Khaleej Times Accelerates Business-Critical Applications Across Its Private Cloud Infrastructure And Improves Employee Collaboration With Riverbed

Riverbed Technology (NASDAQ: RVBD), the IT performance company, today announced that Khaleej Times, a leading newspaper in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has deployed Riverbed® Steelhead® appliances across its organization to improve access to its business-critical applications that are centrally located in its private cloud infrastructure. By opting for the Riverbed wide area network (WAN) optimization solution, Khaleej Times avoided a bandwidth upgrade that would have caused disruption to its IT services. Khaleej Times has also experienced a 30x increase in bandwidth capacity and, on average, a 5x improvement in file download speeds, resulting in increased employee productivity.

Khaleej Times is currently the highest-circulated English-language newspaper in the Arabian Gulf, enjoying a multinational readership of 450,000. Khaleej Times has locations in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Employees in the Abu Dhabi office were experiencing problems accessing digital publishing applications located in the central data center. The company relies upon publishing applications including DTI Advertising, DTI AudienceReach, DTI Circulation and DTI ContentPublisher, and an ERP system for managing news feeds, editorials and classified feeds.

“Our business leadership is defined by timeliness and quality of content. This was being seriously hampered due to difficulties in accessing documents and files over the WAN,” said Mohan Kumar Shetty, Systems Manager at Khaleej Times. “We considered upgrading our bandwidth capacity. However, we found that the expense would be prohibitive and that it would be only a partial solution since it would not address latency issues caused by distance. In addition, the bandwidth upgrade would have been disruptive to our organization. That was unacceptable to us.”

Instead, Khaleej Times was introduced to the Riverbed WAN optimization solution by its IT partner, Teksalah. As Shetty recalled, “We were delighted to learn that the Riverbed solution could be implemented in a matter of minutes without causing disruption to our IT infrastructure, and when we tested the appliances we saw an immediate improvement in file download speeds.”

With Riverbed Steelhead appliances installed, Khaleej Times has experienced, on average, a 5x improvement in file download speeds. Files that were taking up to 50 seconds to download can now be accessed in less than ten seconds, resulting in improved employee collaboration and productivity. Khaleej Times has also experienced a 30x increase in bandwidth capacity.

“As a newspaper, time really is money to us, and we cannot afford to have our employees wasting valuable time waiting for files to download. Riverbed has enabled us to maintain our leadership position. We now consider Riverbed to be an essential component in our IT infrastructure, enabling us to achieve our overall business goals,” concluded Shetty.

 

Contact Centres Face Challenging Times In The Middle East

DUBAI, September 8, 2010/PRNewswire/ — Technological advances and the uncertain economic climate worldwide have seen the customer relations industry face its share of challenges and opportunities. Government contact centres in the Middle East are putting more emphasis on efficiency and effectiveness. Technological advances have resulted in more informed customers and hence, increased expectation of performance not just in quality but in quantity of interaction. With the industry in the region still growing, 2010 has been all the more defining for the industry’s future. Key industry influencers are meeting to find ways to develop and improve their communication with the public.

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Customers, now expecting fast and efficient services, provided by knowledgeable, understanding and tactful agents and CRM systems, place a great strain on the industry to meet high expectations and manage demand.This makes personnel management and innovative software implementation all the more vital.

"Customers have made it clear that what they want are knowledgeable agents that have visibility over the value of their business to the organisation and is treated accordingly" said Joe Tawfik, Chief Operating Officer, Silah Gulf W.L.L. "Customers also want fast and accurate responses to their queries. The emergence of CRM packages that unify all customer interactions, whether at the contact centre, on the web or at the retail outlet, has led to greater possibilities for the contact centre to design intelligent communications with customers that lead to greater customer satisfaction. Another tool that is also an enabler is the knowledge base. A smart application of both of these technologies can lead to greater customer satisfaction levels. I say ’can’ because ultimately the human element is the key to executing this effectively."

Human resource management now proves vital to the success of the industry, a fact shared by Hussein Karimi, Contact Centre Manager, Dubai Bank. "While considering the importance of all mentioned challenges, the biggest challenge would be ’managing people’." said Hussein Karimi. "In fact, people are the ’fuel’ of any organisation, without them it cannot run successfully and they are always the main source of pride for any successful organization. Therefore, people management starting from selecting the right people, developing them and ending with their optimum utilization in a motivating atmosphere is the biggest challenge not only for the managers to consider but also for the organization as a whole. If you have the right people to manage and lead them towards the vision of your organisation successfully, absolutely they are the ones who will align processes and services to your strategy in order to assist in generating more income and keeping the costs down."

