The UAE has evolved from a crypto sandbox to a global model for digital asset regulation, demonstrating how policy clarity, investor protection, and innovation can coexist. Once a regional testing ground, the nation now leads in tokenization, blockchain adoption, and institutional-grade compliance — setting a framework others are eager to emulate.

Institutions Move from Observation to Adoption

Over the last two years, institutional investors — from sovereign funds to global asset managers — have shifted from cautious exploration to structured allocations in digital assets. Yet, these investors only engage when they see robust regulatory infrastructure.
Here, UAE crypto regulation stands apart. While the U.S. remains divided over jurisdictional control and Europe’s MiCA awaits full rollout, the UAE offers a complete ecosystem where policy meets execution. This maturity has transformed the country into a trusted base for large-scale blockchain initiatives.

Two Regulatory Paths, One Unified Objective

The UAE’s approach balances innovation and oversight through two distinct yet aligned regulatory arms.

• Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): Through the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), it licenses custody, tokenization, and brokerage activities under strict governance criteria.
• Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA): Instead of classifying asset types, VARA regulates activities, giving firms flexibility to innovate without restarting their licensing process.

This dual model ensures both stability and adaptability — a rare equilibrium that reinforces confidence among enterprises and investors.

Tokenization Moves from Pilot to Production

In 2023, Neovision and Realize launched one of the first tokenized U.S. Treasury funds under ADGM’s oversight, now part of a market valued at over $2.4 billion. Soon after, HSBC piloted tokenized gold settlement in the Emirates, leveraging the UAE’s mature legal and technical infrastructure.
Unlike most markets, where tokenization remains conceptual, the UAE has operationalized it across corporate bonds, commodities, and private equity. This tangible progress makes UAE crypto regulation a benchmark for turning blockchain theory into enterprise-scale reality.

Proven Resilience Through Market Turbulence

The UAE’s frameworks were tested during the 2022 digital asset downturn. While some regions froze licensing or enforcement, VARA introduced stricter custodial and marketing rules while continuing to issue licenses transparently.
In 2024, both VARA and ADGM demonstrated accountability by penalizing unlicensed operators and enforcing compliance — signaling a regulatory environment that values both innovation and discipline.

Blockchain Beyond Finance

Beyond crypto trading and tokenization, the UAE is using blockchain to drive cross-sector innovation.

• Ras Al Khaimah has built a dedicated Web3 zone for decentralized applications.
• Sharjah is piloting blockchain in public services, from identity to supply chain tracking.
  This diversification proves the national model’s flexibility and depth, blending economic and civic value under a unified UAE crypto regulation framework.

Geography Meets Governance

Situated between Asia and Europe, the UAE benefits from time-zone overlap, U.S. dollar settlement, and investor-friendly tax structures. Yet its real advantage lies in policy precision. Since 2023, VARA has issued frequent updates and consultative papers, responding dynamically to industry input.
Following its removal from the FATF grey list in 2024, the UAE has accelerated compliance reforms faster than most peers, turning global scrutiny into strategic progress.

A Replicable Blueprint for the World

While the U.S. debates regulatory ownership and Europe await MiCA’s maturity, the UAE has implemented a live, multi-emirate framework. It balances openness with oversight — a model now studied by global policymakers.
For institutional investors, the question has shifted from if to were. Increasingly, the answer is clear: the UAE — where crypto regulation is no longer an experiment, but the emerging global standard.

Read our previous post, UAE Depreciation Rules Boost Real Estate Investment

The post UAE Crypto Regulation Sets Global Blueprint appeared first on The Integrator.

Explain ViewSonic’s latest products and solutions that offer entrepreneurs and individual users a better prospect at work.

ViewSonic offers a wide portfolio that provides individual business users with solutions that can make their work easier, more efficient, and faster. For example, our range of monitors is designed for different customers’ requirements, from Professional monitors, ergonomic and one-cable solution monitors, and gaming monitors to portable and touch screens that can be taken by users anywhere and ensure a comfortable working space with an extended screen on the go.

Elaborate on “Universe,” ViewSonic’s latest initiation

ViewSonic’s UNIVERSE is a metaverse built specifically for education that facilitates interactive learning experiences through personalized avatars. The immersive 3D virtual platform drives engagement, enhances collaboration, and fosters a sense of belonging while allowing educators to teach with more creative freedom and additional digital teaching tools. Built for educators by educators, the UNIVERSE helps teach, engage students,

Max Hsu, Regional Director – MEA, at ViewSonic

and manage the class with digital tools that support them to achieve more.

