Cisco and Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC), the information and communications technology (ICT) arm of Abu Dhabi Government, have entered into an agreement to transform Abu Dhabi into a sustainable knowledge based connected Emirate.
According to the agreement, Abu Dhabi Government will benefit from Cisco’s ICT experience to support the modernisation initiatives of key government sectors, including but not limited to the upgrading of the social, education, and healthcare sectors network infrastructures, and empower the national economy through ICT.
The company said that the collaboration would connect the nation by utilising ICT to drive sustainable socioeconomic progress, to secure affordable broadband networking, to facilitate instant information access for businesses, and to enable world-class citizen services with better access to healthcare, education, and social services.
The agreement will contribute to ADSIC’s e-Literacy program by establishing a Cisco Networking Academy, in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Cisco will work towards adding ADSIC as a local training academy to contribute to developing Abu Dhabi citizens’ career and economic opportunities.
Further, to develop human capital in Abu Dhabi, Cisco and ADSIC will explore utilising the Entrepreneur Institute to support Abu Dhabi Government initiatives for resource development to harness the power of entrepreneurship for economic and social prosperity across the UAE. This will help entrepreneurs from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) improve their use of ICT to enhance business acumen.
The company will also provide SMARTnet Service, through which Abu Dhabi Government will have around-the-clock access to a team of skilled Cisco engineers, online technical resources, operating system upgrades, and advanced hardware replacement to help keep its network running optimally.
In addition, the company will also provide Abu Dhabi government entities consultancy services on the design and specifications for network infrastructure, network security, telecommunications, collaboration, rich-media video and conferencing, and other related subjects for all ADSIC and Abu Dhabi Government Entities projects.
Wayne Hull, director and general manager of Cisco, UAE, said: "Cisco’s collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Government and ADSIC represents a major step forward for Cisco’s vision to play a major role in connecting the nation. Our association clearly demonstrates the Government’s confidence in Cisco as a leader and trusted business partner in the ICT industry in the region."
