The global economy is expected to grow by 3.5% in 2018 compared to under 3% in 2016. This encouraging trend suggests more vigorous economic activity, rising incomes and a keener appetite for real estate investments – not only within India, but on international markets, as well. Indians have historically been enthusiastic investors into properties abroad. They know that purchasing real estate in a foreign country helps diversify one’s financial portfolio and can ensure superb capital growth and guaranteed regular rental income in the right markets.

Also, owning a home in a country of one’s personal preference is an unbeatable lifestyle option, making that country a perfect destination for leisure activities.

Given the importance of such investments, it is critical that one understands the most suitable potential hotspots for property acquisition abroad. Here is a continent-wise breakdown for residential real estate investment that can generate exciting returns in 2017:

• United States: The American economy is expected to grow by 2.1%, and all major economic indicators are strong as well. This would point towards a convincing recovery from the 2008 recession, and signals increasing investor demand for real estate. It bears mentioning that America is currently becoming more favourable for modestly-priced affordable properties rather than high-end and luxury homes. Los Angeles is one of the cities considered to be leading from the front, while the Lower East Side of New York also presents an attractive proposition for investments into this housing category.

• Europe: The perennial favourite of tourists from across the globe despite a few aberrations, Europe is going to be potentially strong in terms of real estate investments. For example, Montenegro – a country growing at 2.7% and an extremely attractive tourism destination – can be considered to be a hotspot for 2017. Since there isn’t a lot of awareness about this country, property prices are still modest and attractive for early-mover investors. Germany, the strongest economy in Europe today, has seen a rise of 23% in residential prices and is without doubt a tremendous opportunity for residential property investors. The UK, despite Brexit, is still a good bet as the property prices are softening and the economy may witness a modest downturn, thereby making it attractive for investors. Italy is another country with great investment potential, with Rome topping the charts. Finally, Portugal can be considered too given the extremely attractive prices of built-up real estate in the country.

• Asia: Owing to lower taxes on rental income and various other factors, Tokyo in Japan is proving to be an interesting real estate investment destination. Bangkok in Thailand is yet another market that offers high returns on astute real estate investment. After the country opened its gates to foreign investors, Vietnam has suddenly come on the radar of attractive realty destinations, with improving economic growth and a stable government proving to be additional USPs.

• Latin America: Global economic watchdogs have predicted countries like Chile, Mexico and Brazil will come onto the path of sound economic recovery in 2017, thereby making these countries very viable alternatives for real estate investment.

• New Zealand: This country ranks number 2 in the world on the International Property Rights Index. Even though property is not cheap there, the sparse population and growing economy mean that there is less competition and the chances of investing in plum properties are very favourable. New Zealand is an excellent choice for investors looking for enough room to grow and averse to the thought of fighting space in a crowded market.

• Turkey: Turkey has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently, but its strategic location between Europe and Asia makes it an indubitable property investment hotspot. It has been a business and trade hub for centuries, and the current unrest and slowdown in economy in fact makes the country quite viable for long-term investments.

Real estate investment predictions for global markets are always subject for variances. However, if one considers economic trends and the basic broad fundamentals and parameters of property investment, it is quite possible to identify regions in the world that can offer good returns on realty investments. At all times, the astute international property investor must study an identified market minutely, understand the trends driving supply, demand and price growth, and become familiar with the country’s own rules and regulations for foreign investments.

The post Global Residential Investment Destinations in 2017 : Ashwinder Raj Singh, CEO – Residential Services, JLL India appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

LogRhythm cements regional footprint through locally based cyber security teams, and enhanced customer support and partner training

Dubai, UAE – February 26, 2017: Cyber crime is hitting headlines in the Middle East and Africa like never before with prominent organisations across the region suffering high profile, damaging breaches. In response to growing cyber security needs, and to support the region’s organisations in addressing mounting threats, security intelligence and analytics firm LogRhythm is expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia and Africa.

