MDS SI, IDC & IBM ESG summit: Leading a Sustainable Future

MDS SI, IDC and IBM collaborated to host a successful Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) summit entitled ‘Leading A Sustainable Future.’ The event, on May 23, took place in the Immersive Room at the SEE Institute in Sustainability City in Dubai. The SEE Institute is the first sustainable venue in the UAE.

The event included keynotes and panel discussions featuring senior analysts and executives from leading organizations across various industries sharing their expertise and perspectives on the evolving landscape of ESG. The summit brought together over 65 leaders from various tech sectors.

According to the IDC website for the event, sustainable strategies and technologies are increasingly vital in modern business, enhancing efficiency, resilience and competitiveness.

IDC predicts that spending on purpose-built sustainability services is expected to surge from $37.7 billion in 2023 to nearly $65.0 billion in 2027, representing a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.9%. This growth reflects a rising commitment to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into organizational frameworks.

As an example of those positive IDC growth metrics, MDS SI has been an early presence in the development of ESG best practice in the MENA regions and the Group has been active using ESG to enable sustainable business transformation across key markets and with major clients from a range of sectors.

MDS SI is now offering in-depth advisory approaches to ESG strategies and methods implementation for operational and sustainable solutions through the Group’s Platinum Partnership and expertise with IBM. Importantly, MDS SI is the only IBM Platinum Partner focusing on sustainability solutions implementation.

At the heart of the discussion all day was one core message – ‘Driving Corporate Value through ESG Excellence.’ Gaby Matar, Executive Vice President of MDS SI Group, explained the Group’s commitment to this theme as he welcomed the attendees to the event and gave an overview of the subjects of the day.

“At MDS System Integration Group, we have been diligent in demonstrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices across the Group. Our people understand the importance of ESG, and we believe our customers appreciate our knowledge of these pillars and how they enhance the value of their interaction with us,” said Gaby.

“When looking at the broader Midis Group, our culture of good governance and our recognition of the need to integrate sustainability into everyday business thinking have long been the foundation of our global brand. We would like to express our gratitude to our partners, IDC and IBM, as well as all the speakers and attendees, for their insights. We look forward to continuing our journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous future together” concluded Gaby.

Presentations followed from the main speakers of the day, beginning with Saad Toma, General Manager, IBM MEA, who spoke about “Sustainability: Turning Ambition into Action with AI.” Dr. Ibrahim Al-Zu’bi, Chief Sustainability Officer, ADNOC presented a keynote entitled “ESG Principles and Why ESG Matters for Business Resilience, Competitiveness, and Long-term Success.” Gaya Magie, Director Asset Management Solutions, Sustainability Software, IBM spoke about “Infused Asset Lifecycle Management for a Sustainable Future.”

Also of note was the presentation from Alex Sanders, Director of Consulting and PreSales, eSolutions, who explored “Innovating ESG Performance: Strategizing, Implementing, and Operationalizing for the Next Decade.”

There were two informative panel discussions where experts examined how businesses can weave Environmental, Social, and Governance considerations into the fabric of their corporate strategies. The first session – “Future of ESG: Trends, Priorities, and Predictions” – featured notable figures with views on the likely trajectory of innovation and achievement in ESG practices.

The second session – “Integrating ESG into Corporate Strategy” – featured industry leaders who discussed practical methods for aligning sustainability goals with business objectives, embedding ESG into company culture, and the role of leadership in championing ESG initiatives.

More about MDS SI

MDS SI, part of the Midis Group, has been ranked #1 by IDC in terms of IT Services revenues across several countries in the GCC. Comprising 60+ companies spread across 13 countries and 20 major cities, MDS SI group employs 2,600+ professionals and has 5000+ customers across the region. Having been in the market for more than five decades, MDS SI has extensive experience in delivering the most innovative technologies and solutions, and empowering customers in their Digital Transformation journey.

MDS SI Group focuses on the following key technologies/solutions: Digital Transformation (Cloud, AI, Data Management, Automation, Analytics etc.), Data Center Infrastructure Services, Managed Services, Cybersecurity Services, Business Solutions, Professional Services, End User Computing, Mobility and Communications, Enterprise Infrastructure, Technical Services (Maintenance, outsourcing and call center), Site and Power Solutions, ELV and AV, Mobile and Containerized data centers, manufacturing of Telecom Shelters.

Key African policy and decision-makers rally to shape the continent’s digital future at the Connected Africa Summit 2024

I’m reflecting on an extraordinary week at the transformative Connected Africa Summit 2024, held at Uhuru Gardens from April 21 to 25, 2024. The summit drew delegates from across the globe to explore investment opportunities in digital infrastructure and job creation, heralding a new era of digital economic landscape for Africa.

Predominantly sponsored by the private sector, with Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium Kenya as one of the sponsors, the summit also showcased robust collaboration between government and businesses in technology.

At the forefront of the summit were key African policy and decision-makers, rallying to shape the continent’s digital future. The Kenyan government played a pivotal role, with high-level involvement indicating strong support, from His Excellency President William Ruto’s opening address to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s closing remarks.

