Sunil Finesse
Sunil Paul, Co- Founder & MD, Finesse Image Credit: Supplied

For the past four decades, one of the biggest global and disruptive technology events GITEX, has been a constant in a world where nothing is. It is heartening to see that this has not changed even during a global pandemic. Most of 2020 has passed in a whirlwind of emotions, fighting a pandemic that threw us off track and forced us to reexamine everything we knew about business. However, with GITEX scheduled from 6th to 10th December, there is a new sense of optimism in the air.

GITEX, the region’s largest technology event, is expected to be the only global tech and startup show in the world in 2020 to go live and in-person, according to its organisers. There are a couple of reasons behind this decision. The primary one being Dubai was voted the safest city in the world to attend an exhibition, according to a survey conducted by Messe Frankfurt Middle East. The study showed that 77% of respondents viewed Dubai as the safest destination to attend an exhibition post Covid-19, followed by Germany (41%), Saudi Arabia (19%), France (17%), and Italy (15%). Another factor giving expected attendees further confidence is that the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) venue was recently certified with the Bureau Veritas SafeGuard Label. Not to forget, DWTC has already successfully held Ai Everything x Restart Dubai Summer Conference in a hybrid model a few months ago, which was considered a grand success. Here we saw the event drawing hundreds of attendees – attending physically as well as streaming sessions live remotely.

The annual show is not expected to be different from any other year except that we will have to adhere to all the safety precautions in place, don the mask and consider handshakes a relic of the past. In fact, if anything, it could be the biggest edition to date. In its landmark 40th year, the show is expected to explore groundbreaking pre- and post-pandemic technologies, host high-octane tech conferences and showcase futuristic pioneering innovations. Also, the organizers have decided to combine a number of other sister conferences, which usually run as standalone events – so along with the regular GITEX Technology week and GITEX Future Stars, attendees will have access to GISEC, Future Blockchain Summit and Marketing Mania during the five days – making it even bigger and grander than any previous editions.

Although this edition promises to be a great platform, several technology firms are not investing in the show this year. I believe this might be a missed opportunity for them. While remote work models, digital technologies and virtual meetings have been the way of life this year, one aspect everyone agrees on is the fact that nothing can replace the human element. We have definitely become a lot more productive and much more efficient and effective relying on digital and remote work practices. However, business is all about people, and if there is a platform offering a secure way to meet and reconnect, we must take complete advantage of that. It also gives us the chance to emerge from the bubble that we may have created over the past months and be inspired by new innovations and technologies and remind ourselves, this too will pass.

Technology players participating at the action-packed conference will put the spotlight on key areas, which will define our future lives, such as 5G, automation and AI, analytics, future mobility, digital economies, cybersecurity, cloud and edge computing, deep learning and big data. With first time launches expected from more than 60 countries, attendees will truly be treated to the global tech scene. Moreover, all GITEX attendees will experience 70 plus hours of free content, helping them gain valuable insights from critically acclaimed companies and leaders.

Finesse will be exhibiting at the region’s biggest tech show in full force, displaying not only the latest state-of-the-art solutions but also our unity and strength as a company thriving in these unprecedented times.

How have been the journey for Finesse?

With a vision to build a global system integration company which would positively impact the lives of people, Finesse was incorporated a decade ago. It is a trusted name for enabling digital transformation and alleviates over 300 enterprise clients across BFSI, Education, Energy, Healthcare, Public Sector, Telecom, Travel & Logistics among others.

Finesse thrives to orchestrate distinct strategic approach to enhance our client’s business value. We deliver improved efficiency and considerable reduction of costs in their business operations to stay relevant in the constant evolution of market. With the dedication of Finesse’s 400+ professional team, we have proudly won more than 50 International Awards and accolades, and is successfully operating in over 10 global locations

What should we expect from Finesse at GITEX 2020?

Finesse is a regular participant at GITEX for the last 9 years and have grown our presence year after year. This GITEX is very important for all of us as it is expected to be the only global tech and startup show in the world in 2020 to go live and in-person. Finesse will be exhibiting with great enthusiasm, displaying not only the next generation futuristic solutions but also our unity and strength as a company thriving in these unprecedented times.

We will be approaching GITEX this year with a two-dimensional strategy. The first one being ‘Enabling Digital Transformation’ we will be showcasing solutions and services for AI Chatbots, BI & Analytics, Blockchain, CRM / CEM, Robotic Process Automation, and Managed IT Services. ‘Securing Digital Transformation’ is the second dimension and will be presenting solutions for Digital Risk & Compliance, Zero Trust, Cloud & Applications Assurance, Digital Identity, Data Protection & Privacy, Managed Security Operations. With this combined approach, we shall help our clients quickly adapt to digital revolution while securing their data and information.

What will some of Finesse highlights be at the show?

Finesse will have a few of our key strategic technology partners with us this year including Qlik – The global leader in Business Intelligence & Analytics, Automation Anywhere – Gartner top rated Robotic Process Automation (RPA) vendor along with V-Key – Leading mobile security solutions provider for Multi factor Authentication & App protection. Finesse will be running continuous presentations of these solutions, case studies and its success stories.

You are taking part in GITEX this year amid great global challenges. What is the purpose of your participation and how do you evaluate the decision to hold this event?

The world is experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime situation and most of 2020 is passed by fighting a pandemic, however, businesses need to be humming. Dubai has been voted the safest city in the world to attend an exhibition.

We are keen and looking forward as this is going to be Finesse’s first face 2 face event from the time pandemic started and we can’t wait to meet our industry peers. Also, this is the first time we have seen World Blockchain Summit, GISEC & GITEX to be combined together. With our strategic positioning in Blockchain & Security domains as well, we are definitely going to make use of the show to our best.