Innovations in technology such as cloud computing are making small and medium enterprises (SMEs) efficient and more cost effective, said an industry expert.

Cloud technology, which enables companies to outsource various business processes to service providers will help start-ups grow, remarked Viva Bahrain enterprise and wholesale chief Nezar Banabeela.

"SMEs by using cloud computing eliminate the need for more capital expenditure (capex) so they don't have to build network or place routers," he told the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication, on the sidelines of the Gitex Technology Week in Dubai.

"They avoid capex at the start of their growth, which could hurt them otherwise. It will enable SMEs to channel their money for better uses, such as expansion."

Viva Bahrain is the only Bahraini telecom company exhibiting various products under the umbrella of Saudi-based STC group.

An SME client typically has a lot of requirement, such as costing, which could be eliminated through cloud computing.

"Our strategy is to provide customers good quality and value for their money, especially for SMEs, which are still in growth mode," he said. "They cannot afford to spend money unwisely."

The enterprises segment head said that when it came to serving companies, Viva was not battling on price strategy.
"We have never been the cheapest in the market," he said.

"Even in the enterprise segment, there are different types of customers, some are price sensitive, while others are less so and they are looking for better quality. We combined both of them in our strategy towards enterprises," said Banabeela.

"We offer products backed by innovation and tailored for our customers' needs," he noted.

Technology had altered business processes in many ways, he said. "Business services have also been altered dramatically over time because of the growth of technology," he added.

"Social networking has become an integral part of our lives, thanks to technology.

"If this is applicable to the consumer market, the opportunities for growth and innovation are greater," stated Banabeela.

Operators, who have successfully targeted the mobile telephony market are now tapping into the enterprises segment, which offers much promise.

"Any telecom operator, once it has a sustainable business and market share on the retail side, they look at the fixed or enterprises segment," he said.

"Most companies choose enterprises since they offer greater challenge," said Banabeela.

"We started looking at enterprise solutions, which is a key developmental area that allows some operators to supply services to utilities and banking. "It enjoys good growth potential," he added.-TradeArabia News Service