The 'cloud computing,' a $68.3 billion global business, will fundamentally alter the IT services industry business model in the UAE, according to the founder of Alpha Data, a leading multi-disciplined systems integrator.

Fayez Ibbini, who is also the company's managing director, issued a rallying call to the UAE IT industry and said the cloud computing ‘revolution’ required the systems integrator industry to radically re-think its current business model.

He was speaking at re-launch and expansion of its Abu Dhabi and Dubai-based service centre facilities, at a ceremony in the Port Zayed site in the UAE capital.

'As the worldwide business in cloud-based industries is estimated to hit 148.8 billion by 2014, there is still a significant amount of confusion among the senior management of many companies as to what it means to them specifically,' he explained.

This, according to him, was a key reason behind the establishment of its new cloud computing services and facilities.

'Alpha Data has not shied away from big changes before. In fact, the company faced a similar situation in the early 1980’s when, due to the sheer size and cost of computers at the time, its core business was as a data bureau providing outsourced computer services for various companies.'

'The introduction of the personal, desk-sized, computer necessitated a radical re-think of the company’s business model which saw it become the first IT reseller in the UAE; later the company became a reseller and solution provider, and most recently, anticipated and changed to meet market demand for systems integration.'

“We are finding ourselves in a familiar situation, once again, with cloud computing today,” said Ibbini, adding, “Over the next two years, Alpha Data sees a major shift over to the cloud model and we are taking all necessary steps to be ready to serve our clients in these areas.'

'As more and more companies start to appreciate the versatile and scalable nature of ‘the cloud’, it will become an integral part of a company’s IT strategy, and therefore key budget and investment areas,' he added.

Alpha Data has established partnerships with a series of leading companies offering or facilitating cloud-computing services, including: VMWare, Google, ADM, and Microsoft.

“Alpha’s new professional services and service centres stand ready to address the many questions new and existing clients have relating to this new age of IT business solutions and – specifically – how tailored solutions can be undertaken, as per their company’s specific need,” Ibbini stated.-TradeArabia News Service