Discuss the competencies of ViewSonic’s interactive display devices and their use in SME-level organizations.

Our EdTech solutions are designed to be intuitive for teachers of any level, and our comprehensive learning ecosystem provides the flexibility that teachers need to integrate technology into their classrooms without sacrificing human connection. ViewSonic ViewBoard interactive flat panel displays offer the best digital whiteboard solution, with content sharing and interactive touch capabilities that make presentations, brainstorming, and decision-making easier.

For Education:

ViewBoard interactive displays are a center point for cooperation, with touchscreens that provide outstanding interactivity for 21st-century schools. ViewBoard displays give several people the ability to write, modify, and draw onscreen for dynamic presentations and innovative thinking using huge touchscreen displays. Our interactive ViewBoard displays are perfect for technology-rich, learner-centered lessons that encourage collaboration between students and teachers.

Give insights into your positioning in the Middle East market and plans for 2023.

As a leading EdTech provider, ViewSonic plans to continue its number-one ranking in MEA and KSA in the IFP segment through product hardware and software innovations. 2023 is the year we will be focusing on UNIVERSE. We are the first firm to bring Metaverse into the educational sector, and we’re receiving great feedback from our partners about such cutting-edge technology that can help schools and universities embrace more technology while also improving students’ learning environments. On other hand, we are also leading in LED projectors and we are among the top 3 in the region and topmost globally for the same category.

Tell us about the products you are presenting at GITEX 2022:

During GITEX Global, we will be launching all-new LED smart projectors from the M & X series which will bring a new level of the home cinema experience and portability solution for our users in 2023. Highlighting that our LED smart projectors come with built-in Harmon Kardon speakers up to 3,100 Ansi Lumens brightness, and up to 150” of the projected screen, these projectors will provide an immersive Audio-visual experience to our users.

The post ViewSonic Offers a Wide Portfolio That Makes Work Easier, Efficient, and Faster appeared first on The Integrator.

Walk us through the categories of IT products Trigon mostly distributes to enterprises

Trigon is one of the biggest ICT distribution companies in the Middle East and an authorized distributor for leading IT and consumer electronic brands, i.e., Samsung, LG, D-Link, Acer, Asus, Ergotron, Brother, Netgear, Transcend, Philips, AOC, etc. We also focus on distributing large-scale infrastructure solutions, commercial displays, PCs, and monitors for various industries across the Middle East region.

Tell us a bit about Trigon’s association with the small, medium (SMEs), and large enterprises in the region

2022 marks a milestone of 25 years for Trigon and we carry a strong legacy of supporting SMEs since the inception of the company. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) constitute a significant portion of business for Trigon. We are creating income opportunities and empowering our network of SMEs by providing product

training, credit facilities, and access to the latest technologies. Also, with our comprehensive and turnkey solutions, we address all the technology needs of large enterprise customers wherein we have been involved in the concept, design, and implementation of various large-scale projects. We are one of the first ICT companies to collaborate with all major retailers including Carrefour, Jumbo, Lulu, Sharaf DG, E-max, Virgin Megastore, and many others. Apart from that, we did iconic projects for Expo 2020, Burj Khalifa, Royal Atlantis, and Dubai Airport, and the very recent one is the implementation of LED screens in the control room of Meydan racecourse in Dubai.

Explain the after-sales services that Trigon offers to its customers. How comprehensive they are?

We are continuously investing to strengthen our supply chain to ensure 100 percent customer satisfaction. We have a 19-member team who looks after the after-sales services covering areas such as In house repairs, onsite support, 24X7 support, system integration, and annual maintenance contracts. We have our warehouse and distribution services located in Dubai, Jebel Ali, Riyadh, Manama, and Muscat and these locations serve as a strategic gateway for all our customers.

Describe the competencies of Trigon in supplying the latest and cutting-edge technologies to enterprises.

We rely on our strategic vendors, who happen to be leading global brands, to offer a wide range of turnkey solutions covering AI displays, wall mounts solutions, next-gen video communications, interactive displays, gaming monitors, consumer, commercial, and gaming notebooks, networking solutions, indoor/outdoor LED display solutions and kiosks. We are actively engaged with 700+ channel partners, power retailers, system integrators, and AV consultants.

GITEX 2022 trade show is approaching and how does Trigon plan to present its brand and solutions at the event?