“Companies in KSA and Africa are keen to exploit the potential of digitisation but continue to grapple with the cyber security challenges emerging in this newly interconnected environment. These challenges will likely increase with growing connectivity and the bourgeoning population of digital natives,” notes Mazen Dohaji, regional director for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa at LogRhythm. “But there are heavy risks associate with breaches, including financial as well as reputational risks.”

Saudi Arabia, in particular, has been in the news for an increased spate of cyber attacks. The nation’s authorities have recently warned businesses against the recurrence of a variant of the 2012 virus that crippled tens of thousands of computers at oil giant Saudi Aramco.

“LogRhythm’s Security Intelligence Platform helps organisations rapidly detect, respond to and neutralise such threats before they become incidents or major data breaches such as the ones being reported recently. Early detection and response requires efficiency of operations and a well-enabled team, which the LogRhythm platform facilitates by delivering end-to-end Threat Lifecycle Management, including the ability to see into the IT environment and the ability to quickly mitigate and recover from a security incident,” says Dohaji. “We’ve decided to get closer to the organisations in KSA and Africa that need our solution through dedicated professional cyber security teams in the regions.”

LogRhythm is scaling up its presence in both regions through pre-existing value added distributors Stralink, Exclusive Networks and Spectrami, all of which have a local presence in KSA and Africa. The firm is also installing two experienced cyber security professionals in each of the regions to share their expertise with its existing and prospective customers.

Dohaji adds: “The aim is to boost customer satisfaction by delivering high quality post-deployment technical support through local support engineers. A strong product accompanied by state-of-the-art support gives us a competitive edge. We also provide quarterly training to ensure that our partners’ technical capabilities meet our standards, and we have recently relaunched our partner portal to provide partners with crucial information and online training.”

About LogRhythm

LogRhythm, a leader in security intelligence and analytics, empowers organisations around the globe to rapidly detect, respond to and neutralise damaging cyber threats. The company’s patented award-winning platform uniquely unifies next-generation SIEM, log management, network and endpoint monitoring, and advanced security analytics. In addition to protecting customers from the risks associated with cyber threats, LogRhythm provides unparalleled compliance automation and assurance, and enhanced IT intelligence.

LogRhythm is consistently recognised as a market leader. The company has been positioned as a leader in Gartner’s SIEM Magic Quadrant report for five consecutive years, named a ‘Champion’ in Info-Tech Research Group’s 2014-15 SIEM Vendor Landscape report, received SC Labs ‘Recommended’ 5-Star rating for SIEM and UTM for 2016 and earned Frost & Sullivan’s 2015 Global Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Enabling Technology Leadership Award.

LogRhythm is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with operations throughout North and South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.

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Upgrade to improve product quality for entry into new markets Latest laying head technology incorporates durable SR Series pipe Cooling conveyor modified with Optimesh technology • • Turkish steel producer Kroman Çelìk Sanayìì A.Ş. has contracted with Primetals Technologies to apply advanced technology to a wire rod outlet built in 2008 to expand its product line with high carbon wire rod. Signed last year, the contract calls for 13-month delivery of equipment, with erection and commissioning expected to be completed by the end of this summer.

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The World Economic Forum is an international institution committed to improving the state of the world through public-private cooperation in the spirit of global citizenship. It engages with business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Incorporated as a not-for-profit foundation in 1971 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Forum is independent, impartial and not tied to any interests. It cooperates closely with all leading international organizations (www.weforum.org).

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August 25, 2014

Software AG has announced the appointment of Mike Saxton as their new Senior Vice President for its Middle-East and Turkey regions.

Mike joined the Asia-Pacific regional leadership team in 2012 to help drive customer engagement and successful project outcomes.

Mike brings to this role the relevant leadership and industry experience.  “Asia-Pacific and Middle-East/Turkey have some surprising similarities”, comments Saxton, “The exponentially expanding China bears some resemblance to the emerging markets in our region, Singapore, Australia, and the stabilizing economies of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. “

“In the future, value creation will be less defined by classical manufacturing expertise and more so by full-fledged intelligent business operations, processes & solutions. At Software AG we refer to this as a digital transformation, whichhas already started creating market momentum in economies where value based investment has been identified as one of the major factors contributing towards business success. Software AG Gulf will position itself as a pioneer influencer to the regional market.” said Saxton.

