Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 1 May 2011: Gulf Business Machines (GBM), the region's leading IT solutions and service provider and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) recently announced that they have signed a partnership agreement for the development of an Educational cloud computing platform, using the latest and leading enterprise technologies. Undertaken by GBM's Abu Dhabi division, the project partnership was signed by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor, Higher Colleges of Technology and Ali Bin Hamoodah, Chairman Bin Hamoodah Trading on behalf of GBM, and it will be the first of its kind to be deployed in an educational institute in Abu Dhabi.  

In addition to the benefits that cloud computing will offer HCT, the project will act as a learning, research and development tool for students.  Also, as part of effort to build the UAE's human capital and local cloud computing capabilities, GBM will involve HCT's students in the development process of the project to ensure optimum exposure to the cutting-edge technology.

"When a higher education institution partners with leading IT companies, the benefits are endless and this is an indication of the growing importance of providing the latest IT technology for research, educational and training purposes. The partnership between GBM and HCT for the deployment of cloud computing solutions will leverage these benefits for building the UAE's human capital and cutting-edge, future IT skills and knowledge," Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor, HCT said.

He added: "HCT is a UAE leader in adopting the latest educational and training technologies throughout its campuses, where faculty and staff work closely with students to deliver innovative curriculum in technologically sophisticated environments. Hence, this collaboration will also allow HCT to optimize its overall cloud computing services and education for its students."

In addition to involving students in the development of the Educational cloud computing platform, HCT will host guest lecturers from GBM on a regular basis. During the lectures, GBM spokespeople will showcase their experience and success stories in enterprise information technology and provide students with industry insights. 

"We are very proud to be part of this prestigious partnership with the HCT. In addition, we recognize the importance of training a new generation of IT professionals in the very latest technologies and we hope this project will achieve that goal," said Siamak Kia, General Manager, Abu Dhabi, GBM. "This project reflects our commitment to the United Arab Emirates, its people and our partners in the country to provide cutting edge solutions to meet their needs from an IT and educational perspective."

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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 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.

GBM was ISO 9002:1994 certified in 1999 and received in January 2010 the ISO 9001:2008 certification.

The company has offices in the UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah), Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and in its home base, 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 Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
Founded in 1988 with four colleges, The Higher Colleges of Technology has grown to be the largest of the higher educational institutions in the UAE, gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative learning. More than 19,000 students attend 17 modern men's and women's campuses throughout the UAE. 

HCT offers more than 90 different, English-taught programs in Applied Communications, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Health Sciences and Education.  These programs are all relevant to the UAE's fast growing and evolving economic sectors and are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure that the skills students learn are job-relevant and to high standards. They are constantly monitored to ensure they are at the cutting edge of industry standards and technological change.

All students learn in a technologically sophisticated educational environment that encourages development of the independent and life-long learning skills necessary to success in a fast changing world. 

HCT graduates have developed a reputation throughout the UAE for their technical and communications skills and for their adaptability to actual workplace conditions. Because of this, they are eagerly sought by organizations looking to build their workforce with young Emiratis who are capable of operating effectively in today's global business environment. HCT has awarded over 48,000 academic credentials to its graduates who have gone into the UAE employment market, making a significant impact on sustainable economic and social development of the country.

Combined with the fundamental principle of educating the UAE's future leaders in business, technologies, industry and the community is a desire to make the region a nexus point for innovative and cutting edge ideas and in-practice applications. 

Since its inception, HCT has focused on meeting the needs of the local economy and community while at the same time meeting international benchmarks and accreditation standards.  In this process, HCT has established active and dynamic links, collaborations and relationships with many major companies and organizations in the UAE and with many of the world's leading universities and organizations. Visit www.hct.ac.ae

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

Reuven Proença or Lina Al Desouky
Weber Shandwick
Tel: +971 4 321 0077
Email: gbm@ws-mena.com

© Press Release 2011