Even though new innovative CRM software advances have helped ease business in the region meet expectation, the human element, an integral part of the process, presents key decision makers with questions of recruitment, management, retention and motivation. Other issues such as aligning with company strategy, understanding the customer’s needs and expectations and the ability to utilize innovative technological advances need to be taken into consideration. This is why government bodies such as the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) have inaugurated initiatives such as the Best Customer Service Center Award across the RTA with the aim of boosting the satisfaction of RTA customers and front-end employees by motivating them to improve the level of services delivered by RTA Customer Service Centers spreading across the Emirate of Dubai.

These issues and more will be tackled at this year’s Middle East Government Contact Centres Summit from the 12th – 15th December 2010 at Yas Island Rotana, Abu Dhabi, UAE. With key speakers such as Joe Tawfik, Chief Operating Officer, Silah Gulf W.L.L; Hussein Karimi, Contact Centre Manager, Dubai Bank,UAE; Waleed Galal, Government Contact Centre Section Manager, ictQATAR, Qatar; Dr. Aysha Busmait, Director of Customer Care Centre, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), UAE; Mohammed Ghussein, Central Community Services Manager, Saudi Aramco, KS; Peter Gossler, Executive Director, Contact Centre Association of Singapore, Singapore; Eng Hong Kong-Choo, Senior Assistant Director, Call Centre, Central Provident Fund Board, Singapore; Lala Rukh Qadir, Director, Strategic Planning & Performance Sector, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, UAE; the conference provides industry professionals with the chance to network, share ideas and explore CRM innovations affecting the industry.

In order to reserve your place on the exclusive guest list email enquiry@ipc.ae or call +971-4-364-2975. Further information may be obtained at http://www.govcontactcentreme.com

 

Dubai Bank Kunooz Account Proves 7 Times Lucky For Emarati Customer

For Rashid Khalifa, an Emarati government employee in his forties, August has proved to be an extremely special month – when he was declared the winner of Dubai Bank’s million dirham draw as a valued Kunooz account holder.

Having won 10,000 dirhams each in six previous draws, Rashid was hoping that he would be lucky one more time, this hope proved well founded when he received a call from Dubai Bank that he had won the million dirham prize.

On this occasion, Rashid, a father of four children who has been a Kunooz Account holder for the last ten months, said, “This is a wonderful moment for me and I am going to use this windfall to invest in my children’s future. I have reinvested the entire million dirhams back into Kunooz as it is a flexible and Shari’a compliant savings account with the promise of winning substantial prizes through daily and monthly draws.”

Tariq Al Farsi, Head of Branches at Dubai Bank, who presented the winning cheque to Mr. Khalifa, said, “Month after month, winners like Mr. Rashid have been the recipients of a million dirhams, transforming their lives forever. The appeal of Kunooz, with its savings potential and the opportunity to generate optimal returns, has grown exponentially among customers across the UAE. The added benefit of channeling their savings in a prudent and Shari’a-compliant manner has also proved to be a big draw for customers.”

Under the Kunooz monthly cash prize promotion, each multiple of AED 1,000 deposited in the Kunooz Account qualifies the customer for multiple entries into the draw for daily cash prizes of AED 30,000. For every multiple of AED 5,000 deposited, account holders become eligible for entry into the monthly grand prize draw of AED 1 million. The programme also offers participants the possibility to win more than once.
 

Times Square Center Lines Up Themed Activities To Celebrate Ramadan

Times Square Center (TSC) has announced exciting offerings and surprises as part of month-long activities to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. TSC revealed that it is offering free henna painting for women throughout the month, while mall visitors will also be treated to a range of Arabic sweets and beverages and traditional Arabic music. A Bedouin style tent has been erected at the atrium, providing a majlis seating area for visitors to enjoy a cup of Khaleeji Coffee whilst taking in the atmosphere created by the exquisite decor put up for the season.

In addition to Ramadan-themed entertainment activities, there are also exclusive offers for shoppers such as a part sale at auto accessories store Yellow Hat and exclusive offers at Sharaf DG. TSC further revealed that several more surprises will be announced throughout the course of the month, including special activities during Eid.
 
