VAR Magazine

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May 2023 | Issue 245

Fazalur Rahman Marketing Director Hisense MEA

HISENSE COMMITTED TO INTRODUCING STATE-OFTHE-ART TECHNOLOGY TO THE REGION

S

mart home technology is experiencing rapid growth in the region, and Hisense is at the forefront of introducing innovative and state-

of-the-art products to meet the increasing demand. In an exclusive interview, we had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Fazalur Rahman, Marketing Director at Hisense Middle East & Africa, to gain insights into how the brand has successfully secured a substantial market share and what continues to drive their enthusiasm for the future.

Could you please tell us about your role in the organization and your areas of expertise?

I am the Regional Marketing Director for Hisense Middle East & North Africa, responsible for designing and reshaping strategies to improve brand awareness and equity, execute GTM plans, enhance consumer engagement, and optimise retail/shopper marketing. My primary focus in this role is on driving brand equity, influencing consumer behaviour, and accelerating business growth across the Middle East region.

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Electronics | Mobile | Computer | Printer | Home Appliances | Accessories | Cameras

EDITORIAL

Dear Reader,

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elcome & thank you for taking time to read this piece of editorial letter. The United Arab Emirates is an intriguing market, full of potential and dynamic business which are constantly expanding. UAE resellers rank in the top 3 countries that are actively looking to expand into new regions. Resellers today should embrace a holistic, long-term strategy as technological factors in the region are helpful than ever before for businesses to do a seamless cross border transaction. CABSAT & Seamless were the events that VAR covered in May. From Seamless 2023 we could foretell that we are moving away from a fragmented payment ecosystem to a unified one.

Resellers can become trendsetters. By connecting with their consumers and businesses better, integrating their technology and systems, they can sync with ongoing trends and set course for new ones. This is what the Ayden Retail report highlights.

This time, we have covered Hisense as the best pick for an interview from the smart consumer electronic segment. Hisense recently showcased their next generation of 2023 TV line-up.

The brand has managed to capture significant market share in the TV segment. Apart from TV line-ups they cater various other home electronics such as A/Cs, smart refrigerators and smart

MBUZZ Technologies, the preferred distributor for worldclass ICT brands has a new partnership with CP plus. The distribution agreement with CP Plus, will now make MBUZZ the provider of cutting-edge security and surveillance solutions.

In may iStyle opened up new store in Dubai. iStyle founded in 2005 have been managing 13 stores until recently. So, we did a brief interview to understand their plans for the future. We also have plenty of news from the tech world – MediaTek, Kingston, Kodak Alaris, Intel and much more.

Digital transformation has been a big influence in every industry, and we too as a media house are moving in this direction. From June we would be bursting with video-interviews, exclusives and top-notch content from the best companies and leaders from the technological spectrum of the region. We are absolutely delighted that we would be coming up with 2 new magazines in the verticals of BFSI & Hospitality. So, we would like you to keep an eye on us, on our future issues. Also, let us know your thoughts on the issue of the magazine.

Happy reading.

mini projectors.

Vivek Sharma Founder

2 | May 2023

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May 2023 | 3

INTERVIEW } HISENSE Continue From P-1

HISENSE COMMITTED TO INTRODUCING MORE STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY TO THE REGION I have been with Hisense for over 7 years since its nascent years in

washing machines,

the region, spearheading a small team with a strategic approach to

dishwashers and air

enter and expand into the UAE, GCC & LEVANT regions.

conditioners.

What is Hisense’s most recent offering to the Middle Eastern market?

ly unveiled at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas,

What are some significant trends and requirements that have emerged from the Middle Eastern market throughout the years?

received the CES 2023 Innovation Award for its advanced optical

The household

systems, exceptional image processing, and industry leading display

appliances mar-

technologies. We also introduced ULED TVs, range of Mini-LEDs,

ket in the Middle

Laser TV as well as smart projectors like PX1-PRO, CH1 and PL1H.

East has witnessed

Well, Hisense has recently launched its next generation of 2023 TV line-up. Our hero product focuses on ULED X technology which has even better picture quality based on Mini LED Technology though the usage of advanced in house developed chipset called Hi-View Engine X. The technology can be seen in the model 85UX which will be available in the market in Q3 2023. The ULED X, which was initial-

We are committed to introducing more cutting-edge and latest

Fazalur Rahman Marketing Director Hisense MEA

significant growth

technology products to the region. Our technology is a combination

in the past few years because of several positive factors. One notable

of smart and high-end tech algorithm that makes consumers con-

trend driving this growth is the integration of smart home technol-

nect with these appliances for an easier lifestyle. The smart features

ogy, which has contributed to the industry’s expansion in the region.

can be witnessed in our appliances like refrigerators, that comes

Additionally, there has been a rising demand for energy-efficient

with a touch screen, allowing you to control temperature and other

appliances, primarily due to growing environmental awareness and

features. Soon the market will witness a range of smart series with

the need to reduce energy consumption. As a result, companies have begun investing in the development of energy-efficient appliances to meet this demand.

