CASE STUDY

For enterprise software vendor Micro Focus , the key to successful IT programmes in the short-and long-term is in taking a ‘ smart ’ approach to transformation that capitalises and leverages the value of diverse processes , people and technologies . As the IT market in the region moves towards enterprise recovery in these unprecedented times , the smart approach is to bridge the existing and the emerging technologies by modernising core business systems . This approach enables organisations to achieve the balance of cost optimisation and business resiliency while undergoing transformation at the same time . This is crucial to flatten the curve of business recovery . Intelligent CIO Middle East , recently caught up with Anas Jwaied , Vice President and General Manager for Emerging Markets , Micro Focus to find out how the company is developing its enterprise software business and ramping up partner activities in the Middle East .

Talk us through the state of the enterprise software market in the Middle East given the new normal under which businesses and channel partners are operating ?

The pandemic has caused a paradigm shift in the way customers look at innovation and Digital Transformation – whether it is staying agile and secure in a multi-cloud world , reducing complexity of processes through automation , speeding up application delivery , managing cyberthreats or scaling up services without requiring additional costs or resources .

CIOs will need to focus on enabling hybrid and multi-cloud environments to support the adoption of digital technologies , to be more agile in responding to business needs and of course optimise OPEX . This will accelerate the uptake of emerging technologies . Mixed infrastructures ( cloud , on-premises , etc .) however , bring high levels of complexity . Hybrid IT software supports this reality by bridging IT services from mainframe to mobile , corporate to cloud . The benefits include : accelerated delivery and increased efficiency , creativity and innovation – all essential to staying ahead today . Today , CIOs are looking to adapt with intelligent cybersecurity : high-value assets – identities , applications and data – that must be protected , especially during a time of transformation because the stakes are immense . Security should be at the centre of transformation . Leveraging advanced analytics to achieve scale , identify unexpected risks and proactively taking action is fast becoming a critical element of this strategy .

In addition , the acceleration of application delivery will be a key item on every CIO ’ s agenda . Emerging technologies are helping to deliver high-quality software quickly using automation and enhanced collaboration . DevOps squarely puts the focus on quality and speed , using assessments and corrections on core business processes to deliver better outcomes .

Which countries in the Middle East are key to Micro Focus ’ business development strategy for the region ?

We are seeing tremendous growth and opportunity across the Middle East and Africa ( MEA ) region with specific and key investments in the GCC region aligned with each country ’ s growth plans . Across the GCC states , many organisations have been turning their focus towards innovation and investments have been poured into this , particularly in areas like 5G , Artificial Intelligence , data solutions and cybersecurity . In general , I believe that the technology landscape across MEA is going through rapid Digital Transformation and that is why we must explore the challenges carefully in order to be able to navigate effectively .

How has Micro Focus positioned itself against competitors in the enterprise software and consultancy space in the Middle East ?

Micro Focus delivers enterprise software to empower our 40,000 customers worldwide to digitally transform . With a broad portfolio , underpinned by a robust analytics ecosystem , the company enables customers to address Digital Transformation while running their business . By design , the tools we offer bridge the gap between existing and emerging technologies so customers can run and transform at the same time .

How is Micro Focus addressing the whole security framework in the software offerings you are providing the Middle East market ?

The Coronavirus global pandemic is affecting every aspect of our lives , from how we work to how we conduct our daily lives at home with our families . Micro Focus is standing firm in our company values , in putting customers at the centre of our innovation , in teaming and working together for the best outcomes , in deciding and acting in a way that makes an impact and in learning and adapting so that we can help our employees , partners and customers adjust to this new way of life .

As businesses transition to allow their employees to work remotely , Micro Focus would like to help them by making it easy for organisations to ensure continuity of service www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO

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