deployments of 5+ MW.
Vertiv™ CoolChip CDU600 – A liquid cooling distribution unit enabling efficient thermal management for direct-to-chip and high-density workloads.
Vertiv™ SmartCabinet™ ID – A comprehensive micro data center solution with IP54 protection for edge and distributed environments.
“GITEX provides a strategic platform to showcase our latest innovations and engage with key stakeholders across the Middle East, a region increasingly recognized as a force in AI innovation.” said Karsten Winther, President of Vertiv in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
The presence at GITEX underscores MDS SI Group’s strategic role in delivering integrated, AI-ready infrastructure solutions across industries including government, finance, energy, and enterprise. Through its ecosystem of partnerships, MDS SI Group enables organizations to modernize, optimize, and scale their IT environments to support the next generation of digital and AI-driven workloads.
MDS System Integration Group is an experienced and agile Digital Systems Integrator, powered by over 3,000 professionals, holding 1,400+ technology certifications and 250+ service delivery certifications. Serving more than 5,000 customers, MDS SI has been consistently recognized for its leadership, ranked #1 by IDC for IT Services revenues across several countries in the GCC.
With 60 affiliates across 11 countries and 18 cities in the Middle East and Turkey, MDS SI is committed to delivering business excellence through advanced technology solutions and an unmatched partner ecosystem. Part of Midis Group, MDS SI continues to drive digital and sustainable transformation across industries.
Empowering partnerships and innovation: Midis Group at GITEX GLOBAL 2025
Midis Group will once again demonstrate its leadership in digital transformation at GITEX GLOBAL 2025, highlighting innovative solutions in cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation—all enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) and strengthened by its extensive ecosystem of global and regional partners.
GITEX GLOBAL 2025, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 13–17, is billed as the region’s largest and most influential technology event, bringing together governments, innovators, and industry leaders.
“Our long-standing partnership with GITEX reflects Midis Group’s commitment to driving innovation and advancing digital growth across the region,” said Sami Abi Esber, President of MDS SI and Board Member of Midis Group.
For the past 16 years, Midis Group’s presence at GITEX GLOBAL has highlighted the Group’s unique capabilities and standing in the marketplace.
Gaby Matar, Executive VP for MDS SI, part of Midis Group, emphasized the importance of Midis Group’s continued participation in the region’s largest technology event: “At GITEX this year, visitors, as always, will find Midis at Majlis, represented across many of our own brands and partners stands, where we’ll not only showcase real customer solutions in cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation—all enhanced by pioneering AI, but also how we bring together innovative proven solutions through the region’s most trusted ecosystem of partners to deliver end-to-end digital transformation with our professional services team.”
“For us and from an experience of 30+ years of participation, GITEX is more than a showcase—it’s where partnerships deepen, opportunities emerge, and digital growth accelerates” added Gaby.
At the Majlis VIP Lounge, visitors will have the opportunity to engage with Midis Group’s senior executives and management, fostering discussions around ongoing collaborations, future initiatives, and shared visions for digital advancement. The Lounge serves as a premier networking space—bringing together global technology leaders, regional partners, and enterprise decision-makers to explore new opportunities for innovation and growth.
Meet our Midis Group affiliates at GITEX GLOBAL 2025
Across the exhibition halls, Midis Group affiliates will be showing the latest and most innovative products and solutions:
MDS System Integration Group maintains market leadership in the UAE and secures a top five position in Saudi Arabia for 2024
Dubai, UAE – October 2025 – MDS System Integration (SI) Group has reaffirmed its leadership in the GCC IT services sector, with the latest IDC Semiannual Services Tracker 2024H2 ranking the company #1 in the UAE and among the Top 5 in Saudi Arabia for 2024 market share.
Regional Leadership and Growth Drivers
MDS SI Group commands a 15% share of the UAE IT services market, leading across project-oriented, managed, and support services. The UAE market grew by 7.1% year-on-year in 2024, driven by robust investments in cloud, AI, and digital transformation, alongside government initiatives that continue to foster innovation and economic diversification.
