Dubai, 2nd June 2010 (WAM) -- The size of cloud computing is expected to increase to $44bn worldwide by 2013, according to research company IDC. In 2009, spend on cloud-related technologies, hardware and software was valued at around $17bn. Cloud Computing allows businesses and individuals to conduct their operations across the World Wide Web, with software and data stored on millions of servers. Information is pulled together in real time to allow users access to call on applications and archive material on demand.
Given the intense interest in this fundamental change to ICT business operations, Gitex Technology Week is launching the inaugural Gitex Cloud Confex to provide a dedicated platform for international businesses to discuss the opportunities and benefits of Cloud Computing, while reviewing, researching and comparing the technology on the market. The Cloud Confex will offer a vendor showcase throughout the exhibition plus a two-day knowledge exchange addressing topics such as: 'Understanding the cloud and what it can do for regional enterprises', 'The road to cloud - key steps in cloud enabling your infrastructure' and 'Security - for the enterprises that have chosen the cloud path'. Gitex Technology Week, the region's largest and most established ICT event, will celebrate its 30th anniversary from 17 - 21 October 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. "GITEX Cloud Computing will provide an alternative and help regional businesses bottom line while remaining at the forefront of ICT developments," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. "As companies in the region embrace the move to a 'cloud environment', Gitex Technology Week will provide the key meeting point of the year to ensure businesses remain competitive and at the forefront of the global industry."The Cloud Confex will provide specific focus on how this sector will shape the future of the industry in the Middle East. The event will highlight companies at the forefront of shaping the region's future business models through education, vendor sourcing and collaboration in a well-defined and comprehensive area. Many companies will be taking part in the GITEX Cloud Confex, which combines five days of knowledge-exchange and networking with exhibitions and displays of the latest technology, including HP, a leading innovator in the Cloud Computing field. Fawwaz Qadan, Director of Enterprise Storage, Servers and Networking (ESSN), HP Middle East, Platinum Sponsors of GITEX Cloud Confex, said: "Cloud computing, or consuming IT as a service, promises enormous benefits including reducing long-term planning and implementations cycles. While deployment strategies differ, depending on the kind of services planned and the existing infrastructure, if any, it is critical that an organisation's infrastructure is managed as a utility made up of secure, scalable and standards-based building blocks of integrated IT resources: storage, servers, network, and management tools that require minimal or no customisation. These are some of the key topics that HP will highlight at the GITEX Cloud Confex."Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