The growth of e-commerce in the Middle East has played a crucial role in propelling the household appliances market. The household appliances market is expected to see a substantial increase in the coming years. This growth can be attributed to the exposure of Middle East to other countries. Increase of tourism has which has generated increased demand in household appliances in resorts and hotels. Many people are migration to the Middle East, which is driving market development; and the growing number of working family members and time constraints fuelling demands for modern equipment. The deployment of smart household appliances is also seen as a time-saving solution in this context.

Could you give us some statistics on your market share in the Middle East and your projected growth in the next two years?

Hisense has experienced remarkable growth in the Middle East over the past 10 years. Through a carefully planned approach and effective expansion strategies, the brand has managed to capture a significant market share of 12 per cent in the region’s TV sector and aiming to reach 18-20 per cent in the next two years. This achievement is testament to our commitment to delivering quality products and establishing a strong brand presence in the region.

As a brand, we are constantly striving to further enhance our presence in the Middle East. The company is actively investing in the development and introduction of new technologies, ensuring that our product line-up remains at the forefront of innovation. By introducing more stock-keeping units, Hisense aims to provide a diverse range of options to cater to the varying needs and preferences of its customers.

4 | May 2023

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In addition to product development, Hisense is also prioritising its visibility on both offline and online platforms. Recognising the importance of a multi-channel approach, we are focusing on strengthening our presence in traditional bricksand-mortar stores, while also expanding

CANON LAUNCHES PRISMACOLOR MANAGER FOR ALL CMYK DIGITAL PRINTERS

our reach through online retail platforms.

This comprehensive strategy aims to make Hisense products more accessible to consumers across different touchpoints, further fuelling the brand’s growth in the Middle East.

What projections do you have for the TV market? Do you think TV costs will rise in the future?

Hisense is a competitive brand, and we are focused on growth. By participating in global events such as the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championships, we have gained a better platform to communicate with end-users, leading to an expansion of our brand and increased credibility and acceptability. In the TV category, we will continue to introduce advanced technology and features that cater to our end-users, offering the best home entertainment solutions.

Our recent launch of ULED X technology is certain to captivate consumers with its premium picture quality. Technology remains a key factor in the TV industry, and we anticipate the introduction of game-changing entertainment solutions on to the market very soon. It is important to note that advanced technology often comes with a higher price point.

While there has been a month-on-month increase observed in the market, we recognise the high level of competitiveness.

Finally, what excites you about technology’s future?

At Hisense, we are always striving to keep pace with the latest trends and stay ahead of our competitors in introducing trendy products. We are particularly excited about the future of technology in the TV industry. For example, we recently unveiled the Hisense PX1-PRO TriChroma Laser Cinema at CES, receiving widespread acclaim. This next-generation TV offers immersive entertainment and is now available across the Middle East region. As technology continues to advance rapidly, we are equally excited to see what the future holds and to be part of this

C

anon has launched a new software called PRISMAcolor Manager. It is designed to help businesses that provide printing services, both for commercial use and in-house printing. This software allows these businesses to measure and validate colors on different types of printers, whether they are Canon printers or printers from other brands. It works with printers that use CMYK inkjet or toner technology.

The purpose of PRISMAcolor Manager is to ensure that the colors printed by these printers are accurate and consistent. It does this by comparing the printed colors against established industry standards or custom targets set by the user. By verifying the color accuracy, operators can ensure that the printed colors match the intended colors.

PRISMAcolor Manager makes it easy for printing service providers to confirm and evaluate the quality of digital prints. It simplifies the process of measuring colors and provides clear and easy-to-understand results.

The software can collect color measurement data from different printers, allowing operators to compare the results.

The software is user-friendly and can be used by anyone. It saves time and resources by providing step-by-step instructions and animations on how to measure colors accurately. It also reduces errors by automatically adjusting the printer settings or providing on-screen instructions to ensure the correct color quality.

During the measurement process, the software provides real-time feedback and indicates when each step has been carried out correctly.

This helps operators avoid mistakes and produce accurate color prints. By using PRISMAcolor Manager, printing service providers can improve their efficiency and reduce waste from misprinted materials.

Ayman Aly, B2B Marketing Director – Pro Print at Canon Middle East comments, “Validating and optimising colour consistency is essential for print service providers and is one of the most critical aspects of professional printing. Monitoring colour quality and ensuring that it is in line with industry standards can be very time consuming and complex and often requires a colour expert. For PSPs with more than one type of printer or printer supplier, the process of measuring and analysing colour consistency and quality across different devices can be even more challenging.

PRISMAcolor Manager provides PSPs with a simple, printer-agnostic tool to support these processes. And its easy-to-use user interface enables operators at all levels to carry out the validation.”

transformative journey.

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May 2023 | 5

NEWS }

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE LIVING: BEKO UNVEILS AN ECO-FRIENDLY RANGE OF HOME APPLIANCES

B

eko, Europe’s leading home appliance brand, launches an eco-friendly range of products that promote sustainable living.

Aligned with their sustainability mission, the new line-up offers reliability, high performance, and advanced technologies for accessible healthy living.

