Demand for business solutions in the Middle East continues to expand. Research from IDC shows the MENA market for Enterprise Solutions is predicted to be worth $158 million in 2004. However, there is also evidence of rising demand for more seamless implementation, higher levels of customer service and stronger local support from technology vendors.
“IDC’s findings are very much in line with the feedback we’re hearing in the regional market,” said Tim Caulkett, regional director, Middle East, J.D. Edwards and Company. “There is increasing awareness of the importance of proper support and bespoke implementation to the long-term success of technology projects. Businesses in the Middle East now demand advanced levels of service from their vendors of choice.”
The IDC research suggests that while leading companies continue to show strong interest in the technology supporting enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, other factors — such as long-term support and standard of service — are becoming the major influences in their decision to partner with a particular vendor. Examining the current market demand in the region, IDC analysts found that “customers tend to opt for solutions offered by vendors that exhibit a ‘local commitment’ to the region, also assuring them of a continued support and services infrastructure.”
“Thanks primarily to a surge in demand for ERP applications in the MENA markets, a select few international vendors have established a regional presence, thus highlighting their commitment to the region,” stated Jyoti Lalchandani, regional director, IDC Middle East & North Africa. “These companies have performed particularly well over the past two years, also signifying the requirements of customers — both in the enterprise and SME segments — for direct representation in the region, particularly for service-related issues.”
Arab News Compunet 6 May 2003