KSA Market Performance
In Saudi Arabia, MDS SI Group ranks among the Top 5 IT service providers, posting strong year-on-year growth supported by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programs, which prioritize digital transformation, AI adoption, and cloud-based infrastructure modernization across industries.
Strategic Expansion Across the GCC
MDS SI Group continues to strengthen its GCC footprint through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, expanding its capabilities in Data Center infrastructure, data and AI practices, advanced analytics, business intelligence, and managed services. This integrated approach enables MDS SI to deliver end-to-end digital transformation solutions that enhance operational efficiency, agility, and business outcomes for enterprise and government clients alike.
Leadership Perspective
Sami Abi Esber, President of MDS System Integration Group, commented:
“Being ranked #1 in the UAE for over 20 consecutive years, among the Top 5 in Saudi Arabia, and a leading player in Qatar, Oman, and Jordan reflects our unwavering commitment to driving digital transformation across the region. By leveraging our strengths in data center infrastructure, cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and managed services, we empower organizations to operate more efficiently, innovate faster, and achieve measurable business results in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy.”
MDS System Integration Group is an experienced and agile Digital Systems Integrator, powered by over 3,000 professionals, holding 1,400+ technology certifications and 250+ service delivery certifications. Serving more than 5,000 customers, MDS SI has been consistently recognized for its leadership, ranked #1 by IDC for IT Services revenues across several countries in the GCC.
With 60 affiliates across 11 countries and 18 cities in the Middle East and Turkey, MDS SI is committed to delivering business excellence through advanced technology solutions and an unmatched partner ecosystem. Part of Midis Group, MDS SI continues to drive digital and sustainable transformation across industries.
i4 Solutions showcases Cybersecurity leadership at the Cisco Managed Services Partner Leadership Forum
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: At the recent Cisco Managed Services Partner Leadership Forum on September 16 and 17, i4 Solutions underscored its growing leadership in the regional cybersecurity landscape. General Manager Boutros El Haddad joined Cisco executives Yves Mertens and Eric Bostick on stage to spotlight how Cisco Extended Detection and Response (XDR) is transforming managed security services.
Their session highlighted the platform’s ability to identify threats earlier, tighten defenses, and deliver proactive security strategies that empower enterprises to operate with greater confidence in an increasingly hostile digital environment.
The discussion emphasized that Cisco XDR is not just a technology layer, but the foundation of i4 Solutions’ Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) model. By integrating detection, analytics, and rapid response, i4 Solutions is positioning itself as a trusted partner for organizations seeking to outpace evolving cyber threats while maintaining operational agility. The showcase reinforced a central message: security must evolve at the same speed as digital transformation, and strategic partnerships are the key to success.
Boutros El Haddad talking about Cisco XDR – it is not just a technology layer, but the foundation of i4 Solutions’ Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) model. Photo credit: i4 Solutions
This milestone moment comes at a time of recognition for i4 Solutions, which has recently been awarded two major Cisco partner designations: Extended Detection and Response Solution Specialized and Premier Provider. These certifications stand as a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation, technical expertise, and delivering measurable value to clients.
Commenting on the achievement, Boutros El Haddad said: “Earning these certifications and standing on stage with Cisco to showcase the power of XDR is a proud moment for our team. It reflects the dedication of our people and our mission to give customers the confidence to innovate and grow securely. At i4 Solutions, we believe that cybersecurity is not just about protecting businesses, it’s about enabling their future.”
‘Good job team!’ reads the writing on the cake. Photo credit: i4 Solutions
The achievement was celebrated at i4’s Doha headquarters, where employees gathered to mark the occasion. The celebration reflected not only the team’s pride in reaching this milestone but also a shared commitment to driving future growth. For i4 Solutions, these recognitions are more than accolades; they are a reaffirmation of the company’s mission to build resilient digital ecosystems for customers across industries, equipping them to thrive securely in the era of AI, cloud, and accelerated digital transformation.
Celebrating the success of the event with a selfie. Photo credit: i4 Solutions
In the fast paced, data-driven world we live in today, it is essential for businesses across different sectors to adopt new information technology solutions that are more effective to their business operations. i4 Solutions is dedicated to offering companies the technologies that enable their digital transformation journey towards improving day-to-day operations, providing valuable data and reporting, and guaranteeing a competitive advantage in the 21st century.