The latest product range includes RecycledNet ovens made from recycled fishnets and thread waste, HarvestFresh refrigerators preserving vitamins in fruits and vegetables, RecycledTub washing machines using recycled plastic bottles, IronFinish tumble dryers for ready-to-wear results, and AutoDose connected dishwashers to save time, water, and energy.

Beko’s commitment to sustainability extends across all operations, meeting the rising demand for eco-friendly options. They integrate sustainability into their business model to ensure healthy living on a healthy planet.

In collaboration with OnePoll, Beko conducted a survey of 2,000 consumers in the region, revealing changing attitudes towards kitchen designs. Timeless designs, cutting-edge technology, and high-quality aesthetics were the top preferences among respondents, with 93% seeking appliances with innovative technologies.

Experience sustainable living with Beko’s new range of home appliances, combining functionality, style, and eco-consciousness.

OPPO ENCO AIR3: PRIORITIZE YOUR INNER PEACE

I

n recent years, OPPO has continued to make technological audio advancements most recently with the launch of its latest OPPO Enco Air3.

The wireless earbuds offer users attractive design, competitive value, and spectacular specs for audiovisual entertainment allowing those observing Ramadan to find quiet contemplative moments throughout the Holy month.

With the earbuds’ exceptional noise cancellation feature, users can use on the go, without interruption of the bustling city around them. The OPPO Enco Air3 also adopts the newest generation Bluetooth 5.3 low-latency transmission, which has lower delay and stronger anti-interference,

6 | May 2023

so that mobile phone users of differing brands and configurations can enjoy a consistent audio and video synchronization experience.

The OPPO Enco Air3 works independently for up to six hours whilst providing a maximum 25 hours of battery life with the use of the charging case. For those looking for a quick charge, the earbuds provide two hours of battery life on just a 10-minute charge.

The OPPO Enco Air3 delivers extended battery capabilities and superior sound quality as well as audio processing in the earbuds themselves, for a more immersive and three-dimensional listening experience for users.

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NEWS }

KODAK ALARIS SIGNS COCRE8 TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS AS A DISTRIBUTOR

K

odak Alaris, a global technology com-

to streamline business processes, improve

eral Manager at Kodak Alaris. “CoCre8 has a

pany focused on providing solutions to

efficiency, and reduce costs.

strong reputation for delivering high-qual-

digitize and manage business information,

CoCre8 has a strong reputation for pro-

ity solutions and services, and we believe

has signed a distribution agreement with

viding high-quality solutions and services,

that our partnership will enable businesses

CoCre8 Technology Solutions, a leading pro-

and this partnership with Kodak Alaris will

in the region to benefit from our innova-

vider of software and hardware solutions for

enable them to expand their offerings and

tions and expertise.”

businesses in the Southern African region.

provide a wider range of solutions to their

The agreement enables CoCre8 to dis-

customers. By leveraging Kodak Alaris tech-

organisations, placing emphasis on how

tribute the Kodak Alaris portfolio of docu-

nology and expertise, CoCre8 can provide its

data needs to empower business lead-

ment scanners, capture software, and pro-

customers with best-in-class solutions to

ers, as well as how it needs to be stored,

fessional services to customers across the

help them achieve their business goals.

secured, and managed. As such, CoCre8

Southern African region. The partnership

“We are excited to partner with CoCre8

“Digital transformation is critical to all

is ecstatic to announce its partnership

will allow businesses to access the complete

to expand our reach and provide our solu-

with Kodak Alaris as the official Enterprise

portfolio of innovative and industry-lead-

tions to more customers in the Southern

Distributor for Africa,” said Hannes Burger,

ing solutions from Kodak Alaris, helping

African region,” said Elias Mouchantaf, Gen-

CEO of CoCre8.

RING DEBUTS BATTERY VIDEO DOORBELL PLUS, ENHANCING HOME SECURITY IN THE UAE R ing, whose mission is to make neighbourhoods safer, has announced the latest addition to its smart home security solutions, the Battery Video Doorbell Plus.

With a 150x150 degree field of view, HD+ resolution, and a battery life that is up to three times better than the first Ring video doorbell, it delivers superior security and convenience for customers.

“We are excited to launch the Battery Video Doorbell Plus in the UAE, as it represents a significant advancement to our battery-powered family,” said Mohammad Meraj Hoda, Vice President – Emerging Markets, Ring. “We are enhancing what our devices can do to give our customers a crisp and clear view of everything that is happening at their front door, with the highest HD resolution of any Ring battery doorbell, along with colour night vision. We have incorporated this technology into our doorbell, which is one of our most popular products, to provide customers with a wide range of options for their home security systems. Ring is committed to providing homeowners with value, convenience, and peace of mind, keeping families connected wherever they are, and allowing them to protect what matters most.”

Battery Video Doorbell Plus offers a 150x150 degree field of view and 1536p HD+ resolution, providing customers with

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a Head-to-Toe view of visitors and HD video of what’s happening at the front door.

