Interview: Infoblox’s New Brand Launch & MEA Networking Trends

Spokesperson: Mohammed Al-Moneer, Sr. Regional Director, META Region, Infoblox

What is the significance of the new brand launch for local customers and partners in the Middle East & Africa region?

Mohammed Al-Moneer: The rationale behind our new brand launch is centered on the idea that networking and security are most effective when they work together, sharing real-time visibility into application, user, and device context. At Infoblox, we unite NetOps and SecOps to enhance efficiency and unite real-time user and device context, eliminating critical network and security bottlenecks. This unparalleled visibility and control empower our customers to deliver the protection and performance they need today.

The new brand launch is of great significance to our local customers and partners in the Middle East and Africa region. It strengthens our positioning as a company that plays a critical role in securing the networks of some of the world’s largest companies. This appeals to both networking and security professionals, and the launch will increase awareness of our brand, create new business opportunities, and enhance the overall customer experience.

What do you see as some of the regional trends in the networking and security space?

Mohammed Al-Moneer: In the Middle East and Africa region, we observe several key trends in the networking and security space:

1. Focus on Cyber Security: With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, companies in the MEA region are prioritizing cybersecurity investments to protect their networks and sensitive data. Spending on security solutions and services in the region is expected to see significant growth.

2. Adoption of Multi-cloud Strategies: Organizations are embracing cloud-managed networking solutions, including SD-WAN and virtualization, to achieve greater operational efficiency and scalability for their distributed cloud and on-premises network infrastructure.

3. Leading the Way in NetOps and SecOps Collaboration: We are witnessing a growing trend in various industries where networking and security teams are collaborating to achieve a more comprehensive and unified approach to securing core network services, such as DNS and DHCP. This approach is increasingly prevalent in sectors such as finance, healthcare, technology, retail, and manufacturing.

Can you talk about Infoblox’s regional growth in the Middle East and Africa market? What are the key drivers for the business?

Mohammed Al-Moneer: Infoblox has made significant investments across the META region, establishing offices in several countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, and Turkey. Our growth in this region is driven by several key factors:

1. Unification of Network and Security: As more organizations in the region transition their operations online, the demand for network and security solutions that work together has surged. Our offerings help both network and security teams protect their networks from various cyber threats.

2. Growing Adoption of Cloud-based Services: Many organizations in the MEA region are embracing cloud-based services to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Infoblox offers cloud-based DNS and IPAM solutions to manage and secure these cloud-based networks.

3. Strong Partner Program: Our innovative partner program plays a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for network and security solutions. By collaborating with partners who unite Network & Security teams, we can better position Infoblox’s core technology value and deliver comprehensive solutions to customers.

What are some of the investments that Infoblox is making in the region?

Mohammed Al-Moneer: Infoblox places significant emphasis on investing in regional talent. We provide training programs, mentorship initiatives, and collaborate with academic institutions to equip the region’s talent with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle networking and cybersecurity challenges effectively. We believe that investing in regional talent is essential for the success of our customers, and we take this responsibility seriously.

Additionally, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment that empowers our employees to deliver value to our customers. By investing in regional talent, we contribute not only to the development of our employees but also to the growth and prosperity of the communities in which we operate.

What can customers in MEA expect from Infoblox in the next 4-5 years?

Mohammed Al-Moneer: Over the next 4-5 years, customers in the MEA region can expect several key priorities from Infoblox:

1.  Continued Investment in Cloud-based Network Security:  Infoblox will focus on developing cloud-based solutions that help customers secure their networks and data. This may include offerings like cloud-based DNS, DHCP, and IP address management, as well as security services that provide visibility and threat detection across hybrid cloud environments.

2.  Expansion of Network Automation Capabilities:  Automation is a core focus for Infoblox, and customers can expect to see more automation features added to our solutions, streamlining their network management processes.

3.  Greater Emphasis on User Experience:  Infoblox will continue enhancing the user experience of its products, making solutions more user-friendly and intuitive.

Are there any big channel initiatives planned for the region? 

Mohammed Al-Moneer: Yes, a major focus for us in the region is our recently launched “Skilled to Secure” partner program. This program reflects the changing security landscape and evolving customer requirements, emphasizing the need for security solution providers to adapt and stay ahead.

We have been heavily investing in our talented and experienced channel teams, and we currently have industry-leading channel executives across the region who are transforming the way we engage with our partners. Our partner program emphasizes knowledge and skills development, offering a broad range of training programs. We are actively expanding our channel ecosystem by recruiting partners that share our vision, ideology, and passion. We find a great amount of interest from new channel companies interested in joining our program, driven by the significant market potential for our solutions and services. Additionally, we have a robust program, the “Expert Club,” designed for our top-performing partners, incentivizing them as they drive growth for our company.