Pluto restructures operations in line with expansion plans for the Middle East; Partners with AVG

Dubai, May 18, 2009: Furthering its commitment to the region and in line with its expansion strategy, Pluto today announced its new brand identity and operations structure for the Middle East. Pluto will act as the parent company for subsidiaries that include Pluto Channel and Pluto Games. Coinciding with the new brand launch, Pluto also announced that it has been appointed as the master distributor of AVG Technologies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The restructuring is set to support Pluto’s increasing growth in the region and will span across a wide range of consumer technology and entertainment products. Pluto Channel will draw focus to Pluto’s growing portfolio of consumer technology products, while Pluto Games will continue its growing channel network in the gaming industry.

“In the region, we were previously known as Pluto Games and as our network is growing and product portfolio increasing outside gaming, the Pluto entity was formed,” said Rami El-Hussein, Managing Director, Pluto. “Pluto Channel, along with Pluto Games, will attribute to the Pluto business, enriching the channel with more products and focused support and marketing.”

As one of the first announcements for Pluto Channel, AVG Technologies, a leading anti-virus and Internet security software provider, has partnered with Pluto, thereby granting them extensive access to Pluto’s regional distribution network.

AVG has experienced significant growth in the last few years, becoming one of the world’s top five largest vendors of Internet Security software measured by installed user base. The company will continue to expand and address the needs of the global market through improved technology and broader language and platform support.

AVG has over 80 million users in 167 countries and has nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime. Furthermore, AVG has one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats from around the world.

“Our partnership with Pluto is part of our business strategy to officially enter the Middle East and North Africa region,” said Peter Baxter, Vice President, Business Development, AVG. “Pluto’s success in the region and channel expertise provides us with access to local outlets and retailers where premium AVG products can officially be available to the local consumer with the support that complements it.”
AVG Technologies provides a comprehensive range of security solutions, from standalone anti-virus and anti-spyware software, to all-in-one internet security suites and network solutions for the Windows platform. The company holds Microsoft Gold Partner certification and regularly achieves 100% certification in tests undertaken by Virus Bulletin. All AVG products incorporate the cutting-edge protection against drive-by downloads and other sophisticated cyber attacks provided by the LinkScanner technology, acquired in 2007 through Exploit Prevention Labs.
Commenting on the partnership, El-Hussein added, “AVG is a highly popular brand worldwide and we have no doubt in the potential of the product for us in the region. We extend our commitment of high quality services and support to AVG Technologies products as well as to its existing regional customers.”

Etisalat offers the fastest broadband Internet for home users in the UAE with Al-Shamil 8 &16 Mbps packages

Abu Dhabi, 3rd March 2009: In yet another pioneering accomplishment, Etisalat introduced the fastest home internet in the UAE by announcing two new fixed broadband packages - 16 and 8 Mbps as part of Al Shamil Broadband offering. Based on the Fibre to the Home (FTTH) technology, the new packages will significantly boost the current speed of Internet, and encourage new avenues for internet surfing like online gaming, audio and video streaming. Etisalat has already connected 300,000 homes in the UAE on FTTH (Fibre to the Home) network; that can now benefit from the fastest internet speeds. Etisalat aims to connect the UAE households through FTTH network by 2011, which will yet become another milestone in its own right.

Available in the FTTH connected areas and priced at AED 499/month for 8 Mbps ‎ ‎ and AED 549/month for 16 Mbps‎, the new packages are also available for existing customers in the coverage area, keen on upgrading their account. Customers can gain from four times faster speed by just paying AED 100 more and also benefit from the additional offers that include free installation, one month rental waiver, 5 free email IDs in the .EIM domain with 3GB capacity, along with 8 hours per month free access into 300+ Etisalat hotspots. In addition, that they will also get free eSupport software and Norton Internet Security software.
Commenting on the new packages, Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat said, "Etisalat is delighted to announce the launch of the fastest internet packages in the UAE. Like many of our pioneering initiatives, this service also reinforces our commitment to provide the best value and a variety of options for our customers to choose from.

"Customers today require higher internet speeds for applications like audio and video streaming, online gaming etc, which propagated Etisalat to introduce the two new packages. These packages will further strengthen Etisalat's bouquet of services in the Al Shamil offerings and provide a wider choice of speed to our customers – from 256 kbps to 16 Mbps ‎ depending on their internet surfing requirements."

Customers can subscribe/upgrade to one of the new internet packages and verify if their home is connected via FTTH, by visiting the nearest Etisalat business center. For further information on the service , customers can visit www.etisalat.ae/alshamil