The summit witnessed a remarkable turnout, with delegates from 49 countries, including government ministers, diplomats, and high-ranking officials. According to the organisers, at least 10,000 delegates were expected at the major event. Notable participants included CEOs of leading tech firms and key stakeholders in the digital and technological sectors, creating a richly diverse and influential gathering. Ernest Sales, President of Local Office and Co-President Retail at Midis Group, was prominent among the leaders present.

Collaborations among various government agencies ensured alignment with national and regional digital transformation goals. 14 Government Ministers from different African countries signed the ‘Nairobi Declaration’ on Fostering a Connected and Empowered Africa. The agreement was inked at the Ministerial Exclusive Round Table Forum lead by Eluid Owalo, the Cabinet Secretary responsible for ICT and the Digital Economy.

Key themes of the summit included digital transformation for economic growth, leveraging technology for governance and public service delivery, and creating supportive ecosystems for startups. For Kenya, hosting the summit brought substantial benefits, enhancing its reputation as a technology leader, attracting foreign investments, and fostering partnerships. The summit’s resolutions emphasized investment in digital infrastructure, expansion of digital literacy initiatives, and policy reforms to support innovation and economic inclusion.

For me, the Connected Africa Summit 2024 was a landmark event that showcased Africa’s strides in digital innovation and economic growth. As someone deeply invested in Africa’s future, I was inspired by the strong governmental support, international participation, and private sector collaboration evident throughout the summit.

Key highlights included discussions on digital infrastructure investment, youth empowerment, and partnerships with global tech firms. The event not only bolstered Kenya’s reputation as a tech leader but also laid the groundwork for a more connected and prosperous Africa. I’m excited about the future prospects for Africa’s digital transformation and eager to see how initiatives from the summit will shape the continent’s trajectory.

Looking ahead, the future of the Connected Africa Summit is promising. As the first continental event of its kind, it is poised to become one of the most influential tech gatherings on the continent, driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and shaping Africa’s digital destiny.

About Angela Mutua

With over 15 years of experience in my career, including seven years at Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium, I have honed my skills as a Territory Sales Manager in the public sector space. Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, I earned my Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration from the United States International University.

Revolutionizing savings: iSTYLE and the ENTERTAINER unveil collaborative app

Dubai, UAE – May 10, 2024 – iSTYLE, the leading Apple Premium Partner in the Middle East, Africa and Central Eastern Europe, and the ENTERTAINER, the region’s leading lifestyle savings app, today announced the launch of a co-branded app, iSTYLE ENTERTAINER.

The innovative app will provide iSTYLE customers in the UAE and Oman with access to save at over 200 merchants. The app will include Buy One Get One Free offers for dining, attractions, activities, salons, spas, fitness, hotel stays and more.

Ernest Sales, President of Local Office and Co-President of Retail at Midis Group said “We’re excited to provide our loyal customers with an exceptional way to explore new experiences, save money, and get the most out of their lifestyle. The platform will offer an enhanced iSTYLE user experience allowing customers to easily find and redeem savings on the go.”

Donna Benton, Founder and CEO of the ENTERTAINER added “When it comes to brand loyalty, consumers have adopted a no compromise on quality or value approach, and we are uniquely positioned to help clients navigate this ever-changing digital landscape. We are proud to deliver iSTYLE ENTERTAINER, a platform that can evolve with iSTYLE’s vision and create a more rewarding experience for their customers.”

About the ENTERTAINER 

The ENTERTAINER offers customised loyalty and rewards opportunities to over 250 businesses globally. It enables businesses to tailor their loyalty and rewards programs to serve their customers and staff. Whether driving customer acquisition, improving staff retention or increasing omnichannel data-driven engagement, the ENTERTAINER delivers tangible ROI in addition to invaluable analytics and insights.

About iSTYLE
iSTYLE, part of the Midis Group, was established in 2005 and has grown to become one of the largest networks of Apple Premium Partner stores in Central Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA). Together with its sister company K-Tuin in Spain, iSTYLE runs over 135 dedicated Apple points of sale across 13 countries in the region, making them the go-to destination for Apple enthusiasts who are looking for the latest and most reliable Apple products.

Toni Azzi of Mindware writes about the transformation of Qatar’s economy in Intelligent Tech Channels magazine

In the latest edition of Intelligent Tech Channels magazine, Toni Azzi, VP – Qatar, Levant and Africa at Mindware, offers a ‘Partners’ View’ of the technological development of Qatar. Mr Azzi discusses how technology is transforming Qatar’s economy, highlighting the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for economic diversification, social development, and innovation.

He emphasizes the country’s investments in digital infrastructure, ICT sectors, and smart city initiatives, as well as the growth of the digital economy and the creation of employment opportunities. Azzi also stresses the importance of quality education and international collaboration adding to the richness of the technology sector.

As Toni outlines the background to the recent period of growth, he considers how the Qatari economy has weathered many challenges – economic and political – over recent years, and notes that the economy has certainly demonstrated resilience. In particular, he suggests, this is because the Government has put forward successful measures to ensure economic stability.

“In the last three years, Qatar’s economy has continued to grow the government’s investment in infrastructure projects, particularly in preparation for hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2020, stimulating economic activity and creating employment opportunities” writes Toni.

