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On the cloud trail with partners

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8 years ago

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Sage offers flexible, integrated and scalable solutions for organizations ranging from start-ups to scale-ups, to mid-sized and larger enterprises. Keith Fenner, Vice President Sage Enterprise Africa and Middle East discusses the company’s cloud first focus and partner enablement

Discuss the cloud focus at Sage

It is definitely cloud first strategy for us. Having said that, wholesale transition to cloud is not a possibility and our customers aren’t interested in that anyway. We are focused in three market segments on three cloud products. The enterprise product will always be available as on premise version as well as a multi-tenancy cloud product. Then there is the enterprise cloud which would be the private cloud product for customers who have their own development environments, test environments.

The interesting thing Our R&D roadmap for Sage X3 delivers to cloud first in iterative updates. Every week, every 2 weeks, every month, the cloud is being updated as you can imagine; it is elastic R&D. Every 6 months to 12 months, we collect all of those updates and create an on-premises patch. So this is an instance of cloud first focus.

While our focus is the cloud for the future, we know that our customers are going to move to the cloud at their own pace. Which is why we still offer on-premises options, in the enterprise space.

What is the feedback from customers on cloud adoption?

Every customer conversation we are having in the region now involves cloud, whether they are transacting cloud or not. They typically are keen to know about Sage’s cloud strategy, when they could take cloud on, whether they can come off cloud if they don’t like it and what is our strategy towards data in the region with legislative requirements. Our strategy is to deliver to the UAE and Saudi data centers for now which covers large part of the region. In short, our cloud is strategy is quite focused and we are offering a choice that other vendors aren’t. However, at the moment, most transactions are still with on-premises editions.

How will the cloud delivery model unfold and how does the channel benefit?

We have an agreement with a provider that runs the datacenter in UAE and Saudi Arabia and are in process of authentication and certification of the data centers. Within the cloud model, the contract is between us and the customer. We have worked towards the model wherein Sage is the contractor where it is our responsibility for the data center, obviously on a back to back agreement. As our business model is via the channel, we are protecting the partner who still has the margins and does the services. While it does take some consulting time off for the partners with the software being preloaded on the cloud, we hand it to the partners for all further services.

How has the public cloud model worked until now for Sage in the region? What options do you offer to customers?

Prior to now, customers in the region have had the choice of running our X3 cloud from Amazon AWS. But there have concerns about need for data to reside in local data centers with reference to local legislative requirements in some countries. We have to be vigilant on that and deliver solution to address the challenges. There have also been issues of latency in some countries as well.

If customers are comfortable of running the solution in the public cloud, they can do it. We also offer the private cloud options for customers who want customization and then there is the local hosting option to round off.

How are you enabling partners in the cloud Business?

We have been explaining to partners the importance of moving to a cloud based services model from the traditional way of Business. We have our ways of enabling partners towards the cloud model. All partners, technically, can sell both cloud and on premises options. However, there is a difference in just flaunting a cloud logo and in being actively involved in driving the digital transformation towards the cloud in the market place. We are committed to this education towards helping them make this transformation. We have some great business incentives to encourage the transition. And I would reiterate the point that we are a channel focused company and in the cloud model, while we are the contractor, the channel is the services element behind the contract.

 

Discuss the customer preference for private cloud deployment?

Customers running for critical environments tend to prefer private cloud options. For ERP covering big sites with a lot of integrations and significant customization, where our customers are stepping out of Sage X3 best practice processes and are building their own best practices or changing them a bit, they probably have a large IT team and will want to control their upgrade path, have a sandbox up in the cloud, have their test and development services etc. That is a different world altogether and they are quite comfortable with the private cloud which offer them better security, backup as well as DR options etc.

How do you see yourself across the different customer segments? What is the emphasis on the enterprise part?

We have three distinct segments for our products- start-up, scale-up and enterprise. Sage 50 which is Peachtree is for start-ups. We have four versions which are Sage 50 US, Sage 50 UK, Sage 50 Canada and Sage 50 Middle East. The strategy is to get every customer in the region to get on to the Sage-Middle East version which does transactions upto 3 decimal places. That is a process which will take time as it involves a huge number of customers. The change would be the introduction of the cloud based start-up product Sage One in the region when we do it. We have some work ahead of that including Arabisation and we would like to hit the road to the market hard when we have it ready and look at offering a difference.

In the scale up segment, Sage 300 is growing in the region, has a lot of partners transacting. The cloud version is Sage live. In fact, for long, the scale up and the start-up segments have been the traditional strongholds for Sage and we have been regarded as a mid-market player.

The focus now with the roadshows we have been doing is to build up the brand in the enterprise segment. We want to become regarded as an enterprise player along with the names that have been traditionally considered as enterprise players. Our brand awareness needs to be enhanced on the enterprise side but having said that, we have been closing some great enterprise deals in the region. In Africa, we are pretty strong on the enterprise and we will look to replicate that here.

Discuss outlook for growth and the partner focus?

