Cisco to highlight importance of digital transformation
QITCOM 2017, Doha
Cisco announced its continued support for Qatar’s efforts to drive digital transformation by participating in knowledge sharing sessions and workshops on the latest technology innovations at the fourth edition of QITCOM exhibition and conference, to be held at the Qatar National Convention Centre from March 6-8, 2017 in Doha. Cisco will also support the event through its joint presence at partner stands and through its high-profile speakers and panelists, knowledge sharing at multiple forums, and technology showcase of digital, smart and collaboration solutions.
Organized by Qatar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) under the theme ‘Qatar - Towards a Smart Future,’ QITCOM is the country’s biggest digital event, connecting smart technology with international expertise, industry leadership, key government decision makers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Overall, the event anchors six themes including transport, public sector, digital clusters, health, environment and sports.
“It is critical for governments in the region to be ahead of the technology curve and set the pace for both public sector and private sector organizations to match, thereby yielding huge improvements in citizen services and citizen satisfaction. Cisco is pleased to support MOTC in its journey to achieve Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and to help boost its digital transformation and smart technology efforts towards a smart future,” said Ziad Salameh, Managing Director and General Manager - West Region, Cisco Middle East.
As part of its activities at QITCOM 2017, Cisco will demonstrate its Internet of Things (IoT), collaboration and security solutions at the stand of its partner Salam Technology, QITCOM’s strategic sponsor. Technology specialists from both companies will be present at Salam Technology’s stand to meet with customers and share their global and regional successes with them.
Cisco is actively supporting Qatar MOTC’s initiatives to drive digital technology adoption amongst SMEs by taking part in knowledge sharing sessions and workshops at the ‘Digital Masrah.’
Cisco will also showcase its Meraki and collaboration solutions at the ‘BizTech Zone’ and highlight the technology implementations that are supporting Doha Port’s digital journey towards becoming a smart entity at the Qatar Ports Management Company Mwani stand at the exhibition. “By being abreast of the latest technologies, the government will also be demonstrating how businesses can make themselves more productive and more relevant with the changing nature of tomorrow’s workforce. Cisco is actively engaged in premier events such as QITCOM 2017, where it is important for us to work side by side with our technology partners, customers and government stakeholders to showcase how technology can create path-breaking improvement in business practices and citizen services,” he added.
“In the realm of today’s digital transformation, it is imperative that new startup businesses embrace the right mix of mobile, cloud, social, security and collaboration solutions from the beginning. By adapting to these technologies from the initial stages, startups and SMEs can build their workflows and business practices around forward looking solutions, thereby making it easy to get the maximum business and productivity benefits,” explained Bas Boorsma, Director of Internet of Things and City Digitization for Cisco North Europe.
Under the patronage of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the fourth QITCOM Conference and Exhibition marks the launch of the Smart Qatar Program. As part of the Qatar Smart Program, the Qatari government is embarking on a Digital Cluster Strategy which will form alliances with other global digital hubs and foster start up partnerships internationally.
Bas Boorsma, Director of Internet of Things and City Digitization at Cisco North Europe, will participate in a panel discussion on ‘Digital Clusters as Ecosystems to Enable Innovation, which will address how digital clusters are driving economic growth by stimulating innovation and knowledge spill overs. The panel will also shed light into how the relationship between government, private sector and startups can be leveraged to create jobs and attract global talent, as well as how governments can embrace emerging business models and modes of financing to enable innovation through digital cluster strategies.
“Having the right technology mix in place helps attract the most talented workforce, drives the ability to innovate and, perhaps most importantly, helps boost their valuation for private and public investments, a key requirement for business growth and expansion. Cisco is committed to work alongside Qatar’s government to enable the digital and smart journey amongst the country’s startups and SMEs,” added Bas Boorsma.
On day two of the conference Cisco’s Engineering Manager, Ihab Farhoud, will deliver a presentation on ‘Security for the Digital Economy’ at the ‘Digital Masrah,’ highlighting the importance of cybersecurity as a pillar of digital transformation.