Importantly, he points out that the Government has stuck to it’s development goals, which include investing in key growth sectors such as finance, technology, tourism and renewable energy to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons and ensure sustainable growth.

“Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the ruler of Qatar, has demonstrated a strong vision and commitment to technology and its role in shaping the future of the country” added Toni Azzi. This is strongly evidenced in the Qatari National Vision 2030 initiative, he writes. This is a comprehensive development plan aimed at transforming Qatar into a knowledge-based economy.

According to Toni, the vision emphasizes the importance of technology in various sectors including education, health care, infrastructure and governance. Qatar is a hub for smart cities, integrating cutting edge technologies to enhance the quality of life for its residents. This includes advanced infrastructure, sustainable energy solutions, efficient transportation systems.

“Mindware, through its 200+ partners in Qatar, is an enabler of the technology growth in the market by promoting, selling and distributing the latest technology solutions to end customers through our partners” – Toni Azzi

Now, the fruits of the last three years of focused strategic investment are becoming clear, writes Toni. Qatar has implemented digital services such as E-government platforms, mobile applications, and online portals to streamline public services, promote efficiency, and improve citizen engagement. This expansion of the ICT landscape has led to further increases in employment across Qatar for skilled professionals in software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, telecommunications, and digital marketing.

Mindware has played an increasingly important role in the new Qatari technology sector. Through the establishment of a legal entity in Qatar, the Group has continued investment to respond to the growing market and customers’ demand and requirements. Mindware Qatar has accompanied the country’s vision with investment in resources, offices, technology demonstration units and proof of concepts.

Read the whole article in Intelligent Tech Channels here 

More about Mindware

Mindware, a leading IT distributor in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, and part of the Midis Group, takes pride in offering top-quality global brands to over 5,000 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 and fostering digital transformation.

Mindware’s comprehensive offering encompasses a selection of leading brands in infrastructure, networking, security, and storage. 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, 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.

MDS System Integration Group wraps successful 2024 Kick-off event

MDS System Integration Group recently delivered a successful 2024 Kick-off event at the Meydan Hotel in Dubai and welcomed over 160+ attendees, with most being senior members across the affiliate companies.

In his opening keynote, MDS SI President, Sami Abi Esber, highlighted the event as a cornerstone for setting the year’s vision and celebrating collective achievements. The ASCEND theme underscores MDS SI’s commitment to growth and excellence in the tech industry and represents the goals to Advance, Strategize, Connect, Execute, Navigate, and Develop.

Key leaders from various departments across the group, including Strategy, Business Development, Marketing, Human Resources, IT, Compliance and Finance, presented their strategies, goals and visions for the year. They shared insights into current achievements, strategic initiatives for growth, and plans for leveraging innovation and collaboration across the group.

The event also had the privilege of hosting distinguished speakers, including Jyoti Lalchandani, Group Vice President & Regional Managing Director for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at IDC. He shared invaluable insights and priorities in the industry for 2024, enlightening attendees on future tech trends and strategic priorities. This was complemented by a presentation from Philippe Jarre, CEO of Mindware, who provided updates on the strategic alignment between Mindware and MDS SI.

Midis Group Chairman & CEO, Nabil Bustros, began the afternoon session with a comprehensive Midis Group overview. The event featured a mix of strategic presentations from senior management and team-building activities, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation.

Over the last year, the group has enjoyed a wealth of accomplishments and triumphs. In his presentation, Gaby Matar, Executive Vice President of MDS SI, took a moment to highlight and celebrate the remarkable projects and successes of the affiliates within the group. He underscored the crucial role of collaboration among affiliates as a driving force for continued growth.

As the end of the Kick-off day neared, the President’s Awards were given; every year, this is an important opportunity to recognise the commitment, effort and talent of leaders and teams across the whole of MDS SI.

As the event drew to a close everyone present looked forward to a year full of new successes and achievements for the group.

More about MDS SI

MDS SI, part of the Midis Group, has been ranked #1 by IDC in terms of IT Services revenues across several countries in the GCC. Comprising 60+ companies spread across 13 countries and 20 major cities, MDS SI group employs 2,600+ professionals and has 5000+ customers across the region.

Having been in the market for more than five decades, MDS SI has extensive experience in delivering the most innovative technologies and solutions, and empowering customers in their Digital Transformation journey.

MDS SI Group focuses on the following key technologies/solutions: Digital Transformation (Cloud, AI, Data Management, Automation, Analytics etc.), Data Center Infrastructure Services, Managed Services, Cybersecurity Services, Business Solutions, Professional Services, End User Computing, Mobility and Communications, Enterprise Infrastructure, Technical Services (Maintenance, outsourcing and call center), Site and Power Solutions, ELV and AV, Mobile and Containerized data centers, manufacturing of Telecom Shelters.

i4 Solutions and Cisco Systems wrap up successful Web Summit Qatar 2024

i4 Solutions and Cisco recently delivered a very successful event at the Web Summit Qatar 2024. From 26-29 February, thousands of international entrepreneurs, investors and leaders gathered at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) to connect the tech world.