Steve Keys, Chief Operating Officer at Software AG, commented further on Mike Saxton’s appointment. “Software AG partners with organizations to help transform into Digital Enterprises, so that they can differentiate from competitors. We see significant potential to create real value for and on behalf of our customers throughout the region. Mike brings experience and customer centricity to our business operations in the region”.

Saxton added: “Software AG brings to the region a winning combination of a stable, and well- engineered German Software, which provides the financial stability of a E1BN organization and a network of local and international Partners. Our goal and our business mantra is to deliver successful project outcomes for our customers based on a meaningful return on investment. This creates trust and long term relationships that are crucial to doing business in this region.”

Who is Mike Saxton?

Mike Saxton joined Software AG in 2012 coming off a 25-year plus technology career, the last 15 of which have been in Enterprise Software.  After graduating, in Finance from Brunel University London, Mike worked in banking with Barclays for a few years in both Retail and Investment, before moving into technology in the early ‘90’s.

Mike has helped many National and International organizations to make solid Return on Investment (ROI) based decisions in Enterprise technology.  Customers made these investments in order to better serve their customers, drive down costs, increase “share-of wallet” and reduce risks.

During many Enterprise Software sales cycles, Mike has called on his experience to assist many senior C Level decision makers through the “risk analysis” phase of an investment in Enterprise technology.  By understanding some of the challenges that other Customers have experienced, like “how do I make this investment work in my Firm”, and “what are the potential hurdles that I am going to need to consider’, through to “what objections am I going to face from my fellow Senior Execs”, Mike can give sound well considered advice to potential customers.

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Reduction in software piracy by 10 % points can generate $1.6 billion revenue for India

New Delhi – June 26, 2014 – Against the backdrop of the Law Against Unfair Competition in the United States, International Data Corporation (IDC) today unveiled a whitepaper on the possible risk for India’s manufacturing sector due to non-compliance with clean IT practices. According to IDC, use of pirated software by a mid-sized Company in India can expose the Company to an export loss of $35 million, while the savings expected from using pirated software is less than a fraction of the expected loss, at $0.84 million.

The Law Against Unfair Competition in the United States promotes fair competition and encourages manufacturers to respect property rights in their IT systems.  All manufacturers whose products are sold in the United States must achieve full legal compliance of their IT, failing which they risk liability and lost sales opportunities. The law provides a strong incentive for manufacturers to take responsibility for their IT systems and ensure that businesses are able to compete fairly.

IDC’s report predicts that a reduction in usage of pirated software in the manufacturing sector by a mere 10% over the next four years will deliver compelling positive outcomes, not just on the manufacturing segment, but also on the IT industry($700million in new revenue) and other related industries($900million in new revenue). Further, over 15000 jobs will also be created.

“Software piracy is expected to have a negative impact on the India’s growing manufacturing sector. Both large and small enterprises in this sector will have to ensure IT compliance for continued sectoral growth and positive impact on the economy. The insidious challenge of software piracy in India, is drawing global attention and might affect India’s competitive edge,” says Jaideep Mehta, ‎Vice President and General Manager – South Asia, IDC.

IDC’s report titled The Dramatic Impact “Unfair Competition” Initiatives in the United States Could Have on Emerging Markets investigates the impact of software piracy in six emerging markets including India, China, Brazil, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey. The report further notes that upto $790 billion in exports will be jeopardized across the six markets in 2014. Meanwhile, consumers and businesses in these markets are expected to spend nearly $150 billion for network security processing malicious programs caused by software piracy.

The findings of the IDC whitepaper have clearly indicated how piracy can disable an organisation, an economy and the entire ecosystem. ‘While there are existing laws to prevent the use of pirated software and to protect IP, the time has come to drive strict implementation. Failure on this front would mean not just a negative impact on the manufacturing segment but also on the economy, job opportunities and national reputation,’ adds Mehta.

