Opportunities and challenges of cloud computing will be discussed at a conference to be held in Dubai on October 21.

Industry experts from regional companies are set to take part in panels, demonstrations, and interactive networking sessions and explain best practices to maximise ROI, said a statement.

The Cloud Confex, an integrated cloud exhibition and conference, will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It features Etisalat as diamond sponsor and Accenture and F5 as platinum sponsor.

The attendees will be able to learn about the latest cloud-related topics, including the business case for adopting cloud, how enterprises can integrate existing IT architecture with new cloud services,  and opportunities and challenges for businesses adopting the cloud.

International experts will also offer their predictions on the cloud landscape in the next two-to-three years and on the true value of the cloud in both quantifiable and qualitative terms.

IT research and advisory company Gartner has predicted that the Mena region is projected to experience one of the highest global growth rates for public cloud services, increasing from 2012 to 2013 by 24.5 per cent to $462.3 million.

The UAE’s cloud market in particular is primed for annual compound growth of 43.7 per cent until 2016, according to a recent report from technology-focused market intelligence firm IDC.

Across the globe, the cloud has exploded in popularity over the past few years, as companies utilise it for backup, storage, network, security and management systems. Key benefits include enhancing their IT costs and scalability, and enabling employees to access technology and data while on the go.

An intensive training course ‘Cloud Governance, Risk and Compliance’ will also be conducted on October 23 and 24, where participants from IT department of large enterprises will receive practical working knowledge of governace, risk management and compliance in cloud computing.

Cloud Confex is also set to present the first Cloud Awards on October 21. The categories include Best Data Centre Infrastructure Project, Best Cloud Security Implementation, Best Virtualisation Solution Implementation, Best Big Data Solution Project, and Best Government Implementation of Cloud Solution. The judging committee will make its decision based on an entry’s innovation, integration, functionality, value, usability and scalability.

Trixee Loh, senior VP,DWTC, organiser of Gitex Technology Week, said: “As the cloud industry’s leading international event, Cloud Confex is connecting enterprises, exhibitors and industry experts so that business executives can gain the leading edge from the industry’s top players on how best use the cloud to land new lines of business, enhance employee productivity, and secure intellectual property.” - TradeArabia News Service