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GETTING TO THE THIRD PLATFORM
By Editor
Throu
gh a federated approach, EMC is laying out the road to the new era of computing which is now being increasingly referred to as the third platform of IT, a term originally referred to by IDC. Habib Mahakian, Regional General Manager, Gulf and Pakistan, EMC discusses the new areas of focus
What is the third platform about?
In the early years of the industry, we went through the Mainframe era wherein we had a few applications and thousands of users. Then we moved into the client-server era wherein we had thousands of apps and hundred of thousands of users. With the introduction of social Media, mobile computing etc, there is a lot of pressure on the current infrastructure which may not be able to accommodate the big push of data. The four trends, namely mobile, cloud computing, Big Data and social networking comprise the “third platform” of IT as IDC defines its. The third platform will be enabled to handle millions of applications and millions of users. Earlier, typically there was the structured database type of information coming in but now unstructured data is coming and you need an elastic and agile platform to address the burst of applications and users. Today even kids are users of applications thanks to the tablets and smartphones and so we need the shift to a new architecture.
Discuss what the EMC federation is all about?
The EMC federation comprises EMC II, VMware, Pivotal and RSA that collaborate towards enabling the emerging ‘3rd platform’ of mobile, cloud, big data and social. This federation is leading the industry on the road to the third platform.
This enablement will take place on different fronts. For instance, while Virtualization started out with server virtualisation, it is now heading into network, storage etc and the datacenter. VMware which is 80% owned by the EMC federation, leads the federation’s hybrid cloud and software-defined data center initiatives. On the other hand, Pivotal which is 100 % owned by EMC, is focused on next generation application development and will focus on bringing the Third Platform to the enterprise. EMC II (EMC Information Infrastructure) focuses on storage infrastructure that is being redefined with software defined storage. Further, we need trust about secured infrastructure, which is where RSA comes in and enables identity access management and actionable insights into security threats.
Are rollouts of such emerging third platform technologies unfolding in the region?
We have implementations already in the region. Also when you look at trends like e-governance for instance, three countries in the region, namely the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are well ahead. Pivotal will play a huge role in these three countries and enabling the smart services that Smart cities will need to be able to come up with services for the public. If you need to manage roads for instance in a smarter way, in real time, you need a platform equipped to provide the analysis and similarly to do analysis of social media, you need to have the necessary platform. The second platform of IT is not equipped to provide such realtime solutions.
How do the different entities within the federation collaborate?
VMware is within the federation but works independently. There are several coupled solutions between EMC and VMware like the hybrid cloud announcement recently. Pivotal is 100% owned by EMC but some of its solutions have also been adopted by IBM and the cloud foundry – so it is becoming the de-facto platform of the next wave of applications.
EMC II has storage, data protection, infrastructure and security with the RSA unit that is within EMC. EMC II is the biggest revenue generator within the federation and we will continue strongly by bringing out the next wave of products that will support the whole federation. For example the ViPR, a software-defined storage solution that abstracts, pools and automates the storage infrastructure are the kind of solutions that will connect the dots when it comes to developing a solution framework for the third platform.
The EMC federation supports open platforms. We don’t limit the customer to buying from one stack of solutions. So our software define storage platform supports even third party storage arrays.
What are the strong verticals for EMC in the region?
The major three industries are telcos, Banking, public sector. We are staring in some countries like Saudi and in UAE for mid-market solutions where we were not there. We are seeing good traction. The surveillance and security solutions is seeing good growth across the industry.
What is EMC’s focus on mid-market customers?
We recently announced the launch of VNXE 3200 midrange unified storage solution whose attributes are efficiency, security and agility. This meets the purpose of small and medium customers. We are working with service providers also to provide solutions to small and medium sized Businesses.
Do you see traction for Bi Data analytics deployments?
A lot of customers are realizing that they need to have Realtime analytics to be able to meet business objectives. Regular IT solutions aren’t enough to give Business the edge in meeting customer requirements. Whether it Banks, insurance companies etc, they need to be able to offer realtime solutions. The traction is there. That is we need more data scientists today to go out and meet these customers, map their requirements and help us design those solutions.