"Ramadan is a holy month when we are all given a chance to do much needed self-reflection.  In our busy lives, little time is taken to understand the great value of life and be grateful for the blessings we receive. Our goal is to reinforce the spirit of Ramadan, and make it a truly memorable season for Times Square Center’s customers," said Anthony J O’Donnell, General Manager, Times Square Center.

Times Square Center features a wide selection of top brands offering a complete range of choices from lifestyle, home accessories, electronics, cafe’s and restaurants, fashion and sporting-goods. Strategically located in Dubai’s premier business district on Sheikh Zayed Road, TSC is also home to some of Dubai’s most unique destinations such as Chillout, Dubai’s first and only sub-zero ice cafe and restaurant, and the largest Sharaf DG – electronic appliances superstore.

Fashion Times Dubai, A Trade Fair Aimed At Strengthening The Fashion Industry

With over fifteen years experience working in the international fashion industry, the Paris based event organizers, Kallista Fashions, will host their first business to business fashion fair, Fashion Times Dubai. As a region witnesses sustained growth in the fashion industry, Fashion Times Dubai is set to become a top business to business trade fair that brings together the fashion community from around the world. International and regional designers are expected to exhibit at the event and buyers from the Middle East have also been invited to attend the much awaited event. Taking place at the prestigious Meydan Grandstand, Fashion Times Dubai is a three-day fair and will take place from 19th – 21st October.

Operating from the fashion capital Paris means that Kallista Fashions resides amongst the top designer labels and a continuous fashion buzz. Having extensive experience in fashion, Kallista Fashions founder Tariq Shan has been responsible for many fashion trade events and fashion showrooms and have played a prominent role in discovering emerging designer talent. He was the co-founder of Zip Zone Paris which worked with many respected designers including Vivien Westwood, Alessandro dell’ Aqua and Preen and they were the pioneers of introducing the concept of fashion and art. Having hosted several fashion events in art galleries to showcase new collections and labels, they have set trends which has since become a highly successfully and widely used.

Fashion Times Dubai will be a platform to showcase women’s Spring/Summer 2011 collections, including shoes, bags, accessories, scarves and prêt-a-porter. Designers from around the world will be exhibiting their latest collections for top buyers from clothing boutiques to department stores from across the Middle East and Asia.

“Being the region’s hub, we believe Dubai is the perfect location to host Fashion Times event. As the dynamics within the fashion industry constantly changing, the city has embraced the movement and it is destined to make an imprint on the global fashion map. The global recession has affected the entire industry and we feel that through Fashion Times Dubai, buyers do not have to travel to the international exhibitions as they will be able to meet these designers right here. We aim to give designers a strong platform to introduce their work to buyers and to build business ties with them as well as allow buyers to enjoy a spectrum of designers from different markets” said Tariq Shan, Director, Kallista Fashions.

Kallista Fashions aims to make Fashion Times Dubai a regular seasonal event on the international fashion calendar as Dubai cements its position as a major player in the fashion industry. Meydan Grandstand with its five star amenities and unique location is the ideal venue and will facilitate the designers to promote their products in a business environment.

Fashion Times Dubai will be taking place at the Meydan Grandstand from 19th – 21st October 2010. To participate as a designer or attend as a buyer please visit www.fashiontimesdubai.com for registration.
 

du’s ’Real Business Broadband’ Offers UAE Businesses Up To 8 Times More Broadband At No Extra Cost

Continuing to provide its fixed business customers with exceptional value for their money, du announced today it will be upgrading all its Business Broadband Unlimited service customers to ‘Real Business Broadband’, a plan offering higher speeds (up to 8 times) at no extra cost and exclusive international calling benefits. Business customers will be able to call the world as low as AED1 per minute all day, every day and enjoy up to 70% discount on international calls on their Business Voice services.

“We are committed to helping businesses in the UAE lower their telecommunications costs enabling companies to compete more efficiently in this ever-challenging global business environment. du’s ‘Real Business Broadband’ offers the highest speeds on the UAE’s best network at best prices”, said Farid Faraidooni, chief commercial officer, du.

“In today’s fast-paced world quick access to information at all times is crucial. du understands this and is keen on offering value-driven and efficient products and services for all our business customers needs. ‘Real Business Broadband’ will provide the region’s work force with the best possible telecommunication solutions, helping SMEs and large enterprises in the UAE to continue to grow and develop,” concluded Faraidooni, chief commercial officer, du.