Helpful features include Package Alerts that help customers monitor doorstep deliveries by sending notifications upon detecting a package in their designated package zone (available with a Ring Protect Basic or Plus subscription). Other features Ring users know and love are Customisable Motion Zones, Privacy Zones, Quick Replies, Live View and Two-Way Talk. It is also compatible with Alexa, enabling customers to see, hear, and communicate with visitors via

their Echo or Fire TV device. Furthermore, it is equipped with a quick-release, rechargeable battery pack, and can be connected to a Ring Solar Panel for an uninterrupted power supply, or it can be hardwired into customers’ existing doorbells for trickle charging the battery pack.

Additionally, Battery Video Doorbell Plus can trigger video capture on indoor and outdoor Ring Security Cameras by linking devices via the Ring app. It also integrates with Ring Alarm, switching on and capturing video when the alarm is triggered.

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NEWS }

INTEL SURPASSES FIRST 2030 GOAL: $2 BILLION IN DIVERSE SUPPLIER SPENDING

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hree years ago, Intel announced a goal to increase global annual spending with diverse suppliers to $2 billion by 2030.

We are proud to announce we reached $2.2 billion in diverse supplier spending in 2022, eight years ahead of schedule. This $2.2 billion represents nearly 15 times the annual total when our supplier diversity program launched in 2015, and double our 2019 results.

Intel’s commitment to a more inclusive supply chain allows us to leverage our purchasing power to address social gaps in our pursuit of fair business practices. Included in today’s milestone are two more goals that have been met early: • $250 million with U.S. Black-owned suppliers by end of 2023.

• $800 million annually with minority-owned suppliers globally by end of 2023.

We attribute the ability to reach our goals ahead of schedule to our processes and incentives that encourage diverse suppliers to work with us. Additionally, due to our rapid manufacturing expansion around the world in the past few years, we have had the opportunity to bring in more suppliers than ever before.

Influencing Inclusion Across the Semiconductor Ecosystem When Intel launched its supplier diversity program, there was limited awareness among semiconductor manufacturers of the positive benefits diverse suppliers bring to the supply chain. Through several initiatives and proactive partnerships with our largest non-diverse suppliers and industry groups, Intel has led the expansion of di-

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a diversity baseline for the semiconductor supply chain that didn’t exist before. Additionally, the group actively promotes the development of a SEMI standard featuring common definitions and best practices for supporting global supplier ownership diversity.

WHY IT MATTERS

verse-owned suppliers across the semiconductor industry.

In 2016, we began formally inviting our manufacturing and construction suppliers to join us in building a more inclusive supply chain. We encouraged these suppliers to create their own supplier diversity programs and report their spending with diverse subcontractors working on Intel contracts by incentivizing them with supplier scorecard points, which are prerequisites for prestigious Intel supplier awards. While originally this initiative was small, today it represents 45% of our 2022 total reported diverse spending.

In 2018, Intel, along with three of our largest suppliers, led the creation of the SEMI Manufacturing Owners Diversity (MOD) Working Group to further increase awareness and opportunities. Now, this working group encompasses more than 70 corporations, diverse-owned companies, and certifying NGOs, and has established

Beyond the impact that our technology has on people’s lives, we strive to make a positive difference in our supply chain and in our communities. Developing a diverse semiconductor ecosystem creates equitable opportunities for individuals from historically underserved groups and helps uplift their communities. By working with diverse-owned suppliers, we increase our resilience, and generate new value within our global supply chain and the communities in which we operate.

A diverse and inclusive supply chain also introduces greater competition and helps drive innovation. Diverse-owned suppliers have proven to bring different perspectives and innovative solutions that benefit our customers and stakeholders. For example, when larger direct suppliers could not deliver a critical component last year, a woman-owned supplier successfully filled the gap to help Intel fulfill a customer commitment.

Since launching our renewed supplier diversity and inclusion (SD&I) commitment in 2015, we have also seen the direct impact of increased competition within our supply chain. Four of the five diverse suppliers on Intel’s supplier scorecard are outperforming their competitors.

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NEWS }

PASSWORD SECURITY ‘THE FIRST LINE OF RESISTANCE’ AGAINST SECURITY BREACHES

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n today’s digitalized world where reliance on digital platforms is at an all-time high, the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches has never been greater. With hackers becoming increasingly sophisticated and relentless in their attacks while developing new tools and techniques for malicious intent purposes, employees and businesses alike are compelled to take every adequate measure to protect themselves.

Given the nature of this challenging high-risk environment, Kingston Technology Europe Co LLP, an affiliate of Kinston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, has cast a spotlight on one of the key lines of defense against system breaches: password security.

“Password security is of the utmost importance to people, enterprises, and industries, especially in light of unprecedented digital transformation, which has

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inadvertently presented hackers with new opportunities and loopholes to infiltrate systems,” explained Antoine Harb, Team Leader, Middle East, Kingston Technology.

“Secure passwords are a crucial element to combating threats and, as the first line of resistance in safeguarding digital assets, they can ensure personal, organizational, and financial systems and information are not compromised or exploited, thereby providing invaluable protection.”

With the rising number of online accounts and services such as personal banking applications, pension funds, and healthcare information, Kingston Technology stresses that protecting personal information and organizational assets from malicious actors is essential, a view substantiated by various statistics.

