Derayah, one of Saudi Arabia's budding financial services firms, has implemented a Cisco network infrastructure for its entire IP backbone. The decision to implement Cisco's IP based technology solutions, which help firms cut operational costs and accommodate ambitious growth, is aligned with Derayah's focus on empowering investors by providing the most independent, convenient and cost-effective way to invest their assets. Derayah's implementation of Cisco infrastructure and network-based services and solutions comprises Cisco Unified Communications and Cisco Unified Contact Center. Built on Cisco's robust video-enabled technology with high levels of security, the IP-based Contact Center will help Derayah power the way they serve and support their customers by helping to keep their services available 24x7, with improved response times and network efficiency at a lower cost. In addition Derayah has adopted a robust, scalable security solution that offers high network protection and privacy of customer data. Hashem AlHekail, COO, Derayah, said: “Cisco provided us with a complete solution that we believe will support our business strategy and form a technology platform. With the right technology in place, we are boosting our infrastructure to help provide our customers with reliable and continuous services, in the safest and most secure manner, while reducing operational costs. We see Cisco as a long-term strategic partner that is innovating with reliable communications solutions.” Derayah aims to offer its investors seamless access to brokerage and trading in Saudi Arabia from a single integrated technology platform. Through this infrastructure, individual investors can conveniently access multiple investment products from multiple providers, using a fund supermarket approach coupled with value-added investment advisory, asset allocation and fund selection services. Derayah has adopted an infrastructure that integrates devices and software to enhance its existing operational efficiency, while providing its customers with even more advanced services across its network. Dr. Badr AlBadr, managing director for Cisco's Saudi Arabian, said:”Having an effective network strategy in place helps enable financial services organizations become more customer-focused. Financial services organizations are turning to highly secure voice, video and data technology to address new economic pressures, regulatory compliance and an increasingly competitive market to help improve productivity and enhance the customer experience. For Derayah, the Cisco Unified Communications system is a strategic enabler of its rapid growth, business process enhancements and value added services. The ability to connect and collaborate with customers and employees anytime, anywhere on any device is key to winning in this highly competitive sector.” Retail brokerage and financial services firms have rapidly migrated to Internet-based trading and e-commerce systems that help provide more valuable information to private bankers, brokers and advisers and offer more tailored customer advice while selling a broader range of products. Cisco offers a comprehensive product portfolio that integrates intelligence into a company's network, hence enabling financial institutions realize agility and productivity gains, as well as increasing their profitability by enhancing their customers' satisfaction. __