Unfair Competition Act

The Unfair Competition Act (UCA) Law states that ‘A business that manufactures a product while using stolen or misappropriated information technology (stolen IT) in its business operations engages in unfair competition when the product is sold in Washington, either separately or as a component of another product, in competition with the product made without use of stolen IT.” The law also implies that the US Company selling within the State of Washington is responsible for the suppliers who may be located anywhere in the world. It applies to all manufactured products and to all suppliers from any country, and allows the Government to block the US Company from selling the finished product in the State and compel them to pay damages for what either the Company themselves or their overseas supplier(s) did.

The law has been passed in two States – Louisiana and Washington. The other 36 states are seeking ways to use the traditional powers of their office to address the unfair competition advantage and taking actions under existing Fair Competition Acts. These growing enforcement actions are a logical and welcomed step toward the call made by U.S. officials to curb unfair competition and ensure a level global playing field for suppliers and manufacturers.

About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. In 2014, IDC celebrates its 50th anniversary of providing strategic insights to help clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world’s leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com

The post PIRACY MAY COST COMPANIES IN INDIA’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR UPTO 40 TIMES THEIR SAVING ON LEGAL SOFTWARE COSTS, SAYS IDC appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

Best Choice diversifies portfolio & expands business to cover other major industries

June 18, 2014

Quantum International Group Holding, a leading international player in the creation of diversified business, recently appointed Best Choice, an international real estate investment and development firm based in the Gulf, as an exclusive agent of its innovative and environment-friendly EcoRemover® technology. Best Choice will be the sole distributor of EcoRemover® in Turkey, Malaysia, and in the entire GCC region. EcoRemover® is a cost-efficient and sustainable first ever biodegradable hydrocarbon disgragator fluid technology used by various industries for cleaning, decontamination, soil remediation, water treatment, Oil&Gas, refinery, naval and formulations.

The appointment marked Best Choice’s move to diversify its portfolio and expand its business to cover other major industries such as oil and gas, food, industrial cleaning, and transportation.   The company would take on this new role on top of its real estate portfolio as part of its expansion strategy. Currently, it offers exclusive properties for sale in different countries. It also develops and sells mixed-use projects in Turkey and oversees infrastructure and residential developments in Saudi Arabia.

David Bernardi, Marketing & Business Development Manager, Quantum International Group Holding, said: “As part of our expansion plans, we want to establish a partnership with a company that has an excellent business reputation in the entire region.  Moreover, we also want to collaborate with an organization that supports our initiatives to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. Best Choice fits and meets all our criteria and requirements. This is the reason why we chose it to be an exclusive agent of our EcoRemover®. Our strategic collaboration with the company is also part of our decisive move to reinforce our presence in the Middle East and other major Asian regions. We are confident that the company will help us attain our goals.”

Mohamad Rabih Itani, CEO, Best Choice, said: “We welcome our latest partnership with Quantum International Group Holding. The collaboration provides both Quantum International Group Holding and Best Choice numerous opportunities and prospects in our target countries and regions. Our partnership is timely because it came at a time when our company is embarking on a major endeavor to diversify its current business portfolio and allow us to extend our reach. As an exclusive agent of Quantum International Group Holding’s environment-friendly EcoRemover®, we will be able to strategically penetrate our target sectors. Rest assured that our company will consistently provide the highest standards of service – which we have been known – as we take on this new role. We have created a special department at Best Choice to deal with non real estate investments, and EcoRemover® is our start.”

Quantum International Group Holding’s business strategy involves building an integrated and diversified corporate business, analyzing each new opportunity in the market, and constantly processing the costs and benefits in the market.

Best Choice, on the other hand, has been established by a group of seasoned Saudi investors to sell exclusive properties located in different parts of the world including Italy and Spain. It also represents major developers and properties around the globe, particularly the dynamic markets of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other key areas in Asia. The company is currently working on a five-star resort development in the Maldives as well.

