Egypt is our next goal and the conference is an opportunity to move the wheel forward
Tele Business, 26/5/2011
During his interview with Tele business, Amr Talaat, Country, General Manager, IBM Egypt stressed that All multinational IT companies in Egypt work to push development forward and support the IT industry. Those companies consider the Cairo ICT conference and exhibition an opportunity to stress on that goal.
What do you think about the added value to the sector by holding the ICT now?
The exhibition is an important step at the current time and sends a clear message that the IT sector in Egypt continues to be a regional pioneer and a unique market on the international level. All involved parties are taking steps to re-install the development and growth of the sector. It is a message that we continue to plan, produce and grow.
This is the first time IBM officially participates and it is after the revolution. Why did you decide to join this time?
It is a wider and deeper participation by direct involvement in the exhibition in addition to our presence through our distributors and business partners. The reason we are officially participating is that the exhibition coincides with our centennial which reflects our ability to use our history in paving the future for another one hundred years . The second reason is after the 25 January revolution, we participated as means of expressing commitment to the market we have been operating in for over sixty years. We are helping our partners to overcome the negative effects of the economic depression and political disturbances through different tools that helps in taking quick decisions.
Has IBM’s view of the Egyptian market change since the revolution?
As I said before we have always percieved the Egyptian market as a very promising one and we are committed to serve our customers
In the past period your company has played the role of the government’s ally. What are your intentions for future cooperation with the changes taking place?
We are an ally of Egypt itself and hence work with various governments for the benefit of the IT sector and the development in Egypt. The partnership is based on strategic plans and modern solutions based upon the experiences of other institutes. The future is expected to witness cooperation to redefine the Egyptian IT society. Many of the current discussions tackle our support of the market and the means of growth and development.
Small and medium sized companies face many challenges in the current period. What is the role of the company to support these companies?
Of course multinational companies have a pioneer role to play and that is the support and the development of Egyptian companies through two means: Inviting our partners to the Cairo ICT exhibition in order to benefit from the presence of the entire sector to discuss challenges and solutions. The second mean is by government’s interference to suggest national initiatives that involve huge projects funded by financial institutes and executed by multinational companies which will transfer modern experiences and skills. These projects have to stipulate the cooperation with local companies. All this will result in the movement of stagnant waters and transfer of experiences.
Your company has long experience with the government in terms of documentation. What is the company’s role in documenting the events of the revolution?
We did implement a number of projects with the government to document history and culture. We do realize there are a number of projects to document the events of the current revolution. If we are asked to participate we will and we will support the project as well. The advantage is that the events are still taking place and there will be modern techniques used to enable eye witnesses from offering their testimonies and making available images, documents and clips which are to be categorized according to events.
We end our interview by asking about your role in social corporate responsibility.
IBM is currently celebrating its centennial along with the success of the 25 January revolution. We will start by making every IBM employee donate eight hours of their time to execute a new initiative “For Egypt”. This initiative targets teaching citizenship, constitutional rights and the increase of social and cultural awareness.
Initiatives to change the path
Tele Business, 26/5/2011
Offers and plans to improve the positions and elude the fears of the following days Amr Talaat: Egypt 2020 to be launched by connectivity and an approach of services. It manages the country’s resources and guarantees justice
The current Cairo ICT 2011 conference and exhibition witnessed a new group of initiatives which will change the path of growth rates and improve economic conditions of the companies for the better. This comes during a period of economic depression after the 25 January revolution. Among these initiatives is the ‘Egypt 2020’ initiative which follows under the umbrella of Building a Smarter Planet,IBM announced and targets achieving development of the Egyptian society on a number of levels.
Engineer Amr Talaat, Country General Manager stated the initiative is based on four approaches: The first is communications and transparency which also involve availability of information and surveys. This will result in data analysis and positive results through the social networking sites. The second approach is elevating the standards of services the government makes available for the citizens and users in terms of speed and data linking.
The third approach is the total use of resources and the most suitable expenditure pattern. The fourth approach is social justice and creating job opportunities by funding youth projects which was used before in Latin America with success and is suitable for Egypt as financial institutes refrain from funding small and medium projects.
On the other hand Egypt Telecom revealed landlines would be exempted from installation fees and administrative fees until next July. This comes within the company’s aim of providing landline phones in high quality and suitable prices.
IBM participates in Cairo ICT 2011 and celebrates its centennial
ICT News,26/5/2011
Under the auspices of and in the attendance of Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Maged Osman, IBM will participate in the Cairo ICT 2011 exhibition that is place from the 25th till the 28th of May. ICT is considered the largest and oldest exhibition in the region through which expertise and skills in the field of Information Technology and communications are exchanged.
IBM will participate this year as a golden sponsor out of its belief in the important role the ICT sector will play in pushing forward the economy in the coming period as well as its keenness on the presence in the Egyptian market.
General Manager of IBM Egypt, Engineer Amr Talaat, stated: “2011 is considered an important year for IBM as it celebrates its centennial, a hundred years of innovation and creativity in the international market and sixty years of presence in the Egyptian market during which it executed many nationally important projects for the Egyptian citizens.” He added: “IBM will remain to perceive the Egyptian market as a promising market which possesses competitive qualities and special characteristics which include a special geographical location, high-level of skilled and trained human cadres as well as the country’s focus on the IT sector.”
IBM participates within a large booth where it presents its most recent releases and innovations which include a group of systems, programs and solutions designed to help different sectors of the Egyptian market to keep up with the developments and market changes such as cloud computing solutions, business analysis and others. The company will launch a new initiative under the title of “Egypt 2020” which follows under the umbrella of Smarter Planet initiative and presents the company’s future vision of Egypt and through which many problems and challenges the Egyptian society struggles with will be approached such as poverty, education, traffic, corruption and others.
