Power Up Your Audio. Sennheiser and Avientek: The Perfect Partnership for Audio Excellence. TeamConnect Ceiling 2 | TeamConnect Ceiling Medium | TeamConnect Intelligent Speaker TeamConnect Bar | SpeechLine Digital Wireless & Wired Microphones | Evolution Wireless Digital EW-DX | Evolution Wireless Digital EW-D | MobileConnect | Control Cockpit Avientek Electronics Trading LLC Office #107, API Business Suites, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Barsha 1, Dubai – UAE +971 4 343 6216 products@avientek.com www.avientek.comEdge/ September 2024 3 The Pivotal Role of Channel Partners in the Tech Industry Stay Curious! Stay Connected! Sindhu V Kashyap Editor EDITOR’S LET TER In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, channel partners have become more than just intermediaries; they are the vital enablers that bridge the gap between emerging technology and the unique needs of local markets. In this issue, we look into the strategic importance of these partnerships, with a particular focus on Gulf Business Machines (GBM), a key player in the Middle East’s technology sector. Our cover story highlights how GBM, with its deep-rooted understanding of the local market, is perfectly positioned to help businesses harness the transformative power of AI technology. As the digital revolution continues to reshape industries, AI has emerged as a strategic asset that can unlock unprecedented innovation, effi ciency, and productivity levels. GBM’s ability to seamlessly integrate global best practices with local insights enables businesses to navigate digital transformation’s complexities confi dently. The company’s comprehensive suite of AI-powered off erings—spanning cloud solutions, advanced cybersecurity, data analytics, automation, and AI operations (AIOps)—is a testament to its commitment to driving AI-driven transformation across the region. By tailoring these solutions to meet the specifi c demands of local businesses, GBM is facilitating the adoption of AI and ensuring that these technologies deliver tangible benefi ts. In this edition, we also explore the growing importance of full-stack observability and the rising prominence of security in the region. As businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, the ability to monitor and secure every layer of the technology stack has never been more critical. This magazine also off ers insights into how organisations can achieve greater visibility and control over their IT environments, safeguarding their operations in an era of heightened cyber threats. Edge_Sep2024_3_Editors letter_13355822.indd 3Edge_Sep2024_3_Editors letter_13355822.indd 302/09/2024 19:2502/09/2024 19:254 Edge/ September 2024 CONTENTS FEATURE The Backbone of the MENA Tech Industry: How Channel Partners Propel Growth and Innovation BIG PICTURE The Paradox of Connectivity: Why We’re More Alone Than Ever CLOUD Future-Proofi ng Businesses in the MIddle East: The Strategic Imperative of Full Stack Observability FEATURE Adapting to Change - Business Impact of The EU AI Act SMARTBUYS Securing Identities: How BeyondTrust is Redefi ning Cybersecurity CYBERSECURITY New Cybersecurity Measures in UAE: Addresses Quantum Encryption, IoT Security, and More 26 061518 36 46 Edge_Sep2024_4-5_Contents_13355584.indd 4Edge_Sep2024_4-5_Contents_13355584.indd 403/09/2024 17:0103/09/2024 17:01Edge/ September 2024 5 PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi Managing Director: Martin Chambers Head of Digital Media: Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Editor: Sindhu V Kashyap +971 4 444 3497 / sindhu.varadarayan@itp.com Commercial Editor: Arya Devi +971 4 444 3175 / arya.devi@itp.com ART Art Director: Amjad Ayche Art Editor: Tofi q Memon ADVERTISING Group Commercial Director: Anup Nagpurkar +971 4 444 3573 / anup.nagpurkar@itp.com Group Commercial Manager: Priyanka Pillai +971 4 444 3399 / priyanka.pillai@itp.com Client Services Manager: Cherylann DAbreo +971 4 444 3404 / cherlyann.dabreo@itp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Video Editor: Liju Cheruvathur MARKETING Senior Events & Marketing Manager: Eleanor Ashton / eleanor.ashton@itp.com Events & Marketing Manager: Olivia Keen-Smith Associate Events & Marketing Manager: Kate Galaktionova Events & Marketing Manager: Dmitry Lazarenko Senior Events Manager: Karishma Vithalani Associate Events Manager: Vrinali Nazareth Events Administrative Assistant: Aronn Pureza Events Administrative Assistant: Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant: Joyce Salonga / events@itp.com PRODUCTION Production Manager: Balasubramanian P DISTRIBUTION Circulation Executive: Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator: Avinash Pereira ITP GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi CFO: Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. PUBLISHED BY AND © 2024 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. Edge_Sep2024_5_Flannel_13358967.indd 5Edge_Sep2024_5_Flannel_13358967.indd 503/09/2024 17:4003/09/2024 17:40BIG PICTURE 6 Edge/ September 2024 Edge_Sep2024_6-7_Big Picture_13376749.indd 6Edge_Sep2024_6-7_Big Picture_13376749.indd 602/09/2024 19:2902/09/2024 19:29BIG PICTURE Edge/ September 2024 7 As the world slowly awakens in the early morning light, a familiar scene plays out in countless homes: couples lying side by side, yet worlds apart, each absorbed by the glow of their phones. Their fi rst moments of the day are spent not in the warmth of each other’s embrace or the exchange of sleepy smiles but in the isolation of their screens—scrolling through notifi cations, checking emails, immersing themselves in the digital currents that pull them away from the person next to them. This daily routine highlights a growing emotional chasm that has quietly taken hold in our relationships. It’s a striking paradox of our time. We have never been more connected, yet many of us feel a deep sense of loneliness. We live in a world surrounded by devices that promise to keep us in touch with everyone, everywhere, at all times, yet these devices often leave us feeling more isolated than ever. The screens that were supposed to bridge distances between people now usually serve as barriers, quietly but powerfully keeping us apart. This technology’s omnipresence has introduced a new kind of loneliness— particularly insidious because it hides behind the veneer of constant connectivity. We may not be alone in the traditional sense; our screens are fi lled with interactions, messages, and updates. But these connections are often superfi cial, lacking the depth and warmth of face-to-face