This year, Trigon is participating in GITEX with PeopleLink, one of our recently collaborated vendors. PeopleLink is a pioneer in modern video conferencing technology. PeopleLink offers robust, innovative, next-generation video-enabled business process software products such as video commerce, video governance, telemedicine, virtual LMS, and audio video peripherals targeting various industry verticals and establishing its position as A2Z of enterprise collaboration.

The post With Strong Legacy of Supporting SMEs, Trigon Extends its Winning Streak appeared first on The Integrator.

What is unique about “rent a car” services offered by Selfdrive.ae?

The USP of Selfdrive is its association with Dealers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMS) to offer brand new and almost brand-new cars to its customers from 1 day to 36 months. The artificial intelligence (AI) driven system, makes the reservation journey and documentation seamless for the customers to reserve the cars of their choice, ranging from 65+ Models of 16 different brands across the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain.

Soham Shah, CEO, Pinewoods Tech Serv (Selfdrive)

Explain Selfdrive’s customer base and engagements with enterprise customers

Selfdrive aims to serve Local residents, Expat Population and the International travelers who are in need of a car, creating an alternate to car ownership by offering micro leasing and leasing solutions.

Selfdrive offers an extensive option of services under its B2B Enterprise module which delivers an intangible flexibility in its leasing solutions for corporate and government sectors under its portfolio.

How do you onboard dealers to your business and how well are you equipped with the latest technologies?

Selfdrive’s “Proprietary Real Time Fleet Management Technology” integrates to create a revenue channel by incorporating existing and new fleet with the platform, increasing the brand – customer engagement as well as reducing the holding cost of the asset.

Moving in line with the global shift of buying vs alternative car ownership model, Partnering with Selfdrive has empowered the Dealers and OEMs to align with the trend shift and achieve substantial market share with no capital investment in technology.

Let’s discuss the competition, and plans of expansion in the coming years

Selfdrive, the market leader in vehicle subscription technology has a competitive advantage by partnering with the Dealers and the OEMs. The tactical partnerships of the platform has given a deeper penetration into the market due its alignment with the customer trends and sentiments. Selfdrive as a brand, intends to go live in Bahrain, Qatar & Kuwait in Q1 2022 to establish its presence in the GCC Market and UK & Europe.

The post Mobility Services Come Smarter and Easier; SelfDrive Shows the Way! appeared first on The Integrator.

The growth and expansion of fintech can easily be defined using the three adjectives. The observation is based on the following facts – rising popularity of digital payments, improved investments in tech-centric solutions, supportive government regulations, and enhanced adoption of IoT devices. Optimistically, we assess that blockchain technology could change the world more than we could imagine at this point. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, however, should essentially validate their claims and relevance with more solid examples.

The Integrator, as a renowned tech publication in the industry, approaches the global fintech market and its key facets including API, AI, blockchain, distributed computing, big data, and robotic process automation, objectively in the enclosed fintech-focused March edition. We hope our thoughtful narratives backed by several levels of analysis by experts help enterprise readers choose fintech services wisely.

The excitement of the launch of MEA’s biggest business-networking initiative titled “CBD SMEChampions 2022” energizes us to reap further success. With the annual partnership of the Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), the SME Champions brings enterprises, tech giants, BFSIs, and logistic companies together on a common platform. It has an exceptional format comprising publications, gala awards, corporate golf tournaments, and CSR activities. Request partners and sponsors to take full advantage of year-round promotions and networking opportunities that come as part of the initiative.

Thanks for supporting us. Read and comment!

Murali Margassery
Assistant Editor

The post Blockchain: Inevitable Disruption appeared first on The Integrator.

As part of a larger strategic partnership between ADIO and Microsoft, GrowthX Accelerator is designed to bridge the gap between corporates and B2B startups across the Middle East and Africa by connecting startups with large corporations. The 12-week program focuses on empowering B2B startups with the technology, mentoring, and market access they need to solve the corporate partners’ unique challenges and problem statements.

“As a founding partner of GrowthX Accelerator, ADIO is partnering with Microsoft to empower visionary entrepreneurs with the technology, mentoring, and market access they need to get off the ground. ADIO’s work with Microsoft will accelerate innovation and boost entrepreneurship, in line with Abu Dhabi’s unwavering commitment to support the private sector,” said H.E. Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development

Roberto Croci, Managing Director, Microsoft for Startups, MEA said, “Startups are now in the driver’s seat to fulfilling their potential through the GrowthX Accelerator. It is exhilarating to facilitate an empowering experience for B2B startups to make the most of the technology, mentoring, and access to the market that this program will provide,”

Microsoft for Startups is working with Etihad Airways, Unilever, Flow, Akbank, KPMG, and IKEA in the first cohort as corporate engagement partners. B2B startups will work with these partners directly for the duration of the program, to ultimately co-create technology solutions that address the corporate partners’ challenges.