While Kingston Technology acknowledges that hackers have found success in exploiting passwords via techniques includ-

Antoine Harb Team Leader, ME, Kingston Technology

ing keylogging and brute-force, dictionary, and rainbow table attacks, the company has pointed out the significant impact that data is having on repelling such exploitation and ushering in a vibrant new era in stringent password security.

“By analyzing large datasets of passwords, security experts are identifying common patterns, weaknesses, and flaws in passwords that can be exploited by hackers.

Such analysis is subsequently empowering companies to develop better algorithms and methods for creating strong passwords that are less likely to be guessed or cracked,” continued Harb. “Data-driven analytics are enabling companies to detect suspicious login attempts and proactively alert users to potential threats, while data-driven authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication, have made it much harder for hackers to gain access to user accounts, even with correct passwords.”

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NEWS }

CP PLUS PROUDLY WELCOMES MBUZZ TECHNOLOGIES ONBOARD AS A DISTRIBUTOR

C

P PLUS is delighted to announce its new partnership with a leading distributor in UAE, MBUZZ Technologies. This strategic alliance will enable CP PLUS to expand its reach in the GCC region and provide customers with better access to its innovative products. “After winning over most of the Asian market, CP PLUS has also begun its global quest where the brand is making huge investments and opening offices to extend its reach in every corner of the world Consequently, this partnership with MBUZZ Technologies will strengthen the brand’s presence in the Gulf region. With this boost in outreach, CP PLUS aims to cater to the varied security needs of the people of the Gulf countries and deliver an enhanced living experience where they can thrive”, adds Mr. Gaurav Khemka, Director - Middle East & Africa, CP PLUS. MBUZZ Technologies has a proven track record of success in the distribution industry and is well-positioned to help CP PLUS achieve its business goals in the region. With their extensive network, market knowledge, and

expertise in logistics, MBUZZ Technologies will provide CP PLUS with the necessary support to establish a strong presence in the KSA, UAE and GCC market.

This partnership reflects the commitment CP PLUS has to deliver quality products and services to its customers globally. By partne ing with MBUZZ Technologies, CP PLUS is confident that it can offer its customers in Dubai and the wider GCC/KSA region the highest level of service and support.

“We are thrilled to announce our dis-

tribution agreement with CP Plus, a leading provider of cutting-edge security and surveillance solutions. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to offer our customers the best products and services in the industry. With CP Plus’ comprehensive range of advanced security solutions, we are confident that we can meet the ever-changing requirements of different industries and provide them with the vast business reach in the KSA, UAE and other GCC regions” says Sabir Saleem, CEO of MBUZZ.

OTIS LAUNCHES THE OTIS ON IOT DIGITAL SERVICE SOLUTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

O

tis Worldwide Corporation,the world’s leading company for elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service, introduces its Otis ONE IoT service platform in the Middle East.

The Otis ONE solution combines Otis’ more than 30 years of remote monitoring experience with the latest in cloud technology, machine learning and the Internet of Things (IoT). It provides transparent, real-time monitoring to customers and service professionals, and can proactively identify and addresses potential issues to keep elevators and escalators running,

10 | May 2023

and – in the event of a shutdown – resume service faster. It is now available in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Smart and sustainable cities require smart vertical mobility. With the Otis ONE solution, we are proud to support our customers in the Middle East to achieve their goals as they create and develop ambitious urbanization programs as part of UAE Next 50, Dubai 2040 and Saudi Vision 2030,” said Ozgur Aren, Market Group Leader, Otis Middle East, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Ukraine & CIS. Powered by sensors installed on the elevators and escalators, the Otis ONE solution continuously monitors performance and can notify maintenance teams of their condition. Often, issues can be resolved remotely and before a breakdown. If technicians need to be dispached on site, they can access fault information and the parts needed for repair in advance, making it possible to quickly and effectively return the elevator to service.

The Otis ONE solution also powers the eView display incar screen. During normal operation, the eView display can share information such as news and building updates with passengers. In the event of a technical breakdown, the screen can turn into an innovative video connection between the passengers in the elevator car and Otis experts at the OTISLINE customer center.

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May 2023 | 11

NEWS }

AXIS COMMUNICATIONS EXPLORES LATEST SECURITY OFFERINGS DURING UAE STAGE OF CONNECT

A

xis Communications, a networking technology company and industry leader, hosted its third Connect by Axis event in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Connect by Axis aims to create valuable opportunities for MEA stakeholders to gather industry insights, delve into new technologies, and connect with each other.

Held at Anantara Eastern Mangroves, the event showcased some of the latest technologies from Axis, explored current trends, and engaged with security stakeholders from the UAE. Hosted by the Axis team, attendees included members of the Axis partner ecosystem, Axis product end-users, industry associations and thought leaders, and members of the press.

“Following successful Johannesburg and Egypt launches, Connect by Axis in Abu Dhabi did not disappoint. We will continue to elevate our partners’ and distributors’ experience with insightful thought leadership and first-hand product demonstrations.

