Sage Software to leverage projected USD 2.6 billion IT software spend within GCC public sector

The IT software spending of the public sector of GCC member countries is expected to reach USD 2.6 billion in 2011 and shows a 14.3 per cent increase from the previous year, according to a recent report from IDC, global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications and consumer technology markets.  In line with this expected increase in IT spending, Sage Software, the leading global supplier of ERP, CRM and HRM solutions to medium and large organizations, has announced its partnership with Al Taqnyah Business Solutions, a subsidiary of the UAE-based ARMS Group. The newly formed alliance intends to leverage key solutions among the various government and semi-government offices in the UAE.

According to the IDC report, economies of the GCC states are implementing key strategies that not only ensure an increased output in process and productivity, but also provide integration between interconnected departments; ensuring a smoother flow of information and a better way of maintaining and archiving data. The expected USD 2.6 billion in IT spend represents 30 per cent of the IT software spending of public sectors across the Middle East, Turkey and Africa. Sage’s strategic partnership with Al Taqnyah aims to achieve at least 5 per cent of the current market share for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) products in the public sector. The company enters into the partnership with its key product solutions like Sage ERPX3, Sage CRM and Sage Accpac. Al Taqnyah provides powerful, highly integrated solutions for customers seeking to automate their business processes through professional implementation and the use of internationally recognized information systems, supported by highly skilled professional consultants. The company also offers localized world-class e-solutions and e-services by partnering with leading organizations around the world and by adhering to its clear vision, mission and core values.

“Our partnership with Sage Software marks the start of a strategic relationship that aims to provide UAE government bodies with effective and reliable solutions,” said Engr. Yassir Hassan Al Naeem, CEO, ARMS Group. “This partnership will also bring us close to our vision of being a leading service provider for the region. Finally, the alliance between Sage and Al Taqnyah offers an exciting future for the customers who will benefit from the combined power and expertise of the two companies.”

Sage Software has revealed that it remains upbeat towards seeing main growth drivers in the UAE market for 2011 - which has shown a strong demand for CRM solutions. The company has further shared that even during tough economic times; the demand for more CRM products will continue to grow. The region is now witnessing an influx of activity across all verticals, which have been brought about by efforts to recover from the impacts of the global financial crisis. The renewed vibrancy is being accompanied with the need for strategic and reliable software that can help bolster productivity and ensure smooth integration in the flow of data being handled. 

“The main focus of this partnership between Al Taqnyah and Sage Software is to bring highly valued ERP solutions for the public sector and also for small to medium enterprises in the UAE. The growing need for ERP solutions across the public and private sectors gives us the advantage of leveraging key solutions to help them improve on efficiencies and productivity,” said Dr. Usman, Managing Director, Al Taqnyah Business Solutions. “Sage is offering a wide range of business solutions from Financial Management, Customer Relations Management and Human Resources; thereby providing a comprehensive service that can be applied up to enterprise level. We are keen to get started and envision a strong and successful partnership with Sage for the long term.”

“The current efforts towards recovering from the global financial crisis have created an accompanied demand for IT solutions that provide the best results for governments and corporations in the UAE. Our wide range of CRM and ERP solutions offer a host of benefits and advantages that will definitely help our partners - making it easy for the end-users to operate, without reducing the functionality. Sage Software remains steadfast in its commitment to provide all businesses with the essential software to help improve their businesses,” concluded Reggie Fernandes, Director - Gulf Operations, Sage Software Middle East.