NETGEAR Wins AED 1.8 Million Contract to Install Wireless Network Solution in 350 Schools in UAE


Ministry of Education implements initiative to enhance learning for students through portfolio of wireless products

NETGEAR, a worldwide provider of technologically advanced networking products, has signed a contract with the UAE Ministry of Education worth AED 1.8 million to supply three of its products - the wireless access point WAG102, Prosafe 8 port 10/100 switch and wireless PCI adaptor WPN311 - to 350 schools in the UAE.

Ahmad Zeidan, Channel Sales Manager, NETGEAR Middle East, said, "More than 70,000 students and teachers will benefit from the limitless opportunities an internet-based education provides. With NETGEAR Wireless, pupils and instructors can stream from any server the relevant educational material for their lectures to enhance the learning techniques. The government has entrusted NETGEAR with the responsibility of enhancing the welfare and education of students in the UAE and we will draw on our years of expertise and high quality products to deliver the desired results."

NETGEAR submitted its bid along with many major networking vendors for the contract. The company was chosen by the Ministry of Education because of its reputation for high quality products, affordability and rigorous safety testing standards.

Ali Meihad Al Suwaidi, Assistant Under-Secretary of Human Resources Planning and Development, UAE Ministry of Education said, "The ministry opted for the solution from NETGEAR after a successful trial run of their products in some schools. Studies indicate that a wired infrastructure network in 350 schools will cost the Ministry far more than utilizing the wireless solution offered by NETGEAR."

"We are optimistic that these new teaching tools will enhance the learning process and allow students to better understand their lessons. The adoption of wireless technology by the Ministry is part of a general move by the education sector to more sophisticated teaching techniques," Al Suwaidi added.

The new contract comes as NETGEAR is intensifying its operations in the region by launching an ambitious expansion program that saw the establishment of new operations in Qatar, in addition to its UAE office and distribution channels covering KSA, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt. In line with its aggressive market approach, NETGEAR, which has posted more than AED 7.34 million in revenue since it opened its Middle East operations in Dubai just six months ago, set up a new office in Qatar because of the Gulf state's remarkable economic growth rate.

"NETGEAR has been aggressively introducing initiatives that bring us closer to the consumers, which we believe will consolidate our presence in the vibrant Middle East business environment. We have seen a very robust ICT market in Qatar and NETGEAR has positioned itself to take advantage of this growing demand for networking solutions. We will continue to search for channels to expand our reach and improve our services by moving closer to the markets we serve," concluded Zeidan.

About NETGEAR:

NETGEAR® (NASDAQ: NTGR) designs technologically advanced, branded networking products that address the specific needs of small and medium business and home users. The Company's product offerings enable users to share Internet access, peripherals, files, digital multimedia content and applications among multiple personal computers and other Internet-enabled devices. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.netgear.com.

For more information, please contact:

CommuniGate Middle East

PO Box 66861, Dubai

UAE

Tel: +971 4 3988134

Fax: +971 4 3988137

Email: info@communigateme.com

Website: www.communigateme.com

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