The post Microsoft for Startups’ GrowthX Accelerator program kicks off in the UAE appeared first on The Integrator.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with The Integrator, Mr. Sachin.

We are excited to hear about Musafir Business, the corporate travel platform you created for businesses. Give us an overview:

Musafir Business allows SMEs and large enterprises to organize year-round trips for their entire workforce. It is an automated system that gives individual corporate employees options to book hotels, flights, and transfers, with utmost transparency. There is flexibility built into the system to allow for approvals and to change or cancel the itinerary. We established the platform to simplify the process and eliminate unnecessary records, receipts, and emails. All travel requirements are saved and accessible on Musafir Business, meaning corporates can save up to 20 percent on annual travel expenses.

Sachin Gadoya, Co-Founder, Musafir.com

What category of businesses do you focus on and how does the process take place?

We focus on SMEs and large-scale corporates that seek cost savings and transparency in their corporate travel.

While our sales team handles the onboarding process, our operations team simultaneously starts negotiations with our airline partners based on the requirements of the corporate client. This ensures that once the onboarding is through our travel consultants are ready to meet the client’s needs seamlessly from day one.

What has made you identify the need for a platform like Musafir Business?

We understood that there was a real need for a platform like Musafir Business when we did our research and it dawned on us that a majority of UAE-based corporations deal with a lot of back and forth from travel agents. This seemed extremely inefficient and we knew that the whole process could definitely be made smoother with the simple use of technology.

We have a robust network of airline partners, hotels, and holiday suppliers – so, really it was only a matter of time before we took the learnings from the gap in the market to provide a simple and seamless platform that focuses on super-saver policies, paperless approvals and puts the traveler first.

We started the platform in the UAE and expanded to Qatar and India. We are planning to expand the platform for customers across the GCC soon.

How do you think the SME sector handled the pandemic?

The COVID-19 pandemic created distress in every business in the Middle East and globally. Travel Tech SMEs were particularly hard-hit during the early stages of the pandemic but overall tech companies are adaptable and flexible. We cut costs and continued to invest time and effort into our technology.

Fortunately, the UAE government handled the pandemic well and so we were lucky to be an open nation with travel and tourism options. The pace is only increasing with events like Dubai Expo 2020 and corporate travel increasing.

How do you observe the growth of SMEs in the UAE?

Luckily in a country like the UAE, SME growth is always encouraged and supported. With the EXPO 2020, the SME sector has only received a better boost.

The location of the UAE is as close to perfect as it gets. With a central location that connects Eastern and Western Europe, Africa, and the relative ease of doing business, a lot of entrepreneurs like myself are coming forth to establish their centers here.

Share the business goals of Musafir for the coming years

The business goals are simple – lead, expand and adapt. We envision Musafir and Musafir Business to lead corporate and consumer travel throughout GCC and parts of Africa. Today’s customer needs are so dynamic that we are constantly on our toes looking for ways to adapt and meet the expectations of our customers through outstanding services.

Would you share about any business challenges you face(d)?

The travel restrictions brought on by the pandemic were the major challenge we have faced for more than a year. We aren’t worried about our competitors, we have been building loyalty for years and know the needs of our corporate travelers and consumers but yes, the way forward is clearer now that the country has opened up and that will definitely bring its own set of challenges that we are more than ready to face.

The post “Musafir Business” – Seamlessly Handling Corporate Travel appeared first on The Integrator.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are observed as the backbone of all economies across the world. Not only do they have the remarkable potential to lead innovation, create jobs, fuel economic growth, and expand the tax base but also can play a crucial role in social cohesion. However, their existence and survival were facing questions since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Many of them had to hibernate their operations for an uncertain period due to the disconnection of resources and supply-chain networks, owing to lockdowns in the South Asian countries and Europe.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), has always been a frontrunner in showing its remarkable potential to host micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) in its economy. The “UAE National Agenda,” presented in 2014 leading to the UAE Vision 2021 had categorically explained about creating a “Competitive Knowledge Economy” and signaled the country’s interest to reduce petrochemical dependence.