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 Forum discusses opportunities and challenges in the regional and global banking sector

UAE, 11 June, 2014 – Standard Chartered is today hosting the Middle East, North Africa & Pakistan (MENAP) Bankers Conference 2014, the landmark event that will gather more than 100 key leaders, officials and experts from 15 markets from across the region, on June 11 and 12, 2014 at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey. The exclusive forum which is attended by Standard Chartered’s financial institution clients will feature panel discussions and networking sessions wherein participants will share views and expertise about the emerging opportunities and challenges facing the Banking and Finance industry today.

The conference is covering discussions about the future of the banking sector across the MENA region as well as China, Africa and Iraq. One of the main highlights of the forum will be a lecture entitled ‘The World in Transition,’ to be conducted by Marios Maratheftis, Standard Chartered’s Global Head of Macro Research. Bank experts and other prominent figures in the industry are scheduled to give presentations as well.

Christos Papadopoulos, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Middle East and Chairman of Islamic Banking, Standard Chartered, and Peter Heidinger, Global Head of Financial Institutions, Standard Chartered Bank, Dilek Yardim, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, Turkey and Gavin Wishart, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Iraq will be present at the conference along with senior members of the Bank’s management team in the region.

The MENAP Bankers Conference has become a yearly platform where Standard Chartered Bank’s financial institution clients and partners come together to share views and discuss the latest developments in the local, regional and international banking industry.

Standard Chartered has been operating in the Middle East region for over 92 years. The Bank’s regional headquarters are located in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

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Company to deliver a district cooling plant and undertake Engineering scope of works for 4 hotels and 12 villas

[UAE, June 1, 2014] – Drake & Scull International PJSC (DSI PJSC), a regional market leader in the integrated design, engineering and construction disciplines of General Contracting, Engineering, Rail, Oil and Gas, Water and Wastewater Treatment, announced that its subsidiary Drake & Scull Engineering (DSE), has recently won two major contracts for the Saraya Aqaba Resort, a mixed-used, themed development around a man-made lagoon in Aqaba, Jordan for a combined value of AED 259 Million.

A consortium comprising Arabtec – the UAE’s leading construction company, Consolidated Contractors Company – the largest engineering and construction company in the Middle East , and Drake & Scull Construction – the General Contracting business stream of DSI, is the main contractor for the Saraya Aqaba Resort. The consortium awarded the sub-contracting deals worth AED 259 million to Drake & Scull Engineering.

Under the terms of the agreement, DSE will provide complete MEP services for two 5-star hotels managed by Dubai-based international hospitality chain – Jumeirah Group, two 5-star hotels run by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, a leading global chain of hotels, and 12 uniquely designed luxury villas. Additionally, DSE will undertake the complete design, supply and installation work for a district cooling plant with a total capacity of 8,000 TR along with the seawater intake and pumping station for the entire resort. Both projects are already under progress and are expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

Khaldoun Tabari, DSI PJSC CEO and Vice-Chairman, said: “The project award demonstrates our expertise and capability in delivering projects of large scale and prestige all across the region. Drake & Scull Construction is currently undertaking the general contracting works at Saraya Aqaba which is progressing on schedule, and the additional scope for Drake & Scull Engineering demonstrates our capability to develop projects in the greater Levant region. The project win is key to our strategic expansion plans in Jordan, which is currently witnessing a resurgence in the real estate sector. We expect to be among the key players in the country’s construction sector as we consolidate our position as preferred partners through all our business streamlines.”

The Saraya Aqaba Resort is a premium hotel and leisure development located on the Gulf of Aqaba in Jordan. The man-made lagoon will add almost 1.5 km of beachfront to Aqaba city lying on the Red Sea. The massive project encompasses luxurious hotels managed by world-class hospitality operators, upscale retail outlets at Souk Saraya, specialty restaurants, a beach club, a kids club, Wild Wadi Aqaba Water Park by Jumeirah Group, and sports complex, among others.

Drake & Scull Engineering is currently executing the MEP scope of services at the St Regis Hotel, Amman for a value of AED 160 Million which is scheduled for completion in 2016. DSI continues to enhance and strengthen its services offerings with unmatched vertical integration and global footprint. Total project awards to date reached approximately AED 4 billion in KSA, UAE, Qatar, Algeria, Jordan, India Romania, Turkey and Egypt.

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