Khaled Al Attar, SG Manager stated: “The ‘Egypt 2020’ initiative reflects IBM’s commitment to supporting the Egyptian economy through a comprehensive group of modern technical solutions with the aim of achieving transparency and communication which will contribute to the elevation of the quality of services presented to the Egyptian citizen and the improvement of his quality of life.”
Softline launches a group of cloud computing solutions to serve companies
ICT News,26/5/2011
Softline Egypt participates to the Cairo ICT 2011 conference and exhibition as it is keen to be present amid the ICT sector which includes an array of the best companies worldwide. Softline entered the exhibition this year upon cooperation with its partners atop of which is IBM, Oracle and Google in order to showcase the most recent technological solutions related to cloud computing in order to raise the awareness of small and medium companies concerning the importance of cloud computing applications which are considered a lifeline at the moment.
Regional manager of Softline Egypt, Gamal al Hazek, said that the company decided to focus during the time being on cloud computing services which are demanded in the Egyptian market as they aid the increase of productivity and decrease of cost.
He added: “Cloud computing provides data security as offered by the companies providing these services. Softline is training its staff on these services so that they can then explain them to the clients. Softline is also offering a simple system for the clients to pay for these services.”
IBM celebrates its 100 year anniversary
ICT Business, 26/5/2011
Under the auspices of Dr. Maged Osman , Minister of communications and information technology, IBM participates in Cairo ICT exhibition 2011 to be held from the 25 to the 28 of May. ICT is considered the largest and oldest exhibition in the region through which expertise and skills in the field of Information Technology and communications are exchanged. IBM is participating this year as a golden sponsor out of its belief in the important role the ICT sector will play in pushing forward the economy in the coming period as well as its keenness on the presence in the Egyptian market. General Manager of IBM Egypt, Engineer Amr Talaat, stated: “2011 is considered an important year for IBM as it celebrates its centennial, a hundred years of innovation and breakthroughs and sixty years of presence in the Egyptian market during which it executed many nationally important projects for the Egyptian citizens.” He added: “IBM will remain to perceive the Egyptian market as a promising market which possesses competitive qualities and special characteristics which include a special geographical location, high-level of skilled and trained human cadres as well as the country’s focus on the IT sector.” IBM participates within a large booth where it presents its most recent releases and innovations which include a group of systems, programs and solutions designed to help different sectors of the Egyptian market to keep up with the developments and market changes such as cloud computing solutions, business analysis and others. The company will launch a new initiative under the title of “Egypt 2020” which follows under the umbrella of Smarter Planet and represents the company’s future vision of Egypt and through which many problems and challenges the Egyptian society struggles with will be approached such as poverty, education, traffic, corruption and others. Khaled Al Attar, SWG Manager stated: “The ‘Egypt 2020’ initiative reflects IBM’s commitment to supporting the Egyptian economy through a comprehensive group of modern technical solutions with the aim of achieving transparency and communication which will contribute to the elevation of the quality of services presented to the Egyptian citizen and the improvement of his quality of life.”
IBM defines its strategic plan for 2020 by four major approaches
Al Borsa, 26/5/2011
IBM launched an initiative entitled ‘Egypt 2020’ which follows under the umbrella of Building a Smarter Planet Initiative during the conference. The initiative defines the company’s strategic plans in the local market up to 2020 in which it will approach the problems and challenges the Egyptian community suffers from such as poverty, education, traffic and other problems. Amr Talaat, General Manager of IBM Egypt, stated that the initiative is based on four approaches: The first is communications and transparency, the second is elevating the standards of services, the third is the total use of resources and the fourth are small and medium projects. He stressed that IBM perceives the local market as a promising market with competitive edges such as a unique geographical location, skilled human cadres as well as the state’s concentration on IT. From his side, Khaled Al Attar, SWG Manager stated that the initiative stresses IBM’s commitment through a comprehensive group of modern technical solutions to achieve transparency and connectivity which will contribute to the elevation of the quality of services for Egyptian citizens and improve the quality of their lives. IBM participates in Cairo ICT which is held from 25 to 28 of May. It is considered the oldest exhibition where an exchange of expertise and skills in the field of ICT take place.
With 350 companies participating in a 22 thousand squared meters area
Minister of Communications inaugurates Cairo ICT today in a new version after the January revolution
Al Borsa, 26/5/2011
Minister of communications Maged Osman inaugurated this morning the Cairo ICT exhibition in its new version after the revolution which caused a three month delay. It delivers a message to the world that life is coming back to normal.
Head of Fair Trade which organizes the exhibition, Osama Kamal, stressed that this year the exhibition will be different. Around 350 local and multinational companies are participating this year including public enterprises such as Egypt Telecom, Egypt Post, ITIDA and NTRA. A number of discussions will be held on the sidelines of the exhibition regarding critical issues such as democracy and transparency.
As for IBM, Amr Talaat, General Manager IBM Egypt stressed that this is the first time to officially participate in the exhibition and it comes at a suitable time as IBM is celebrating one hundred years of functioning .He noted that IBM is pleased to participate in this exhibition as a message that the ICT market in Egypt is witnessing continuous growth by virtue of its infrastructure and human cadres which have been able to manipulate the technology to carry out a modern revolution. He added the company has many solutions it intends to showcase in the fair through the 2020 initiative which follows under the umbrella of Smarter Planet initiative. IBM believes it is time to draw the image of IT in Egypt as it will be in 2020 and as international companies we have to help in drawing this image. According to Talaat, companies also have to suggest solutions to these problems from which the Egyptian society suffers. He added that the aim to have the economy wheel back operating and bring Egyptians to their normal life through communications and information technology.