According to the Ministry of Economy, “SMEs represent 87 percent of the companies in the UAE and constitute 86 percent of the private sector’s workforce.” The sector, combining manufacturing, service, and trade, contributes over 52 percent to UAE’s non-oil GDP.

The Crisis Phase and Revival Efforts

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has been actively surveying, studying the MSME sector, and figuring out possible options to help each category of enterprise to recover from challenges and financial constraints. Such surveys are regularly conducted in developed economies and the UAE is seemingly upfront in these actions that potentially enhance opportunities in the business sector.

Reports of CBUAE, chambers of commerce in emirates, various other agencies accelerated the government efforts to protect the SME sector in the extremely turbulent year of 2020. The UAE government’s agility in terms of creating and revising policies was visible enough. Business support, economic stimulus packages, service fee reductions, and utility price reduction combinedly worked to rescue the vulnerable SME sector and the country stood above its counterparts in the GCC.

UAE Ministry of Economy’s Cabinet Resolution 2020 to slash the fees of government services include licensing, renewal, and trademark, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization’s financial and administration protection from, and Prime Minister’s “agile, flexible, and speedy government” policy are the notable ones.

Banks for Small and Medium Businesses

The CBUAE survey concluded stating, “The surveys show challenges for MSMEs related to the absence of audited accounts, lack of collateral, in tandem with limited use of the services of the Credit Bureau and credit export insurance, which inhibit companies’ access to finance, thereby revealing areas where reforms are expected to have the biggest impact on improving the UAE MSMEs ecosystem.” The finding of the survey had played a crucial role in the UAE government’s mission to rescue SMEs and instructing banks to start flexible lending and insurance schemes for small and medium-sized businesses.

Acting upon the government’s interest, most of the financial institutions in the UAE created tools that will mitigate their risk connected with SME lending. Leading banks in the country including Emirates NBD, FAB, Mashreq, and RAK, offer business accounts, flexible remittance, digital solutions, financing, and personal services to SMEs.

Insights into SME-specific schemes, policies, and loans in the UAE banks:

Emirates NBD’s SME-Specific Package:

The bank convenes Multaqa that helps SME owners and entrepreneurs hear from industry experts and networks. It had announced a customized business banking package in 2020 for UAE-based SMEs and startups that features preferential pricing and privileges on transactions, working capital, trade finance, FX, and commercial loans, cementing the bank’s commitment to supporting the future growth and development of companies registered to do business with Expo 2020 Dubai.

Mashreq Business Banking

Mashreq offers business account solutions to SMEs include 25-30 percent discounts on trade transaction fees, free online remittance for currency transfers, unlimited checkbooks, business debit cards, flexible deposits, and tailored services for selected businesses besides sophisticated digital banking services.

RAKstarter SME Account

For budding entrepreneurs and startups, RAK bank provides zero-balance business accounts. RAKstarter accounts are available in AED, US Dollars, Euro, and Pound Sterling (GBP) currencies. The bank also claimed to provide business financing and attractive foreign exchange rates. Businesses own accounts at RAK bank can also avail low-cost mobile POS machine at preferential pricing.

FAB’s SME Growth Loans

After the announcement of Abu Dhabi government on expanding the SME Credit Guarantee scheme to prioritize and increase SME’s access to financing in the Emirate, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) started to provide easy financing options to SMEs, improving their ability to withstand market fluctuations.

SME Growth Loan benefits from FAB

• Working capital facility for three months duration
• Term loans of up to 4 years duration
• Competitive interest rates
• Easy documentation
• Quick turnaround time

All qualified SMEs registered as LLC, FZEs, Sole Proprietorship, Partnerships & Branches of foreign companies, and operating in Abu Dhabi (onshore and offshore) in the categories of trading, manufacturing, and services are entitled to get the loan benefits.

Robust Technology Solutions for SMEs

SMEs need the support of cutting-edge technology in their business environment. The presence of sophisticated hardware and competent software not only make customer engagement highly productive but also save process cost. A well-thought-out plan should be made before procuring technology solutions of any kind.

The unprecedented pandemic hit led companies to start hybrid work, where a large percent of the workforce does their job remotely. Similarly, virtual interactions, even on business levels, have become a common practice. Hence, the IT solutions providers started tailoring their products based on the need of businesses. The integration of AI, cloud computing, cyber security, remote work solutions, and customer engagement tools is essential for SMEs to strive for success.

