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Dubai: The managed services market is expected to be worth between $12 billion and $15 billion in emerging markets and $350 million in the UAE in the next two to three years, according to an industry official.
Tarek Jundi, general manager for Cisco in Abu Dhabi, said the compound annual growth in emerging markets was expected to range from 25 to 30 per cent.
Shifting focus
"The managed services market will outpace the overall information and communication technology [ICT] industry growth because customers will be looking into achieving cost flexibility and decreasing risks."
Jundi said that companies are shifting focus from managing their own IT infrastructure to buying the technology as a service.
"The transition into managed services across all market segments will be driven and fuelled by the desire to leverage technology to improve collaboration and globalise operation and at the same time achieve a competitive advantage," Jundi said, adding that there is a "perfect storm forming in the UAE that will raise the adoption of managed services" as companies face increased challenges in IT system management.
etisalat feted
Meanwhile, etisalat, as a managed services provider, has been accorded the "gold certification" from Cisco in recognition, making the telecom operator the first in the region to get the honour. Hashim said that SMBs (small and medium businesses) would get a monthly invoice that would cover the cost of the network equipment, maintenance and management.
"This will help remove budget issues, allowing companies to invest in the technology they require to improve business productivity and operational efficiency while minimising costs."
Adrian Taylor, regional channel director for Cisco, said the certification was considered the highest award in the networking industry but etisalat had achieved it in six months.
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