Cairo ICT .. a future in the making
Five major companies return to participate in Cairo ICT 2011 including IBM
Al Mal, 25/5/20110
Despite the change of the timing the exhibition usually takes place annually, and the critical events after the January revolution, Cairo ICT has succeeded in attracting major companies to the fair once again. This is the first time IBM independently participates in Cairo ICT since 2003.
Interview with IBM Egypt Country General Manager
ICT Newa. 25/5/2011
Despite the challenges in the local market, IBM has decided for the first time to officially independently participate in Cairo ICT conference and exhibition in its fifteenth session which stresses its presence and strength in the market and its ability to keep up with events. In an interview with General Manager of IBM Egypt, Amr Talaat, confirmed that the company's commitment to support the Egyptian market and highlighted the importance of 2011 as IBM celebrates its centennial year and will launch Egypt 2020 initiative which follows under the umbrella of Smarter planet initiative
I asked him first about IBM’s first official participation in the exhibition?
Yes, this is our first official participation but during the past years we were keen to participate through our business partners but the main reason for the different type of participation this year is that IBM is celebrating its centennial year which is an occasion we are proud of as IBM celebrate 100 years of innovative breakthroughs as it develops innovations to address global challenges for the next 100 years.
What IBM presented over a century we categorize into three levels. The first is being the institutional pioneer by the company’s ability to reinvent itself through consultancy services to achieve this development and restructuring so that it becomes more cooperative with its partners. The second is technological innovation which IBM is considered at the top as the company with the largest number of patents and that stresses its ability in the field of technological innovation. The third level is the corporate social responsibility and is ability to add to the human knowledge and the lives of humans by solutions in the field of health, education, energy and how to add to human knowledge as a company. Our presence in this condensed manner and due to the difficult circumstances Egypt has been witnessing during the past two months as well as the changes that dictated challenges where we have to have a role as Egyptians and as a company that operates in Egypt.
What are the new things IBM intends to showcase in the exhibition?
We have a portfolio of new solutions we will cast light on. Part of these solutions work on the urgent problems such as security and how to speed up interrogations for instance by training judges on criminal evidence. Another group of solutions will be presented in the ‘Egypt 2020’ initiative which is an imagination of what Egypt should be like in terms of IT by the year 2020 which is less than a decade away. IBM’s vision is that the Egyptian market is as attractive as ever as a promising market attracting investments as IBM believes Egypt is a promising fast growing market with energy and capabilities and human resources that have increased after the 25 January revolution. We are present and are investing in this market.
Do you believe the Egyptian IT section was strong because of the support of the former government?
Not in this manner as the sector imposed itself on economy and created job opportunities and attracted investments, introduced modern technology and contributed to national economy. In addition technology has become a major part of the Egyptian economy.
During the last visit by CEO of IBM Sam Palmisano to Egypt, the partnership between the government and IBM was confirmed as strategic through a number of agreements in the fields of communication and transportation. How is this cooperation going and does the company consider the government its strategic partner?
We discussed this with the government and it is committed to all its agreements. IBM is also committed with what it promised
What about the fifth rank for exporting the IT services (the outsourcing center for financial and accounting services) which the company launched almost a year ago?
The center is successfully growing and we are proud that despite the revolution and the curfew the Egyptian employees insisted to continue functioning and not to allow the center to stop functioning. They felt the foreign clients should not feel any problems. The employees continued to work around the clock so that work continues during the first days of the revolution. The impression at the international company was unimaginable as it felt the commitment of Egyptians to their work.
What is the message the company is keen to transfer to the Egyptian community and the government?
IBM still perceives the Egyptian market as a promising one and believes that there are elements of attraction in the Egyptian market. An important element of attraction that has been added is the Egyptian youth and their ability to operate.. We will continue functioning in the Egyptian market and now we belief more in the market.
With 350 companies over the area of 22 thousand squared meters Cairo ICT 2011
succeeds in bringing back life to the ICT sector
ICT News, 25/5/2011
Finally life has started due to the Cairo ICT 2011 conference and exhibition in its fifteenth year which will be held from 25 to 28 May. Despite the challenges facing the companies exhibiting, they all insisted the fair has to be held so that Egypt’s image is not affected in front of the world.
During the press conference for the final preparations of the fair, head of fair trade, the company organizing the fair, Osama Kamal stresses the fair in its fifteenth year will be entirely different and the results will be better than the previous years despite the challenges. He stresses the fair after the revolution succeeded as the focus is on building the future through ICT.
More than 350 local and international companies are participating in the fair in addition to countries from the Nile Basin countries and some Arab countries. The fair occupies the area of 22 thousand squared meters, 3% less than last year. A number of public enterprises are participating in the fair such Egypt Telecom, NTRA, ITIDA and the state ministry for administrative development.
A number of vital issues are to be discussed on the fringes of the conference including democracy, transparency and other issues that matter to a large sector of the citizens. Senior executives of various information technology companies shared their opinion regarding the future of ICT in Egypt.
As for IBM It is the first time it officially participates and it was on a good occasion as it is celebrating its centennial. General Manager of IBM Egypt Amr Talaat stated that they were pleased to participate as a clear message the ICT market in Egypt is in continuous growth by virtue of its infrastructure, skilled human cadres which were able to manipulate technology in order to carry out the modern revolution.
2011 succeeds in bringing back life to the ICT sector
ICT Business, 25/5/2011
Finally life has started due to the Cairo ICT 2011 conference and fair in its fifteenth year which will be held from 25 to 28 May. Despite the challenges facing the companies exhibiting, they all insisted the fair has to be held so that Egypt’s image is not affected in front of the world. During the press conference for the final preparations of the fair, head of fair trade, the company organizing the fair, Osama Kamal stresses the fair in its fifteenth year will be entirely different and the results will be better than the previous years despite the challenges. He stresses the fair after the revolution succeeded as the focus is on building the future through ICT.
