Egypt's Leading Automotive Assembler and Distributor Calls on Cisco to deploy the latest Network Infrastructure Technology Solutions and to deliver free ICT Skills Training

CAIRO, Egypt, 26thMarch 2015

Cisco and Ghabbour Auto (GB Auto), leading Automotive Assembler and Distributor in the MENA region, announced today that they will be strategically collaborating on two major initiatives.

GB Auto will embark on an ongoing project to roll-out the latest Cisco end-to-end technology solutions into its network platform infrastructure and that of all its affiliate and subsidiary companies in order to enhance its offerings to customers and employees throughout the MENA region

Cisco and GB Auto will engage on a CSR program utilizing the GB Academy to provide much needed ICT skills training to Egyptian citizens, free of charge, to help them embrace the growing technology advancements in today's Internet of Everything era (IoE) and equip them with the new technical skills required for jobs of the future. 

Delivering a State-of-the Art Technology Network Infrastructure for GB Auto Branches and subsidiaries in MENAand Europe for the IoE Era:

Cisco has entered into a strategic agreement with GB Auto, the first of its kind between both companies in Egypt, to deploy the latest Cisco end-to-end technology solutions and services in GB Auto Branches and its subsidiaries to include Cisco switching, routing and wireless solutions, and Cisco Data Center solutions (blade enclosures and servers).GB Auto's collaboration technology infrastructure will also be enhanced to enable employees to engage and innovate anywhere; on any device thereby facilitating improved communications between the employees in all GB Auto branches throughout the MENA region. Future plans include installing Cisco video conferencing solutions in some of GB Auto's remote sites in Egypt and other MENA countries.

Collaborating on a CSR Program to create a better Future in 21st Century Egypt:

GB Auto owns GB Academy, created in partnership with Toronto's Centennial College, which operates a Cisco Networking Academy - one of the first automotive-specific training academies in the region. Moving forward, GB Academy will provide free technical training to the communities throughout Egypt. The training will comprise 10 courses and certifications available through the Cisco NetSpace online learning environment which combines best-of-breed cloud-based applications for teaching, learning, and collaboration, to enable an interactive and engaging learning experience that aligns with the latest educational models, trends, and best practices. It will incorporate a full offering of technical and non-technical courses to include Foundational ICT Skills, General ICT Skills, Essential Technologies Skills and Career Skills.

Cisco's Networking Academy Program delivers a comprehensive, 21st century learning experience to help students develop the foundational ICT skills needed to design, build, and manage networks, along with career skills such as problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students complete hands-on learning activities and network simulations to develop practical skills that will help them fill a growing need for networking professionals around the world.

Utilizing GB Auto's many branches throughout Egypt the GB Academy will be able to deliver the courses to a larger number of students. Furthermore, Cisco Video Conference Collaboration solutions will allow the GB Academy to provide the same training at the same time to all the classes across Egypt thereby maximizing the number of students within its reach yet at the same time minimizing the logistics time and costs.

Executive Quotes:

Dr. Raouf Ghabbour, CEO, Ghabbour Auto

"In order to maintain as well as grow our strong market leading position in the Egyptian and MENA markets, Ghabbour Auto has focused on strategically partnering with leading global brands to differentiate ourselves from our competitors. The automotive sector in MENA is especially dynamic and rapidly changing, therefore the need to modify and adapt is continuous. As a market leader, meeting our customer's ever-changing requirements is at the forefront of our agenda and in order to stay ahead of the game it is vital that we deploy the latest state-of-the-art technology solutions that will enable us to do so." 

Mr. Ayman Elgohary, General Manager Cisco Egypt

"We are delighted and honored that GB Auto has chosen Cisco's technology solutions for its network. This will facilitate a seamless yet secure deployment to create a truly 21st century technology infrastructure. As the needs of its customers and employees grow, we will work with GB Auto to continue to jointly to expand its technology infrastructure capabilities accordingly to stay ahead in an environment of increasing competition." 

Eng. Wissam El Adany, Group Chief Technology Officer

"As a growing and expanding leader in the MENA Automotive market, Ghabbour Auto needs to be equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology solutions operating in a secure environment. Amid the ongoing convergence of technologies for the next-generation Internet, Cisco offers a unique opportunity to combine the latest technology innovations and end-to-end solutions to enable organizations like ours  to more efficiently and quickly capture market opportunities in entirely new ways while both growing our businesses and delivering new experiences to our customers" 

Amal Ragheb, Chief Operating Officer for Financial Businesses- Ghabbour Auto

At GB Auto, we consider Corporate Social Responsibility one of our main pillars. Through CSR, we are able to help Egyptians improve the quality of their living. After an extensive research, we have identified the needs of the Egyptian market in the field of education. Thus, we are delighted to embark on a CSR program with Cisco to offer training programs that focus on information technology to help Egyptians achieve their economic welfare and develop their careers. Through our academy, we will offer vital training designed to enhance the community's networking and ICT knowledge to equip them to cope with the current and future market trends in Egypt as 21st technology advance. 

Nevine ElKadi, Senior Manager Corporate Affairs Global Field Organization, Turkey Middle East North Africa

"The Cisco Networking Academy is Cisco's largest CSR program which uses a public-private partnership model to help students prepare for entry-level ICT jobs, additional training or education, and globally recognized certifications by equipping them with the skills needed to maintain networks that form the backbone of the global economy. The free training that the GB Academy will be able to offer communities throughout Egypt will support job creation and economic growth by building ICT skills and talent within the workforce as well as providing greater access to capital and to educational opportunities. Developing and addressing the growing skills gap, as well as creating entrepreneurs and leaders of the future, is at the forefront of Cisco's mission for the MENA region."

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About Ghabbour Auto:
Over the past six decades, Ghabbour Auto has thrived under the leadership of one of Egypt's visionary business families, transforming itself from a family operation into a leading regional automotive producer and distributor, guided by world-class executives with proven track records locally, regionally and internationally.Today, Ghabbour Auto is a leading automotive assembler, manufacturer and distributor in North Africa and the Middle East and since 2007 has been listed on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX). The company has direct sales presences in Egypt and Iraq and is now expanding to other MENA nationsFor more details visit: http://www.ghabbourauto.com

About Cisco:
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in IT that helps companies seize the opportunities of tomorrow by proving that amazing things can happen when you connect the previously unconnected. For ongoing news, please go to http://thenetwork.cisco.com

© Press Release 2015