On their expansive exhibition stand, together with Cisco, i4 Solutions showcased how companies can power hybrid work, secure the enterprise, transform infrastructure and reimagine applications using innovative technology from Cisco Systems and ecosystem partners, supported by the unparalleled local expertise of i4 Solutions.

“The Web Summit is no doubt one of the world’s largest technology showcase events, but it also is the world’s largest forum shining the spotlight on technology startups. We at i4 Solutions, alongside our long-term strategic partner Cisco Systems, are thrilled to participate in this event, and to contribute to the vision of the great State of Qatar in becoming the premier incubator of tech startups in the region and the world” said Boutros El Haddad, Managing Partner, i4 Solutions.

“The Midis Group has always been at the forefront of technological innovation thanks to all its entities, extensive partnerships with technology vendors, and diverse and cutting-edge knowledge. i4 Solutions team has the pleasure to take part in Web Summit Qatar, a landmark event aimed to inspire innovation and provide the right exposure for technology startups to flourish and push the frontiers of technological possibility” he added.

Umair Khan from Cisco summed up the event from his point of view in this way: “Web Summit Qatar was a cumulative team effort that saw us put our best foot forward in one of the largest tech events in recent memory. As Cisco, this was our first large scale exhibition together with our partner i4 Solutions, and we’re already in discussions with the Web Summit team to attend next year.”

According to the Cisco team, the event welcomed more than 15,000 attendees – a mix of founders, investors, industry experts and technology enthusiasts. All gathered from across the globe to witness the inaugural Web Summit in Doha – the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Attendees flocked to Doha from 118 countries – including the USA, Egypt, Brazil, Italy, the UK and India – bringing together “thousands of international entrepreneurs and investors, and the next generation of leaders who are reshaping the world,” according to the Web Summit marketing.

The event was a testament to the diversity of today’s IT landscape with women accounting for roughly 30% out of 380 speakers, and the “Women in Tech” passes sold out several weeks in advance. From global conglomerates to regional news publications, nearly 900 members of the media gathered to capture the buzz of the event.

Earlier, in December 2023, Cisco and i4 Solutions delivered a successful Full-Stack Observability (FSO) event in Doha. The event, aimed at key regional security professionals, covered the latest advancements in the field of FSO with highly credible speakers providing key insights.

More about i4 Solutions

In the fast paced, data-driven world we live in today, it is essential for businesses across different sectors to adopt new, more effective solutions to their business operations—information technology. i4 Solutions is dedicated to offering companies the digital transformation they need to improve day-to-day operations, provide valuable data and reporting, and guarantee a competitive advantage in the 21st century.

MDS CS excels with successful ‘Unleash the Power of Hybrid Multi Cloud with Cisco and Nutanix’ event in Jeddah

Leaders from MDS CS, Cisco and Nutanix presented at a successful Hybrid Multi Cloud event at the Shangri-la Hotel in Jeddah on January 10. 80 invited attendees watched keynotes from Mohammed Joudeh, General Manager, MDS for Computer Systems; Ala Issa, Data Center & Cloud Solutions Architect from Cisco, and Mohamed El Abd, Senior Systems Engineer from Nutanix.

At the core of the day’s program, part of an integrated campaign between Cisco and Nutanix, was information about one of the most complete hybrid cloud solutions in the marketplace with the power to simplify operations, maximize resiliency, and accelerate IT transformation, fuelling business transformation as well.

After the opening remarks, the sessions covered a range of angles on Hybrid Multi Cloud, examining the additional synergies gained from Cisco and Nutanix working together, looking a typical solution overview and some use cases. Other aspects covered included AI/ML use cases in the Data Center with Cisco and Nutanix, a closer look at the Nutanix Hybrid Multi cloud and Application DC Modernization.

According to the event organisers, ‘IT organizations continue to face significant operational hurdles and urgent sustainability and security concerns because of increasing multicloud complexity. The new partnership between Cisco and Nutanix answers these challenges by simplifying and accelerating the delivery of infrastructure and applications, at a global scale, through best-in-class cloud operating models, unparalleled flexibility, and automated resiliency with industry-leading customer support.’

On the MDS CS LinkedIn profile, Mohammed Joudeh, General Manager, MDS for Computer Systems thanked attendees and partners in this way: “Thank you to our valued customers for making it a resounding success. Your presence and engagement are what make these events truly special. Let us continue to innovate and collaborate for a seamless hybrid multi-cloud future!”

More about MDS CS

Founded in 1982 by Sheikh Mohammed Mansour Al-Rumaih as Mideast Data Systems, today MDS CS is a well-known and highly reputable organization with a team of professional engineers and technicians, with a large base of satisfied customers including significant numbers of large turnkey projects.

MDS CS takes a highly professional approach to meet each of its customers’ unique business requirements. Its commitment in terms of financial investment and customer support is aimed at a long-term relationship with its customers.

Golden Fox alpine race 2024: connected to winning moments with HPE Aruba Networking

The Jubilee 60th edition of the Golden Fox, the most prestigious women’s alpine race of the ski season, took place between January 6 and 7, 2024 in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. Technology at the heart of the media facilities for the event centered on HPE Aruba Networking solutions provided by ORG. TEND d.o.o and Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium.