More than 350 local and international companies are participating in the fair in addition to countries from the Nile Basin countries and some Arab countries. The fair occupies the area of 22 thousand squared meters, 3% less than last year. A number of public enterprises are participating in the fair such Egypt Telecom, NTRA, ITIDA and the state ministry for administrative development.
A number of vital issues are to be discussed on the fringes of the conference including democracy, transparency and other issues that matter to a large sector of the citizens. Senior executives of various information technology companies shared their opinion regarding the future of ICT in Egypt.
As for IBM, this is the first time it officially participates in the Cairo ICT exhibition with a distinguished booth. Amr Talaat, General Manager of IBM Egypt,stated that the exhibition represents an opportunity to revive the IT sector in Egypt . He noted that the company’has always perceived the Egyptian market as a very promising one as the factors of success remain to exist in the Egyptian market which includes the skills and expertise in addition to the geographical location and Egypt’s proximity from Arab, European and African nations. He explained this proximity is useful in terms of outsourcing and the suitable time zone.He noted that the company is using the exhibition on two levels: The first is to find immediate solutions to face existing challenges such as data security and substituting missing documents. The second level is to one of strategic solutions (Egypt 2020) which follow under the umbrella of IBM Global strategy for building a Smarter Planet and tackles more than one topic. The year itself is not that far away and with the new era and the renaissance Egypt is witnessing there has to be strategic thinking where IT has a role as a common factor in a number of sectors including education, health, traffic and energy. He also added that IBM is proud to be celebrating its centennial anniversary and is using this great history to pave the way for the coming 100 years.
To help charity organizations
“The path of charity” is seeking for security through technology
ICT Business, 25/5/2011
We were used to hear many void slogans during the past era under the past regime most of which were not comprehensible by those in authority themselves. Today and with the change of matters within the country and the presence of good will and noble aims we are asking for true slogans. If we borrow from the old regime the slogan “the subsidies should reach those who deserve it most” now we want to truly implement it. There have been many charitable organizations in the previous era but there was no coordination between them. In order to ensure that charity reaches those who need it most and to overcome conflict among them it is time to create a database for these organizations. The importance of the timing is that charity organizations are not only involved in charity but also in lending loans, micro-financing and funding of investment projects as means of social solidarity among the society.
As the IT sector has become an integral part of success of developmental and economic system and one of the most successful tools in overcoming obstacles, there had to be a way to support and cooperate with charity organizations at least through a smart database.
From his side, Amr Talaat, Country General Manager stated that IBM is marking its 100 year anniversary , where IBM’s global Celebration of Service will be a highlight of our centennial year. It will build upon IBM’s proud history of societal responsibility while showcasing our strategy for service and citizenship in the 21st century.
Manager, IBM Egypt
At The Cairo ICT Conference
With 350 companies participating , Cairo ICT to start tomorrow morning
Al Ahram, 24/5/2011
The 15th Cairo ICT exhibition will begin with 350 local and multinational companies participating including companies from Arab countries and Nile Basin countries. This will be the first major IT event since the revolution. Public companies will participate including Egypt Telecom and ITIDA, andhe Ministry for Administrative Development and Egypt Post.
After the inauguration, a panel discussion will take place regarding IT amidst modern revolutions in celebration of the achievement of people’s aspirations.
On the morning of the second day, Thursday, many activities will discuss the possible role of the IT sector in the Egyptian economy after the revolution as well as the role of IT in social justice. Another topic to be discussed Thursday would be the role of cloud computing in restructuring the economy.
On Saturday the conference will discuss the challenges small and medium sized companies face. The conference will come to an end with a session about Egypt in the future entitled “A vision for 2020”.
Amr Talaat, Country General Manager stated that IBM has many solutions it will showcase in the exhibition within the 2020 initiative it adopts under the umbrella of building a smarter planet. The company sees it is time to draw Egypt’s image in 2020 and multinational companies have to contribute to this image and suggest solutions for the problems whether in the field of security, traffic, transportation, corruption, poverty, microfinance or other issues the Egyptian society suffers from. He concluded that the final goal is to set the wheel of economy back in motion and bring life back to Egypt through IT and communications . Talaat also stated that 2011 is a very special year for IBM as it marks its 100 year anniversary of innovation , he added that this is an opportunity to use this great history to pave the way for the coming 100 years.
Cairo ICT succeed in connecting the Egyptian ICT Sector
Al Etesalat Al Youm, 23/5/2011
In a few hours the 15th ICT exhibition will start among extraordinary circumstances amid challenges after the 25 January revolution succeeded.
During the press conference before the exhibition , it was noted that there has been a 3% decrease in bookings compared to last year’s fair but at the same time some companies are participating for the first time such as IBM and other companies while France remains to be the guest of honor of the fair.
More than 350 local and international companies are participating in the exhibition which occupies more than 22 thousand square meters. The conference to be held on the sidelines of the fair will discuss issues such as democracy and transparency. Senior executives of various information technology companies shared their opinion regarding the future of ICT in Egypt.
As for IBM, this is the first time it officially participates in the Cairo ICT exhibition as it celebrates its centennial. Amr Talaat, General Manager of IBM Egypt stated that the company is glad it is participating to send a message that the company’s strategy and plans in the Egyptian IT market have not changed as they are working for the sector to resume functioning.
