Cisco Systems announced today that it has awarded Gold Partner status to BMB, a leading regional systems integrator that is the first company in the Levant to reach this partner level and only the second to do so in North Africa.
Cisco Gold Partner status is awarded only to those companies that successfully meet the rigorous Cisco testing and evaluation criteria that includes substantial investment in equipment and expert training, multiple Cisco technology specializations and high levels of consumer service and satisfaction.
“It is a great pleasure to announce that BMB has become one of the very few Cisco Gold Partners in the region. As a Gold Partner, BMB will be even better situated to work with Cisco to deliver advanced IP networking solutions that help companies operate more efficiently, productively and cost effectively in the region’s increasingly competitive business environment,” said Yasser Elkady, Cisco General Manager Middle East and North Africa. “As well, the industry-recognized certification gives BMB added status in the marketplace.”
As a leading systems integrator with operations in Lebanon, Egypt and Algeria, BMB provides Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions to its clients through partnerships with leading worldwide suppliers such as Cisco, Microsoft, SurfControl and Qualys.
“Information Technology is revolutionizing businesses, but the rate of change and the breadth of its impact are catching many companies off guard. We at BMB provide up-to-date services that allow client companies to keep up with this fast changing world,” said Simon Samia, Managing Partner and Operational Director at BMB.
“Our continued success is a result of our commitment to providing high-tech services and strong customer support. BMB’s mission is to help clients make clear, substantial and lasting ICT changes that improve their operations and efficiencies by delivering innovative yet practical solutions,” Samia added.
Some of the key requirements that BMB fulfilled to become a Gold Partner included substantial investment in lab equipment; technology specialization in VPN/Security, Wireless LAN and IP Communications; high marks for customer satisfaction; a 24/7 automated helpdesk and one-hour callback, and a great depth of experience among its technical and sales staff, including four Cisco Certified Internetwork Experts, four sales experts, 12 Cisco Certified Network Professionals and six Cisco Certified Network Associates.
Established in 1996 in Beirut, Lebanon, BMB’s initial success in the Levant led to its expansion into Egypt (Cairo) in 2002 and most recently into Algeria (Algiers). The Egypt-based operation has in only a relatively short time worked with many prestigious companies. The Algerian operation is expected to deliver similar success.
BMB’s expertise in the ICT field covers a broad range of activities, principle among them: networking and telecommunications, electronic archiving and records document management, and bar coding. The company is a member of the Doumet Group, a diversified and industrial holding entity. Major companies of the group include Liban Cables, Lebanon Chemicals, Matelec and the Bristol Hotel.
The recent Gold Partner status and Cisco Mobility Partner of the Year Award are only the most recent recognitions for BMB. The company received a special Honorary Award in 2004 at the LaserFiche’s Fourth Annual Winners Circle Conference, the “Cisco Best Sales Partner” in the Middle East in 2003 and a Cisco Excellence Award for “Outstanding Service and Technical Innovation to Customers in the Middle East” in 2001.
Some of BMB’s notable projects include:
Lebanon:
Educational Institutions: Lebanese American University (First operational multimedia network in the Middle East), Université Saint Joseph, Balamand University, BCU University, AUST, Notre-Dame University, Université La Sagesse, Global University, American Community School
Banking and Finance: Fransabank, BLF, BEMO, LCB, IBL, Banque Saradar, Al-Baraka Bank, Al-Ahli Intercontinental Bank, BKAW, FNB, MEAB, JP Morgan-Chase Manhattan Bank, Banque du Liban, Arab Finance House, Centre de Traitement Monétique, Al-Mawarid Financials
Hospitality Sector: Phoenicia InterContinental Hotel, Le Vendôme Intercontinental Hotel, Metropolitan Palace Hotel, Le Royal Hotel, Gefinor Rotana Hotel, Hazmieh Rotana Hotel, Mövenpick Hotel and Resort, Habtoor Land
Public Sector: Port of Beirut, MEA, ESCWA (Lebanon), UNIFIL, Lebanese Ministry of Works
Service Providers/Operators: Ogero, Sodetel, Trinec, IDM, Ericsson (Lebanon), Siemens (Lebanon & Bahrain)
Newspapers: Al-Hayat, As-Safir, The Daily Star/International Herald Tribune, Al-Wassit
Manufacturing: Indevco Group, Hawa Chicken, Nugul Group (Fine), Future Pipe Industries, Ghandour, Cimenterie Nationale, Cimenterie de Sibline
Insurance: Medgulf, Mednet, AXA Middle East, SNA
Pharmaceuticals: Eli Lilly
Retail & Distribution: BHV/Monoprix, City Mall, Maxima, Dareen International, Antaki Group, Kettaneh Group, Mersaco, Sohat/Nestlé, Schneider Electric, Procter & Gamble
Egypt:
Banking & Finance: National Bank for Development, EFG-Hermes, KPMG
Public Sector: Egyptian Environmental Information System, Criminal Police Interpol, LADIS
Educational Institutes: 6th October University
Hospitality Sector: Sheraton Cairo, Semiramis InterContinental
Shipping & Transportation: International Associated Cargo Carrier (IACC), Suez Canal Container Terminal
Operators: NOOR, Vodafone, Mobinil
Tourism & Civil Aviation: Flash Tours, SkyMax, AVIT
Media: Orbit
Industry: Cadbury, Ghandour, Indevco, Unipak Nile, Al Ahram Beverages, Chipsy, Suez Cement, Gieseck & Devrient, Sekem
Insurance: Ace Life
Construction: ABB, CCC
Pharmaceuticals: Eli Lilly, Abbott Laboratories
Automotive: General Motors
Organizations: CEOSS
About BMB
Established in 1996 in Beirut, Lebanon, BMB is a leading systems integrator with operations in Lebanon, Egypt and Algeria. BMB provides Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions to its clientele through partnerships with leading worldwide suppliers such as Cisco, Microsoft, SurfControl and Qualys. BMB expanded into Egypt (Cairo) in 2002 and most recently into Algeria (Algiers).
BMB’s expertise in the ICT field covers a broad range of activities, principle among them: networking and telecommunications, electronic archiving and records document management, and bar coding. The company is a member of the Doumet Group, a diversified and industrial holding entity. Major companies of the group include Liban Cables, Lebanon Chemicals, Matelec and the Bristol Hotel.
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, this year celebrates 20 years of commitment to technology innovation, industry leadership and corporate social responsibility. News and information are available at www.cisco.com.
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