On the slopes of Vitranac, the best female alpine skiers in the world competed against the clock. Canadian Valerie Grenier was happy with victory in the giant slalom, and a day later, victory in the slalom test confirmed Slovakian Petra Vlhova as the slalom queen.

Getting the long-established contest in front of the public is an important task, so ensuring effective media coverage is vitally important to the successful running of the event. ORG. TEND d.o.o. were responsible for providing the press room with technology to enable media representatives to continuously monitor the prestigious downhill contest and to provide fast and reliable connections to the world.

“For the 20th year in a row, we have ensured excellent IT conditions for all journalists and, of course, the up-to-date information on the website for all those who did not watch the downhill events live at the location. In providing a fast, secure and reliable wireless network, we used HPE Aruba Networking technology provided by Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium,” explained ORG. TEND company director Aleš Polajnko.

In the media center a 10G switch Aruba 2930M ensured a reliable wired connection and power supply to the access points while wireless connectivity was ensured by powerful Wi-Fi 6E Aruba AP-635 and Aruba AP-505H Wi-Fi 6 access points.

The 20-year history of the HPE Aruba Networking brand is marked by a vision of thinking differently with a clear mission – to create connections that power businesses and the world. HPE Aruba Networking has been repeatedly recognized by various analysts, such as leading information technology consulting firm Gartner, as a leader in Wi-Fi, switch and SD networking technology, and as a visionary in data center networking. The world’s largest enterprises rely on HPE Aruba Networking technology to provide a secure platform for services at the edge of the computing network with artificial intelligence that spans campuses, branch offices, data centers and remote work environments.

Combining over 18 years of proven wired and wireless network expertise with modelling telemetry data from over a million wired, wireless and SD-WAN devices, HPE Aruba Networking’s AI can identify anomalies and provide prescriptive recommendations that network administrators can trust. HPE Aruba Networking NaaS provides a fully updated, optimized and secure network in a subscription model with no upfront capital expenditure.

ORG. TEND d.o.o. offers high-quality and effective information solutions, services and equipment and provides top-notch security solutions from renowned global manufacturers via their partnership with Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium.

Read more on the original blog post by Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium

iSTYLE has merged with m:zone, expanding its network to six stores in Slovakia and 64 in Central and Eastern Europe

iSTYLE and established Slovakian Apple Premium Reseller m:zone have merged their operations in the country and now operate six branches in Bratislava, Zilina and Trencin under the iSTYLE brand. iSTYLE is the biggest Apple Premium Reseller in Central and Eastern Europe with nine Apple Premium Partner stores in the five countries where it operates. Owner and CEO of m:zone, Branislav Rentka, has become the new general manager of iSTYLE Slovakia.

m:zone has been operating on the Slovak market since 1996 and had three premium stores in the Aupark and Eurovea centers in Bratislava and the Aupark center in Žilina. This trio now complement the original Slovak iSTYLE stores in Bratislava’s OC Central and Bory Mall and the Trenčín store in OC Laugaricio.

The combination of companies thus creates a significant Apple Premium Reseller on the Slovak market, offering Apple devices and a wide selection of accessories, but also professional advice for retail and corporate customers, a wide range of financing options and, last but not least, a top shopping experience in the best place to discover the Apple ecosystem with the help of a full team of specialists, trained at Apple standards.

“The combination of the two brands is the result of long-term mutual respect and at the same time the fulfilment of a common vision to offer customers in Slovakia the best possible availability of stores and even better services” explains Branislav Rentka, the new CEO of iSTYLE SK.

“Together, under the iSTYLE brand, we can now synergistically use the strengths of both companies and facilitate the path to Apple devices for a much wider range of end customers, entrepreneurs and companies. Nothing changes for existing m:zone employees, and the merger will have no effect on the operation of existing branches” added Branislav Rentka.

The two teams have merged to form one team with the aim of providing outstanding customer experience. And the whole iSTYLE SK team is now under the leadership of local management together with CEO Branislav Rentka.

“Slovakia is a market with attractive purchasing power, high growth potential and at the same time a market where monobrand stores have a strong position. As the entire Central and Eastern European market is strategic for us, strengthening our position on the Slovak market was a natural step for us. With its nearly thirty-year tradition and excellent knowledge of the local market, m:zone is a great partner for us,” said Casaba Gyarmati, iSTYLE Regional Manager for CEE, explaining the reasoning behind the connection.

Loyalty program, better online shop, and new stores with the elevated Apple Premium Partner status

As part of the merger, all customers can benefit from iSTYLE’s loyalty programme and seamless online shopping on istyle.sk. Shoppers now have access to a wider sales network. Exclusive stores in attractive locations, with carefully trained staff and services such as trade-ins, in-store pickups or secure financing for both personal and business purchases have become closer. The commercial obligations of m:zone have been transferred to iSTYLE and customers have no need to worry about any potential warranty issues.

iSTYLE’s ambition for the future now involves continuous growth across segments, both in the area of sales to end customers and also in the B2B area, where iSTYLE is already very strong across markets. The company provides not only sales, but also equipment financing and their subsequent implementation in accordance with the individual needs of companies, both in the field of small and medium-sized companies, as well as large corporations and institutions. As early as next year, the company wants to substantially increase turnover, open new locations, and at the same time expand the network of stores with the highest Apple Premium Partner status, which bring their shopping standard closer to the iconic Apple Store.