Talaat stated that the message he wants to send through the exhibition is the resumption of activity in the IT market in Egypt as the factors of success are there. He noted that the company’s confidence in Egypt has not shaken as the factors of success remain to exist in the Egyptian market which includes the skills and expertise in addition to the geographical location and Egypt’s proximity from Arab, European and African nations. The company will launch its “Egypt 2020” initiative which follows under the umbrella of smarter planet initiative and tackles Egypt’s image in 2020.
He noted that multinational IT companies have a role in drawing this image and suggesting solutions for the existing problems whether in the field of security, traffic, corruption, poverty, microfinance or other issues the Egyptian company suffers from. He defined the final target as setting the wheel of economy back in motion and bringing Egypt back to life through IT and communications. He also added that IBM is proud to be celebrating its centennial anniversary and is using this great history to pave the way for the coming 100 years.
Minister of Communications inaugurates Cairo ICT exhibition
Al Borsa Al Youm, 22/5/2011
Dr. Maged Osman, Minister of communications and information technology inaugurates Cairo ICT to be held in Cairo from 25 to 28 May 2011. He stated that Cairo ICT is a great opportunity or the companies to present solutions that would help reviving the sector. Senior executives of various information technology companies shared their opinion regarding the future of ICT in Egypt. As for IBM, Amr Talaat, General Manager IBM Egypt expressed his happiness to be participating in Cairo ICT highlighting that the ICT market in Egypt is still perceived as a promising one as the factors of success remain to exist in the Egyptian market which includes the skills and expertise in addition to the geographical location and Egypt’s proximity from Arab, European and African nations. He added that the company has many solutions it intends to showcase in the exhibition through the 2020 initiative which follow under umbrella of Smarter Planet. IBM sees it is time to draw the image of IT in Egypt as it will be in 2020 and as international companies we have to help in drawing this image. According to Talaat, the companies also have to suggest solutions to solve and face problems the Egyptian society suffers from. He added that the aim to have the economy wheel back operating and bring Egyptians to their normal life through communications and information technology.
Cairo ICT succeed in bringing life back to the Egyptian ICT sector
Alam Al Mal, 22/5/2011
Chairman of Cairo ICT, Osama Kamal, confirmed that Cairo ICT this year will be different than any other year due to the many changes that occurred after the Egyptian Revolution. He stressed that the results of the exhibition this year will be better as it will focus on reviving Egypt through the use of ICT. Senior executives of various information technology companies shared their opinion regarding the future of ICT in Egypt. As for IBM, Amr Talaat, General Manager IBM Egypt stressed that this is the first time to officially participate and it comes at a suitable time as IBM is celebrating one hundred years of functioning . He added that the company has many solutions it intends to showcase in the fair . According to Talaat, the companies also have to suggest solutions to solve and face problems the Egyptian society suffers from. He added that the aim to have the economy wheel back operating and bring Egyptians to their normal life through communications and information technology.
Cairo ICT brings life back to the Egyptian ICT Sector
Alo Masr, 22/5/2011
Experts and specialized from local and multinational companies in the ICT sector confirmed the importance of holding Cairo ICT exhibition this year aiming to revive the sector after the Egyptian revolution. Senior executives of various information technology companies shared their opinion regarding the future of ICT in Egypt. As for IBM, Amr Talaat, General Manager IBM Egypt expressed his happiness in participating in Cairo ICT highlighting that the ICT market in Egypt. He added that the company has many solutions it intends to showcase in the exhibition through the 2020 initiative which follow under the umbrella of Smarter Planet Initiative. Egypt 2020 includes a portfolio of solutions that will help in developing the Egyptian community by solving and facing problems the Egyptian society suffers from through the use of ICT.
Communications and Information Technology Minister inaugurates Cairo ICT
Alo Masr, 22/5/2011
Dr. Maged Osman, Minister of communications and information technology inaugurates Cairo ICT to be held in Cairo from 25 to 28 May 2011. He stated that Cairo ICT is a great opportunity for the companies to present solutions that would help reviving the sector. A lot of information technology companies like IBM are participating in this year exhibition aiming to support the future of ICT in Egypt.
The innauguration of Cairo ICT exhibition will take place next Wednesday
Akhbar Al Youm, 21/5/2011
France is the guest of honour this year. The launch of the exhibition in the current circumstances is evidence Egypt is in the centre of events
Senior executives of various information technology companies shared their opinion regarding the future of ICT in Egypt. As or IBM, Amr Talaat, Country General Manager stated that the ICT exhibition this year will be an opportunity to showcase many technology solutions that the community might benefit from. The exhibition will also witness the launch of the 2020 initiative which follows under the umbrella of Smarter Planet Initiative and aims to draw the image of Egypt in the future in addition to placing a group of strategic solutions to restore growth to the Egyptian community.
With the participation of 350 companies, will Cairo ICT bring life to the ICT sector
Nahdet Masr. 19/5/2011
Many hopes are placed on Cairo ICT exhibition which is to be held from 25 to 28 May to bring back life to the sector despite the challenges.Senior executives of various information technology companies shared their opinion regarding the future of ICT in Egypt.
As for IBM, this is the first time it officially participates in the Cairo ICT exhibition with a distinguished booth. Amr Talaat, General Manager of IBM Egypt,stated that the exhibition represents an opportunity to revive the IT sector in Egypt . He noted that the company’has always perceived the Egyptian market as a very promising one as the factors of success remain to exist in the Egyptian market which includes the skills and expertise in addition to the geographical location and Egypt’s proximity from Arab, European and African nations. He explained this proximity is useful in terms of outsourcing and the suitable time zone.He noted that the company is using the exhibition on two levels: The first is to find immediate solutions to face existing challenges such as data security and substituting missing documents. The second level is to one of strategic solutions (Egypt 2020) which follow under the umbrella of IBM Global strategy for building a Smarter Planet and tackles more than one topic. The year itself is not that far away and with the new era and the renaissance Egypt is witnessing there has to be strategic thinking where IT has a role as a common factor in a number of sectors including education, health, traffic and energy. He also added that IBM is proud to be celebrating its centennial anniversary and is using this great history to pave the way for the coming 100 years.
