Alpha Data wins Data center network equipment contract

March 22, 2014: Alpha Data, the UAE’s leading systems integrator with over 30 years track record, has announced that it has completed its contract for the development of a data center for ‘Ankabut,’ the UAE’s  Advanced National Research and Education Network (NREN) that connects the country’s education institutions to other academic institutions across world.

The contract scope for Alpha Data included design, and installation of the new data center for hosting academic institutions services as part of Ankabut’s research and development (R&D) network. The facility will provide comprehensive data center platform for the country’s education sector.

Cisco and Fortinet, two of Alpha Data’s major technology partners, helped with the Data Center Core and Access Network, Data Centre Management and security aspects of the data center.

Fahem Al-Nuaimi, CEO, Ankabut, said: “The necessary upgrades and building a unified network infrastructure is no small task, but we were impressed with Alpha Data’s credentials and experience on projects of such importance and scale. The work of Alpha Data will help ensure that our network can accommodate even the most demanding use cases and applications. We believe it will be very effective in supporting Ankabut and its members."

“Ankabut has been instrumental in the efficient delivery of services that meet the ever-evolving need among academic institutions to be connected in a better and easier manner. Our involvement in the network’s enhancement enables us to contribute to ongoing efforts to optimize connectivity between local and global educational organizations, added Fayez Ibbini, Managing Director, Alpha Data.

Ankabut enables a closed-community network that facilitates real-time services such as converged Instant Messaging, Voice and Video Communication, and Cloud Computing. Aside from connecting universities, Ankabut also links schools and public institutions across the UAE via a cost-effective networking model. Ankabut represents the UAE in regional and international conferences, exhibitions and forums as well.

Multi-awarded Alpha Data is one of the largest multi-disciplined systems integrator in UAE. It consistently delivers best-of-breed solutions through its strategic partnerships with major technology players such as Microsoft, Avaya, HP, Cisco, Belden, Juniper, Bosch and Autodesk.