21/08/2014 01:39 AST
As cloud computing moves from hype to the business mainstream, facilitating regional adoption of cloud technologies and virtual storage solutions will come to the fore at this year’s Cloud Confex - a specialist, integrated cloud exhibition and conference platform held at Gitex Technology Week, the largest ICT event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA).
With IT research firm Frost & Sullivan predicting the global cloud market will reach more than $125 billion by the end of the year, the GCC’s cloud computing market is set to grow from $91.7 million last year to $118.5 million by the end of 2014 – year-on-year growth of 29 percent.
Smart cities are cities built on ‘Smart’ and ‘Intelligent’ solutions and technology that will lead to the adoption of at least 5 of the 8 following smart parameters smart energy, smart building, smart mobility, smart healthcare, smart infrastructure, smart technology, smart governance and smart education, smart citizen. As per Frost & Sullivan estimates, Smart cities are anticipated to create huge business opportunities globally with a market value of $1.5 trillion by 2020.
The global cloud market is expected to reach $125 billion by the end of 2014 and its growth is expected to accelerate over the next two years. The competition in the ever-growing cloud market is increasing and we witnessed various developments in the market such as intra-industry consolidation between Microsoft and SAP or other strategies being implemented.
Since early 2010, cloud computing was the main buzz word in the ICT market in the Middle East.
Cloud security issue still remains the key growth restrain in the region. However, intra industry convergence, cooperation between local IT companies or telcos and international cloud experts such as Etisalat and Pacific Control, cloud roadshows, focusing on educating business leaders about the benefits that cloud brings, and excess focus on delivering secure service helped cloud to penetrate the market.
As regional companies large and small move to transfer physical storage, backup, network, security and management systems to the virtual cloud, Frost & Sullivan predict the Gulf’s cloud computing market will post seven-fold growth and expand at a CAGR of 32.8 percent to reach $668.5 million by 2020.
The region’s unique business potential will see more than 7,000 key buyers attend the Cloud Confex on 13 October, 2014 - the second day of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, which runs at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on Oct. 12-16, 2014. The Cloud Confex will be held under the theme: ‘Re-think Transformation. Re-think Agility’.
“Via a wide range of panels, demonstrations and networking events with industry-leading experts, the fifth Cloud Confex will focus on ‘how’ enterprises can truly capitalize on the cloud’s transformational potential and present industry-leading CIOs with best-practise cloud innovation and integration strategies,” added Trixee LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC, the organizer of Gitex Technology Week.
“A diverse range of sessions will explore all aspects of cloud computing agility – from technical areas including network, delivery, storage solutions and support services, to how Middle East telecommunications can generate cloud-driven revenue by developing and leveraging assets such as regional data centers and MPLS networks.”
For more on this
Click Here
Saudi Gazette
Please wait...
