Dubai:
Cisco, a leader in networking equipment, announced a new survey on Monday at Gitex Technology Week, one of the region’s biggest technology events.
The 2013 Cisco Future Business Leaders: Video Attitudes Survey showed that companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are seeing the benefits of using video.
At a press conference, Wael Abdulal, collaboration sales manager at Cisco in the Middle East, said that collaboration is growing in the region. Collaboration allows professionals to use one solution from any device, including tablets, PCs and smartphones, to take part in conferences using video, voice and IM (Instant Messaging).
“Combining video, voice and IM into one solution can help them move faster than if they just use video. It can help their bottom-line,” Abdulal told Gulf News on the sidelines of the conference.
He said telecom operators can gain from helping to bring the technology to users.
“They build the infrastructure to provide these services from the cloud,” he said, adding that “it is a revenue stream for them.”
According to the survey, 50 per cent of respondents believe that video can enhance the telecommuting experience, while around two-thirds indicated that it can save money on travel costs.
Also, 90 per cent indicated that video improves the decision making process, while 48 per cent believe that it can reduce problems relating to a product’s manufacturing or development.
In addition, 92 per cent of respondents believe that video can break language barriers.
Hani Nofal, director of Intelligent Network Solutions at Gulf Business Machines (GBM), an IT solutions provider, said that video can improve business productivity.
“Our clients are seeing real benefits from video conferencing systems. They are able to optimise business productivity, while communicating in a better and more efficient manner,” Nofal said.
Meanwhile, Abdulal noted that the adoption of collaboration is slower in the Middle East than in other parts of the world.
“There is moderate resistance,” he said.
In the future, Abdulal expects “more end-users collaborating with customers and vendors.”
Gitex Technology Week, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre, runs until Thursday.
