HDS to locate MENA HQ at Dubai Silicon Oasis

DUBAI: The Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) has announced its agreement with Hitachi Data Systems to locate its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) headquarters at the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the region’s premier integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries.

The agreement was signed by Shahla Ahmed Abdul Razak, deputy chief executive officer, DSOA and Tony Ward, general manager & sales director, Hitachi Data Systems MENAT. The company, specializing in storage infrastructure platforms, storage management software and storage consulting services, will commence its MENA operations from the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) headquarters from December 2008.

Commenting on this agreement, Shahla said: “Since our inception, DSO has continuously received substantial interest from major regional and international businesses. The combination of freehold operations, state-of-the-art infrastructure, premium facilities and support services are some of the specific advantages that businesses seek for expanding operations and entering this regional market.

“Hitachi Data Systems joins some of the prestigious international brands already present at Dubai Silicon Oasis. As a pioneer in the international storage business, Hitachi Data Systems will benefit from this strategic collaboration, which also will help us realize our long term plans and objectives. At the same time, our mutual commitment to innovation and development will help to bring significant benefits to the technology sector in the region” Shahla added.

Tony Ward of Hitachi Data Systems said: “Our decision to move our regional headquarters to Dubai Silicon Oasis is part of our long term strategy to strengthen operations in the region. DSO is an ideal choice for us as it offers an innovative business infrastructure and a value-added proposition. Our business is expanding and we’re growing our team as well as our network of partners.”

Specializing in storage systems across enterprises and SMBs, Hitachi Data Systems is recognized by industry analysts and associations as a clear technology leader. The explosive growth of data-intensive applications and an increasing reliance on information as a competitive differentiator have made data storage a central component of corporate strategies. Hitachi Data Systems works with organizations to recommend storage strategies, solutions and implementation plans that address their challenges in a cost-effective way.

Encompassing state-of-the-art office towers, research and development zones, educational institutions, luxury apartments, villas, hotels, and healthcare facilities, the 7.2 km master-planned Dubai Silicon Oasis community offers exclusive business space, and a full spectrum of lifestyle facilities. The technology hub currently hosts more than 160 regional and international companies.