• Home
• Telecoms & IT
• News Article

NETGEAR and ITS completes installation of AED 200,000 wireless solutions project for Sun and Sand Sports showrooms across the UAE

Strategic partnership successfully implements project across 20 branches of leading sports equipment and accessories retail franchise

NETGEAR , a worldwide provider of technologically advanced branded networking and storage products, has announced its strategic new partnership with International Technology Services Ltd. (ITS), a leading service focused company specializing in large-scale, turnkey technology solutions for companies and governments worldwide, for the implementation of key wireless solutions for leading UAE based sports equipment and accessories retail chain, Sun and Sand Sports. The project is valued at AED 200,000 and is part of the vision of Sun and Sand Sports to adopt and implement new technologies into their operations, which cost them around AED 2.5 million. The installation of strategic wireless solutions will enable Sun and Sand Sports staff to utilize wireless connectivity for Pocket PC PDA's and perform key functions like Point of Sale (POS), and inventory (Transfer in, Transfer Out, Demand Request, GRN's, and Stock Tracking).

The project was implemented over a six-week installation period and covered Sun and Sand Sports facilities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah. The installation included key NETGEAR equipment like the wireless controller model WMS5316, access points device WG103 and FS 726TP switches. These strategic devices provided each Sun and Sand Sports branch with smooth and seamless wireless connectivity. According to ITS, one of the main challenges of the project was the limited time allotted for the installation process as the showrooms are located in some of the country's leading malls and shopping districts, which means that work had been conducted during the late hours of the evening. However, the management of Sun and Sand Sports has maintained strong confidence in the NETGEAR and ITS partnership, adding that the implementation of wireless connectivity and solutions has allowed the retail franchise to serve its customers better. The leading franchise also pointed out that NETGEAR equipment provided them with key advantages like great quality, quick implementation and affordable prices.

"Our operations have greatly improved since the new wireless system was installed by NETGEAR and ITS, greatly increasing staff productivity and efficiencies," said Bilal Abdel Hadi, Group IT Manager, Gulf Marketing Group, Sun and Sand Sports. "The presence of wireless connectivity has allowed us to reduce on time and cost on usual store duties like bar coding, price verification, and inventory transactions like Transfer in, Transfer Out, Demand Request, GRN's, and Stock Tracking with online variation. Now, all data can easily be transferred from store to store. Customers will also benefit from this improvement in our operations. This project is part of master project plan, which will cover around 65 stores in UAE and GCC countries, and is costing us AED 2.5 million."

NETGEAR 's wireless controller WMS5316 is a central wireless management system that can handle up to 16 APs, including Wireless-N. This device is a preferred internet and wireless tool for retail operations like the Sun and Sand Sports stores as it can support up to 50 to 200 users. The WMS5316 monitors the wireless network to ensure optimal performance and respond to changes in the RF environment. The ProSafe 802.11 G Wireless Access Point WG103 is an intelligent networking unit that provides connection speeds of up to 108 Mbps in turbo mode. The WG103 comes with a 24 port 10/100 Smart switch with two Gigabit ports and a 12 port POE FS726TP. The device also provides its users with extensive security features like key WiFi protected access. According to feedback received from Sun and Sand Sports officials, the successful installation of NETGEAR 's connectivity tools has allowed its employees access to seamless uninterrupted wireless connectivity in performing key store functions, ably resulting in faster inventory checking and barcode product handling.

"The Sun and Sand Sports chain of stores is one of the most popular stores in the UAE and GCC, enjoying a presence in almost all of the country's leading malls. Our strategic partnership with NETGEAR allowed us to help the company increase more productivity and efficiencies with the development of wireless solutions that they can use for point of sale, inventory and stock tracking purposes," said Yousef Abu Al Shawareb, Deputy General Manager, UAE Operations, ITS. "The combination of our expertise in implementing turnkey technology solutions combined with NETGEAR 's wide range of branded networking and storage products allowed us to develop an effective and reliable wireless solution for Sun and Sand Sports showrooms in the UAE."

ITS has extensive expertise in both information technology and medical/scientific technology. The company completes complex international projects on time and under budget. ITS maintains key offices in Canada, Western Europe and Africa. ITS also has strategic partners in almost every country, which means that ITS has the infrastructure in place to deliver quality results and support productive, long-term relationships with customers around the globe.

"Working with a leading solutions provider like ITS demonstrates NETGEAR 's steadfast commitment to provide customers with effective and highly reliable wireless and networking solutions that can altogether bolster more growth and development into their company," said Ahmad Zeidan, Channel Sales Manager, NETGEAR Middle East. "Servicing a leading brand like the Sun and Sand Sports retail chain reflects NETGEAR 's continuous dedication towards developing strategic IT solutions for our customers and helping them integrate it into their day-to-day operations. NETGEAR was a strategic choice for the showroom's structure of thick walls as NETGEAR carries the guarantee of 'no dead spots' in its area of coverage. NETGEAR has technology for dual band frequency that ensure no interference from other wireless signals and gives user's 'failure notification' message in times of power outages or defective operation. All units also come with a lifetime warranty offer."

-Ends-

About NETGEAR , Inc
NETGEAR (NASDAQGM: NTGR) is a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers. For consumers, the company makes high performance, dependable and easy home networking, storage and digital media products to connect people with the Internet and their content and devices. For businesses, NETGEAR provides networking, storage and security solutions without the cost and complexity of Big IT. The company also supplies top service providers with retail proven, whole home solutions for their customers. NETGEAR products are built on a variety of proven technologies such as wireless, Ethernet and powerline, with a focus on reliability and ease-of-use. NETGEAR products are sold in over 28,000 retail locations around the globe, and through more than 37,000 value-added resellers. The company's headquarters are in San Jose, Calif., with additional offices in 25 countries. NETGEAR is an ENERGY STAR® partner. More information is available at http://www. NETGEAR .com or by calling (408) 907-8000. Connect with NETGEAR at http://twitter.com/ NETGEAR and http://www.facebook.com/ NETGEAR .

©2011 NETGEAR , Inc. NETGEAR , and the NETGEAR logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR , Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

For more information, please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988134
Fax: +971 4 3988137
Email: info@communigateme.com

© Press Release 2011