Dubai-based IT group Pro Technology is mulling over plans to extend its regional presence even further by opening a dedicated office in Libya.
The 70-strong company, which includes distribution, systems integration and business solutions divisions, already operates offices in the UAE, Jordan and Sudan.
“We are now thinking seriously about the opportunity that exists in the Libyan market,” explained Jamal H. Maraqa, managing director at Pro Technology. “I’m now probably 70% certain that we will open a dedicated office to deliver data protection and back-up solutions to customers in Libya.”Pro Technology maintains a strong focus on storage and digital archiving projects, representing a range of vendors in this sector including Storageflex and Qualstar.
Storage and digital archiving projects are the main activity for Pro Technology’s offices in Jordan and Sudan, and Maraqa expects a Libyan operation to develop along similar lines. Pro Technology’s UAE distribution operation expects to experience a strong sales spike in the run-up to Gitex. The business unit represents a number of vendors including Apple, Dicota and Lacie.
“There is a dramatic growth in distribution sales figures as Gitex approaches and customers look to stock up ahead of both Gitex Shopper and the overall increase in trade that is experienced across Dubai,” added Maraqa.“With Apple, we are stocking retail products including notebooks and iPods. Demand for iPods remains massive and we still face product shortages at times. The situation has improved and we can now fulfil about 70% of the orders,” he continued. In addition to its systems integration and distribution units,
Pro Technology also operates a business solutions division carrying out IT projects for small and medium enterprises in the UAE. This unit offers a range of services spanning security, networking and infrastructure. Even with three separate business units on the go and a new Libyan office in the pipeline, Maraqa continues to look at ways to develop the business even further. “We try to focus on unique products — even in the distribution business,” he added. “We look for products that we can develop in the market and add real value to. Today, we are in talks with two new vendors for the distribution business and also two vendors on the storage solutions side.”
By Stuart Wilson, ITP