When it comes to procuring hardware solutions, SMEs should rely on robust and sturdy solutions to reduce down the situation and following business impact. The cost could be a major factor in the selection of hardware resources; however, reliability shouldn’t be questioned. Both open and closed sources have solid software programs to handle the entire enterprise activities. No matter what, adequate technical, installation, and training support should be demanded when it comes to choosing a vendor or system integrator.

Here’s a list of a few solutions that SMEs should go for or strengthen to become competent in the market:

• Enterprise
• Hybrid-Work
• Communication
• Supply and Logistics
• Workforce Management
• Cloud and Cyber Security
• Data Collection and Analytics

SMEs’ Reliance on Logistic Services

Nearly 70 percent of the UAE enterprises, mostly SMEs, trade their goods globally than locally. The ongoing digitization of logistic and supply-chain operations on par with the evolution of supporting technologies level the playing field for them. In addition, the geographical placement of the country added advantage for businesses to reach nearly half of the world population. The transformative growth and burgeoning investments in the e-commerce sector also seeding new hopes.

Here are some of the logistic options that businesses can choose from.

Road freight: It is one of the traditionally competitive logistic segments and it has a well-maintained infrastructure in the UAE. However, it required more efficiency and better technological support

Air freight: Most SMEs rely on air freight services, through which goods can travel almost two-thirds of the world population in eight hours from the UAE

Sea freight: For transporting heavy and large quantities of goods, sea freight becomes the only option.

Including several home-grown ones, there is a large number of logistics and shipping companies, DP World, Tristar Logistics, DSV, FedEx, DHL, Aramex, and Fetchr to name a few, operate in the UAE with tailored services for SMEs. Most of them offer road, air, and sea freight services.

To conclude, the COVID-19 pandemic had a lot of lessons for the SME ecosystem that includes enterprises, solutions providers, financial institutions, and logistic companies. All of these sectors consistently need to exchange values for common good. Existence in these sorts of turbulent times is possible only when effective integration and communication happen!

The post SME Sector: The Powerhouse of Progress Backed by Agile Policies appeared first on The Integrator.

Today, we attribute our strength to the success of 230+ editions of VAR, which continues to be the favorite publication of the ICT channel, 95 editions of The Integrator, 150+ events in 14 countries, and B2B lead generation program in 24 countries. The glorious journey thrives and we are all set to announce an iconic product Digital B2B Lead Generation platform at GITEX Technology Week – 2021. Simultaneously, VAR expands its functional ground to the electronics, IT, and telecom sectors. Notably, we are up again to honor leading ICT solutions providers in the 14^th edition of the ICT Champion Awards that happens on the sidelines of GITEX. Stay tuned!

The September 2021 edition of The Integrator covers the broad spectrum of the display market including commercial, professional, and consumer electronics display devices. As always, we left no stones unturned in our exploration of the sector. The growth prospects of OLED, the splurge out on consumer electronics, and the ongoing shortage of ICs, used in commercial display devices, have been explained in the edition and major interviews with industry leaders.

The Integrator has a progressive approach towards the developing trends in the market and we decide to dedicate a part of the September edition and the entire October edition to pour light on the UAE’s fastest-growing SME sector.

We thank each one of you for the guidance and support and without that, we couldn’t have achieved any of these.

Happy reading!

Murali Margassery
Assistant Editor

The post 16 Years of Excellence and Notable Milestones appeared first on The Integrator.

The appetite of mid-market customers for enterprise software is growing and gaining traction with cloud based options

The Enterprise software is a growth market as digital transformation continues to be a key objective across Businesses of different sizes, from SME to larger enterprises in different sectors. In the region’s vibrant and diverse SME sector, the appetite for enterprise scale software is growing.

“The Enterprise applications market has been rapidly evolving with the Middle East actively adopting enterprise apps across all sectors and industries. Organizations are actively striving to provide that extra mile of enhanced service, improved efficiencies, and employment satisfaction and as such have taken to the world of enterprise apps to achieve these goal,” says Ali Hyder, Group CEO, Focus Softnet.

Traditionally, the deployment of mid-market software may be proportionate to the requirements or the vision of the leadership teams at those Businesses which see ICT as Business enablers. More recently, deployment of software is becoming more pervasive and with the cloud enabled software coming into the equation, the pervasiveness is increasing as more software becomes widely deployed.

“In the Middle East, SMEs comprise a majority of businesses and SAP customers – and are a major driver of the Digital Economy, innovation, and youth employment. SMEs are the majority of SAP’s customers, and are a major focus for SAP MENA’s PartnerEdge channel program. SMEs across the Middle East are eager to adopt enterprise application software, which has dropped in price and advanced in capabilities to the point where SMEs can have the same business capabilities as large enterprises,” says Patrick Hayati, Vice President – Global Channel and General Business, SAP MENA.

