300% growth in demand for security experts in the region; only 22% of leading enterprise in Middle East have high level in-house technology security operations

Dubai - October 14th 2004: With the ever elusive growth of Internet and technology network security threats, and the increasing lack of Middle East based expertise to tackle these threats, Scanit Middle East, a leader in network security auditing, today announced its partnership with RP International, market leading senior executive recruitment and consulting professional services company, aimed at closing the security expertise and knowledge gap in the region.

The partnership, which has grown organically over the past few months, combines Scanit's expertise and knowledge base in the technology security field with RP International's worldwide database of security professionals, to provide leading clients in the region with the best fit candidates to fill senior level security positions.

"Our market experience has shown that over the past two years, Internet and network security threats have been on a steady rate of increase, while at the same time, leading enterprises in the region have been increasingly relaiant on external security product and services providers to address such risks," said David Michaux, CEO of Scanit Middle East. "Our partnership with RP International will now provide progressive businesses in the region with a perfect solution."

With Scanit's technical expertise and  insight into client skills requirements and RP International's access to the best human resource base drawn in from their global network, potential clients can now get the best professionals to fill senior level security positions without having to worry about sifting through hundreds of CVs and interviewing hundreds of candidates. Both companies target leading telecommunications companies and banking sector organizations in the Middle East.

"Demand for security professionals eminating from the region has grown by over 300 percent, with many leading companies realising that combating Internet and network security requires higher level, in-house skills," said Hani Nabeel, director, RP International in Dubai. "With the lack of home grown security expertise in the market, we have developed a 'shadowing' program where we

hire international professionals on a medium term basis to fill urgent skill gaps in organizations, while at the same time transfer that knowdge and expertise to local professionals who will slowly take over these positions."

Such a mentoring program is a perfect fit for governments in the region who have been pushing businesses operating in their juresdiction to employ local employees. In the United Arab Emirates for example, the government recently announced a job quota system in which companies employing over 50 employees are required to have 2 per cent job reservation annually for UAE National jobseekers. The Scanit/RP International shadowing program can assist organizations achieve this quota.

"As an external security auditor, Scanit has long recommeneded that its clients develop in-house expertise to manage their technology security needs, without always having to rely on international security product vendors to come in and solve problems after they occur," continued Michaux. "The human resources we recruit jointly with RP International are interviewed extensively on a technical level, screened on a 'behavioral' level and briefed heavily on cultural issues to be able to cope with various work environments. This formula speeds up the time to market and thus increases overall security effectiveness."

Both Scanit and RP International have jointly worked with leading telecommunications companies in the region like Watania and MTC in Kuwait, the Qatari Qtel and the Egypt based Orascom Telecom.

-Ends-

About RP International:
RP International is the market leading Senior Executive Recruitment and Consulting Professional Services Company with a primary focus on the Communications, IT, Financial and Government industries. With two distinct business divisions we have serviced clients in over 100 countries providing:

1). Executive Search and Selection: Sector specialist recruiters delivering unparalleled senior management and technical recruitment solutions.

2). Professional Services: Expert result focused consultants that deliver enterprise wide business and technology solutions founded on real-life practical experience.

With bases in Europe and throughout the Middle East we are uniquely able to bring global best-practice together with cultural insight to address the stringent needs of the region through a deep understanding gained through operating a highly successful business in the region over the last decade.

For more information, please contact:
For further information concerning any of these offerings or simply for an informal discussion, please contact the RPI Professional Services & Consulting division at consulting@rpint.com

About Scanit
Scanit Middle East is a leading IT company that specializes in network security audits and training. By testing if the security measures put in place at a company are effective and complete thus adding to the effectiveness of the security policy that is in place. Constant reviews and retesting ensures that a company's infrastructure is as secure as can be at any given time.

According to a company's requirements, Scanit can test all different aspects of your security. An independent assessment is usually the best way to reveal the weaknesses of any IT infrastructure.

For more information, please contact:
Scanit Middle East
Dubai Internet City
P.O. Box 500311
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Tel: (971-4) 390-0795/6
Fax: (971-4) 390-8290
E-mail: Info@scanit.net
Website: www.scanit.net

For media requests, please contact:
Layth Dajani
P.O. Box 29764, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +97143341880
Tel 2: +97143676534
Fax: +97184480574
Mobile: +971507145640
E-mail: layth2@emirates.net.ae

© Press Release 2004