FOLLOWING on from the launch of a local company in Qatar earlier this month, Orange Business Services makes its next move to support the development of its Middle East and Africa growth strategy by signing a partnership with Saudi Business Machines Limited (SBM) in Saudi Arabia. Orange Business Services, through Orange Business Arabia LLC, its local Saudi operating company, and SBM, a leading systems integrator, have signed a business partnership agreement through which the two companies will cooperate as preferred partners on bids for major ICT projects in the Kingdom. The combination of the two brands, their skill sets and experience, together with the Orange Group's R&D and innovation capabilities, is expected to contribute toward the advancement of the ICT system integration landscape in the Kingdom. Orange Business Services and SBM will jointly identify and bid for major projects in the rapidly expanding ICT market and will address opportunities in strategic market segments like smart cities, security, healthcare and core services for the enterprise market. As preferred partners, the companies will also contract each other's services leveraging the strong domestic presence of SBM and the strong international coverage of Orange Business Services. Orange has a focus on developing business in the Middle East and Africa region, which is exemplified by the inauguration of Orange Business Arabia in April 2012 and the Jan. 9 launch of its local company in Qatar. Giorgio Heiman, Vice President, Global Solutions and Services, Emerging Markets & Indirect channels, Orange Business Services, said: “The new business partnership will provide us with a platform to address the growing local demand for telecommunication and information technology services.” Essam Al-Shiha, Vice President, Sales, Saudi Business Machines, said: “We believe that our partnership with Orange Business Services will add a great value to our promotion and development of Information Communication Technology in building the future of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and it will broaden our portfolio allowing us to continue to be the leading solutions provider to the people and industries of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” According to Orange Business Services, Saudi Arabia is the driving force of the regional economy in the Middle East and is a rapidly evolving ICT market. Orange Business Services is already established as a highly trusted partner to some of the largest infrastructure projects and developments in the country, working in close partnerships with a range of major public and private sector organizations in the Kingdom. The France Telecom Orange group has more than 50 years' history in the region. — SG
