STME, the leading enterprise IT solutions integrator in the Middle East, has prepared an aggressive expansion strategy for 2009.

The company seeks to take advantage of the excellent growth rates of the UAE's information and communications technology (ICT) sector during the past few years, said an official spokesman.

The UAE has been at the forefront of the region's gains in the ICT industry, securing huge shares of 36 per cent and 39 per cent of all top deals in 2006 and 2007 respectively, while continuing to manifest excellent performance in 2008, according to a study by Madar Research.

STME revealed that it plans to unveil more services in 2009 following the successful launch of its portfolio of professional services in 2008, which covered an expanded line of consultancy and managed services.

STME further stated that it aims to focus on designing cost-effective solutions based on the infrastructure-specific needs of its customers, while boosting its professional services business to address prevailing market challenges through efficient solutions that require minimum cost and involvement.

"The year 2008 has been another breakthrough period for STME with the successful launch of our new line of professional services, which served as a catalyst for enhanced growth. We have prepared to launch more innovative IT solutions that we believe will further strengthen our reputation and market stronghold as the UAE continues to showcase excellent growth prospects with companies increasingly relying on IT solutions to improve business value and competitiveness," said CEO, STME, Jocelyn Al-Adwani.

According to market intelligence firm Madar Research, the UAE crowned itself the Arab World's uncontested leader in ICT contracts in 2006 and 2007, with a total of 108 and 117 deals respectively in those consecutive years.

Moreover, the UAE has been home to 78 of the top deals involving IT services or software solutions during 2007, representing a significant 40.63 per cent share in all contracts signed in the region.

Capitalising on the increasing ICT expenditure in the region, particularly in the UAE, STME launched its portfolio of professional services in 2008, which was divided into two major branches: Consultancy Services and Managed Services.

Consultancy Services included storage audit, backup audit, IT infrastructure audit, business continuity and disaster recovery; while the Managed Services consisted of outsourcing and remote infrastructure management services.

Founded in 1982, STME works with best-of-breed technologies to provide customers with business-focused IT solutions. Currently maintaining 14 offices in 10 countries across the Middle East, STME employs consultants and engineers who are trained and accredited with the highest manufacturer standards. STME’s rapid growth as a leading IT solutions provider perfectly complements the UAE and the rest of the region's impressive gains in field of ICT adoption. – TradeArabia News Service