Introduction

Successful Middle Eastern companies will start to deploy high-end contact center solutions, such as desktop and CTI applications integrated into back office functions, to streamline their operations. This is no easy task as the skills and knowledge to do so may not be readily available. Vendors and their partners face a tough challenge.

Scope

DATAMONITOR VIEW 1
CATALYST 1
SUMMARY 1
ANALYSIS 2
Reform in the Middle East leads to opportunities for vendors but challenges lie ahead 2
Early reform in the Middle East's telecoms industry shows companies how to replicate western customer service strategies 2
Governments seek foreign investment as the region stabilizes 3
Localization of products and services 5
Not all technology is accepted 5
Deploying inconstant market strategies to the contact center can affect presence in the Middle East 5
Multi-nationals and vendors need to have an appropriate governance structure 5
Middle Eastern contact centers demand high-end solutions and professional services 6
High end contact center solutions are profitable to vendors operating in the Middle East 6
Professional services can be a sweet spot if vendors illustrate how contact centers make a profit for firms 7
Knowledge and skills shortage in some countries has an impact on delivery of contact center projects 7
Vendors need to open up training centers to address sustainability 7
Contact center vendors should explore partnerships with bands and regional system integrators 8
Traditional SI partnerships are significant when engaging with international and domestic enterprises 8
New channel relationships need to be forged to sell contact centers to local companies 9
Channel incentivization in the Middle East can not operate on the same lines as in the West 9
Foreign investment regulations and restrictions may hamper success in some countries 9
ACTION POINTS 11
Western customer service strategies are being adopted - vendors use this experience to sell to this region 11
There is an appetite for high-end solutions - but which ones will be important to the enterprise? 11
Skills shortages can be mitigated by opening of training centers 11
The Middle East prides itself on its personal relationships - vendors will find real success with customer referrals 11
APPENDIX 12
Methodology 12
Further reading 12
Ask the analyst 12
Datamonitor consulting 12
Disclaimer 12
List of Figures
Figure 1: Foreign direct investment has risen in several Middle Eastern countries. 4