More about iSTYLE

iSTYLE, part of the Midis Group, is the largest network of Apple Premium retail stores in nine countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Currently the company has 131 stores, of which 64 are located in the Central and Eastern European region and 30 in the Middle East. The network of the Spanish sister company K-Tuin consists of another 40 stores.

Toni El Inati from Barracuda Networks interviewed: “Use AI to drive progress and innovation.”

In a recent interview by Tahawultech.com, Toni El Inati, RVP Sales, META & CEE at Barracuda Networks, talked about the tension between complexity and practical usability in security infrastructure and the potential of using AI to drive progress and innovation.

Opening the interview in the Tech Vision 2023 supplement, journalist Daniel Shephard suggests the technology landscape of security now has three key facets that can make the customer experience less than friendly. How does Barracuda Networks deploy cutting edge technologies that tackle the drive for digital transformation, manage the post-pandemic factor of distributed mobile workforces and the increasing adoption of cloud services, and yet give end-users a manageable experience?

Toni El Inati agreed that the availability and security of these factors, strategies and systems “have an outsized impact on the ‘experience’ of customers and employees. Even the most well-designed and slick applications have little value if they aren’t reliably accessible, or if they expose users to cyber threats.”

Toni points out that connected technology systems are becoming increasingly complex – “which means the security infrastructure needed to protect them can quickly become complex too. This is where Barracuda fits in – we deliver innovative security products that are easy to deploy, manage, scale and use.”

He describes the Barracuda portfolio of advanced solutions, which features email protection, application protection, data protection, network protection and a SASE platform. “Wherever you need it, on premises, in the cloud, or both. We are continually innovating to deliver tomorrow’s security technology, today.”

Moving the interview on, Toni was asked his view on AI, and whether he thinks it has benefits for society or if it needs more control and regulation. AI has many positive aspects and can be a force for good for people in general, and for technology development in particular, according to Toni: “Artificial Intelligence plays a pivotal role in driving progress and innovation. From algorithms that personalise our experiences to intricate neural networks powering virtual assistants AI is not just about technology, it revolutionises industries, enhances user interactions, and expands possibilities.”

According to Toni, although AI could help attackers to strike more quickly, adding depth and complexity to the threat, AI can also be used in cybersecurity to combat threats in many ways. “For example, to enhance cybersecurity awareness training, reduce noise and complexity, support analysis, and to learn the unique communication patterns of an individual” added Toni.

The interview goes on to explore Toni’s views on the key processes that enterprises need to adopt to ensure a successful transformation journey, as well asking a final big question about what he sees as the major tech influence for the next ‘digital decade.’

Toni sees AI as having a substantial impact on the market and business in general, and he talks about the recent key PWC report on AI that predicted the potential economic impact of AI in the Middle East could reach US$320 billion by 2030.

Read more of the Gitex Global Tech Vision interview on the Tahawultech.com website

Alternatively, explore the whole Gitex Global Tech Vision supplement on Issuu

MDSap sponsors the Jubilee 2023 edition of the Chief Digital Officer Forum in Poland

On September 21-22 in Warsaw, Poland, the Chief Digital Officers’ Forum celebrated its Jubilee edition with two days of presentations, workshops and networking meetings. MDSap Poland were honored to be a Supporting Partner for the distinguished event.

For this, the tenth year of the Forum, proceedings were centred around themes chosen by CDO Club community members. As a result, the primary focus resolved into the intricacies of data management. According to the organisers, by harnessing the power of data more effectively and leveraging AI, organizations can significantly bolster their competitive edge.

The principal speaker on the first day of the event, Nigel Turner from consultants Global Data Strategy, kicked off the proceedings with a keynote entitled ‘Becoming data driven – building a successful data strategy.’

Key themes generated by the Forum membership included DataOps: Demystifying the Concept; Storytelling with Data – Crafting a Narrative; MLOps: Bridging the Gap Between ML and Operations; Advanced Analytics: Its Role in Organizations; Data People: The Human Element in Data, and finally, Enriching Analytics: Incorporating External Data into the Mix.

The event, held at the Renaissance Warsaw Airport Hotel, was very well attended, with 150 registered participants across all the meetings. The registered membership of the CDO Forum Club is large, with at least 900 managers and specialists in the database, all of whom are deeply involved in data governance and analytics, and typically employed by large to medium-sized enterprises. 70% of attendees were from Polish companies with more than 2000 employees – and 82 prominent enterprises from across the Polish business landscape were represented at the meeting.

At the end of the first day of the event, the CDO Forum Awards Gala Final was held to feature presentations to award finalists, and an award ceremony for CDO Leader of the Year and CDO Project of the Year. Day two of the event on September 22 was given over to online sessions.

More about MDSap

MDSap has over 25 years of in-depth experiences helping customers manage, integrate, analyze and mobilize business mission critical data across the enterprise. The company has an exceptional track record providing turnkey IT solutions across the Middle East, Turkey & Central Eastern Europe to over 400 enterprise customers and government entities. MDSap is part of the Midis Group and currently operates 10 offices across the Middle East, Turkey and Central Eastern Europe.