Commvault SHIFT Nairobi explores a new era of cyber resilience
Commvault Systems, the American cyber resilience and data protection software company, is running SHIFT, a global cyber resilience roadshow in 40 key business locations across the world. A recent edition of the roadshow took place in Nairobi on September 12 at the J.W. Marriott hotel with 430 confirmed attendees. The event, the first SHIFT event in central eastern Africa, was preceded by a grand VIP dinner on the evening of September 11.
According to Commvault, across many business sectors, we’ve reached an inflection point where the confluence of data, apps, and devices meets hybrid architectures and a new breed of threats, like ransomware, is now fuelled by the rise of ML and Generative AI. What’s needed, they say, is for businesses to SHIFT into a new era of cyber resilience.
Cristobal Macedo, General Manager – Commvault. Photo credit: Commvault
According to the Commvault event information about SHIFT, “A new approach is needed. One that consolidates, streamlines, and gives CISOs and IT the upper hand. Fighting AI with AI. Delivering true native cloud data security. And the one way to truly defeat ransomware once and for all.”
SHIFT Nairobi was pitched at CIOs, CISOs and IT leaders, and aimed to explore how organizations could:
Shift from just data recovery to true cyber resilience
Maintain Minimum Viable Business (MVB) operations during and after cyberattacks
Simplify and modernize your data security stack
Give Real-world lessons in proactive threat defence and rapid recovery
The Nairobi event began with a welcome from Cristobal Macedo, General Manager – Commvault, who was followed by Fady Richmany – Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Emerging Markets – CEE, CIS and META – Commvault. Fady’s keynote address was called ‘The Big SHIFT: Reimagining Resilience for the Hybrid Enterprise.’
Rasheed Ola Jimoh, Senior Director – Sub-Saharan Africa – Commvault, spoke about ‘The Financial Case for Being Cyber Resilient’ Photo credit: Commvault
Expert speakers offered real world insights: Eddy Nseir, Regional SE Director – CEE, Africa & Levant – Commvault, spoke about ”The Inevitable Breach – A CxO’s Guide to Cyber Resilience” and David Mugo, Senior Solution Engineer – East Africa – Commvault presented ‘From Theory to Practice – The Resilient Enterprise in Action.’ Rasheed Ola Jimoh, Senior Director – Sub-Saharan Africa – Commvault, spoke about ‘The Financial Case for Being Cyber Resilient.’ A Q&A and a panel discussion followed.
Other speakers and panellists included Saul Wamalwa, Sales Manager – East Africa – Commvault, Hartnell Ndungi, Chief Data Officer – ABSA Bank, Geoffrey Gitagia, Group IT Manager a – Avenue Healthcare, Adam Nyaga, Chief Revenue Officer and Sushin Ek, Associate CTO, both from Platinum sponsors, Computech.
Commvault (NASDAQ: CVLT) is the gold standard in cyber resilience, helping more than 100,000 organizations keep data safe and businesses resilient and moving forward. Today, Commvault offers the only cyber resilience platform that combines the best data security and rapid recovery at enterprise scale across any workload, anywhere—at the lowest TCO.
Southcomp Polaris, a Mindware company, hosts exclusive Libyan partner summit
Tunis, Tunisia, September 29, 2025: Mindware, a leading Value-Added Distributor (VAD) in the Middle East and Africa, as part of its partner summit series, hosted an exclusive event in Tunisia through its affiliate, Southcomp Polaris (SCP), bringing 60 of its most prominent channel partners from Libya. The event aimed to strengthen relationships, share technology insights, and explore collaborative opportunities for driving digital transformation in Libya.
“This event reaffirmed Southcomp Polaris’ vision of serving as a trusted technology enabler in Africa, fostering long-term partnerships, accelerating digital transformation, and driving sustainable growth across the region. Together with our strategic partners, we remain committed to empowering organizations with the innovation, expertise, and solutions needed to shape the future” stated Benoit Malraison, Vice President, France & Africa, Mindware.
