BICSI hosts first ACE Summit in Dubai

BICSI, the global association advancing the information and communications technology, ICT, community, hosted the debut 2017 BICSI ACE Summit in Dubai on October 10th. The event, held on the sidelines of the 37th GITEX Technology Week, attracted more than 150 delegates including Architects, Consultants & End-Users, ACE, to share experience, expertise and challenges.

The summit provided stakeholders the opportunity to learn about international standards applicable for effective design and implementation of best practices for ICT Applications like data-centers, structured cabling, wireless infrastructure and audio-video.

"Standards are very important aspect of any project which requires shift in management philosophy and thought process," said Ajay Rathi, Senior Director of Information Technology for Meraas Holding, in his keynote speech on ‘The Value in Implementation of Standards.’ He discussed achieving economies of scale through standards. "Meeras has benefitted on multiple fronts by consolidating the IT infrastructure and setting standards throughout its processes. The culture of standards empowers a delivery that is same across the board," he added.

Abdulqader Obaid Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Smartworld, delivering his keynote speech on ‘The Value of Standards in Project Quality Management and Efficiency’ said, "Standards enable businesses to deliver a consistent quality thereby ensuring a positive experience for the customers. This in turn allows the businesses to operate at the least possible cost."

Representatives from the ACE community also engaged in an important panel discussion on challenges faced in implementation of best practices.

"Public and private sectors in the Middle-East region need to increase their IT spending and focus on adopting the latest trends in technology amid the rapidly changing business environment. Adhering to international standards becomes a must for effective design methodology and installation for numerous projects in the region," said BICSI President, Brian Ensign. "There are already a few projects that have their tender specifications call for highly trained design engineers and installers, but this practice needs to be implemented across the community. Awareness of the standards and best practices implemented internationally is one such step."

BICSI membership in the Middle East and Africa, MEA, district has been steadily climbing, and UAE has been identified as a prime area for ICT industry advancement and expansion.