Managed IT services enable government entities to realign their IT functions to better serve government goals providing strategic, financial and operational benefits according to Yasser Zeineldin, CEO, eHosting DataFort (eHDF).

Zeineldin's comments came during a forum organised by eHosting DataFort in partnership with Emirates e-Government. Titled 'Managed IT Services for the Government', the event brought together Director Generals, Chief Information Officers (CIOs), and IT Executives from across government departments in the UAE.

He added: "Owing to budget constraints, businesses are now looking to consolidate and centralize their IT infrastructure to focus on core business objectives. More and more government entities are moving away from investing in upfront Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) to an Operational Expenditure (OPEX) model, allowing them to 'pay-as-you-go' and reduce overall risks associated with their business operations."

In his opening address, His Excellency Salem Khamis Al-Shair Al Suwaidi, Deputy General Director for Information and eGovernment, said: "We are pleased to work with eHosting DataFort on this key forum. In the general interest of the national economy, we see this cooperation as a model for collaboration between the government and the private sector."