These events show that we believe in the power of partnerships, and are committed to strengthening our relationships in the market and being market leaders focused on technological advancements and innovations for years to come,” said Ettiene van der Watt, Regional Director for Middle East, Central Asia and Africa at Axis.

“We are proud to have hosted a roadshow of this scale in Abu Dhabi, in addition to the events we regularly host in Dubai. The

UAE is important to Axis – we have a solid foundation here and are looking forward to creating more platforms like this that serve the market’s needs. From speaking to our partners and customers, we’ve identified a need for events that connect the security industry, foster collaboration, share knowledge, promote innovation, and strengthen the overall security framework,” explained Mohammed Hoteit, Regional Sales Manager for Abu Dhabi, UAE, at Axis.

The key products highlighted at Connect by Axis, Abu Dhabi, were: 1. AXIS Q1656-DLE Radar-Video Fusion Camera. It offers wide-area intrusion

protection and reliable 24/7 detection with a fusion of two powerful technologies: video and radar.

2. AXIS Q6318-LE PTZ Camera. Ideal for city surveillance, it features a ½” sensor and 31X optical zoom.

3. AXIS C1610-VE Network Sound Projector. This product is proof that tough can look good. Built to withstand temperatures from -40 to +55°C, this network speaker offers clear, dependable voice messages outdoors or indoors.

4. AXIS D4100-E Network Strobe Siren.

Deter intruders, improve operational efficiency, and more with the power of light and sound.

HyperPay SHOWCASES INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AT SEAMLESS DUBAI H yperPay, the leading payment gateway provider in the MENA region, showcased its range of cutting-edge payment solutions and services during its participation in “Seamless Dubai 2023”, the largest fintech and e-Commerce gathering in the MENA region, which took place on May 23 and 24, 2023, at Dubai World Trade Centre, brought together industry experts, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across the region.

Hyperpay’s participation in the event reaffirms its dedication to bolstering the growth and innovation of the fintech industry in the region, while providing support to companies in the sector. During its participation, HyperPay shared its vast knowledge and expertise in the fintech sector with the attendees and

12 | May 2023

delved into the recent trends, advancements, and avenues in the evolving sector. In addition to showcasing its portfolio of financial offerings at its booth, the company also explored innovative avenues for collaboration and forged new alliances with various industry-relevant entities, aimed at expanding its products and services to new customers.

Muhannad Ebwini, Founder and CEO of HyperPay stated: “Our participation in Seamless Dubai 2023 aligns with our commitment to further advance the growth of the fintech industry through numerous diverse financial products and services. Serving as an excellent opportunity to network with various pioneers and explore new developments and trends in the sector, the event has undoubtedly contributed to

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NEWS }

ANKER REVOLUTIONIZES CHARGING WITH GANPRIME: SMALLER, FASTER, AND GREENER

A

nker, a pioneer in charging technology, introduces GaNPrime, a cutting-edge lineup of chargers that utilize Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology. GaN, commonly found in modern satellites and radars, has enabled Anker to develop smaller, lighter chargers with enhanced efficiency.

The GaNPrime series boasts several key features: • Green tech: Anker’s innovative use of GaN technology makes GaNPrime chargers more compact and energy-efficient compared to traditional silicone-based chargers.

• PowerIQ 4.0: With PowerIQ 4.0, GaNPrime chargers intelligently detect the power requirements of multiple devices, optimizing power distribution and reducing overall charging time by up to one hour.

• ActiveShield 2.0: The advanced ActiveShield 2.0 technology ensures device safety by monitoring temperature and adjusting power output to prevent overheating. With a 76% increase in temperature detection frequency, connected devices remain protected.

• Compact Architecture Design: GaNPrime products incorporate Anker’s mini-transformer technology, making them up to 53% smaller than silicon laptop chargers. Moreover, the increased power output allows a single GaNPrime charger to conveniently charge multiple devices

simultaneously.

• GaNPrime and USB-C offer sustainable charging solutions, benefiting both users and the environment. GaNPrime chargers demonstrate increased power efficiency, saving consumers over 7% in energy consumption compared to traditional chargers. Additionally, Anker’s commitment to the universal adoption of USB-C

ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, reducing the need for multiple chargers and minimizing e-waste generated by obsolete or proprietary chargers.

• Embrace the future of charging with Anker’s GaNPrime series, where smaller size, faster charging, and greener technology converge to elevate your charging experience.

the growth and development of the fintech industry in the region. Through the event, we were able to share our insights on the recent global advancements in the digital payment market, which is advancing at a rather faster pace, and provide a comprehensive picture of the opportunities and challenges within the fintech industry.”

He added: “At HyperPay, we are devoted to promoting innovation in the fintech industry to develop the best products and services possible for customers that would cater to their variety of financial needs and requirements. As a pioneer in the field, we believe collaborations within the sector would pave the way for delivering more efficient services by leveraging the industry’s potential to the fullest. The numerous sessions and conferences during the event were illuminating, increasing the participation and engagement of attendees through valuable information.”