For more information on the ‘Real Business Broadband’ upgrade, customers can contact du Sales Representative, call the du Business Customer Care line on 800 188 or email inquiries to business.customercare@du.ae.
 

Special Arts And Crafts Soukh At Times Square Center On May 14

Times Square Center (TSC), a community oriented shopping center in Dubai, has announced that it will be hosting a special Arts and Crafts Soukh on Friday, May 14, 2010, featuring some of the UAE’s best contemporary artwork created by the members of the Artisans of the Emirates (ARTE) group.

In addition to special handcrafted items like jewellery and accessories, the soukh will offer authentic homemade food items like pastries and cakes, displayed in a unique setting to give visitors a different kind of shopping experience.

Anthony J O’Donnell, General Manager, Times Square Center, said, “One of the main reasons for the continued success of the Arts and Crafts Soukh at Times Square Center is the unique experience it offers shoppers, and not to mention the fact that the products on sale are handcrafted and homemade, which significantly adds to the appeal.”

Times Square Center also revealed that the Arts and Crafts Soukh on May 14th will feature face painting, hennah stalls, painting on canvas and glass, and interactive sessions covering jewellery and card making, and cup cake decoration.
 

Cinnabon To Let The Good Times Roll This DSS

The emirate is about to get a lot sweeter this Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), with the maker of the world’s most famous cinnamon rolls, Cinnabon® , joining in the fun for kids with exciting games, activities, and a special treat.

Kids and parents alike have been waiting a whole year for this event after the excitement and success of last year. So from June 30th to July 7th, kids lucky enough to be at Mercato Mall will be able to learn how to spread, roll, sprinkle and bake their favourite delicious pastry, the Cinnabon® roll.

Once finished baking their tasty treats, the children will be presented with a certificate and their very own Cinnabon® apron and bandana, certifying them as a Cinnabon® Chef. As a special treat the kids will be able to take home their delicious creations to eat and enjoy.

Adding to the excitement will be face painting and coloring, and Cinnabon® coupons also will be given to include Mum and Dad in fun.

“With over 20 stores in the Emirate’s and growing, Cinnabon®’s rolls and fun loving attitude has obviously found a place in the people of the UAE’s heart,” said Walid Hajj, CEO of Cravia – owner of Cinnabon and other popular restaurant brands including Seattle’s Best Coffee, Zaatar W Zeit and Roadster diner.

“By giving our youngest customers a first-hand experience and a bit of fun during the long summer holidays, we hope to continue our positive role in the community and keep building relationships that stretch long into future.”
 

Dubai Airport Freezone Ranked 2nd In The World And 1st In The Middle East By Financial Times FDI Magazine

Dubai Airport Free Zone has been named the best Free Zone in the Middle East region and 2nd in the world by the premier Foreign Direct Investment (fDi) Magazine of Financial Times Ltd. Competing with more than 200 other Free Zones worldwide, Dubai Airport Free zone has positioned itself strongly after Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone in the first place and Mexico-based Free Zone San Luis Potosi in the third place.

Apart from this top awards, Dubai Airport Free zone also own the “Best Transport Links,” 2nd in the world.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Airport Free zone, reacting to this latest accolade garnered by the Free zone said: “We are delighted with this outstanding achievement of winning the top position in the Middle East and second place in the world.”

“This achievement will further encourage us to do much more for our international clients in terms of the quality of services and facilities we render,” added Sheikh Ahmed.

“Our commitment towards our customers shall continue to provide the best business environment for the investors.”

“I am deeply honoured by this prestigious award. This achievement was made possible by the seamless support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the sincere cooperation of our strategic partners and employees at the Free zone,” added Shiekh Ahmed.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, Director General of the Freezone said: “We strongly believe in the need for benchmarking our services and facilities with accepted international standard to make the necessary positive changes in favour of our partners.”

In conclusion, Dr. Zarouni said: “The responsibility after being named the best among many major freezones worldwide will motivate us to stay on top and work harder to meet our clients’ needs with more enthusiasm to exceed their expectations.”

These awards have been the product of over six months of research by Financial Times Business –f Di magazine and have quickly become the benchmark rankings for the industry.

Over 200 Special Free Zones across the globe seeking to win the contest have sent their applications and other required detailed information necessary for the evaluation.