Cairo ICT 2011 exhibition to be held with 350 companies
Al Ahrar, 19/5/2011
Finally life is returning to normal as the ICT trade is to be held in Cairo from 25 to 28 May 2011. As the chairman of Fair Trade, company which organizes the event, Osama Kamal said the event has to go ahead as it uses to every year so that the image of Egypt to the whole world is not affected. He noted that the revolution will definitely contribute to the success of the fair. More than 350 local and international companies will participate in addition to companies from the Nile Basin countries and some Arab countries.
Senior executives of various information technology companies shared their opinion regarding the future of ICT in Egypt. Amr Talaat, Genrel Manager, IBM Egypt stated that the company has many solutions it intends to showcase in the fair through the 2020 initiative which follow under umbrella of Smarter Planet. IBM sees it is time to draw the image of IT in Egypt as it will be in 2020 and as international companies we have to help in drawing this image. According to Talaat, the companies also have to suggest solutions to solve and face problems the Egyptian society suffers from. He added that the aim to have the economy wheel back operating and bring Egyptians to their normal life through communications and information technology.
The most prominent result of the revolution is the development of the ICT sector
Al Destour, 17/5/2011
Chairman of Cairo ICT, Osama Kamal, said that currently coordination is underway with the Egyptian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Communications to invite ministers of communication from Arab countries and African countries, in particular the Nile Basin countries, to attend the Cairo ICT fair to be held during the coming few days in Cairo.
During the press conference, Kamal noted that next ICT fair is to be held will occupy the area of 22 thousand squared meters, 3.5% less than last year and with more than 350 companies participating including small and medium companies in the sector.
Engineer Yasser al Kadi, the executive manager of ITIDA, said that the ICT sector is a pushing force for development and represents about 3% of the GDP of the entire Egyptian market adding that its developments are directly reflected on education, health, transportation and industry as well as other services sectors.
Amr Talaat, General Manager, IBM Egypt said that IBM has always perceived the Egyptian market as a promising one He noted that IBM is launching a new initiative under the umbrella of Smarter planet which is " Egypt 2020 . The initiative aims to improve the various sectors through the use of ICT during the coming nine years.
IT companies unite to re-spin the wheel of the economy
Al Wafd, 17/5/2011
Information Technology companies confirmed their commitment to the Egyptian market during Cairo ICT exhibition.
As for IBM, Eng. Amr Talaat, General Manager, IBM Egypt stated that IBM will present during the exhibition a group of solutions that will help in solving several problems like traffic, security , and poverty . he noted that Egypt has a wide talent pool which includes the skills and expertise.
Cairo ICT: The ship to save the Egyptian ICT sector
Al Etisalat Al Youm, 16/5/2011
In a few days Cairo ICT exhibition will start after many changes occurred. We interviewed a number of key figures who all agreed on the importance of holding the exhibition in such an important time in the history of Egypt to celebrate the weapon of the revolution, the internet.
Engineer Yasser Al Kadi, the executive manager of ITIDA, noted participation this year is different as ITIDA chose to participate through civil organizations as well as participating in the booth of the social fund. He added that the ICT sector is a pushing force for development and represents about 3% of the GDP of the entire Egyptian market adding that its developments are directly reflected on education, health, transportation and industry as well as other services sectors.
Head of the Egyptian Post Authority noted that the booth of the authority this year is over the same area as last year’s conference in order to stress the strength and stability of the Egyptian post after the revolution. He noted that the authority will showcase its numerous services. He also noted that new services are to be presented such as packages for company services.
Head of SEE and communications’ expert, Abd al Rahman Al Sawi, confirmed the ICT sector was subject to immense pressures as a growing sector but added that holding ICT fair at this time will instill the confidence of the world once again in the Egyptian market. He also noted the support for the ICT sector was not exclusive to the ousted regime but that the Supreme Council for Armed Forces and the new government headed by Isam Sharaf also support the sector.
Head of Unitel, Muhamad Gad, objected to the opinion the fair should have been cancelled this year adding that the tools of the revolution such as the internet should be celebrated like the martyrs of the revolution should be remembered. He noted the important role of and support of the Ministry of Communications especially at a time IT companies are trying to work on the regional level.
In the same vein head of Kemet, Tawfik Al-Rashidi noted the fair is a celebration of the youth of the revolution and their weapons adding that the local fairs would have his support before the regional ones. He explained the fair sends a message to the world that the IT sector in Egypt is in good shape after the first revolution to use IT as the main launch pad.
As for IBM, this is the first time it officially participates in the Cairo ICT exhibition with a distinguished booth. Amr Talaat, General Manager of IBM Egypt,stated that the exhibition represents an opportunity to revive the IT sector in Egypt . He noted that the company’has always perceived the Egyptian market as a very promising one as the factors of success remain to exist in the Egyptian market which includes the skills and expertise in addition to the geographical location and Egypt’s proximity from Arab, European and African nations. He explained this proximity is useful in terms of outsourcing and the suitable time zone.He noted that the company is using the exhibition on two levels: The first is to find immediate solutions to face existing challenges such as data security and substituting missing documents. The second level is to one of strategic solutions (Egypt 2020) which follow under the umbrella of IBM Global strategy for building a Smarter Planet and tackles more than one topic. The year itself is not that far away and with the new era and the renaissance Egypt is witnessing there has to be strategic thinking where IT has a role as a common factor in a number of sectors including education, health, traffic and energy. He also added that IBM is proud to be celebrating its centennial anniversary and is using this great history to pave the way for the coming 100 years.
