First came the mainframe computer, then came the personal computer, and now we are in the Third Platform; IT built on mobile, social, cloud, and big data. The evolution to the Third Platform has led hardware and software firms to adjust their business models to align more closely with the needs and demands of consumers first, then only followed by the benefits to the organization.
This dramatic shift in how IT is built and consumed is what’s driving the digital transformation age and forms the new core of IT market growth. In fact, IDC believes that Third Platform solutions will be the primary growth factor and generate $5.3 trillion by 2020.
But what does this mean for businesses in the Middle East?
Moving to the Third Platform presents a host of opportunities for global leaders to emerge in the Middle East. The region offers a unique set of factors making it the perfect epicenter for new technology, apps, and services. But most importantly, it’s the dynamic culture of change and collaboration that makes the Middle East truly special.
The rise of the ‘Information Generation’ and their preference for Third Platform apps and services complements the Middle East’s naturally younger population, higher disposable income, and their affinity for the latest technology and gadgets. Organizations have the opportunity to take advantage of these unique dynamics and adapt the way they work with this group of users by intuitively delivering services that immediately impress them and continuously deliver.
One such example is Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, where the country has committed to expanding it digital service offerings to reduce delays and cut tedious bureaucracy for consumers. Dell EMC is proud to be associated with this project and has recently signed an agreement with both Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) and Virtustream to deliver cloud computing services at the Mobily Melgha 2 Data Center in Riyadh, which will help equip the telecommunications giant with the foundation for Third Platform innovation.
Careem, Noon, and the new ZeroWaste out of Egypt (who are currently disrupting the recycling industry with their consumer-centered philosophy) are all excellent examples of new businesses who have cornered a market that few others had offerings in, and they are proving their success every day with personalized user experience delivered in real-time.
Managing the pace of change.
Innovation accelerators such as robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and next-generation security are also playing integral roles in the growth and development of Third Platform-centric businesses. One such exciting example of how Third Platform can add value through an explosion of technology is Karim, an artificially intelligent chatbot who converses with Syrian refugees using personalized text message, to help people overcome emotional challenges. Combing cloud, mobile, social, and big data, with a Third Platform analytics foundation can exponentially expand a business’ offerings and better connect them with their consumers, regardless of their industry type or history. Quite simply, if an organization is not making innovation and consumers a priority, then they’re not making the future of their business a priority.
Businesses are already changing to adopt these new technologies and converging several IT mega-trends to impact how consumers interact and use their products or services. Dell EMC is excited to be a part of the digital transformation age, and with the most comprehensive products and service offerings on the market, we are sure we can help you on your IT journey to fully embracing the Third Platform. Take a look at our cloud, big data, converged infrastructure, and data protection solutions, or contact your local customer service agent to set up a call to discuss your needs.