Flight tracker apps for instance tell you in realtime how planes are moving and you don’t need to check with your airlines when the flights will arrive. A lot of applications in Business are changing to accommodate for that big shift. Customers are aware that who lead today will prevail. If you lag behind, you will be out of Business.
Discuss your partner program focus?
The Business Partner Program (BPP) which replaces the Velocity channel program empowers and supports business partners in their current market space while also providing the tools they need to succeed in the dynamic “3rd Platform” that’s characterized by mobile, cloud, big data and social. The way we had partners classified previously was on basis of products and that suited the second platform. Now with the third platform, it is based on solutions.
While each company in the EMC Federation will have their own program, a lot of solutions will be cross track solutions. Training points from pivotal for instance can be used with EMC because we want to encourage solution selling for the third platform. We intend to be more flexible to make it easier for partners. It will be effective 1st of January 2015. We announced so that partners can be ready to meet new program requirements.
News
GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC and Palmon Group unveil new temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in JAFZA
GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC (“Manrre” or “the Fund”), managed by GFH Partners Ltd. (“GFH Partners”), together with its development manager Palmon Group FZCO (“Palmon Group”), today announced the opening of a specialised temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), further expanding the Fund’s Grade A logistics portfolio.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Mr Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GC, alongside senior officials and dignitaries from Jebel Ali Free Zone, GFH Partners, and Palmon Group.
Purpose-built and developed by Palmon Group to meet stringent international safety and compliance standards, the new facility reflects the rising regional demand for certified chemical storage infrastructure that supports manufacturing, energy, industrial services, and third-party logistics. The warehouse is situated on a 180,000sq ft plot with a built-up area of 112,000 sq ft, divided into three temperature-controlled chambers that reach a maximum height of 13 metres. The warehouse has been designed with advanced Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR), and in-rack sprinkler systems to ensure safety and resilience across all operations.
The facility’s layout allows storage of a diverse range of hazard-classified chemicals. One chamber is configured for UN Class 3 and 4 chemicals, a second accommodates UN Class 5 chemicals, while the third has been developed for UN Class 6, 8, 9 and non-regulated materials. The warehouse offers capacity for 17,400 pallets and includes nine loading docks and three loading bays. The office space has been intentionally limited to three percent of the total built-up area, maximising operational efficiency and warehouse utility.
Speaking on the launch, Kunal Lahori, CEO of Palmon Group and Board Member of Manrre, said: “This new facility brings together precision engineering, regulatory compliance, and long-term value creation. Specialised chemical storage requires a high degree of control and risk management, and we have developed this warehouse to meet those expectations while offering flexibility and scalability for tenants. As one of the earliest developers in Jafza, Palmon Group remains committed to supporting the UAE’s logistics and industrial growth.”
Mohamed Ali, Head of GCC at GFH Partners, said: “The opening of this warehouse marks another important milestone in the expansion of the GFH Partners Manrre REIT portfolio, particularly in mission-critical industrial and logistics assets that serve high-growth sectors. The UAE continues to see strong demand for specialised storage solutions, and this facility reinforces our strategy to develop resilient, future-ready assets that deliver long-term value for our investors.”
The logistics hub is now fully operational and is leased to Safe Logistics. The new facility is expected to play a significant role in strengthening regulated supply chains and supporting Dubai’s position as one of the region’s foremost logistics and industrial hubs.
News
Big Ticket joins DP World ILT20 Season 4 as Official Partner
Big Ticket, the largest and longest-running guaranteed raffle draw in the Middle East (known for cash prizes, dream luxury cars, gold bars and coins) has joined the DP World International League T20 Season 4 as an Official Partner.
In recent years, Big Ticket has become more than just a raffle, it has gained the reputation of being a brand built around rewarding dreams and celebrating ambition, growing into one of the region’s largest and one of the most anticipated monthly draws in the UAE.