“This event is a key part of SCP’s broader regional growth strategy in Africa. It demonstrates our commitment to strengthening channel ecosystems and accelerating digital transformation across the region. By bringing Libyan partners together in Tunisia, we facilitated knowledge transfer on the latest cloud, data, and cybersecurity innovations, enabled stronger collaboration between SCP, Dell Technologies, and our local partners, and reinforced our investment in Africa, where the market is prioritizing IT modernization. The summit also created momentum for regional expansion; ensuring our partners are equipped with the right tools, training, and solutions to capture new opportunities” said Anis Abdessalem, General Manager, Tunisia, Libya and Ivory Coast at Southcomp Polaris.
Libya represents a dynamic and fast-growing market for Southcomp Polaris and is of strategic importance to the company. Enterprises, government entities, and service providers are increasingly adopting modern IT infrastructure, cloud solutions, and enhanced cybersecurity. By empowering local partners, Southcomp Polaris is enabling innovation across critical sectors such as energy, banking, telecom, and public services.
To support this momentum, the two-day summit featured sessions on cloud and multi-cloud strategies, data & storage innovations, services and business enablement. Key highlights included the launch of the new Dell partner program FY26, interactive workshops, partner engagement activities, and networking opportunities that fostered knowledge exchange and direct engagement with technology experts. By empowering local partners, Mindware is driving innovation across critical sectors such as energy, banking, telecom, and public services.
Southcomp Polaris plans to continue supporting its Libyan partner ecosystem with training, access to cutting-edge solutions, and co-marketing initiatives. Similar events are also planned across Africa to further strengthen partnerships, knowledge sharing, and regional growth.
At the end of the event everyone gathered for a group photo. Photo credit: Mindware/Southcomp Polaris
Mindware, a leading IT distributor in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, takes pride in offering top-quality global brands to over 7,500 partners with legal entities in 13 countries. With a rich history dating back to 1991 and headquartered in Dubai, UAE, Mindware’s unwavering commitment spans over three decades, empowering businesses with cutting-edge IT solutions, AI technologies, and fostering digital transformation. Mindware’s comprehensive offering encompasses a selection of leading brands in infrastructure, networking, security, storage, and artificial intelligence solutions.
As part of its Value-Added Distribution (VAD) methodology, Mindware goes the extra mile to provide supplementary value-added services to its reselling partners including pre-sales consultancy, implementation services, local technical support, AI enablement, marketing enablement tools, and multiple channel-enabling programs. Supported by strategically positioned logistic centres in key locations, Mindware ensures seamless distribution across all channels, efficiently catering to the needs of its esteemed partners and customers in both traditional IT and emerging AI landscapes.
HPE, operated by Selectium celebrates excellence and innovation at INFOSEK 2025
The team from HPE, operated by Selectium welcomed partners and customers at Slovenia’s largest cybersecurity conference – INFOSEK 2025: Building a safer cyber world together. Hosted in Nova Gorica from September 3–5, 2025, the 23rd INFOSEK conference was the largest professional gathering in Slovenia and the wider region focused on information and cybersecurity.
Held at the Hotel Perla, the event welcomed over 850 participants, setting a new record for attendance, and reinforcing its status as a central hub for knowledge exchange, professional networking, and industry collaboration.
The daily conference activities were packed with insightful lectures from leading IT companies representatives, followed by engaging leisure activities designed to foster networking opportunities. These interactions allowed the HPE team to connect meaningfully with industry stakeholders while effectively promoting the HPE brand. HPE, operated by Selectium presence included an exhibition stand and a lecture. The team was present on the exhibition stand for all three days of the conference.
Mladen Vukadinović presents about HPE GreenLake at INFOSEK 2025. Photo credit: HPE, operated by Selectium
Presentation Highlight: Securing the Cloud with HPE GreenLake
Among the speakers was Mladen Vukadinović, an experienced solutions sales specialist at HPE, operated by Selectium focused on connecting people and data through HPE solutions. With over 15 years of experience in team leadership and project management, Mladen combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of clients’ business objectives.
Mladen’s session emphasized that cloud security goes beyond technical requirements—it is the foundation of trust, business stability, and regulatory compliance. The HPE GreenLake platform offers advanced security features that provide complete control over your data and environment, wherever you are.