Aruba Community MVP Gorazd Kikelj was a featured speaker at INFOSEK 2023 in Slovenia

Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium from Slovenia were Gold sponsors at the recent Infosek cyber security event in Slovenia, and their Aruba network solutions engineer, Gorazd Kikelj, featured prominently in the speaker program.

Infosek is the largest event in Slovenia in the field of information security. The 2023 edition was held in the western town of Nova Gorica, close to mountains and the Italian border, and welcomed visitors from September 4 to 6. The organisers, PALSIT d.o.o., have been convening the conference for 21 years, and in 2023 830 attendees were present, along with 150+ speakers presenting 70+ sessions and seminars.

For 2023, Infosek featured four separate conference strands – Infosek itself, a CIO Forum, a Mastermind Conference, and practical workshops. The team from Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium from Slovenia were present on their exhibition stand for all three days of the conference.

They were talking about key Aruba technologies, including “the Aruba CX 10000 switch, which provides 800G distributed firewall with status monitoring for east-west traffic, trusted segmentation, and penetrating telemetry. With application recognition technology in the 6300 and 6400 switch series, we are expanding visibility at the edge of the network” said a Selectium spokesperson.

Selectium’s network solutions engineer, Gorazd Kikelj, presented on the second day of the core Infosek sessions. This is how he described his presentation: “The journey continues. Last year we started a paradigm shift and moved the firewall function to the network infrastructure itself with ArubaOS-CX 10000 switches. Now we continue our journey. To the switches at the edge of the network, we have added the possibility of inspecting traffic up to the application level (layer 7).”

Gorazd was named earlier this year as one of the 2023 Aruba Community MVPs – or ‘Airheads’ as Aruba calls them. The acronym MVP, well known in team sports, refers to the most valuable player; the individual whose individual performance stands out as the best in the team. As a Community MVP Gorazd is one of just 50 individuals from around the world who have gone above and beyond for the Aruba community.

More about Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium

Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium serves as the local representative of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) in 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. They provide 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.

IBM Case Study – delivering great customer service at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)

Using IBM Maximo from eSolutions Saudia, the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company optimizes operational asset maintenance at KAFD, one of the world’s premier business and lifestyle destinations. A new Case Study on the project was recently published by IBM on their website.  Read the full text here. 

The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is a spectacular urban development situated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Spanning more than five million square meters and designed by leading global architects, the city within a city is a thriving business and lifestyle hub.

Created with sustainability in mind, KAFD is one of the world’s largest real estate projects to achieve LEED Platinum certification for green neighborhood development, the highest accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council. The King Abdullah Financial District Development & Management Company (KAFD DMC) was established in 2018 as a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund.

KAFD’s 94 buildings define the skyline of the capital and include Riyadh’s tallest skyscraper. The site was designed as an interconnected vertical city, and its residents, visitors and tenants are within 15 minutes of multiple services using integrated transportation—from skywalks to dedicated shuttles and a monorail. Alongside government entities, premier tenants include Saudi Aramco, Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas, PepsiCo and Pfizer Saudi.

“As a prime business and lifestyle destination, our mission is to offer a competitive business ecosystem, a vibrant lifestyle experience and exceptional customer service,” says Gautam Sashittal, CEO at KAFD DMC. To fulfill this mission, KAFD DMC must ensure that the district’s mechanical and electrical assets operate at the highest levels of performance and reliability. The organization manages tens of thousands of assets, including generators, transformers, HVAC systems, elevators, plumbing, lighting and safety controls. And these numbers increase regularly as the district grows.

“A 24×7 operational uptime of critical assets is essential, and we must provide for efficient maintenance of all assets and facilities to serve KAFD’s tenants and visitors,” notes Sashittal. In addition, KAFD DMC must manage the supply and storage of frequently needed maintenance spare parts and supplies. And if an issue occurs, maintenance contractors must be dispatched to resolve the problem.

The district’s many tenants, residents and expansive facilities create a considerable maintenance workload, including predictive, preventive, corrective and emergency maintenance. Orchestrating such work requires a robust enterprise asset management (EAM) solution, which brought the KAFD DMC team to a critical decision: which EAM solution would best meet the KAFD’s needs?

“When KAFD was established in 2018, we decided to go with best-of-breed IT solutions. Maximo was the leading solution within asset management then and still is today.” Majed Al-Daij, VP Business Solutions Delivery, King Abdullah Financial District Development & Management Company

A deployment based on industry best practices

The project proceeded following industry best practices for the solutions development lifecycle (SDLC). The team started with requirements analysis and then moved into solution design, development, testing, deployment and go-live.

“We started with the end in mind and ensured that the Maximo solution mirrors KAFD’s Operating Model and is scalable enough to accommodate future business scenarios, growth and expansion for core and value-added services as well,” says Al-Daij.

The process involved uploading asset and location data for thousands of assets, some in completed areas and some still under construction, and the team integrated Maximo with relevant systems such as ERP, CRM and building information modeling (BIM). The project went quickly due to the team’s expertise and Maximo’s rich functionality.