There are specific trends that emerge from the segment. For system integrators in the region, there is indeed a vibrant opportunity. With almost 86 percent of workforce in the SME segment in UAE, 300,000 plus companies with overall revenue share of 60 % to UAE GDP, 73% in wholesale/trading and 11% in Manufacturing segment the SME market is the key driver for technology solution providers and integrators like them to target.

N. Ramkumar, Managing Partner and Director ITWARE LLC says, “For us the Mid-market SME segment especially UAE and Oman is an integral part of our business and we see a substantial portion of revenue coming in from this segment in next three years. For us the SMB market for ERP solutions would be in the 5-30 user range with an annual turnover of around 10-20 M USD and Employee size of around 250-300. The size of the deal would depend on the actual requirement in terms of modules and whether it’s on premise or cloud deployment.

In respect of other trading and service segments the market size is much smaller where we focus on providing mobile solutions especially in Retail, Factory automation and Field Service with an integrated accounting and inventory system.”
Organizations in the SME segment will need support of integrators who can help with migration from legacy applications to cloud based deployments.

Ramkumar adds, “Most of today’s SME customers either use excel or have in-house legacy or small inventory/account applications with lot of data and customizations as well as multiple nonintegrated applications within the company separately for sales, inventory, shop floor etc.

These customers have a very lean IT team in most cases one IT resource both for solutions and Hardware and as and when they decide to move to cloud and mobile based applications they would have lot of challenges in terms of still maintaining some of their mission critical on premise old applications as well as migrating data to the new cloud application. For such activities, they need the expertise of an integrator like us who have worked with both legacy, on premise and cloud applications and understand the vital role of seamless integration between these applications.”

He elaborates that even if web store cloud applications are available off the shelf, they still need customized reports and specific webs service based integrations to suit their business as well as ongoing support with onsite visits as and when needed which locally based integration companies like theirs are equipped to provide.

Sunil Paul, COO at Finesse, a leading enterprise applications integrator in the region says, “As digital transformation is picking up, we see a growth in the spending on enterprise application software. Most spending is dedicated toward replacing, modernizing, or functionally expanding current office and business applications. Organizations are increasingly looking at Analytics and Business Intelligence and cloud provisioning. The approval of bigger budgets for IT projects in companies is a positive sign for the overall enterprise software market.”

He adds, “We provide BI (Qlik), CRM (Salesforce) and Cloud (IBM Bluemix) solutions to various SMEs apart from enterprises. We have a focused SME strategy that help organizations increase efficiency, enhance business performance, increase agility while reducing costs.”

According to Ramkumar, there is traction in manufacturing related industries in terms of demand and consumption of software as automation is expected to rise.

He says, “It’s estimated that out of the 30,000 plus SME companies in UAE which are focused on manufacturing and related domains almost 50% of them are still in excel or legacy based in house developed solutions. With the rising cost of staffing and infrastructure, need for automation is becoming an absolute necessity to reach a wider base of customers along with benefits of increased productivity based on which we expect substantial growth in next 2-3 years.”

Increased deployment options of enterprise applications via cloud from leading vendors has definitely democratized the industry, so to say, as mid-market customers now can choose best of options.

Ramkumar adds ,” As an Infor partner, with Infor Cloud suite Industrial for manufacturing and Cloud suite business for service and trading industries bundled with amazing Infor XI technology stack, we have one of the leading cloud based industry verticals in the Region and we are very confident that these 2 solutions growing in GCC. Both these solutions are hosted on Amazon Web Services and with Amazon recently announcing that Dubai would be a hub for their cloud services business we are hopeful of more net new deals in 2017.”

Clearly, cloud enabled deployments is gaining ground with the tangible cost benefits it offers and the hassles it eliminates with capital intensive on-site deployments.
Sunil says, “Software on cloud and use of multiple devices to access data allows organizations to think about alternative options to traditional on-site solutions. Also because of trends moving toward cloud technologies, firms no longer have to create a fixed, physical IT infrastructure and network. Thus enterprise software penetration rates in these regions will go up only with the adoption of cloud or sometimes hybrid models of cloud as well as on-premise products.”

He adds, “Enterprise Solution Providers are now helping companies extend their business processes into the Cloud, where they can use the solutions and network to work more efficiently and effectively. That means driving more value whenever they do business, connect and collaborate through a single platform in the cloud to lower costs or risks, boost revenue, or manage cash and working capital.”

