Manama, Bahrain, 15 January 2012: Arab Financial Services (AFS), the leading electronic payment service provider in MENA, has selected Gulf Business Machines (GBM), the region's leading IT solutions and service provider, to install the latest IBM's Mainframe z114. The deployment of the IBM zEnterprise System Mainframe will be managed by GBM's division in Bahrain, Bahrain Business Machines (BBM). The deal also marks the first deployment of IBM Mainframe model z114in Bahrain and across the GCC.

IBM's Mainframe z114 will provide AFS, with a unique system platform for integrating and centrally managing the company's IT resources. The IBM system forms part of AFS Application Infrastructure upgrade project, presenting a cost-efficient method of integrating applications that will simultaneously improve customer service. The platform will enable AFS to enhance electronic payments, records management and customer service processes, enabling higher processing speed and quicker response time.

"AFS has been at the forefront of bringing leading-edge services to the payment card industry for over 25 years. We have maintained our leadership position by continuously improving and upgrading our services. AFS has committed significant investments in up-gradations this year. Our decision to invest in the IBM Mainframe z114 was driven by our desire to boost service efficiencies to our partner Banks" said B. Chandrasekhar, Chief Executive Officer, Arab Financial Services. "As part of the process we turned to Gulf Business Machines, with its extensive track record in deploying server consolidation solutions around the region."

The ability to create a centrally managed system will allow AFS to get a single, integrated view of all business processes. The IBM's Mainframe z114 embraces multiple technology platforms to maximize efficiency, and transform IT infrastructure. It also enables AFS to create and deploy new packaged applications quickly, enriching business flows and encouraging business growth. In terms of flexibility, AFS will have the freedom to choose the right capacity setting to fit its current business needs, while offering the flexibility to scale on demand as the company's workload demands increase.

"We are proud to be working closely with the Arab Financial Services to provide flexible, cost-effective solutions using the latest technologies from IBM. It is an honor to present IBM Mainframe z114 for Arab Financial Services as the first deployment in the financial services sector in the GCC." said Abdulla Ishaq, Country General Manager, BBM. "As always, we are committed to offering the best cutting-edge solutions to our customers that will ultimately meet their needs. This also includes offering them access to a world class expertise and counsel before, during and after the implementation of the project."

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About Gulf Business Machines (GBM)
Founded in 1990, Gulf Business Machines (GBM) is the leading IT solutions provider in the region fulfilling the IT requirements of local, regional and international organisations in the GCC.

A spin-off from IBM, GBM is the sole distributor for IBM- excluding selected IBM products and services -throughout the GCC, except for Saudi Arabia. GBM's momentum was further enhanced in 1999, when the team secured the Cisco portfolio. Today GBM holds the highest level of recognition in the region from Cisco, Gold Partner status, in addition to the Cisco Borderless Network Architecture Specialized Learning Partner status.

GBM offers an extensive range of IT infrastructure, IT solutions and services ranging from consulting, resource deployment and integration to after-sales support, through 1000 professional and over 20 solid strategic partnerships forged with internationally-recognised IT solution providers. 

The company, which is ISO-9001 certified since 1999, has offices in the UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah), Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain. GBM also has established a presence in Pakistan, where the company now operates three offices, one each in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore as an IBM Premium Partner. The Pakistani operation also holds a Silver Partner Status from Cisco.  

For more information please visit www.gbm4ibm.com.

About Arab Financial Services (AFS)
AFS is the leading Arab company for electronic banking, personal payment instruments and related services. Established in 1984, AFS is in a strong financial position with backing from leading international financial institutions in the Arab world. The company pioneered the concept of outsourcing card processing in the region and was the first company to set-up an end-to-end state-of-the-art card-outsourcing environment in Bahrain. AFS is one of the largest payment card processors in the Middle East and North African regions. AFS is Principal Member of Visa and MasterCard payment associations and an authorized third party processor centre. Over 50 banks in the region are connected to AFS's online card management integrated solutions. AFS offers diverse services ranging from 'get-started' to fully-fledged ongoing card processing and related services, assisting banks to issue Visa and MasterCard branded cards to their customers through sponsorship card programs. AFS offers flexible and customized solutions to suit the specific requirements of financial institutions in the region, including full Arabic language functionality.

For more information visit: www.afs.com.bh

For further information, please contact:
Ilana Zacka,
Corporate Communications Manager
Gulf Business Machines
Tel: +973 17584333, Dir: +973 17584363
Email: ilana@bh.gbm.ihost.com

Lina Al Desouky or Luz Villamil
Weber Shandwick
Tel: +971 4 321 0077
Email: lina.aldesouky@ws-mena.com 
luz.villamil@ws-mena.com

Ramla Abdulrasool
Arab Financial Services B.S.C ( c )
Tel: +973 17299771
Email : marketing@afs.com.bh

© Press Release 2012