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May 2023 | 13

NEWS }

SERVICENOW AND NVIDIA PARTNER TO BUILD GENERATIVE AI ACROSS ENTERPRISE IT “As adoption of generative AI continues to accelerate, organizations are turning to trusted vendors with battle tested, secure AI capabilities to boost productivity, gain a competitive edge, and keep data and IP secure,” said CJ Desai, president and chief operating officer of ServiceNow. “Together, NVIDIA and ServiceNow will help drive new levels of automation to fuel productivity and maximize business impact.”

HARNESSING GENERATIVE AI TO RESHAPE DIGITAL BUSINESS CJ Desai President & chief operating officer of ServiceNow

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erviceNow and NVIDIA today announced a partnership to develop powerful, enterprise grade generative AI capabilities that can transform business processes with faster, more intelligent workflow automation.

Using NVIDIA software, services, and accelerated infrastructure, ServiceNow is developing custom large language models trained on data specifically for its ServiceNow Platform, the intelligent platform for end to end digital transformation.

This will expand ServiceNow’s already extensive AI functionality with new uses for generative AI across the enterprise — including for IT departments, customer service teams, employees, and developers — to strengthen workflow automation and rapidly increase productivity.

ServiceNow is also helping NVIDIA streamline its IT operations with these generative AI tools, using NVIDIA data to customize NVIDIA NeMo™ foundation models running on hybrid cloud infrastructure consisting of NVIDIA DGX™ Cloud and on premises NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD ™AI supercomputers.

“IT is the nervous system of every modern enterprise in every industry,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “Our collaboration to build super specialized generative AI for enterprises will boost the capability and productivity of IT professionals worldwide using the ServiceNow platform.”

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ServiceNow and NVIDIA are exploring a number of generative AI use cases to simplify and improve productivity across the enterprise by providing high accuracy and higher value in IT. This includes developing intelligent virtual assistants and agents to help quickly resolve a broad range of user questions and support requests with purpose built AI chatbots that use large language models and focus on defined IT tasks.

To simplify the user experience, enterprises can customize chatbots with proprietary data to create a central generative AI resource that stays on topic while resolving many different requests.

These generative AI use cases are also applicable to customer service agents, allowing for case prioritization with greater accuracy, saving time, and improving outcomes. Customer service teams can use generative AI for automatic issue resolution, knowledge base article generation based on customer case summaries, and chat summarization for faster hand off, resolution, and wrap up.

Full Stack NVIDIA Generative AI Software and Infrastructure Fuel Rapid Development In its generative AI research and development, ServiceNow is using NVIDIA AI Foundations cloud services and the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, which includes the NVIDIA NeMo framework.

Included in NeMo are prompt tuning, supervised fine tuning and knowledge retrieval tools to help developers build, customize, and deploy language models for enterprise use cases. NeMo Guardrails software is also included and enables developers to easily add topical, safety, and security features for AI chatbots.

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May 2023 | 15

NEWS }

ISTYLE UAE EXPANDS, NEW STORE OPENINGS, ENSURES UNIQUE APPLE EXPERIENCE services for both existing and new clients?

Yes, all our stores are staffed with trained Apple-certified advisors to assist and provide the best customer experience for all our clients. Absolutely any technical assistance whether it’s in warranty or out of warranty is provided by our Apple Authorized service provider for all the customers.

We offer a range of services, including Apple Care+, easy installment plans, and tradein options, ensuring that our Apple users receive comprehensive support.

What additional benefits do you provide to your clients?

Can you share a little background of iSTYLE? iSTYLE is a subsidiary of the Midis Group, a renowned technology representation company with a rich history spanning over 50 years. The Midis Group is a leader in the IT market, with a presence in over 70 countries and approximately 170 affiliates across the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, and Africa. iSTYLE, founded in UAE in 2005, has been managing 13 stores until recently.

The recent addition of the Apple Premium Partner store at Dubai Marina Mall brings the total count to 14.

Are there any new stores scheduled to be opened?

We have exciting news to announce that we

will be opening two new iSTYLE stores in the same Apple Premium Partner format. One will be located in Deira City Center, and the other will be in Sharjah at Al Zahyah City Center.

Why did you choose Dubai Marina Mall for an Apple Store?

Dubai is known for its numerous attractions and shopping destinations. Among the various malls, Dubai Marina Mall stands out as a favorite destination for shoppers due to its unique offerings. Additionally, it serves as a corporate hub with many offices nearby.

Considering these factors, Dubai Marina Mall was a natural choice for opening an iSTYLE store.

Do you offer all-in-one Apple

In addition to our services, we have educational programs that offer advantages to students and teachers. They can benefit from educational discounts when purchasing Apple products. Furthermore, we offer workshops designed to provide oneon-one guidance to new users of Apple products, helping them make the most of their devices.

Will iSTYLE provide any promotions or discounts?

Yes, we currently have special promotions running for the store launch and the grand opening. These promotions can be found on our social media platforms, which play a vital role in connecting with our audience and informing them about our offers.

JABRA JOIN HANDS WITH FVC TO EXPAND IN MEA

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abra and FVC announce new distribution partnership to bring advanced audio and intelligent video solutions to customers across the Middle East and Africa.

