Qatar IT sector defiant, sees potential rise in business
Qatar IT sector has quickly recovered from the initial shock of unjustified siege imposed by some Gulf states. IT vendors and resellers in Qatar, used to purchase most items from Dubai have made alternative arrangement already.
Most international IT vendors used to have regional distribution system based in Dubai, from where they supply materials for Qatar and other countries. Now, as that system has broken, some vendors started receiving items from other cities like London, Newyork and Muscat. Consumer items like computers, printers and cartridges usually arrived from Dubai, now arrives from counties like China and Taiwan directly, while high technology devices like Servers, Firewall and IP Telephony systems arrive from London and NewYork.
IT resellers now see huge business potential in Doha.
"Many global IT vendors who didn't have offices or direct distribution system in Qatar now planning to start office in Qatar, it will create many jobs in the sector", a business insider says.
HTS, a doha based company, launched a website ( www.tekstore.qa ) for resellers and end-users to purchase IT equipments, that they used to purchase from Dubai in the past. Having offices already in London and Newyork, the company can manage quick delivery with lower costs. With exclusive arrangements with courier companies, it would be easier for the companies to process RMA for Warranty services.
IT resellers and end-users are not hesitating to share their frustrations towards the countries unjustifiably imposed the blockade. Some lost money that they have already paid in advance for purchase, many lost warranty and support services which they are entitled to receive.
" It is a clear case of breach of trust" , an angry reseller in Sofitel shopping complex would say.
We knew that we would survive the difficulties.