Attendees learned how multi-layered protection, access management, encryption, and compliance with leading security standards combine to create a secure, transparent, and reliable platform for hybrid IT management.
The HPE, operated by Selectium team welcoming visitors to their stand at INFOSEK 2025. Photo credit: HPE, operated by Selectium
INFOSEK 2025 once again proved to be a cornerstone event for professionals in information security, offering invaluable learning opportunities, cutting-edge insights, and a space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration in the region.
HPE, operated by Selectium serves as the local representative of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) in Bulgaria, Croatia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Serbia and Slovenia. It is a renowned technology company with a comprehensive range of high-quality IT solutions, services, and products designed to assist customers in optimizing their IT environments.
It provides innovative technologies that empower organizations to transition to a hybrid infrastructure, safeguard and manage business data, and foster increased productivity and essential agility in the market. In today’s business landscape, these capabilities are indispensable for successful operations.
iSTYLE opens first APP store in Sofia, Bulgaria
The first iSTYLE Apple Premium Partner store in Bulgaria opened to the public on August 31, with customers queueing all day from 8am to be the first through the doors at the retail site, which is situated in The Mall in central Sofia. Many had travelled hundreds of kilometres across the country to experience the excellence of this premium Apple retail concept.
Apple fans and customers were welcomed with gifts offered through a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ contest and were entertained by a magician and a graphic caricaturist that offered personalized sketches. To keep everyone refreshed, drinks and refreshments were handed out.
Enthusiastic Apple fans crowd round the helpdesk at iSTYLE Sofia. Photo credit: iSTYLE
“I believe this new level of partnership marks a fundamental shift in the overall customer experience. iSTYLE has been the exclusive Apple Premium Reseller in Bulgaria, and now we are proud to take our collaboration a significant step further by becoming the only Premium Partner store in the market—aligning with Apple’s highest retail standards and delivering an enhanced shopping experience for our customers” said Veselin Hristev, Country Manager for Bulgaria and the Adriatic countries.
“Building on this momentum, we plan to expand our presence at the end of 2025 and into 2026 with additional stores across the country, reflecting the strong potential and growing demand we see here” added Veselin.
iSTYLE Sofia, interior view. Photo credit: iSTYLE
A few days before the public opening, on September 29, the store team and management briefly opened the doors for a preview with guest PR representatives and B2B/SMB partners and customers. Veselin Hristev welcomed those present and introduced the new APP concept and presented details about the business offer from iSTYLE.
iSTYLE The Mall, Sofia, exterior view. Photo credit: iSTYLE
iSTYLE, a proud member of the Midis Group, stands as the largest network of Apple Premium retail stores across 15 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain under the K-tuin brand. Since launching its first store in 1999, iSTYLE has grown into a global leader in Apple retail, boasting more than 140 locations in the EMEA.
This includes 66 stores across CEE and 31 in the MENA, offering customers a premium shopping experience with expert guidance and top-tier service. Additionally, its sister company, K-tuin, further strengthens its presence with 46 stores across Spain, ensuring Apple enthusiasts have access to unparalleled service and the latest innovations.
iSTYLE opens new APP in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – August 30, 2025 – iSTYLE, Apple Premium Partner, proudly announced the grand opening of its first Apple Premium Partner (APP) store in Ras Al Khaimah at Al Hamra Mall.
Following the success of previous Apple Premium Partner store launches across the UAE, this new opening brings Apple’s latest global retail concept to Ras Al Khaimah, creating a premium destination for customers to explore the full range of Apple products and accessories.
Interior view, iSTYLE Ras Al Khaimah. Photo credit: iSTYLE
The spacious, modern, store is designed to deliver a welcoming environment where customers can experience the Apple ecosystem firsthand. A team of multilingual Apple-trained experts is available to provide customers with tailored support, whether they are discovering Apple products for the first time or looking to elevate their digital lifestyle.
Since its establishment in 2005, iSTYLE has expanded its footprint across the UAE, currently operating six Apple Premium Partner stores and 11 Apple Premium Reseller stores, with a continued commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.