DP World ILT20 – the 34-match cricketing extravaganza – the biggest T20 tournament in the region featuring some of the most renowned global cricket stars is currently being played at the Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

DP World ILT20 Head of Partnerships Ishan Chopra: “We are delighted to welcome a UAE born raffle giant like Big Ticket as an Official Partner of the DP World ILT20. Their legacy of helping dreams come true aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering unforgettable, fan-first experiences across the league. This partnership strengthens our commitment to creating moments of excitement both on and off the field, and we look forward to elevating Season 4 together. With a household name like Big Ticket on board, we are confident of unlocking even more opportunities for fans to engage, celebrate and go All In for Cricket.”
Meanwhile, DP World ILT20 match tickets across all categories are available for the remaining tournament matches. Various spectator stand tickets start at AED 20 and hospitality packages start from AED 325. Fans can also book the new Sixes Lounge experience for AED 395, which includes unlimited food and beverages. Tickets can be purchased by visiting tickets.ilt20.ae or Virgin Megastores.
News
The Maritime Standard Awards 2025 winners list showcases high levels of innovation and operational excellence across the maritime sector
The maritime sector’s leading awards event, The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025, has announced this year’s winners, honoring outstanding companies and industry leaders from across the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The Awards showcased achievement and innovation in 25 categories covering shipping, logistics, ship repair, offshore services, marine technology and related sectors, as well as a series of special awards for individual achievement. The prestigious event took place at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai on October 29th, attracting over 1000 senior executives, decision-makers and industry leaders, from the region, and across the globe.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event recognised organisations and individuals for setting new standards in operational excellence and leadership in the sector amid significant shifts in the industry, including decarbonisation, digitalization, and a renewed emphasis on supply chain resilience. From clean-fuel projects and AI-powered port operations to international collaborations that boost trade efficiency, the 2025 Awards showcased the industry’s progress in turning goals into tangible outcomes.
The evening was hosted by Yalda Hakim, a renowned international correspondent and documentary filmmaker, whose engaging presence added distinction to the occasion. The keynote address was delivered by Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC Logistics and Services, who shared valuable insights on the evolving maritime landscape and the UAE’s leadership in advancing sustainable and innovative practices across the sector.
Clive Woodbridge, Editor of The Maritime Standard and Chairman of the Judging Panel, stated, “This year’s competition was exceptionally tough, and we received an unprecedented number of entries across all categories. Each finalist demonstrated remarkable achievements and operational standards over the past year, which underlines the significant advances that continue to be made in the regional maritime sector.”
A rigorous assessment process was conducted as part of the award selections, and this was supervised by an independent panel of distinguished judges that included some of the most prominent names in the maritime industry.
Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, commented, “These Awards are not just about celebrating success, but also about encouraging excellence. This year’s event recognised innovative concepts, exciting new initiatives, and outstanding performance standards. As the region continues to expand its maritime infrastructure and digital port systems, with significant developments across the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, events like The Maritime Standard Awards play a key role in reinforcing its position as a global leader in shipping and maritime.”
Reaction from the individual winners on the night of October 29th was highly appreciative. Captain Mohamed Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Operations (Offshore Logistics), at ADNOC L&S, who received the Outstanding Achievement Award, added: “It was one of the greatest honours of my professional career to receive this Award. It really means a lot to me to have TMS recognise the years of dedication and hard work.”
Tony Dagher, the Founder and Managing Director of TMC Shipping Group was the recipient of the Young Person in Shipping and was similarly honoured. He said: “I have been fortunate to have had great support from many people during my journey in shipping, and to have a fantastic team around me now. This Award is as much for them as it is for me.
Over the past 12 years The Maritime Standard Awards has consolidated its standing as one of the most prominent annual gatherings within the global maritime calendar, gaining worldwide recognition for recognising excellence and promoting a more resilient and sustainable maritime future.

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gh a federated approach, EMC is laying out the road to the new era of computing which is now being increasingly referred to as the third platform of IT, a term originally referred to by IDC. Habib Mahakian, Regional General Manager, Gulf and Pakistan, EMC discusses the new areas of focus 

