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Al-Othaim Selects Cisco as Preferred Technology Provider in Saudi Arabia
Cisco to Develop Information Communication Technology Infrastructure for Leading Supermarket Chain
| Source: Cisco Systems, Inc.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA--(Marketwire - November 3, 2008) - Al-Othaim Markets Co., a leading
supermarket chain in Saudi Arabia, has chosen Cisco (NASDAQ : CSCO ) as its
preferred technology partner for its entire information communication
technology ICT network infrastructure needs across the Kingdom. Cisco's
communication and collaboration solutions are ideally suited to help
Al-Othaim achieve its business efficiency targets, cut operational costs
and accommodate its ambitious growth and expansion plans while enabling
better service to its customers.
Al-Othaim opted for a complete Cisco solution including core network
architecture, local and wide area network (LAN/WAN), unified communications
and contact center solution, wireless technology, network security
solutions, and data center technology.
Al-Othaim's investment in Cisco's solution highlights the critical role
that the ICT network plays as the platform for its expansion and growth
strategy across the Kingdom.
A centralized data center will connect all of Al-Othaim's outlets and
retail shops together, giving access to various centrally managed services
such as inventory, order status, delivery schedules and other productivity
enhancing services to employees and staff. Also, an IP Contact Center of
1000 agents will be deployed to assist the company's employees with
technical support.
"As a leading Saudi Arabian retailer, we were looking for a technology
infrastructure that would support a high-speed network in a secure and
managed environment to grow with our business needs. Cisco's technology
architecture is designed to help save on operating and capital expenses by
reducing IT complexity within the store environment through data center
consolidation," said Mr. Aadham Junaidallah, CIO of Al-Othaim Holding. "We
see Cisco as a long-term strategic technology provider that we can rely on
for our current and future technology needs."
"Al-Othaim is setting a trend for retailers in Saudi Arabia," said Dr. Badr
Al-Badr, managing director of Cisco Saudi Arabian Region. "Cisco is
committed to developing solutions specifically designed to help retailers
meet their objectives and increase network productivity. I believe we will
soon see a shift in the Saudi retail industry with innovation and
technology as the main driver."
Cisco's network infrastructure and IP-based solutions offer retailers the
opportunity to drive down daily operational IT maintenance costs. The Cisco
network can be tailored to meet a wide range of retail needs, such as
regulatory compliance, supporting in-store video surveillance, or deploying
wireless retail solutions.
At the same time, the network plays a vital role in the company's long-term
strategy for protecting customer, employee and operational data. In
addition, it supports advanced voice, video and mobile data capabilities,
helping enable stores to manage their entire business, from supply chain to
customer support, using information provided in real time. Based on this
single, integrated solution, the result is an agile, service-centric retail
operation at Al-Othaim.
About Al-Othaim Co.
Al-Othaim Holding Company is an extension of Saleh Al-Othaim Trading
Establishment which was founded in 1376 H. (1956 G.) by the late Sheikh
Saleh Al-Othaim. The establishment opened its first store in Hilat
Al-Gosman, which is part of Al-Batha area, in the heart of the business
area of the City of Riyadh. The establishment has since specialized in
foodstuff supplies and commercial wholesale and retail shops and
supermarkets.
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