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Etisalat Enterprise has helped the company emerge as a major player in the ICT space

The Etisalat Group is actively working to strengthen the Etisalat Enterprise division, which aims to reaffirm its position as a pre-eminent telecommunications service provider in the UAE and beyond. 
The business-to-business (B2B) wing handles smaller entities, SMEs, large business accounts and government departments, with innovation at the core of its operations. Armed with teams for products and services, in addition to dedicated sales teams, the Enterprise Division is currently working on several new experiences that expand into cloud services, security, Internet of Things (IoT), as well as machine-to-machine (M2M) options, among other booming sectors.
To date, Etisalat stands as a complete Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions provider and trusted outsourced partner. This is complemented by the Enterprise Division, which has helped the company emerge as a major player in the ICT space, and is expected to make significant contributions in terms of revenues in the near future.
Etisalat is keen to provide solutions to customers in a profitable and competitive manner; a strategy geared to transform its product portfolio through project management and professional services.
Its position at the forefront of telecom technology in the region gives Etisalat a unique advantage to meet customers' present and future needs. Aside from core services such as fixed line mobility, it also offers a slew of services and products that comprise the digital division. The company invests considerable energy to offer an agile platform that customers can use for cloud and other systems.
The telecom giant devises solutions to create secure environments, an interactive platform that allows easy access to digital channels (to send texts and enable payments, for instance), encourage the use of smart devices, and analyse relevant data. The endeavour is to create matchless M2M and IoT experiences for its clientele.
As a first in the region, Etisalat recently conducted 5G live demos with super speeds of 5Gbps. With international standardisation of this technology nearing completion by 2017, commercial networks will be implemented in the year 2020. Similarly, Etisalat's M2M technology will allow intelligent machines to communicate with each other via IP-based networks to automate the collection of essential data faster and accurately without human intervention. M2M SIMs would provide connectivity to a wide variety of solutions for businesses and communities alike. 
Etisalat's continued spotlight on IoT is transforming the government's vision of Smart Dubai and other projects into reality. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has already connected most traffic lights in the emirate to a central command centre. By using cameras and sensors, the timings of these lights can be controlled to guide the flow of traffic in real time, thereby easing congestion to a great degree. By 2020, smart meters will replace energy meters. 
As robotics, augmented reality and automated retail gain wider traction in the UAE, Etisalat is taking the lead in implementing these technologies. Last year, the company launched the country's first 'Smart Mall', an integrated technology eCommerce service that provides shoppers with an engaging shopping experience. The first Smart Mall was unveiled at Mall of the Emirates metro station that gives customers a chance to browse through products and make purchases through a 3D-enabled format. Aside from instant purchases with Etisalat's novel payment solution, the Mobile Cashier, customers can also choose to have items delivered to their doorsteps.
Adding to its portfolio of futuristic connected systems, Etisalat teamed up with Nissan last year for the region's first connected car deployment. Its new models - Nissan Maxima and Nissan Patrol MY16 - will be connected via an Etisalat M2M SIM card. The SmartCar app gives users the ability to remotely control locks, horns, headlights, windows and air conditioning, prior to the drive. Enhanced security ?features further help users locate their vehicle in big parking lots with a simple tap on their phones.
Upcoming projects
Etisalat recently signed a deal to create a first-of-its-kind integrated smart theme park resort in the UAE at the Dubai Parks and Resorts. Leveraging advanced telecom infrastructure and digital technologies, the company will deliver a distinct interactive guest experience, once it opens its gates to the general public. 
The Enterprise Division is playing a distinct role to breathe life into these projects. As the main infrastructure partners at Expo 2020, connectivity is not the only service it caters to. It creates and enhances a gamut of experiences in digital form with options ranging from ticketing, surveillance and security, to fetching data, marketing and digital signage.
With the Enterprise Division marching ahead, Etisalat is set to upgrade to providing complimentary solutions and products in the digital world to create a total reliable package for the consumer.
Along the way
» Etisalat, Emirates, General Electric and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority have launched a joint initiative - Intelak - that encourages young entrepreneurs and students in the UAE to participate in a travel, technology and aviation-focused incubator. 
» Along with du, Etisalat has launched Taawun, a joint initiative to support the long-term vision of the government in developing smart infrastructure and giving customers an opportunity to select their operator of choice for telecom services. Taawun will establish a robust telecom infrastructure in the country.
» Etisalat and Huawei have set up a joint IoT innovation lab for narrow band IoT new service innovation and development. Smart parking and connected car are the first applications using the platform.
» Etisalat has a strategic partnership with Fujairah Free Zone to provide an improved telecom and ICT service experience to customers of Fujairah Free Zone Authority. This is in line with the UAE's goal to become a leading business hub.
Etisalat's continued spotlight on IoT is transforming the government's vision of Smart Dubai and other projects into reality. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has already connected most traffic lights in the emirate to a central command centre.
 

• UAE