Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 25th June 2002

Comtrust, the e-business solutions business unit of Etisalat, announced today it has formed a strategic alliance with GTFS, a leading IT integrator and solution provider in the region. Designed to considerably extend Comtrust’s market reach, the partnership will make e-business an affordable reality for many more companies in the Gulf region.

The strategic alliance will enable Dubai based GTFS to market and sell Comtrust’s entire range of market leading e-business solutions in the country and allow both companies to significantly expand their services to customers. Saoud Al Shamsi, Sales Manager, Comtrust said of the agreement, “We are delighted to announce the alliance with GTFS. With their strong leadership position and a track record for performance and reliability, they will provide invaluable support to Comtrust in helping businesses and Government embrace e-commerce.”

Commenting on the future role of the partnership, he said, “GTFS will further enhance our market presence and will be a catalyst to continued e-business growth in the region. Through the extended sales and marketing channel, we will be able to provide a complete e-commerce solution to our customers, allowing them to take advantage of all the benefits that a reliable, secure e-commerce package can bring to their businesses.”

GTFS started as a Quality Assurance and Software testing facility provider, which gives the organization a unique and valuable insight into developing quality software for key applications in the Internet space. As a result, GTFS have many prestigious clients throughout the GCC in the business of manufacturing, banking, telecommunications and distribution.

Patrick McManaman, Managing Director of GTFS, expressed his delight at the signing of the agreement between two high profile organizations in the Middle East. “Comtrust recognize that our strength lies in our knowledge and ability in working with our clients, and in analyzing their specific requirements and objectives. We know that we, in partnership with Comtrust, can provide quality, tailor-made e-commerce solutions for customers needing to enhance the efficiency of their Internet reach.”

He continued, “Many companies are now looking to open up new business channels through the Internet to take advantage of new market and revenue opportunities. GTFS has a proven background and the skills to mould Internet-based solutions that redefine supply chain management and support integrated, interconnected work for external audiences. With this expertise, we are a perfect partner for Comtrust’s vision of e-business for all.”

Following the recent signing of similar agreements with other IT organizations, Comtrust now employs four companies as its official value added resellers in the UAE.