Cisco's Business Communications Solution tackles SMBs' technology concerns in Saudi Arabia

New research highlights SMBs "Growing Pains" and "Must Have Technologies" to overcome competition

Riyadh, January 22, 2006 – As a sign of its commitment to Saudi Arabia, Cisco Systems will address key technology concerns facing Small and Medium Business (SMBs) in the Kingdom at the IDC ME SMB Roadshow taking place in Riyadh, January 22.

Saudi Arabia's SMBs are increasingly seeing key business-enhancing technologies as the way to beat the competition, says a new report commissioned by Cisco Systems.

According to 101 interviewed SMB's in the Kingdom, more than 94 per cent view their competition as the primary business challenge and the catalyst for investment in advanced technologies. The survey, conducted by independent research house Coleman Parkes, also identified faster broadband Internet access and network security as mandatory for the success of operations in KSA.

"The findings from this report show the increased competition in the marketplace for KSA's SMBs," said Dr. Badr Al Badr, Cisco's General Manager for Saudi Arabia. "As part of its commitment to supporting the success of SMBs in Saudi Arabia, Cisco Systems recently introduced its Business Communications Solution, the first smart, simple, secure, integrated solution of communications products and services purpose-built and tailored for small to medium-sized business. The solution is designed to help SMBs control costs, improve operations and gain a sustainable competitive advantage."

IP Telephony is recognized as a "must have" technology for the next three years, the report stated. Over 90 per cent of SMBs in KSA agree that IP Telephony would reduce administration and phone bills costs, facilitate better network integration and offer employees a more flexible working environment.

The awareness of IP Telephony in SMBs is surprisingly high in the Kingdom compared with other regions - with 80 per cent having either a full or fair level of awareness. Cisco's Business Communications Solution is based on the new Cisco Catalyst Express 500 switch and the IP Communications Express Solution which allows SMBs to quickly and easily configure their networks and enable advanced technologies such as wireless LANs and IP Communications

Dr. Al Badr added "Our research into small and medium businesses within the Middle East has shown us a confident sector that feels it has few challenges or barriers to success. They are adopting new technologies and working practices to ensure they are competitive. Responding to the technological requirements of this large and diverse market is an ongoing focus for Cisco and we are continually striving to deliver affordable and intuitive solutions specific to their individual needs. We are already providing products, such as IP Telephony, that are tailored, smart, simple and secure."

"While SMBs represent a key sector in KSA, many of them are under-equipped when it comes to key hardware and software infrastructure. Few SMBs have a robust infrastructure in place but lack the right combination of resources to make it work," said Jyoti Lalchandani, Vice President and Regional MD of IDC MEA "The SMB Roadshow, hosted by IDC and leading technology providers, is organized to share our knowledge on how SMBs can leverage limited resources in order to maximize profit and efficiency and at the same time, comply with regulatory challenges."

About Cisco's Business Communications Solution:

The Business Communications Solution include, Cisco CallManager Express and Cisco Unity Express within the Cisco Integrated Services Router (ISR). For more information on the Cisco Business Communications Solution, go to: http://www.cisco.com/go/businesscommunications