Exterior view, iSTYLE Ras Al Khaimah. Photo credit: iSTYLE
“We are proud to announce the opening of our new Apple Premium Partner store at Al Hamra Mall in Ras Al Khaimah” said Nicolas Daher, Managing Director Retail, Midis Group (CEE, MENA and Spain).
“This milestone reflects iSTYLE’s continued growth and our commitment to delivering an exceptional Apple experience across the UAE. iSTYLE now operates in 14 countries with more than 100 stores, creating a strong network that brings Apple innovation closer to communities.”
“Backed by Midis Group’s 50 years of expertise representing leading technology brands, iSTYLE is a trusted partner for Apple’s complete ecosystem of products and services, supported by knowledgeable teams and reliable after-sales care. With this new store, we will make the Apple experience even more accessible to customers in Ras Al Khaimah” added Nicolas Daher.
The team at iSTYLE Ras Al Khaimah relax at the store opening. Photo credit: iSTYLE
“We are incredibly proud to open our brand-new iSTYLE Apple Premium Partner Store in Al Hamra Mall, Ras Al Khaimah. Whether you’re exploring the latest devices, seeking expert advice, or in need of technical support, our dedicated team is here to deliver an exceptional standard of service every step of the way. With a full-service center on-site, we’re thrilled to bring the complete A-to-Z Apple experience under one roof” said Mykhaylo Yurchyshyn, Retail Manager, iSTYLE UAE.
“This beautiful space is more than just a store – it’s a hub to explore, connect, and learn something new on our interactive Workshops and Demo sessions. None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication and hard work of our team, whose passion helped bring this vision to life. We’re excited to welcome customers to iSTYLE Al Hamra Mall — your trusted destination for all things ‘Apple'” added Mykhaylo.
iSTYLE, a proud member of the Midis Group, stands as the largest network of Apple Premium retail stores across 15 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain under the K-tuin brand. Since launching its first store in 1999, iSTYLE has grown into a global leader in Apple retail, boasting more than 140 locations in the EMEA.
This includes 67 stores across CEE and 31 in the MENA, offering customers a premium shopping experience with expert guidance and top-tier service. Additionally, its sister company, K-tuin, further strengthens its presence with 46 stores across Spain, ensuring Apple enthusiasts have access to unparalleled service and the latest innovations.
Vertiv and MDS Energy chart five-year growth plan at Lebanon strategy retreat
LEBANON — September 9–13: Vertiv and MDS Energy have convened a multi-day strategy retreat in Lebanon to align on a joint five-year growth roadmap, combining business planning, knowledge-sharing, and cross-team collaboration.
The program brought together leaders, partners and operating teams to exchange views on regional demand, prioritize opportunities and synchronize execution plans. Sessions focused on data centers, emerging ‘AI factory’ architectures, and enterprise innovation—underscoring a shared commitment to sustainable digital transformation across the region.
Day one opened with a keynote from Sami Abi Esber, President, MDS System Integration Group. Karsten Winther, Vertiv President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, also delivered a Vertiv keynote, with a subsequent message from Vertiv CEO Giordano Albertazzi. Jihad Abi Saleh (President of EastGulf – Qatar) and Tassos Peppas (Regional Director, Middle East, South East Europe, Turkey & Central Asia, Vertiv) then outlined the joint five-year growth program and areas of commercial focus.
Subsequent days featured team presentations, working sessions, and a hands-on team-building activity designed to strengthen collaboration across functions and geographies. The retreat concluded with the Annual Gala Dinner, celebrating recent achievements, partners momentum, and the collective push toward the next phase of expansion.
More than an offsite, the gathering served as a concrete step toward a unified, five-year execution agenda, anchored by closer Vertiv–MDS Energy alignment and a clear plan to scale opportunities across key markets.
Mindware and VMware partner to boost Egypt’s Digital Transformation
Mindware, a leading value-added distributor (VAD) in the Middle East and Africa, is proud to announce its appointment as an official distributor for VMware, a Broadcom company, in Egypt. This new alliance is poised to bring VMware’s globally renowned cloud infrastructure and virtualization technologies to a rapidly evolving Egyptian market, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for digital transformation.