“The KAFD DMC team wanted to follow industry best practices for maintenance framework and processes, which are built into Maximo,” says Ahmed Tarhini, Principal Consultant at eSolutions. “This enabled us to configure Maximo to meet KAFD’s needs without major customizations.”

With Maximo, KAFD gains a platform to embed its business policies and procedures related to operational assets and facilities management, thereby increasing efficiency across the board, explains Darwish, EAM Expert at KAFD DMC. Moreover, “the platform showed great flexibility in accommodating and adapting to new business needs without major challenges,” he says. “This agility has allowed us to efficiently implement new maintenance frameworks and processes.”

Maximo orchestrates maintenance around the clock

Today, the operations team uses Maximo 24×7 to orchestrate maintenance in all its forms. A key function entails taking service requests from customers through an online interface. Then, the system converts these into specific work orders, quickly dispatches maintenance contractors to resolve the issues, and informs customers of progress at every step. Maximo also assists in managing contractors, spare parts and maintenance warehouses.

KAFD’s size and scope generate a massive volume of work. So far, the system manages more than 100,000 assets across 34,000 locations and over 16,200 preventative maintenance plans. Maximo also helps manage 15 contractors to ensure they adhere to more than 70 service level agreements. It handles more than 30,000 service requests annually, accounting for 75,000 work orders. With the rise in incoming tenants over the next year, these numbers will increase substantially.

Such metrics don’t tell the whole story, however. Analytics in Maximo help assess the performance of the assets and the maintenance contractors. “Maximo is providing a holistic overview of the district’s maintenance activities, and insights into KPIs help us continuously improve service quality,” says Darwish.

The maintenance team can gain further insights from Maximo Health, which uses sensor readings, asset records and work histories to reduce downtime. To implement Maximo Health, the team identified the most critical assets in terms of their financial and customer service impacts and devised custom performance scores based on meter readings and other data. Then, when analytics in Maximo Health identify a score indicating poor asset health, the maintenance team can immediately open a work order to resolve the issue.

“Maximo Health uses big data from all the readings we receive to deliver predictive analysis that can enable us to respond before a problem happens or before an asset condition deteriorates,” says Al-Daij. “That is a key capability to help ensure services continuity and customer satisfaction.”

Customer satisfaction improves 95%

Maximo delivers substantial benefits to KAFD DMC. More efficient maintenance reduces costs, increases asset up time and boosts customer satisfaction. And Maximo is a cornerstone of KAFD’s digital transformation strategy.

Since deploying Maximo, the ability to measure contractor performance, control maintenance activities and reduce maintenance paperwork have improved by 95%. Further, the time to close work orders has improved by 85%.

Perhaps most importantly, client satisfaction is 95% better. By enabling clients to raise service requests online and informing them of when their issues will be closed, Maximo’s transparency truly delights them, as commented by Darwish.

What’s the future of Maximo at KAFD? Al-Daij puts it this way: “The healthy relationship that KAFD has with IBM and its trusted partners will continue for years to come for platform maintenance, upgrades and leveraging emerging technologies.”

About eSolutions Saudia LLC

Founded in 2012 with offices in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, IBM Business Partner eSolutions  provides business consulting and digital technology services. The company offers special expertise in IBM Watson® IoT and IBM Maximo solutions. eSolutions is a member of the Midis Group of companies.

Read more in the full case study, here

Tony Achkar of MDSap interviewed by CXO Insight Middle East

Tony Achkar, Group Managing Director and EVP of MDSap, was recently interviewed at length by CXO Insight magazine. In the article, Tony outlined the digital transformation journey made by the group from its foundation to the successes of today.

The interview begins with some history of the company, which goes back an impressive 30 years to an initial association with Sybase Inc. in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, then growing across the Gulf, and eventually eastwards to Turkey and Central and Eastern Europe. As Sybase became an SAP company, according to Tony, MDSap then embraced the opportunity, and the Group is now a trusted SAP Gold Partner with ‘a highly skilled consultant team, serving over 400 accumulated customers across 12 countries.’

Key questions in the interview explore what makes the MDSap offer so distinctive in the competitive technology marketplace. MDSap has extensive industry-specific expertise which gives the company an edge across a diverse range of sectors such as banking, the public sector, healthcare and manufacturing among others. Tony also cited the holistic approach that MDSap takes, which allows the application of a wide range of services and solutions, such as enterprise architecture consulting, ERP implementation, data management, advanced analytics, data visualization, Data Science, Big Data & AI, and more. As well as extensive business support and service packages that are important factors in the continuing business success of the Group.

Tony also talked about the tailored, personalised nature of the MDSap offer – “We take the time to fully understand our clients’ distinct challenges and objectives. To meet their specific needs, we offer customised solutions and provide unwavering support through our comprehensive post-live support and extended service packages.”

The connection with SAP remains absolutely core to the reputation of MDSap – “Being a reputable SAP Gold Partner we harness cutting-edge technologies and industry best practices to enhance our services.”

Further questions answered by Tony in the interview include comments on the MDSap approach to innovation, the increasing geographical spread of the business, and what the future holds for the company.

Read more of the interview with Tony Achkar in CXO Insight Middle East (Pages 22/23)