Meeza and Qatar Computing Research Institute Establish Cloud Computing Research Facility

Joint Venture to Collaborate on Research and Development

Doha, Qatar--31^st May, 2011-- MEEZA QSTP LLP, a Qatar -based IT managed services and solutions provider, and Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, announced plans to collaborate on a number of technology-focused, research-and-development activities in the area of cloud computing.

MEEZA and QCRI have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines plans for cooperation in cloud computing platform development, large-scale data management, and energy-efficient datacenter design.

"As the premier provider of IT network and storage services in the region, MEEZA is committed to exploring new technologies that will enhance its capabilities and keep it at the forefront of innovation," said Rashid Al-Naimi, Chairman and CEO of MEEZA. "Adding QCRI to our research and development program will help ensure that we maintain and extend our leadership role as the supplier of the most advanced cloud technologies."

For QCRI, the opportunity to team up with MEEZA will allow the computing researchers to conduct research using the most advanced infrastructure in the region. "The Cloud Computing Center within QCRI will conduct basic and applied research to develop technologies appropriate for use in datacenter and Internet computing environments," explained Dr. Ahmed Elmagarmid, Executive Director of QCRI. "This type of research requires cutting-edge IT infrastructure and world-class support for the testing of cutting-edge solutions on a meaningful scale. We are delighted to have MEEZA as QCRI's sole supplier of IT services in Qatar."

Under the agreement, QCRI will function as MEEZA's research and development arm specializing in cloud computing research. "The technology developed as a result of the partnership of QCRI and MEEZA will be of strategic importance to the operation and expansion of MEEZA's business," said Simon Ponsford, a senior scientist with QCRI. "It also will help position Qatar at the forefront of cloud computing development."

Cloud computing has become a buzzword in computing circles, but Ponsford has a narrow definition of cloud computing: "Cloud computing is infinitely scalable shared computing resources available on demand via the Internet where the user is charged only for what they use."

Cloud computing can be considered a green technology. A typical business server is actually utilized at 15 to 20 percent capacity, yet the machine constantly consumes energy. In cloud computing server, by contrast, utilization of 50 or more percent is not uncommon as infrastructure is shared among multiple customers. By moving applications to the cloud, a business can stop using its underutilized, energy-wasting server and consume energy on a better utilized remote server.

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About Qatar Foundation
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development is a private, non-profit organization that is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world.

Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, QF is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned.

QF carries out its mission through three strategic pillars: education, science and research, and community development. QF's education pillar brings world-class universities to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy. Meanwhile, its science and research pillar builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercialising solutions through key sciences. Finally, its community development pillar helps foster a progressive society while also enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar's heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.

About QCRI
A member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Qatar Computing Research Institute conducts world-class multidisciplinary computing research that is relevant to the needs of Qatar, the wider Arab region, and the world, leveraging Qatar's unique historical, linguistic, and cultural heritage. QCRI disseminates the results of this research through community outreach and technology transfer activities.

About MEEZA
MEEZA is a managed IT Services and Solutions provider that offers a wide range of services to clients, from creating and managing IT infrastructure to providing full business and technology consulting. MEEZA's mission is to be the preferred Managed IT Services and Solutions provider in the Middle East and North Africa.

The company name, MEEZA, was chosen for its meaning in Arabic: Advantage. MEEZA provides clients with an advantage in a competitive market by delivering an agile, quality driven and high value model of Managed IT Services and Solutions. The MEEZA Data Centers will serve as an important foundation on which to deliver best-of-breed IT Services to their clients.

MEEZA is a privately-held joint venture with the Qatar Foundation and is incorporated as a limited liability company.

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Media Contact:
Bradley Steffens
Direct: +974 4454 40625
Fax: +974 4454 0630
Email: bsteffens@qf.org.qa
www.qcri.org