We grew our business globally by 74% last year and partners are a key part of our growth focus. In the cloud model, while Sage is the contractor ultimately, in services the channel is involved. While we don’t have a post sales team but we do run a quality team that will check the integrity and sign off the project milestones, which gives the assurance to customers. We have some very larger partners that are making sizeable investments in growing the business. We have around 25 consultants that are responsible for consultation, implementation, BPR, change management etc.

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Financial

CFI Partners with Saadiyat Nights as Part of Its Collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi

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3 days ago

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January 17, 2025

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CFI

CFI Financial Group is proud to announce its official partnership with Saadiyat Nights, as part of CFI’s strategic partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This collaboration underscores CFI’s commitment to supporting its local community and providing its clients with unforgettable cultural and entertainment experiences in one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. 

Currently captivating audiences, the second edition of Saadiyat Nights is bringing legendary international artists, performers and fans together at the iconic open-air venue on Saadiyat Island. Running from December to February, this extraordinary series features iconic acts like Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, Robbie Williams, Michael Bublé, Leningrad, Ebi and Omar Khairat, with some already dazzling the stage and others eagerly awaited.

Through this collaboration, CFI will benefit from exceptional brand visibility at each event, while offering its clients premium access to performances and money-can’t-buy experiences, including exclusive Meet & Greet opportunities with some of these legendary artists.  

“Through this collaboration, CFI reinforces its brand presence and industry leadership by securing high brand visibility at each of the Saadiyat Nights events in Abu Dhabi, a key hub for culture and global connections,” said Hisham Mansour, Co-founder and Managing Director of CFI. “This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful connections, supporting cultural initiatives and providing our clients with opportunities to engage with world-class experiences that complement their journey with CFI.”

Through this partnership, CFI is proud to support Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading cultural destination in the region, while staying committed to its mission of providing traders with exceptional trading experiences and engaging with like-minded local communities.

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Hospitality

Where There Is Trade, There Is Gulfood

Published

4 days ago

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January 17, 2025

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Gulfood

There is only one place where the world gathers annually to witness an unparalleled F&B showcase, with products meticulously handpicked from every corner of the globe. This time, a new global chapter is unfolding in the future of food and it’s within the legacy of Gulfood that the world can anticipate a seismic impact.

The 30th edition of Gulfood, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 17 – 21 February, will host a record 5,500+ exhibitors from 129+ countries. It will unveil new business opportunities and solve new and evolving global challenges.

Celebrating 30 Editions of Informing the Global Foodscape

For over three decades, Gulfood has been the driving force at the heart of global food commerce—igniting innovation, sparking cross-cultural collaboration and redefining the next era of global F&B. As the world experiences a sweeping transformation in food systems—powered by groundbreaking technologies, sustainability breakthroughs, and forward-thinking ideas—Gulfood 2025 will be the epicentre of this revolution. This is where the next era of food begins, and you’re invited to be at the forefront.

Event date:  17 – 21 February 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre & registration is now live.

Why Visit?

Where The World Connects for Their F&B Sourcing Success

  • 5500+ Exhibitors: Explore 100k+ new products and innovations from a vast exhibitor showcase across eight distinct sectors.
  • 129 Countries Exhibiting: Experience global diversity with the biggest lineup of participating countries.
  • 43% New Exhibitors: Get the first look at the fresh offerings from exhibitors attending the show for the first time.
  • 24 Huge Halls: Navigate 24 massive halls filled with exhibitors, country pavilions and culinary experiences.
  • 1 Million Sq. Ft Exhibition Area: Gulfood 2025 boasts one million square feet of show floor space.
  • Network And Pre-Schedule Meetings: Establish close connections with F&B industry leaders through pre-scheduled meetings via our official event app and meetings programme.

Show Sectors

Gulfood is set to showcase the latest trends and advancements in the F&B industry, spanning seven distinct sectors: Dairy, Beverage, Fats & Oils, Pulses & Grains, Meat & Poultry, Power Brands and World Food.

Anticipate exploring products spanning these sectors at Gulfood, the ultimate platform for connecting with industry leaders, discovering state-of-the-art innovations and forging valuable partnerships in the ever-evolving F&B landscape.

Features

Food500

The summit will unite global leaders to tackle key challenges, sparking discussions, and showcasing trends, featuring top CEOs, policymakers and innovators.

From talks like Visionaries: Exploring Cutting-Edge Technologies Driving Food Tech to Pioneering Smart Agricultural Systems in the F&B Sector and more, the summit aims to drive business, inspire change and fuel global economic growth.

GULFOOD DISCOVERY TOURS

Over five days, engage in curated tours that are designed to connect you directly with the products you’re most interested in sourcing. The tours focus on diverse food categories such as Gourmet, Alternative Proteins, Ready-to-Eat, and Plant-Based.  F&B professionals, buyers and sourcing experts can gain valuable insights, access exclusive products and make informed business decisions while exploring key trends influencing global F&B.

