Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 36 | Page 8

NEWS Dell EMC hosts forum in Dubai Apla named ‘Blockchain Solutions Provider of the Year’ D ell EMC has hosted its Dell Technologies Forum in Dubai. Themed ‘Make it Real’, this one-day free event brought together Dell Technologies’ seven technology powerhouses together, to help organisations in the UAE accelerate national and business transformation initiatives with speed and purpose. “It’s an exciting time to be in business. We’re at a crucial intersection – where technology, organisations, and mankind meet to create a better, more connected world,” said Fady Richmany, Senior Director and General Manager, United Arab Emirates, at Dell EMC. “However, only technology-centered organisations will reap the rewards of a digital business model, such as the ability to move quickly, to automate everything, and to delight customers. This is why Digital Transformation needs to be a critical priority.” The Dell Technologies Forum focused on delivering key insights and best practices to help organisations optimise performance demands and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive business environment. It featured keynotes and breakout sessions designed to help enterprises resolve their pressing business challenges. In addition, the event was host to a panel discussion and presentations by ‘Women in IT’, which highlighted the critical and impactful role that women play in driving global economic growth and human progress through IT. Muhammed Arafath, Executive Director at Apla with a team member A pla, a technology company that develops Blockchain solutions for governments and enterprises, has been named ‘Blockchain Solutions Provider of the Year’ at the 2018 Smart SMB Summit and Awards. The inaugural edition of the Smart SMB Summit and Awards, supported by the Department of Economic Development (DED), took place at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Dubai. The awards handed out at the summit honoured innovative individuals and enterprises who have made an outstanding contribution to the Blockchain industry. Muhammed Arafath, Executive Director at Apla, said: “It is an incredible honour to be recognised for our approach in developing custom Blockchain solutions and rapid application development 8 INTELLIGENTCIO at the 2018 Smart SMB Summit and Awards. At Apla, we will continue to offer our clients complete enterprise- grade solutions by actively partnering with system integrators and companies focused on emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence. It is a privilege to work alongside a forward-thinking team at Apla, and we look forward to delivering real business value and simplifying Blockchain.” With more than a hundred c-level executives in attendance including association leaders with a governmental background, Blockchain industry experts and academics, the Smart SMB Summit and Awards addressed the application and development prospects of Blockchain technology in the insurance, finance, healthcare and supply chain industries. www.intelligentcio.com