Bahrain Government Signs Agreement with Cisco Systems

Bahrain Government Signs Agreement with Cisco Systems
eGovernment Authority - Manama, Bahrain, 12 July 2009-- The
Government of Bahrain and Cisco Systems, the world's leading
supplier of networking solutions for the internet, signed an
agreement under which the company will offer advisory and
technical services to all ministries and government agencies in
the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Excellency Shaikh Ahmed Bin
Ateyatallah Al Khalifa, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, recently
met with Mr. Duncan Mitchell, Vice President of Cisco Systems
for the emerging markets in the Middle East, to discuss
cooperation and exchange of expertise between Bahrain and the
world's leading technology provider. The agreement, considered
to be the first if its kind in the region, will also serve as a
template for Cisco in future agreements with governments across
the globe.
H.E. Shaikh Ahmed Bin Ateyatallah Al Khalifa described the
agreement as a leading step toward the electronic integration of
the public sector establishments within the strategy of the
Bahrain e-Government Authority, noting that all government
agencies will benefit from Cisco's leading ICT experience to
support their infrastructure projects, helping to strengthen the
national economy and create employment opportunities for
Bahrainis.
"Through this partnership, we are seeking modern solutions that
are both flexible and easy to manage in order to accommodate our
expansion plans," said Al Qaed. "We are confident that these
needs will be met by Cisco's renowned networking solutions. This
step will help implement a fully integrated and economical
communications system, thereby allowing us to grow even further."
"Because we will be dealing with a reduced number of suppliers
through one company, technical troubleshooting and
problem-solving will be much simpler and cost-effective because
the agreement stipulates that Cisco experts be available in the
Kingdom at all times to provide any technical support needed,"
Al Qaed explained.
"Over the past year, Cisco and the Bahrain government have
started to define a national technology blueprint that would
help foster a culture of innovation and business efficiency and
position the kingdom for future growth opportunities," said Mr.
Mitchell. "With less than one million citizens, the Bahrain
government's efforts in applying innovation will help enable the
kingdom to become a regional center for excellence and economic
advancement."

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