1. GITEX GLOBAL 2024 is bringing together the international tech community under the overarching theme “Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy.” In your view, how crucial are public-private collaborations for developing the next generation of AI-powered tech solutions?
In my opinion, public-private collaborations are fundamental to fostering innovation, addressing ethical implications, and realizing the full potential of AI technologies. They create a synergistic environment where diverse expertise and resources come together to tackle complex challenges and drive progress.
These collaborations are increasingly crucial for developing the next generation of AI-powered tech solutions.
I can think of several reasons why these partnerships are vital:
- Innovation Acceleration: Combining the agility of the private sector with the research capabilities of public institutions can accelerate innovation in AI. This can lead to faster prototyping, testing, and implementation of AI solutions in various fields.
- Ethical Standards: Public-private collaborations can help establish frameworks for ethical AI development. Organisations are rapidly becoming accountable for ethical and compliant use of AI. Regulatory frameworks are emerging like EU AI Act and DOJ Guidelines.
- Research organisations and private sector collaboration will facilitate the translation of AI research into practical applications.
- Inclusive Growth: Government involvement can ensure that AI technologies are developed with consideration for public good.
- Talent Development: Such collaborations can enhance educational programs and training initiatives, growing a skilled workforce capable of advancing AI technologies.
- Global Competitiveness: As AI becomes a cornerstone of economic growth, public-private partnerships can enhance a nation’s competitiveness in the global market, driving investments and fostering innovation ecosystems.
- IDC research forecast the Middle East to be the fastest market adopting AI & Gen AI at an annual growth rate exceeding 36%.
2. How is the rapid advancement of AI technologies influencing your industry sector?
I believe that the rapid advancement of AI technologies is profoundly influencing the IT distribution and services sector in several key ways:
Automation of Processes: AI enables automation of routine tasks, such as data entry, inventory management, and customer service inquiries. This increased efficiency lowers operational costs and allows IT services to focus on more complex and value-added activities.
Enhanced Decision-Making: AI analytics tools can process vast amounts of data quickly, providing insights that help IT service providers make informed decisions about resource allocation, supply chain management, and market trends, thereby optimizing distribution strategies.
Personalization: AI-powered algorithms can analyse customer behaviour and preferences, enabling IT service providers to offer tailored services and solutions. This heightened personalization can improve customer satisfaction and retention.
Predictive Analytics: AI technologies allow businesses to forecast demand and anticipate market changes. By leveraging predictive analytics, IT distribution firms can better manage inventory levels, reducing overstocking or stockouts and improving overall supply chain efficiency.
Cybersecurity: The advancement of AI has also enhanced cybersecurity measures within IT services. AI systems can detect anomalies and potential threats in real-time, providing improved protection against cyberattacks, which is increasingly vital
Physical Security: AI algorithms can identify and monitor unusual behaviours from visual inputs such as CCTV cameras and the use of other physical devices.
3. How is your business adopting and integrating AI innovation?
AI strategy is not new to Ingram Micro in the region. We have developed an AI partner strategy, and we continue to see it evolve as new technology and new vendors emerge in the space.
XVantage platform has been developed by Data Scientists and developers in Ingram Micro. It is an online single pane of glass platform that uses AI to help our partners develop and design solutions for their customers.
It includes products, services, finance and it links all our vendors and make them available to customers. AI Infrastructure solutions: The GPU race is on and it is a core high speed processor for AI apps. NVIDIA, AMD, Qualcomm and Intel are all coming up with solutions. We have the expertise to design solutions for partners with the most appropriate technologies.
AI Software Solutions are emerging, some vendors are providing Gen AI modules, some have Data Lake management and prediction software. We are testing and providing proven solutions from large vendors like IBM & Microsoft as well as Start-ups with innovative ideas.
We have established an AI Centre Of Excellence (COE) & AI Academy & AI Professional Services.
4. Beyond AI, what innovations do you believe will shape the future of your industry, and which regions do you foresee leading these advancements by 2025?
The convergence of advanced data centre technology, high-speed internet, and quantum computing will dramatically transform the IT industry, enhancing capabilities across sectors and creating new opportunities. While regions like North America and Asia-Pacific are primarily expected to lead advancements, the Middle East will also play pivotal roles in this technological evolution by 2025 and beyond.
Data Center Technology is evolving with new cooling technologies and energy-efficient designs will significantly reduce operational costs and environmental impact
- Edge Computing is on the rise, facilitated by modern data centre technology, will enable data processing closer to the source, reducing latency and improving performance for applications like IoT, real-time analytics and cyber protection.
- Modular Data Centres: These allow for scalable and flexible deployment of data processing capabilities, making it easier for companies to adapt to changing demand.
High-Speed Internet and 5G Connectivity will enhance mobile internet speeds and reliability, enabling the proliferation of IoT devices and smart city applications. Also, the Increasing investment in fibre optic infrastructure will enhance bandwidth availability, supporting the growing needs of cloud-based services and streaming platforms. In addition, satellite-based Internet like SpaceX Starlink will enable high speed internet access from remote areas across the Globe.
Quantum Computing will revolutionize complex problem-solving in areas such as drug discovery, financial modelling, and cryptography. The development of quantum algorithms could lead to breakthroughs that dramatically outperform classical computers, influencing sectors from finance to artificial intelligence and logistics.
When it comes to Global & Regional Leadership by 2025 and beyond; the USA, particularly Silicon Valley, will remain a leader in technology innovation due to its robust ecosystem of tech companies, investment capital, and research institutions.
The Middle East is emerging as a significant player, especially in Intelligent & AI driven data centre technologies, driven by initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Investments in smart city projects and digital transformation initiatives are likely to propel advancements in new technologies.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are rapidly expanding their cloud infrastructure and partnering with major global tech firms to enhance their data centre capabilities. Additionally, the establishment of technology hubs, such as Masdar City and NEOM, will foster innovation.
5. What are your motivations and expectations for coming onboard the 44th edition of GITEX GLOBAL in 2024?
GITEX GLOBAL has become one of the largest Information Technology exhibitions in the world. We present the latest technology to customers from all over the region. I am now seeing visitors from beyond the region including Europe and Asia.
As a young student and a young entrepreneur from the UK, I attended the very small and very first GITEX in 1980, where I presented my own design of an Arabic operating System.
6. Are you planning to launch any products or services, showcase new technologies, or announce partnerships during the event?
Yes, we are presenting several new vendors and new technology, with a major focus on AI Systems, Cyber security and high-speed connectivity.
We also plan to showcase SpaceX Starlink for the first time in the region.
7. As a global platform for tech enterprises and industry leaders, how does GITEX GLOBAL contribute to the future of your industry?
GITEX GLOBAL is a platform for Vendors, Solution Providers, Distributors and Start-ups. I see opportunities for new technologies to be experienced by organizations based in the region, as well as Start-ups from the region and beyond to identify opportunities and early adopters for their products.
I also find that VC funds and Angel Investors are interested in identifying up and coming companies and new technology ideas.
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