JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz University (KAU) signed Sunday an agreement with Java Gulf and IBM to implement SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to ensure transparency, streamline operations, maintain operational excellence and provide Best-in-Class facilities for its 140,000 students. Established in 1967 as a national university aiming to deliver higher education to the Western area of Saudi Arabia, KAU has since grown to become a leader in education across the Middle East and also recognized on a global platform. With the agreement, the institution becomes a member of the SAP University Alliance Program - a global endeavor that provides university faculty members with the tools and resources necessary to teach students how technology can enable integrated business processes and strategic thinking, giving students the skills to add immediate value to the marketplace. Professor Osama Bin Sadeq Tayyeb, President of KAU, noted the university's distinctive competencies as well as its global rating in the IT field and confirmed the university's continuous interest in developing its IT practices. The ERP agreement is aimed to develop and enhance the efficiency of administrative and financial processes in the university by using the latest global software and systems. Tayyeb said the university is keen to implement the latest technologies in their operations to keep pace with modern developments. "King Abdulaziz University is renowned for employing cutting edge technology to benefit its students and staff. As implementation partner on this project we will be working with the institute, SAP, and in conjunction with IBM to ensure that the solutions are deployed rapidly and efficiently. Java assists its clients in implementing a perfect fit business solution using business integration approach that is based on a vast of local and global experiences, project resources, best practice methodology and trusted partners," said Bashar Baidas, CEO, Java Gulf. "IBM's experience and knowledge in working with academic institutions in the region allows us to capitalize on best practice models ensuring that King Abdulaziz University operates efficiently to remain at the forefront of educational practices," said Amr Refaat, general manager, IBM Middle East and Pakistan. "The implementation team will be working together to consolidate systems, applications, data, and business processes." "As a pioneer in the educational arena, King Abdulaziz University is at the forefront of recognizing the importance of investing in IT for the benefit of its students and the Saudi Arabian knowledge economy in general," said Abdul-Raheem Bawazeer, managing director, SAP KSA.