This announcement comes on the heels of Mindware’s recent appointment in March this year as VMware’s distributor covering Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan. With the addition of Egypt, Mindware significantly expands its VMware footprint across the Levant and North Africa, reinforcing its role as a key regional partner for VMware and consolidating its leadership in delivering next-generation IT solutions across the broader Middle East region.
Mindware will now deliver VMware’s comprehensive suite of technologies to enterprises and public sector institutions throughout Egypt. These include cloud infrastructure, app modernization platforms, advanced networking and security solutions, and digital workspace tools, designed to enhance operational agility, IT performance, and business resilience.
Toni Azzi, Vice President, Africa, Qatar & Levant at Mindware, commented: “Egypt is at the forefront of digital transformation, led by ambitious national strategies and a vibrant private sector. By integrating VMware into our distribution portfolio, we are helping Egyptian enterprises build agile, secure, and future-ready digital infrastructures. With our established partner network and local expertise, Mindware is uniquely positioned to lead VMware’s expansion in this dynamic market.”
Amr Salah ElDin, Regional Director, North Africa, Levant & Egypt at VMware, stated: “Our partnership with Mindware marks a significant milestone in VMware’s regional growth journey. As Egypt accelerates its move toward cloud-first, digitally empowered operations, we are confident that Mindware’s market reach and channel expertise will play a crucial role in helping organizations unlock the full value of VMware’s solutions. We look forward to driving innovation and modernization across Egypt together.”
The collaboration comes at a time of unprecedented opportunity. According to IDC, Egypt’s spending on cloud computing is projected to exceed $800 million by 2027, underscoring the country’s fast-growing appetite for digital infrastructure. Public and private sector organizations alike are investing heavily in smart government initiatives, financial inclusion, health tech, and educational platforms—areas where VMware’s technologies can make a transformative impact.
Mindware, a leading IT distributor in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, takes pride in offering top-quality global brands to over 7,500 partners with legal entities in 13 countries. With a rich history dating back to 1991 and headquartered in Dubai, UAE, Mindware’s unwavering commitment spans over three decades, empowering businesses with cutting-edge IT solutions, AI technologies, and fostering digital transformation. Mindware’s comprehensive offering encompasses a selection of leading brands in infrastructure, networking, security, storage, and artificial intelligence solutions.
As part of its Value-Added Distribution (VAD) methodology, Mindware goes the extra mile to provide supplementary value-added services to its reselling partners including pre-sales consultancy, implementation services, local technical support, AI enablement, marketing enablement tools, and multiple channel-enabling programs. Supported by strategically positioned logistic centres in key locations, Mindware ensures seamless distribution across all channels, efficiently catering to the needs of its esteemed partners and customers in both traditional IT and emerging AI landscapes.
MBCOM Technologies Africa Summit 2025: driving solutions for sustainable growth
MBCOM Technologies, Broadcom Representative, recently achieved significant success hosting the Africa Summit 2025 at the Hotel Pullman in Nairobi. From interactive sessions with Broadcom and MBCOM Technologies experts, to real-world case studies and powerful networking opportunities, the Summit, from August 12 to 14, was planned to be a game changer for tech leaders across the region.
The event included panels, strategy sessions, innovation showcases and discussions featuring expert insights on cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, alongside explorations of the latest market trends with top regional IT and business leaders.
Djamil Jaddoo at the Africa Summit. Photo credit: MBCOM Technologies
“A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Africa Summit 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya and contributed to its success!” said Djamil Jaddoo, Territory Manager at MBCOM Technologies. “It was an incredible opportunity to connect, share valuable insights and create greater awareness around our Cyber Security and Enterprise Software solutions.”
Sayoum Damtew, Director of Information System Security at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, presents his keynote thoughts at the Africa Summit. Photo credit: MBCOM Technologies
Alongside a welcoming keynote from Djamil Jaddoo, other major speakers and panellists were Seyoum Damtew – Director of Information System Security at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, and from MBCOM Technologies, Andries Lategan – Chief Technology Officer, META Region, Carlos Arranz – Head of Enterprise Software for AOD/IMS, Piyush Vachhani – Practice Manager, Presales META, Kalman Makay – Enterprise IT Security, Arif Sogut – Principal Presales Consultant, Roy Waichanguru – Presales Engineer, Shanil Sonut – Technical Presales Engineer, and Robert Azar – Business Planning and Development.
