Dubai Internet City Supports First Cloud Computing/SaaS Summit in Middle East

Dubai: 19 November, 2009 - Dubai Internet City, the region’s largest managed ICT cluster and a member of TECOM Investments, today announced it is the official ICT partner of the first Cloud Computing & SaaS (software-as-a-service) summit in the Middle East.

To be held from 17-19 November at The Address Hotel, Dubai Marina, the industry event is set to attract leading IT professionals and decision makers from around the world in addition to start-up companies seeking additional information on the benefits that cloud computing services can accrue for businesses. Offering latest updates on the next big computing trend, the event will provide key networking opportunities with regional and global experts who will lend their perspectives through round table discussions.
According to IDC’s global study, cloud services could add US$800 billion in net new business revenue between end of 2009 and end of 2013.

Malek Al Malek, Executive Director, Dubai Internet City, said:

Cloud Computing is no longer a new concept in the region as the majority of online users are already experiencing the new phenomenon. The 'Cloud Computing’ Summit will explore the technology and the concept behind it. Decision makers across all sectors will have the opportunity to understand how the new technological trend will change the way we conduct business, and look at how Cloud Computing services can be better adapted to a wide scale business environment for both start ups and multinational organizations.

We are delighted to be sponsoring an event such as the Cloud Computing and Saas summit as we continue to support emerging trends that can significantly develop the region’s ICT industry and the overall knowledge-based landscape in Dubai.

A series of summit workshops will take place at the event to highlight the cloud security challenges that users and existing businesses face. Products and live demos from SaaS vendors will also be showcased to visitors.

Software-as-a-Service, otherwise known as SaaS, has been tagged as the next technological revolution around the world and is already a fast emerging trend in the Middle East. A form of cloud computing that delivers a single application through the browser to thousands of customers using a multi-tenant architecture, SaaS is a mode of storing, receiving and delivering information through communications technology via the Internet allowing users to enjoy the service on a pay-as-you-go basis.

According to a Gartner report, the global market for cloud-based business software, computing services and storage is also said to total about US$10 billion in 2009 – a fraction of the US$223 billion that is projected for the old-fashioned business software market alone. It was also noted that continued innovation and investment in IT will help jump-start recovery from the current recession and eventually contribute to the growth of employment and new businesses.

Dubai Internet City has been at the forefront of introducing innovative technologies and concepts to the region. Through identifying new trends and supporting ICT industry events that help to educate the business community, the region’s leading managed ICT cluster focuses on how the region’s market can carefully embrace emerging technology and align it with other business models to suit specific needs.