According to Mufeez Vakeel – Director, Projects and Head Operations at ITWARE, while Cloud is getting traction for smaller applications such as HR, Expense Management, Real estate, Retail and CRM, for larger software deployments, they still seem to be preferring the on-site option.

He elaborates, “SMEs evaluating to go with specific applications such as ERP, BI and supply chain are still preferring on premise applications to cloud though adoption rates are getting better for cloud compared to couple of years back. There are not much of initial hurdles or pre-sales queries in terms of data security, customization etc. when we meet an SMB prospect looking at ERP.”
Patrick believes CRM is a driving force for Middle East digital transformation, and especially for SMEs that are looking to move their data and functions in to the cloud.

He adds, “Cloud-based CRM solutions can make it easier for Middle East SMEs to search customer databases, update records, enhance workplace collaboration, and access business intelligence.”
According to Ramkumar, SMEs are initially focusing to optimize the operations and build the service capability to respond to current demand. For organisations that have already achieved those milestones, they may look at investing in a CRM solution to enhance their sales and marketing.

He says, “ERP-enabled SMEs which are more tech savvy have realized that for them to win new customers and new territories only way to reach out is with a CRM solution especially cloud offering bundled with digital marketing given the escalating cost of staffing and other traditional marketing techniques and are looking for CRM as next logical step.”

Big data readiness

The need for the SME sector to deploy Big Data solutions will depend on the volume of data sets they generate. In many instances, they may need to look at exploiting insights from their deployed software including CRM seems to be the opinion of Sunil from Finesse.

He says, “Not many SMEs generate so much data, lack big data expertise along with lack of investment. They need to keep a sharp eye on cost and execution and take stock of their needs before establishing a data strategy. Smaller data sets from CRM platforms, social media or email marketing programmes can still provide much-needed insight to help businesses understand customer behaviour patterns and showcase trends. Yet, today SMEs who aspire to become the big enterprises in the future need to look at big data as an asset. Some are starting to realise that they can identify trends, patterns and gain competitive advantage by harnessing the power of growing data volume.”

Mufeez says although the SME companies may be using in-built BI functionalities of some of the software they may have deployed already, yet it will be a while before they get to deploying Big Data solutions.

He says, “Currently, SMEs are using the built-in BI capabilities, it will take some more time for Big Data to be of utility value to SME’s. Cloud enabled Big data applications can fuel the adoption faster but as of now given their pricing SMB’s might not be able to afford that kind of investment. Big Data will be useful if SMEs are capturing different types of data such as Video, Voice and Social media (Tweets, WhatsApp media etc.”

On the other hand, Patrick believes that with their more streamlined IT infrastructure, SMEs are ideally-placed to adopt cloud solutions such as Big Data analytics.

He comments, “While both public and private cloud services have their place in the Middle East, hybrid cloud solutions have among the highest potential. We’re seeing strong Middle East SME interest for SAP’s industry-tailored cloud services running on the in-memory SAP HANA platform and real-time business suite SAP S/4HANA.”

Future readiness

It is predicted that enterprise software will have more AI enhanced capabilities in future for better insights. The availability of more advanced software will be an enabler for better innovation.

Patrick says, “In the near future, innovation accelerators such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, machine learning, and blockchain have the potential to make a major positive impact on the bottom lines of SMEs. These kinds of advanced capabilities can automate rote processes and free up staff to focus on high-level strategy, planning, and execution.”

Mufeez says that AI is still evolving as a concept in ME Region and only specific large industries are trying to use this technology for automation of the routine tasks.

He adds, “AI can be used in enterprise applications to predict Customer/supplier/employee behavior pattern which can help in operations optimization and increased revenue patterns for these companies as well as in process automation especially in factories which already have MES systems running in tandem with ERP.”
With cognitive technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), the prediction is of computers to be as smart as—or smarter than—humans. Machine learning, NLP (Natural Language Processing) and speech recognition are among the technologies that will drive transformation opines Sunil.

He adds, “These will improve the core functionality of their products, generate new and valuable insights for customers, and improve business operations through automation. These benefits are obvious and software companies will not be ignoring these.”

In the region, especially in the UAE, there is a pioneering show of readiness for advanced software deployment and consumption with the government sector being a key driver. Other segments including mid-market customers will also follow and adopt sooner than later.

The post An enterprising market appeared first on The Integrator.