Andries Lategan outlines the advantages of MBCOM Technologies in the African marketplace. Photo credit: MBCOM Technologies
The Summit included sessions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and security across various domains. Topics included:
Experience Driven Network Operations with AppNeta
Enhancing Data Loss Protection (DLP) through Automated Security Incident Remediation
Transformation Monitoring into Full Stack Observability
Endpoint Security
Value Stream Management
AIOPS (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations)
Automation
Carbon Black
Network Security
ValueOps
In one of the panel discussions on Day One, Andries Lategan (MBCOM), on the right, challenges the panel to comment on an issue of the day. Photo credit: MBCOM Technologies
“We truly appreciate the participation of our channel partners, distributors, and our esteemed customers” added Djamil Jaddoo. “We highlighted how Broadcom Software delivers industry-leading solutions in cybersecurity, infrastructure, and enterprise software that help organizations innovate, stay secure, and operate at scale. Your engagement has not only helped us to showcase our products but also exchange knowledge that drives us all forward. Here’s to more conversations, collaborations, and innovations ahead – Asante sana!”
MBCOM Technologies is a subsidiary of the Midis Group and is the sole distributor for Broadcom Software (including CA and Symantec software solutions) in five substantial territories – the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Eastern Europe and CIS.
iSTYLE Romania celebrates grand opening of new Apple Premium Partner store in Bucharest
The team from iSTYLE Romania recently welcomed customers for the first time at the third Apple Premium Partner store in Bucharest, Romania, with a fanfare of exciting offers and entertainment at the evening opening event.
The re-opened store, on the ground floor of the Mega Mall shopping center, serves the east part of the city, and has been upgraded from an Apple Authorised Reseller into an Apple Premium Partner retail site. There are 16 iSTYLE sites in total across Romania.
At the opening event on Thursday, July 17th, a large queue formed outside the store. Throughout the day, over 1,500 Apple and iSTYLE fans entered the store. Many attendees arrived and waited in line three hours before the ribbon was cut to officially open the doors.
Inside the store, customers can explore a comprehensive range of Apple products and engage in conversations with Apple-trained experts. The store also offers technical support, training sessions on various Apple devices, access to financial services, and a variety of services tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, as well as B2B and educational services.
“iSTYLE is proud to reopen its Mega Mall store as an Apple Premium Partner, aligning with Apple’s highest retail standard and delivering an enhanced shopping experience for our customers” said Dragos Vrinceanu, iSTYLE Country Manager, Romania.
“This transformation underscores our long-term commitment to the Romanian market. Building on this momentum, we plan to expand our presence in the end of 2025 and 2026 with additional stores across the country, reflecting the strong potential and growing demand we see here.”
Interior view of the new iSTYLE APP in Mega Mall, Bucharest. Photo credit: iSTYLE
At the evening opening celebration there was music from a city DJ, while Apple fans, patiently waiting in the queue, were served hot drinks and snacks. To add to the entertainment for waiting customers, a well-known MC played games using the Kahoot app. This allowed customers to win prizes by answering questions correctly and quickly on their iPhones.
The iSTYLE team also organized an Apple ecosystem workshop, presenting the most popular features of the products. Customers were able to purchase some of the most popular Apple products with very special prices during the event.
A member of the in store team keeps people in the queue up-to-date with the program for the opening event. Photo credit: iSTYLE
iSTYLE, a proud member of the Midis Group, stands as the largest network of Apple Premium retail stores across 15 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain under the K-tuin brand. Since launching its first store in 1999, iSTYLE has grown into a global leader in Apple retail, boasting more than 140 locations in the EMEA.
This includes 67 stores across CEE and 31 in the MENA, offering customers a premium shopping experience with expert guidance and top-tier service. Additionally, its sister company, K-tuin, further strengthens its presence with 46 stores across Spain, ensuring Apple enthusiasts have access to unparalleled service and the latest innovations.
