The UAE Ministry of Finance and Industry (MOFI) and affiliated Federal entities are to get core Microsoft desktop products at a reduced cost in terms of acquisition, deployment and maintenance as well as enhanced licensing control and day-to-day management of their PC environments.
This follows a volume licensing enterprise agreement struck between UAE-based systems integrator, ITQAN, a Microsoft Golden Partner and Large Accounts Reseller with Etisalat, which is funding the scheme.
Under the deal MOFI and its affiliates will be provided with a standard and professional desktop configuration to include the Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office, and the Core Client Access licenses. In addition to the standard desktop configuration, the agreement also provides users with access to the full suite of Microsoft Office Automation products.
According to ITQAN’s general manager, Feras Al Jabi, MOFI will benefit from a reduction in the costs associated with deployment, implementation and maintenance, while providing for a more standard desktop environment. In addition, the agreement will provide a common email solution that will support the enhanced communication across the different entities.
MOFI and its affiliates will also realise operational efficiencies in the areas of acquisition management and support, software licensing and upgrades, asset management and training, as well as facilitating the ability of the employees to more effectively collaborate and function as a single enterprise, he said.
Specific services ITQAN delivers around the agreement include contract administration and support, license order confirmations, annual payment, local consultants, purchase reports and analysis, proactive updates and communication, free consultancy on MS applications and servers, free training, free desktop Incidents and 50% discount from the official list price on any certified training.
“MOFI applauds the innovation behind the creation of this agreement as a solution to meet the technology needs of the federal government,” said Mohammad Qambar, the IT manager at MOFI.
“The enterprise agreement (EA) is an excellent example of how MOFI and Affiliates leaders will use technology to revolutionise the government working experience, and we are committed to working with these entities to find new ways to help them make technology decisions that best fit the needs of their institutions. We think the MS EA is a great model for UAE federal government institutions to consider as they work to simplify the process of selecting, managing and supporting technology so they can focus more time and energy on the support of the public.”
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