22 October 2008
Company underlines advantages of unique 'Software as a Service'-based Enterprise Resource Planning solution for SMB market

Raqmiyat, a leading UAE-based systems integrator, is currently showcasing its 'GEMS' - a unique enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution for the SMB sector at 'GITEX 2008'. Along with the traditional application delivery model, Raqmiyat has also introduced a new business model - 'Software as a Service' (SaaS) model, at the event. The company has revealed that its participation at the event this year is focused on underlining the advantages of this solution, which includes reduced costs and efforts dedicated to software maintenance, ongoing operation and support, amidst projections that 'SaaS'-based solutions will comprise 30 per cent of the software market and will be worth USD 10.7 billion by 2009, according to IDC reports.

SaaS is a software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a vendor or service provider and made available to customers over a network, typically the Internet. Raqmiyat has added one more delivery model based on SaaS, which now offers a state-of-the-art, open system, fully integrated, industry standard software that will effectively manage customers, partners and employee relationships, in addition to financials, operations, logistics and eCommerce business activities in one single integrated solution. Providing unparalleled web-based integration for critical business processes covering point of sale to finance and accounting, GEMS has been implemented in a large number of organisations with diverse business operations in the UAE as well as in other GCC countries.

"Rising demand within the regional enterprise and SMB sectors continues to fuel the growth of the ERP software market, which is projected to hit USD 300 million by the end of 2009. Our focus remains on supplying solutions that can help organisations streamline their business and improve their overall productivity," said Rupesh Singh, Sales Manager, Raqmiyat. "The new and improved GEMS, which we are currently showcasing at GITEX, has helped managers across the region in making faster and better decisions and has enabled them to conduct business on a 24/7 basis. By showcasing the solution's outstanding business-critical functions and by highlighting its outstanding ability to aid transition from manual environments to full automated environments with back-office systems, we are expecting to attract more customers to adopt GEMS."

Industry studies have further revealed that the ERP market in the GCC will witness a compound average growth rate of 14 percent in the next five years, with ERP spending in the region slated to experience growth of between 6 and 9 per cent. Aiming to leverage the growth of this sector, Raqmiyat has invested in developing functional consultants to facilitate smooth deployment by bridging the gap between the ERP vendor and the end users. Further, the company is also targeting the booming SMB sector, which is a price conscious segment that requires a less elaborate implementation methodology but demands quick results. The upgraded GEMS solution has been specifically tailored to address the requirements of this market and Raqmiyat is upbeat that the market will respond positively to the solution.

"We remain highly competitive amidst the stiff competition in the regional IT market due to our deep knowledge of our customers' requirements, which guides us in developing customised software solutions that address the specific needs of an organisation. The constant development of our solutions, as clearly demonstrated by the evolution of our GEMS, has continuously given us an advantage in the market and in the minds of our target market. This corporate philosophy is the primary driver of our success, and from where we draw our motivation to continue launching new integrated solutions designed for a broad spectrum of customers," concluded Singh.

Dubai-based Raqmiyat, the primary IT company of the Al Ghurair business group, offers world-class business and technology solutions through partnerships with international firms. With several certifications on the technical front, Raqmiyat's team of experienced professionals provides proficient services and support to its clients, guaranteeing business continuity on 24/7 basis. Raqmiyat has maintained a strong local presence through its strategically located offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and is now looking into opportunities in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

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PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE
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© Press Release 2008