Orange Business, a leading global integrated communications service provider, has won a contract renewal with MAF-Carrefour Hypermarkets, one of the most prominent names in the Middle East retailing sector and an Orange Business customer for network infrastructure and ICT solutions since 2008. The 3-year, multimillion dollar contract extends the international network services agreement provided by Orange and adds new dimensions, including the management of domestic WANs in some countries, starting in the UAE.
The additional managed services provided by Orange Business will allow MAF- Carrefour to focus more on its core business operations. Orange is also providing consultancy services in addition to international connectivity covering 72 sites across 13 countries in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Caucasus region.
Mr. Ahmad Baghat, Network and Telecom Manager of MAF-Carrefour in the region, said: “We have a long working relationship with Orange Business across the region and there is a strong and proven track record of collaboration between us. This has given us enough confidence and trust in the capability and reliability of Orange that we have outsourced some important elements of our network and IT services. One of the ways that Orange works with us as a partner is through customized in-house Orange service desks at MAF-Carrefour offices, which gives us the ability to deliver evolving and flexible services to our internal customers.”
Orange Business has 2,000 people working on the B2B market in the Middle East and Africa and has a clear focus on network and managed services, cloud-based services through its own cloud VPN, and consulting expertise. The MEA regional business operates across more than 80 countries from the regional headquarters in Dubai Internet City, UAE, and supports more than 500 multinational clients, including 200 clients in the UAE and 100 banks.
Mr Jean-Luc Lasnier, VP and General Manager of Orange Business Middle East & Africa, added: “MAF-Carrefour is a blue chip name in the regional retail sector and has been a long-term key strategic customer, so we are delighted to sign this expanded agreement. We were able to use our substantial experience and strong relationships – from the network team to the senior leadership team – to counsel MAF-Carrefour on its international connectivity and we brought new consultancy services and managed services to the table that will ensure that MAF-Carrefour will have reliable and secure international and domestic network connectivity for all of its sites as the business continues to expand.”