Computer Associates has signed an agreement with Mindware to distribute CA’s software management solutions to the region’s IT reseller channel. The agreement comes as part of CA’s commitment to its channel partner program.

“Because CA is a 100 percent channel focused company, one of our main objectives throughout this year is to build a reseller channel that is trained, certified and has the resources required to best support our management software solutions,” said Gilbert Lacroix, VP and GM, CA in the Arab countries. “Our proposition lies in the depth and breadth of our software solutions that work together seamlessly. Mindware provides us with a wide reach and efficient distribution of our solutions to the region’s IT channel.”

“Using our comprehensive service programs as well as a wide variety of support options, CA can definitely look to expand within the Middle East IT markets,” added Jacques Chammas, MD, Mindware. “With this distribution agreement, Mindware has extended its increasing list of vendors, which currently includes international brands such as Citrix, Intel, Microsoft and Novell.”

CA launched its direct operations in the Arab world in September 2004 and kicked off a regional channel roadshow in January 2005. CA plans to recruit a reseller channel in the Arab world that will be able to drive the company’s recently launched small to medium business (SMB) strategy in the region. Along with its long established position in the enterprise IT management segment, CA’s SMB drive is part of the company’s $25 million investment in infrastructure and marketing activities across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“Built to offer ‘total protection’ to the small to medium businesses, our SMB strategy provides a complete one-stop solution for best-in-class antivirus, backup, antispyware and desktop migration portfolio of products, packaged to meet the specific needs of this segment,” said Saeid Marashi, CA’s newly-appointed regional channel manager. “Everything the resellers need to safeguard their customers’ investment is offered from a single vendor, supported with over a quarter of a century of experience in developing for the enterprise customer and over $700 million in annual investment in research and development.”

Online MBAs Lead to Corporate Success

In a signal that the use of online learning resources is finding acceptance in the Arab countries a survey conducted across the region by Universitas 21 Global, revealed that 84 percent of the respondents would enroll for an online MBA if offered the opportunity by their employers.

“The response across the region was extremely positive and is reflected in the growing number of students enrolling in our online MBA programs,” said Vikram Tah, regional manager, Middle East and Africa, Universitas 21 Global. “Over 91 percent of the respondents affirmed that they would be interested in an online MBA if it were flexible and offered the same international accreditation as a traditional university.”

The survey was conducted among 600 of the region’s work force including CEOs, MDs, managers, engineers, programmers, secretaries, accountants and physicians. The results revealed that 93 percent of those asked felt an online MBA would enable them to improve their career prospects. A further 78 percent put online education on par with the traditional modes of education.

The key influencing factors in selecting a particular online program, as indicated by the survey, include course content, cost, flexibility, course schedule, faculty and course duration. The survey results highlight the increase in the level of awareness of the benefits of an online MBA for corporates, from the point of view of the company as well as the employees. Respondents displayed a strong desire to continue with tertiary education if given the opportunity by their companies, as they felt this would prove beneficial not only in enhancing their career, but to contributing positively to the company’s success as well.

Interactive Saudi Arabia Builds Albilad Portal

Interactive Saudi Arabia Ltd. (ISA) is building the first portal for Bank Albilad. The portal at http://www.bankalbilad.com.sa will act as an information tool offering existing customers as well as the general public all they need to know concerning the bank’s activities.

“Not only will the portal aim to provide information on the bank, it will also update the public at large on the IPO status. In addition, we will have a special section on the bank’s Shariah Group that ensures compliancy with Islamic financing principles in all transactions,” said Azzam Abalkhail, CEO of Bank Albilad. “The portal will also provide information to investors and potential clients on products and services.”