Tandberg and International Turnkey Systems Group (ITS), both leaders in the Information Technology arena, have signed a co-operation agreement as part of its Middle East expansion plans.

The agreement highlights both companies’ growth outlook and commitment to investing in the pan Arab region.

The pact not only reaffirms their continued investment commitment into the GCC and surrounding regions, but also emphasises video conferencing as a beneficial modern business tool to help counter the financial impact of the current economic crisis.

Tandberg is a leading provider of telepresence technology, high-definition videoconferencing and mobile video products and services.

It has its Middle East head office in Dubai and designs, develops and markets systems and software for video, voice and data for application across all industries.

ITS is an eminent Kuwaiti-based integrated information technology solutions provider founded in 1981. It has offices across the pan Arab region, including Dubai, North Africa and Asia.

The company offers world-class products and services that enable regional companies to keep pace with the evolving changes in today's competitive business environment, and to meet future challenges and opportunities.

ITS services mainly target banks and financial institutions, both conventional and Islamic, in addition to the telecommunications and higher education sector.

The signing of the agreement recognises ITS as a platinum partner of Tandberg, enabling it to distribute its solutions and products throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon and Jordan.

Geir Olsen, Tandberg president for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) said the company is continuing its investment philosophy into the region not only via capital, but also through people and competence – as well as growing its network of business partners.

'In the past year we have more than doubled our employee strength in the GCC, while also having grown our client numbers.'

'We have seen strong demand here with revenues in EMEA up in the fourth quarter last year, totalling $91 million, compared to $85.5 million for the same period in 2007,' he added.

Khaled Faraj Al-Saeid, ITS managing director and general manager, said “ITS has become known for superior products and services that allow organisations to keep pace with the evolving changes in today's competitive business environment.'

' By including the Tandberg offering in our range, we are confident that we are able to provide even more comprehensive solutions to future and current challenges facing our clients,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service