The participation of Telecommunications companies in Cairo ICT
Al Amwal, 15/5/2011
There has been a lot of debates around the participation of mobile operators Vodafone and Mobinil as well as Egypt Telecom in Cairo ICT this year to be held from the 25 to the 28 of May. An organizer said that Egypt Telecom will participate with TE DATA. Also Mobinil and Vodafone are expected to participate in Hall number 4. on the other hand, companies like IBM confirmed its participation during the exhibition this year pointing that all Egypt will revive in the coming period.
Cairo ICT 2011 closes with an increase of 36% in number of visitors
Al Eitisalat Al Youm, 30/5/2011
During The closing session of Cairo ICT exhibition several Experts revealed their opinion around the future of ICT.As for IBM, Eng. Amr Talaat, CGM highlighted that we should consider the persisting problems that are currently facing the community besides the necessity to have a long term strategy pointing out that IBM strategy for Egypt 2020 is a sufficient period to build this strategy.
He added that there are four main axes that should be considered: First to manage the resources of the country with the best possible method before investing in any new resources. The second axis is how to achieve integrity between different governmental rules so as to deliver services at the lower cost. As for the third axis it is on facing unemployment and social problems. The fourth axis is on how to provide loans to owners of different projects by companies.
Softiline Egypt inaugurates a sister company in Egypt.. Soon
Al Eitisalat Al Youm, 30/5/2011
Softline Egypt announced the inauguration of a sister company under the name of AXsoftline in the coming 3 months in the Egyptian market.
On another note, Softline announced during the Cairo ICT exhibition, that in collaboration with its partners: IBM, Oracle and Google, the company showcased the latest IT solutions of cloud computing services with the purpose of raising awareness and knowledge of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of the importance of applying cloud computing technology, which would be the lifebuoy of the day. The company decided to focus currently on cloud computing services which will be highly attractive in the Egyptian market.
With the contribution of 350 companies over a surface of 22 thousand square meters
Cairo ICT 2011 succeeds in reviving the communications and Information Technology sector in Egypt
Al Barlaman Al Ektessady, 29/5/2011
Over 350 companies participated at the Cairo ICT 2011 exhibition that was held from May 25-28.
It is the first official participation of IBM in the exhibition, which coincided with its 100’s anniversary. Engineer Amr Talaat, General Manager of IBM stated: we are happy to participate this year as our participation is considered a clear message that the market of the Egyptian Information Technology and Communications is constantly growing due to the availability of infrastructure and the remarkable human resources who could use and adapt technology to make a modern revolution. He added that the company has a number of solutions that will be released during the exhibition through the 2020 initiative which follows under the umbrella of Smarter Planet. The company considers that it is time to draw the image of information technology in Egypt in 2020. We, as multinational companies have to contribute in setting this strategy and come out with solutions for the existing problems in the fields of security, traffic, transportation, corruption, poverty, very small loans or other irritating problems from which the Egyptian market is suffering. He stated that our goal is the re-rotation of the wheel of economy and revitalization of Egypt through the ICT.
Maged Osman
Technology is the most important means of governance to fight corruption
Al Ahram Al Messaei, 29/5/2011
During a panel discussion that took place in Caio ICT 2011, Several key figures shared their opinion on the importance of the ICT sector.
From his side, Amr Talaat, General Manager of IBM Egypt stated that one of the rules of governance is to promote conviction/contentment among the staff of the companies and institutions in order to achieve the objectives of the company, asserting that we are currently living in the most appropriate time to apply the principle of transparency.
Softline introduces SMEs Cloud Computing Solutions
ICT Business, 28/5/2011
For the second year in a row, Softline Egypt participates in Cairo ICT exhibition, emphasizing its presence in the most significant Egyptian ICT sector event which gathers the greatest ICT companies.
Softline is joining the exhibition this year in collaboration with its partners – IBM, Oracle and Google – to show the latest IT solutions of cloud computing services with the purpose of raising awareness and knowledge of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of the importance of applying cloud computing technology.
Mr. Mohamed Gamal el-Hazeq, Regional Manager of Softline Egypt stated that the company decided to focus currently on cloud computing services which will be highly attractive in the Egyptian market thanks to their ability to improve productivity on one hand and reduce costs on the other.
He added that “cloud computing services can highly secure information, which is made available by the service providers. Softline train its working team on this modern technology so that they can explain it to customers. Furthermore, we provide the service at an easy and simple financial return according to the client’s wish and affordability”.
Mr. Al Hazek stated that Google provides Google Apps solutions which enable SMEs to use the service at a reduced cost; Oracle provides a customer relations manager (CRM) software; and IBM provides IBM Lotus Live services which is highly demanded by SMEs.
Our participation in the fair this year is due to the great turns the country is taking and the resulting challenges for the IT community. As an active player in the community, we have to contribute new solutions for community service, and we are participating more broadly and intensely, directly through the great pavilion of our company, and also indirectly via our business partners including Softline which enjoys international expertise besides the capacity to market and sell in the local market. We seek to deliver an important message: we have a big confidence in the Egyptian market which can grow highly, and we are going to introduce a set of solutions and strategies for social issues, such as anti-corruption, security, traffic, transparency and poverty eradication”, stated Eng. Amr Talaat, General Manager IBM Egypt.
