RIYADH, November 3, 2008 - Al-Othaim Markets Co, a leading supermarket chain in Saudi Arabia, has chosen Cisco as its preferred technology partner for its entire information communication technology ICT network infrastructure needs across the Kingdom. Cisco's communication and collaboration solutions are ideally suited to help Al-Othaim achieve its business efficiency targets, cut operational costs and accommodate its ambitious growth and expansion plans while enabling better service to its customers.
Badr AlBadr handshaking Al-Othaim Markets Chairman, Abdulla
Al Othaim.View Larger Image
Al-Othaim opted for a complete Cisco solution including core network architecture, local and wide area network (LAN/WAN), unified communications and contact center solution, wireless technology, network security solutions, and data center technology.
Al-Othaim's investment in Cisco's solution highlights the critical role that the ICT network plays as the platform for its expansion and growth strategy across the Kingdom.
A centralized data center will connect all of Al-Othaim's outlets and retail shops together, giving access to various centrally managed services such as inventory, order status, delivery schedules and other productivity enhancing services to employees and staff. Also, an IP Contact Center of 1000 agents will be deployed to assist the company's employees with technical support.
"As a leading Saudi Arabian retailer, we were looking for a technology infrastructure that would support a high-speed network in a secure and managed environment to grow with our business needs. Cisco's technology architecture is designed to help save on operating and capital expenses by reducing IT complexity within the store environment through data center consolidation," said Mr. Aadham Junaidallah, CIO of Al-Othaim Holding. "We see Cisco as a long-term strategic technology provider that we can rely on for our current and future technology needs."
"Al-Othaim is setting a trend for retailers in Saudi Arabia," said Dr. Badr Al-Badr, managing director of Cisco Saudi Arabian Region. "Cisco is committed to developing solutions specifically designed to help retailers meet their objectives and increase network productivity. I believe we will soon see a shift in the Saudi retail industry with innovation and technology as the main driver."
Cisco's network infrastructure and IP based solutions offer retailers the opportunity to drive down daily operational IT maintenance costs. The Cisco network can be tailored to meet a wide range of retail needs, such as regulatory compliance, supporting in-store video surveillance, or deploying wireless retail solutions.
Al-Othaim and Cisco Group Photo.View Larger Image
At the same time, the network plays a vital role in the company's long-term strategy for protecting customer, employee and operational data. In addition, it supports advanced voice, video and mobile data capabilities, helping enable stores to manage their entire business, from supply chain to customer support, using information provided in real time. Based on this single, integrated solution, the result is an agile, service-centric retail operation at Al-Othaim.
About Al-Othaim Co.
Al-Othaim Holding Company is an extension of Saleh Al-Othaim Trading Establishment which was founded in 1376 H. (1956 G.) by the late Sheikh Saleh Al-Othaim. The establishment opened its first store in Hilat Al-Gosman, which is part of Al-Batha area, in the heart of the business area of the City of Riyadh. The establishment has since specialized in foodstuff supplies and commercial wholesale and retail shops and supermarkets.
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