Qtel has signed a partnership agreement with Gulf Business Machines (GBM) establishing a long-term strategic relationship. This partnership will allow both companies to ‘offer greater value’ to their business customers while opening up opportunities for expansion into new markets. Under the terms of the agreement, Qtel and GBM will jointly pursue and provide advanced ICT solutions to their clients.The new partnership will leverage Qtel’s ever-expanding network and its long-term relationships; and GBM’s reputation as one of the largest IT solution providers in the region. Through the partnership, Qtel and GBM will engage in activities including technical site surveys, designing full solutions, defining the needed resources and works, supplying materials and services for installation as well as testing, commissioning, maintenance, support and warranty for clients.Qtel executive director (Business Solutions) Khalid Abdulla al-Mansouri said, “Qtel continues to forge ahead in offering a range of technology solutions to its business clients and with this new partnership we are able to present a more comprehensive ICT offering. Partnering with GBM allows us access to a raft of specialist expertise and the worldwide resources of IBM, adding to the unparalleled range of IT solutions for our customers.” The initial focus for Qtel and GBM will be within healthcare, education, energy, hospitality and small and medium enterprise business sectors. GBM Qatar chairman Bader al-Mana said, “We are extremely excited about this new venture for GBM in the region. We are positive our partnership with Qtel will enhance our position in Qatar, since it is a key market for us, and as a regional leader within the ICT industry. Qtel is a dynamic business that continues to grow at pace with Qatar and we are certain that this partnership will be a success.”Qtel has worked with leading companies, with significant support provided for pioneers in the fields of energy, aviation, government and retail. Contributing to this growth, Qtel recently commenced switching customers to a high-speed fibre network. Qtel field teams have already laid out over 1,200km of fibre cable throughout Doha. Small businesses in particular are set to benefit from the Qtel Fibre network, through a range of specialist solutions that leverage the enhanced speed and capacity of Qtel fibre. “The agreement with GBM is another key step in evolving strategy for Qtel Business Solutions, which aims to fuel the ongoing growth of Qatar’s key business sectors,” Qtel said.