Talaat
Communications and technology means are a main player to increase the culture of fighting corruption
Alam Rakamy, 28/5/2011
Amr Talaat, General Manager of IBM Egypt stated that one of the rules of governance is to promote conviction/contentment among the staff of the companies and institutions in order to achieve the objectives of the company, asserting that we are currently living in the most appropriate time to apply the principle of transparency.
With regards to the role of the Egyptian companies in social development, Talaat stated that there are several initiatives that could be launched in order to achieve a higher awareness and culture to fight the different systems of corruption.
He called on the necessity to have more awareness dialogues in the community and the development of the results of such dialogues that could be easily achieved through the diversified communicational and technological means.
Amr Talaat, General Manager of IBM Egypt to “Alam Raqami”
Our first participation at the exhibition coincides with the 100 anniversary on the continuity of our technological creativity
Alam Rakamy, 28/5/2011
Our objective is to build a new image for Egypt and to focus on cloud computing Egypt 2020 is a new initiative which follows under the umbrella of Smarter Planet to serve the community
With regards to the details of this participation, which was a pleasant surprise for its local partners and customers, Engineer Amr Talaat, General Manager of IBM revealed that the company launched a new initiative during the exhibition
We have decided to participate in the exhibition this year due to the huge transformations occurring in the country and the resulting challenges particularly in the field of Information Technology, We are celebrating this year the 100’s anniversary on the establishment of the company, which indicates the ability of the company to develop and keep abreast with changes and challenges that are facing the market and our customers; this is a success in itself that we are aiming at preserving. We were thinking lately about how to celebrate the 100 anniversary under the political events that are taking place in the country, we found out that each company plays an important role in providing technological services and solutions to face the problems of the Egyptian community, therefore we have put the details of the Egypt 2020 initiative, in which we are planning the next phase and drawing an image for the new information technology in Egypt, we have addressed many governmental and private authorities to implement together this initiative.
The Egyptian market is considered as one of the most important markets in the region; it is positively evaluated and is a promising one. It has all the elements for the attraction of new investments. The company sees that Egypt has huge and creative human resources. Our focus is strongly continuing on the Egyptian market.
We have four main axes for operation, first, to focus on promising markets including Egypt which comes on top of the promising markets, second, the axis of Business analysis that is focusing on analyzing available data and information; He added that cloud computing is the third axis, as it is considered as one of the important axes in Egypt due to saving cost, the increase of competence, and the good quality of work of companies and Fourth, the smart planet axis, which is an integrated group of solutions of the state-of-the-art technologies achieved by the company.
The community contribution is very important to us and we are aiming at achieving our role towards the Egyptian community. The company has established a Nanotechnology center with ITIDA; we select 10 Egyptian students to visit the laboratories of the company around the world to discuss their researches, and to learn the new technology. We are also currently implementing a community initiative for the staff of the company who are saving part of their time to educate people and familiarize them with technological solutions capable of solving their problems.
Cloud computing will lead the transformations that are occurring in companies ...
Cloud computing will lead the transformations that are occurring in companies to increase their competitiveness
Alam Rakamy, 28/5/2011
Experts: technology turns from the role of “mediator” among companies to the role of “leader” After the events of January 25th: Egyptian companies realized its benefit
The cloud computing is the golden opportunity and the main solution for several small and medium companies currently, particularly that it helps the increase of productivity significantly without the need to deduct big investments from capitals to purchase and operate tens of programs and devices which they do not really need, and that are changed after a long time to suit the needs of expansion in the company. On the other hand, several large companies rely on this technology with which it supports other companies. Engineer Amr Talaat, General Manager IBM Egypt stated tha tcloud computing is one of the main axes and growth areas that IBM is focusing on .IBM is helping its clients to increase the efficiency of their business and save cost ,Cloud computing represents an important axis in the Egyptian market; as it helps a large number of small and medium companies particularly under the current circumstances which are imposing on companies to save costs to the maximum degree.
He added that the other advantages of cloud computing is the possibility of companies to rely on the state-of-the-art devices and applications versus a monthly subscription and the provision of all technical support services, so the concept of technology as a service will prevail. We believe that it will make a big conversion in the industry of Information technology, similar to the one that resulted from the release of the Internet commercially in the nineties. Cloud computing is a platform that will provide thousand of job opportunities all over the world, the creation of several projects and applications that are relying on creativity and innovation.
IBM: New innovations for softwares and solutions for companies
Alam Rakamy 26/5/2011
IBM participates in this year’s ICT as a golden sponsor out of its belief in the important role the ICT sector will play in pushing forward the economy in the coming period as well as its keenness on the presence in the Egyptian market.
General Manager of IBM Egypt, Engineer Amr Talaat, stated that IBM participates within a large booth where it presents its most recent releases and innovations which include a group of systems, software and solutions designed to help different sectors of the Egyptian market to keep up with the developments and market changes such as cloud computing solutions, business analysis and others.
He added that the company will launch a new initiative under the title of “Egypt 2020” which follows under the umbrella of Smarter Planet and represents the company’s future vision of Egypt and through which many problems and challenges the Egyptian society struggles with will be approached such as poverty, education, traffic, corruption and others.
During the Transparency session with the usage of technology
Technology is the most important method to apply the rules of electronic governance to fight corruption
ICT Business, 26/5/2011
Amr Talaat, General Manager of IBM Egypt stated that one of the rules of governance is to promote conviction/contentment among the staff of the companies and institutions in order to achieve the objectives of the company, asserting that we are currently living in the most appropriate time to apply the principle of transparency.
With regards to the role of the Egyptian companies in social development, Talaat stated that there are several initiatives that could be launched in order to achieve a higher awareness and culture to fight the different systems of corruption.
He called on the necessity to have more awareness dialogues in the community and the development of the results of such dialogues that could be easily achieved through the diversified communicational and technological means.