Jabra, a leading provider of audio and video solutions for businesses and consumers, and FVC, a leading value-added distributor in the Middle East and Africa, have announced a new distribution partnership that will bring Jabra’s advanced audio and intelligent video solutions to customers across the region.

The expansion of the relationship throughout the Middle East and Africa is a testament to the expertise in FVC rapidly expanding Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC) business unit. FVC is a market leader in innovative UCC solutions, with an exceptional line card of both traditional and bornin-the-cloud vendors, a team of in-country specialists spanning MEA, and a broad range of complimentary services.

Under the new partnership, FVC will distribute Jabra’s entire range of audio and video solutions, including headsets, speak-

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erphones, and video conferencing equipment. FVC will also provide technical support and training to channel partners and customers to help them get the most out of their Jabra products.

“Jabra entered the intelligent video solutions market in 2019 with the acquisition of Altia Systems. Our ambition since then has been to become leaders not only in the audio, but also in the intelligent video collaboration space,” said Nicolas Bliaux, Vice President/ Managing Director – Jabra. “FVC as a value-added distributor across MEA, present in multiple countries, is fundamental to achieve this goal in this region. They are wellknown for their expertise in the UC and collaboration domains and have a very strong network of AV channels covering the continent. Therefore, FVC is the perfect partner for the coming years and we are really glad to announce this key partnership.”

“FVC is delighted to partner with Jabra, a world-renowned provider of audio solutions,” said K. S. Parag, Managing Director at FVC.”

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May 2023 | 17

NEWS }

Mindware Cloud Marketplace Launched in Morocco During GITEX AFRICA

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indware, one of the leading regional IT Value-Added Distributors in Middle East and Africa, today announced the launch of its Cloud Marketplace in Morocco, during the company’s participation at GITEX Africa.

The Mindware Marketplace will enhance Cloud adoption by providing the channel community with an exceptional transactional experience, along with an extensive range of Cloud solutions and services. Clients and partners with branches in Morocco can now take advantage of the Marketplace for local purchases in the country.

Mindware’s objective is to be the ‘Cloud Distributor of Choice’ in Morocco, aggregating multiple Cloud solutions and helping partners create and commercialize subscription-based Cloud and Anything-as-a-Service (XaaS) solutions.

Mr. Silmi Khanfir, Director of Cloud and

Silmi Khanfir Director of Cloud and XaaS Mindware

XaaS at Mindware comments: “Today, in light of the announcement of our Microsoft and Google Cloud business expansion in Africa, we are excited to launch the Mindware’s Cloud Marketplace in Morocco to offer our partners in the country a range of aggregated Cloud solutions from various hyperscalers, private cloud providers, and ISVs, in addition to our Cloud professional and support services.

The launch is a part of Mindware’s Cloud related geo expansion strategy in Africa, keeping in mind the positive growth expectations in Morocco. The Marketplace will, in addition to making Cloud services purchase easy and intuitive, offer partners the ability to set up and manage their own “white labeled storefront”, thereby offering Cloud solutions directly to end-customers. It will allow partners to deliver Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS),

DELL NATIVEEDGE SOFTWARE TRANSFORMS EDGE OPERATIONS

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ell Technologies introduces Dell NativeEdge, an edge operations software platform, designed to help businesses simplify and optimize secure edge deployments. Customers can streamline edge operations across thousands of devices and locations from the edge to core data centers and multiple clouds.

Delivering on the promise of Project Frontier, Dell NativeEdge is the industry’s only edge operations software platform delivering secure device onboarding at scale, remote management and multicloud application orchestration. It’s purpose-built to power any enterprise edge use case with zero-touch deployment and an open system design, integrating with a variety of hardware across Dell’s end-to-end portfolio.

With Zero Trust capabilities built in, Dell NativeEdge reduces security risk by protecting customers’ applications and infrastructure across their entire edge estate.

“Moving data is complicated and expensive, which has resulted in massively distributed architectures that can be difficult to manage, provision and automate. As our customers look to fuel new workloads and AI at the edge, they are turning to Dell to find simpler and more effective ways to manage and secure their ecosystem of edge technol-

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ogies and applications,” said Jeff Clarke, vice chairman and co-chief operating officer, Dell Technologies. “Dell NativeEdge puts them in the driver’s seat, so they can manage and simplify their entire edge estate with a single solution, helping deliver better experiences, products and outcomes.”

Dell continues to expand its edge solutions portfolio to help customers optimize the placement of workloads and data with plans to deliver more Dell edge solutions as a service to meet the changing needs of IT. Dell’s expanding edge partner ecosystem is critical to customers’ success at the edge.

Through the Dell Edge Partner Certification Program, ISVs, system integrators and OEM partners will be able to test and validate their software applications on Dell NativeEdge to deliver integrated edge infrastructure solutions to customers.

“Dell Technologies and Schneider Electric’s decades-long relationship has provided customers with innovative solutions to solve their greatest IT challenges in a smart and secure, always-on, and managed fashion,” said Vandana Singh, senior vice president of Secure Power North America, Schneider Electric.”

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May 2023 | 19