Company seeks to address growing demand for 'Software-as-a-Service'-based solutions in the Middle East
SAS, the leading provider of business intelligence and analytic software and services, has announced plans to build a USD 70 million cloud computing facility - a hub that will provide dynamically scalable and often virtualised resources as a service over the internet, thereby allowing organisations to address their computing needs even without knowledge of, or expertise in the technology infrastructure. The company also revealed that the facility will host more than 1,400 R&D employees upon its completion, as part of an aggressive expansion plan, which will target the growing demand for 'Software-as-a-Service' (SaaS) based solutions in the Middle East.
Given the current economic climate, the 'SaaS' model proves to be very compelling to SMBs, as companies within the sector continue to seek solutions that promote cost savings, connectivity, and functionality. In line with the growing demand for data-intensive customer solutions in the Middle East, the 38,000-sq. ft. cloud computing facility, which is located at SAS' global headquarters in Cary, North Carolina, USA, will provide the additional data-handling capacity needed to expand SAS' OnDemand offerings and hosted solutions. Among the solutions, which SAS is offering under the 'SaaS' model include 'Revenue Optimization' and 'Campaign Management'. Demand for these OnDemand offerings continues to grow as it allows companies to focus on the utility of these business analytics solutions with the flexibility to dynamically provision computing resources and not struggle with hardware, infrastructure, and funding cycles.
"This expansion strategy underlines our commitment to growth and innovation, in the midst of the challenging economic climate," said Shukri Dabaghi, General Manager, SAS - Middle East. "We have identified the potential of hosted solutions as an efficient investment for SMBs, especially in the Middle East market, and this has motivated us to invest even further in the advancement of this model. We are also optimistic that this new facility will intensify the adoption and utilisation of the 'SaaS' model and our 'SaaS'-based solutions in the region."
In addition to the compelling cost benefits of using the 'SaaS' based solutions offered by SAS compared to the exorbitant capital expenditure for infrastructure and maintenance for the usage of the software, more and more companies are automatically considering the 'SaaS' model as an alternative. The fact that broadband connectivity is easily available at a low cost further adds to the appeal of 'SaaS' applications towards regional enterprises, whose functionality is now mostly at par with on-premises solutions.
"Our capacity to deliver state-of-the-art business analytic solutions based on the 'SaaS' model, with a flexible service fees structure, is widely appreciated by small and midsize enterprises in the region and across the globe. By offering our software solutions using the cloud computing concept, resource-challenged businesses can now minimise their capital expenses, thereby allowing them to operate smoothly and achieve return on investment in minimal time," concluded Dabaghi.
In keeping with SAS' commitment to protecting the environment, the facility will be built according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for water and energy conservation. LEED recognises construction projects that demonstrate the utmost commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
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About SAS
SAS is the leader in business intelligence and analytical software and services. Customers at 43,000 sites use SAS software to improve performance through insight from data, resulting in faster, more accurate business decisions; more profitable relationships with customers and suppliers; compliance with governmental regulations; research breakthroughs; and better products and processes. Only SAS offers leading data integration, storage, analytics and business intelligence applications within a comprehensive enterprise intelligence platform. Since 1976, SAS has been giving customers around the world The Power to Know®.
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Tel: +971 4 3988134
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© Press Release 2009