Top Table

Top Table returns with a charismatic group of local and international chefs who are reimagining the way we create and enjoy food. With a bold focus on culinary futurism, the 2025 edition will debut new techniques, inventive flavour combinations and unconventional textures that surprise and delight audiences.

YOUTHX – YOUNG CHEF CHALLENGE

Witness a high-energy culinary competition between young hotel chefs from around the world. They will compete for a career-defining internship at some of the top restaurants and culinary schools in Europe. Gulfood’s YouthX brings together emerging culinary talent from diverse cultures, offering a global platform that unites chefs through healthy competition. They’ll be judged on futuristic techniques that set the event apart from previous editions, showcasing the next generation of global culinary leaders.

BLEND STUDIO
Celebrate the artistry of beverages with immersive masterclasses that showcase the latest trends and exclusive, never-seen-before creations crafted by industry experts. Explore the world of coffee and the trendiest crafted drinks while seizing opportunities to connect and learn from leading beverage professionals.

THE CULINARY DEBATE
Watch as global culinary icons debate the industry’s most critical challenges and exciting opportunities in the world of food. You’ll be captivated as they offer fresh perspectives on the rapidly evolving industry landscape.

THE TASTING ROOM
Experience the latest culinary creations from top brands and network with business leaders in the F&B industry. Whether you’re looking for the market’s most exciting products, new partnerships or upcoming trends, this is where opportunities come to life.

DUBAI WORLD CUISINE
Experience an exclusive four-hands dinner series that brings together celebrated international chefs and homegrown culinary talent. These unique collaborations offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to savour bespoke menus, where local flavours and global expertise converge to create exceptional dining experiences.

GULFOOD AFTER HOURS
Explore Dubai’s vibrant food scene with Gulfood After Hours. We’ve teamed up with the city’s most iconic restaurants to give you an unforgettable culinary adventure. From casual eateries to fine dining, you’ll experience the very best Dubai has to offer, outside of the exhibition halls. Simply book, show your ticket, and enjoy exclusive offers at venues across the city.

INNOVATION AWARDS

The Gulfood Innovation Awards will celebrate brands setting a new standard for excellence in F&B. Recognising forward-thinking products that demonstrate creativity, ingenuity and impact, these prestigious awards highlight the best in the F&B industry across 10 categories.

Register today.

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Financial

MultiBank Group Secures Court Victory as Judge Declares Von Der Heydt Claims as “Fictitious” and “Untenable”

Published

4 days ago

on

January 17, 2025

By

MultiBank Group

MultiBank Group has achieved a significant courtroom victory in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court against Von Der Heydt Invest S.A. (VDH), a Von Der Heydt Group subsidiary, which had brought claims against MultiBank FX International Corporation (MBFX), a MultiBank Group entity, and its founder, Naser Taher.

The court described the allegations brought by VDH as ‘fictitious’ and ‘untenable’, labelling VDH’s pursuit of these matters as an “abuse of process.” The court ordered VDH to cover over USD$25 million in legal costs incurred by Mr. Taher and MBFX. 

The Honorable Justice Gerhard Wallbank’s decision rejected VDH’s claims and confirmed MultiBank Group’s adherence to transparency and integrity. Naser Taher, Founder and Chairman of MultiBank Group said: ‘The accusations levied against us by Von Der Heydt have always been unfounded, and this ruling is a testament to our strong adherence to the principles of fairness and lawful conduct.’

The court confirmed that the legal campaign by VDH and its affiliates over the past four years consisted of coordinated and unfounded allegations targeting MultiBank Group. The judgment also highlighted a “conspiratorial network” involving multiple parties.

A previous ruling by the court made in early 2024 compared the relationship between the Von Der Heydt Group, to the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme.

This decision marks an end to VDH’s pursuit of claims against the MultiBank Group and runs parallel to the financial group’s broader collapse. Von Der Heydt Bank, a 250-year-old institution and VDH’s parent company, has surrendered its banking license and ceased to exist after being placed in liquidation by its founder Dietrich Von Boetticher. The court further commented on the plight of German noteholders allegedly represented by VDH, attributing their difficulties to mismanagement at the hands of the Von Der Heydt leadership.

A prior ruling by the London High Court found Colm Smith, CEO of CSM Securities, and his company in contempt of court for not adhering to a worldwide freezing order (WFO) obtained by MultiBank Group. This contempt stems from Smith’s failure to disclose assets related to a legal dispute involving Van Der Heydt Invest SA (VDHI), where significant losses were linked to investments in notes associated with the Multibank Index. His actions have raised the possibility of imprisonment as the court continues to address allegations of unlawful collusion against MultiBank Group, which are unfolding in various European courts.

MultiBank Group’s victory in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court further solidifies its position as a trusted leader in the financial derivatives market, operating under the oversight of 16 regulators across five continents and serving over one million clients worldwide. Naser Taher added: ‘We are delighted that the judiciary has recognised the baseless nature of these accusations and affirmed our global reputation for integrity and operational excellence. We remain steadfast in delivering the highest standards of financial services to our clients.’

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