Gulf Business Machines (GBM), a leading provider of customised IT solutions in the Gulf, has signed a partnership with Irish mobile technology firm, Diona, following the first Middle East implementation of IBM Curam, a social welfare management software solution, for Qatar’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA).

The programme was launched in both English and Arabic - the first time the programme has ever been implement in the Arabic language, said a statement.

Speaking at the partnership signing, Richard Bruton TD, Irish Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, said: "The Diona and GBM partnership is an excellent example of the possibilities of technology, and I look forward to seeing this new relationship grow. It is fantastic to see these types of bilateral partnerships come to fruition so successfully and with such long-term vision in place.

“My visit to Qatar has shown tremendous opportunities for Irish companies such as Diona, and I am determined to support more companies to take advantage of these opportunities to create jobs at home."

The ministry’s initiative meets world-class standards in serving its Qatari residents' requests and requirements, namely families in need. It is the first programme of its kind to be launched in the Middle East, and has instigated a commitment from both GBM and Diona to widening their partnership further.

The ministry will now be able to provide an integrated online platform that provides MOLSA professionals and users with access to information, applications and services that will eliminate manual work, minimize error margins and, most specifically, facilitate the tasks of the social care workers.

Diona Mobility extends the reach of the Curam solution by providing Qatari clients and social workers with access to MOLSA's services via mobile devices such as tablets and phones. As part of the deployment, dashboards were provided to all MOLSA management to support them in making accurate decisions and monitor projects development.

Soubhi Chebib, general manager, GBM Qatar, said: "MOLSA has embarked on a project that will streamline and automate 11 social support programmes running in the country. This is also the first time the system has been implemented in the Arabic language.

"Having supported the growth of Qatar's IT sector over the past 25 years, this is huge triumph for the year and for MOLSA, who has consistently worked with us to innovate and drive IT initiatives. Our growing relationship with Diona will help both parties to play an even greater role in furthering Qatar's leading role in the IT sector and the adoption of mobility-ready services in the Arab world." - TradeArabia News Service