communication. We share our lives online in snippets and soundbites, but in doing so, we risk losing the richness of genuine human connection. Morning, once a time for peaceful refl ection or intimate conversation, has become a battlefi eld for our attention. Rather than sharing the day’s fi rst moments with each other, couples now fi nd themselves absorbed in their screens, often before they’ve even exchanged a word. This shift has profound implications, eroding emotional intimacy and forming the bedrock of solid relationships. When we reach for our phones before reaching for each other, it sends an unspoken message: that the digital world holds more immediate importance than the person lying next to us. Over time, this habit can create a sense of emotional isolation, even within otherwise strong relationships. The small, everyday moments that once deepened our bonds—quiet conversations, shared laughter, gentle touches—are increasingly overshadowed by the constant lure of digital distractions. This pattern isn’t limited to romantic relationships. It’s evident in friendships, families, and even casual encounters. We are physically together but emotionally apart, each person engrossed in their digital experience. The depth and quality of our interactions have diminished, replaced by the shallowness of online exchanges. We are, in many ways, more alone than ever before. This emotional disconnection isn’t just a side eff ect of technology; it’s a symptom of a larger cultural shift. We’ve become so accustomed to the instant gratifi cation off ered by our devices that we’ve forgotten how to engage with the slower, more nuanced process of building and maintaining real relationships. We’re losing the ability to be present, to connect deeply with others, and to share our authentic selves in meaningful ways. Yet, amid this landscape of digital detachment, there is a growing awareness of the need to reconnect. People are beginning to push back against the tide, seeking ways to rebuild the emotional bonds that technology has weakened. And the tech industry is slowly responding, recognising that digital well-being is not just a trend but a necessity. But this shift requires more than just new gadgets or apps. It’s about making conscious choices: setting boundaries with our devices, being fully present in our interactions, and valuing face-to-face connection over the constant lure of the screen. It’s about remembering that while technology can enhance our lives, it cannot replace the deep, meaningful connections that come from true human interaction. In this age of digital saturation, where loneliness can persist even in the company of others, it is crucial to nurture our emotional bonds. Only by doing so can we bridge the emotional divide. And only then can we reclaim the intimacy at the heart of our most important relationships? THE PARADOX OF CONNECTIVITY Why We’re More Alone Than Ever Words by Sindhu V Kashyap and Arya Devi Edge_Sep2024_6-7_Big Picture_13376749.indd 7Edge_Sep2024_6-7_Big Picture_13376749.indd 702/09/2024 19:2902/09/2024 19:29OPINION 8 Edge/ September 2024 The Middle East’s technology landscape is undergoing rapid transformation as businesses increasingly adopt digital-fi rst strategies, cloud computing, and innovative IT solutions. In this evolution, the role of channel partners has become even more critical. Though channel is known to be a dead or nearly dying market in other parts of the world, it is certainly not the case for any of the GCC countries, especially UAE and Saudi Arabia. These partners, often serve as the bridge between vendors and customers, continue to provide indispensable value in navigating the complexities of modern technology environments in these regions. While technology adoption grows, the challenges businesses face in integrating and managing new systems become more intricate. AI, cloud computing, data analytics, and security have become core They will remain a cornerstone of the Middle East’s tech industry, enabling businesses to harness the full potential of technology while navigating the challenges of digital transformation WHY CHANNEL PARTNERS ARE STILL VITAL Addresses Quantum Encryption, IoT Security, and More Words by Arya Devi components of business operations. For companies, especially in a region where tech infrastructure is advancing at breakneck speed, managing these elements eff ectively often requires external expertise. This is where channel partners step in. Their ability to off er customised solutions, tailored to the unique needs of businesses across diff erent sectors, makes them invaluable. Channel partners are no longer just resellers of products. They have evolved into trusted advisors, guiding businesses through complex technology decisions and implementation processes. As digital transformation accelerates, the need for expert guidance is more pronounced than ever. Channel partners understand the regional market’s nuances and possess the technical know-how to deliver solutions that drive effi ciency and innovation. One of the major trends reshaping the industry is the shift toward consumption- based IT models. This change, driven by the increasing demand for fl exibility, scalability, and cost effi ciency, presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. Channel partners, with their close relationships with vendors and deep understanding of client needs, are uniquely positioned to facilitate this shift. They not only help businesses navigate the complexities of these models but also off er fl exible payment and service structures that allow companies to adapt without breaking the bank. Sustainability is another area where channel partners are poised to make a signifi cant impact. As environmental considerations climb up the corporate agenda, businesses are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints and make more sustainable IT investments. It is quite evident that in this region, the role of channel partners will continue to evolve, driven by new technologies, changing customer expectations, and market dynamics. They will remain a cornerstone of the Middle East’s tech industry, enabling businesses to harness the full potential of technology. Edge_Sep2024_8_Opinion_13376759.indd 8Edge_Sep2024_8_Opinion_13376759.indd 803/09/2024 17:2703/09/2024 17:27The voice of the digital revolution Provocative. Innovative. Insightful. FOR COMMERCIAL ENQUIRIES Priyanka Pillai Group Commercial Manager T: +971 4 444 3399 M: +971 52 576 0260 E: priyanka.pillai@itp.com AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION www.edgemiddleeast.comNext >