Gulf Business Machines (GBM), a provider of customised IT solutions in the Gulf, has signed a partnership with Irish mobile technology firm Diona following the first Middle East implementation of IBM Cúram, a social welfare management software solution, for Qatar’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA).
The programme was launched in both English and Arabic. This is the first time it has been implemented in the Arabic language. Richard Bruton, Irish Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, visited GBM’s office in West Bay to attend the partnership signing with Diona, which creates mobility solutions that transform how people’s health and human services needs are served around the world.
The minister was accompanied by Patrick Hennessy, ambassador of Ireland, together with other Irish dignitaries. The MoLSA initiative meets world-class standards in serving its Qatari citizens’ requests and requirements, namely families in need. It is the first programme of its kind to be launched in the Middle East, and has instigated a commitment from both GBM and Diona to widening their partnership further, according to a statement.
The ministry will now be able to provide an integrated online platform that provides MoLSA professionals and users with access to information, applications and services that will eliminate manual work, minimise error margins and, most specifically, facilitate the tasks of social care workers.
As part of the deployment, dashboards were provided to the MoLSA management to support them in making accurate decisions and monitor projects development. Speaking at the partnership signing, Bruton said: “The Diona and GBM partnership is an excellent example of the possibilities of technology, and I look forward to seeing this new relationship grow. My visit to Qatar has shown tremendous opportunities for Irish companies such as Diona, and I am determined to support more companies to take advantage of these opportunities to create jobs at home.” The GBM project team assigned with implementing the solution is an example of multicultural collaboration.
Encompassing nine different nationalities and including the first three Cúram-certified consultants in the Middle East, the team brings to the project a wealth of regional experience and has worked to complete the deployment in record time, the statement adds. Soubhi Chebib, general manager of GBM Qatar, said: “MoLSA has embarked on a project that will streamline and automate 11 social support programmes running in the country. This is also the first time the system has been implemented in the Arabic language.” Philippe Jarre, GBM CEO, said: “Our relationship with Diona will help play an even greater role in building enhanced electronic and mobile services for Qatar and around the Gulf.”
Brendan Flood, International Sales & Partnering manager, Enterprise Ireland – who is accompanying Bruton on the trade mission – said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to growing Irish exports to the Gulf region to €6bn by 2020. It is through partnerships such as this one between Diona and GBM that this target will be achieved.” The trade mission to Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which has 63 Irish companies participating, continues until today.
© Gulf Times 2015
