Unsolicited commercial e-mail has risen “massively” in recent months in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reaching a point where a number of business are having their productivity severely compromised, according to security experts working actively in the field.
A particular issue is the problem of “zombie networks,” where groups of computers are infected by viruses to send out spam e-mail automatically, without the owners’ knowledge. Many technology specialists within the Kingdom believe that the problem may be under-reported at the moment, because of insufficient investment in security technology.
Local IT solutions provider Algosaibi Information Systems (AGIS) is one of the companies working hard to provide Saudi organizations with adequate protection against these threats.
Recently, one of its employees was recognized by CipherTrust – the global market leader in messaging security – and Middle East networking technology distributor OnLine Distribution for the excellent work the company has conducted in recent months in educating the market about internet threats.
Eng. Salahuddin Khaja was presented with a Rolex watch for his efforts, as part of a major reseller campaign designed to reduce the impact of “zombie networks” within the Kingdom.
“CipherTrust is delighted to be able to recognize Salauddin for his continued focus and hard work. Saudi Arabia is a key market for CipherTrust and Salauddin has been instrumental in helping to establish IronMail as a leading messaging security system in the region. We wish him continued success as we continue to build a firm brand presence across the Middle East,” said Jonathan Whitley, regional sales manager, CipherTrust.
CipherTrust has developed the IronMail appliance, which is a comprehensive system for guarding against a broad range of e-mail-based security threats. Since its introduction into the Saudi market last year, it has already been taken on by a significant number of large companies and municipal organizations.
OnLine Distribution, which is the authorized distributors for CipherTrust’s products across the Middle East, reported record high sales of the application in January 2006, in part as a result of the efforts of partners like Algosaibi Information Systems (AGIS).
OnLine and CipherTrust have also unveiled a plan for continuous promotion of the e-mail security solutions in the Middle East, with a special dedicated program for Saudi Arabia, which will run throughout 2006.
OnLine is also on the way to becoming an authorized training centre, able to deliver certification training for IT specialists in the Middle East in internet and e-mail security.
“Promotions and technical support are strong value additions that a distributor can provide to its partners in the Middle East’s competitive technology market. Given the intense demand that is being experienced in the Saudi market at the moment for security solutions, we will be having dedicated significant resource towards ensuring that our partners are empowered to take the benefits of this leading technology to their end users,” said Jitendra Kapoor, business development manager at OnLine Distribution.
About AGIS - Established in 1993, Algosaibi Information Systems (AGIS) is a leading provider of IT solutions throughout the Middle East and Africa. Working closely with over 200 customers in the region, AGIS operates from offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Bahrain. Enriched with more than a decade of experience, AGIS offers world-class solutions from global IT companies along with technical expertise and in-depth business knowledge. AGIS is part of the Khalifa A. Algosaibi Holding Company (Annual Turnover: $600M, Employees: 4000), a pioneering Saudi business group. Offering a comprehensive, hands-on approach to clients, AGIS caters to diverse IT requirements through providing key services including Systems Integration, Networking, Security Solutions, Storage Solutions, ERP Consulting, Training, Implementation, and Support.
About CipherTrust, Inc.
CipherTrust, Inc., the global market leader in messaging security, provides innovative layered security offerings to stop inbound messaging threats such as spam, viruses, intrusions and phishing, and protect against outbound policy and compliance violations. CipherTrust’s integrated best-of-breed capabilities deliver maximum availability and unmatched security, effectiveness and enterprise manageability across multiple communication channels. Recognized by IDC as the market leader for secure content management appliances in 2004, CipherTrust protects the messaging infrastructure of more than 1,800 customers worldwide, including more than one-third of the Fortune 500. CipherTrust is backed by top-tier investors including Battery Ventures and Greylock Partners. For more information about CipherTrust, please visit www.ciphertrust.com or call 877-448-8625.
About OnLine Distribution - OnLine Distribution Ltd. is a value-added distributor for data networking products and services covering the Middle East, Western Asia and North Africa. It is a subsidiary of Datatec, an international networking and IT services group. Based in the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone of Dubai, the company has stocking locations and offices in both Jebel Ali and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It provides its partners with technical expertise, network design solutions, logistics and sales support for all its vendors, as well as their large inventory of products.
