eHosting DataFort (EHDF), the leading IT outsourcing and managed services provider in the Middle East and a member of TECOM Investments, yesterday announced a strategic partnership with Virtusa Corporation, a global IT services major, to offer regional enterprises a complete portfolio of IT solutions with increased international reach.

The partnership broadens eHosting DataFort’s service offerings to encompass end-to-end IT solutions, from application development to managed hosting services.

Mohamed Fouz, CEO of eHosting DataFort, said: “Our mission mandates us to provide our clients with the highest level of IT outsourcing services. While we comply with international industry standards, our partnership with Virtusa will now enable EHDF to provide clients with a complete range of IT solutions, broadening our global reach. The expertise and knowledge of Virtusa will inevitably complement eHosting DataFort’s current services portfolio.”

Recognised for a number of outstanding achievements in the industry, Virtusa was recently selected as a finalist for the U.S. Secretary of State Award for Corporate Excellence, for playing a leading role among U.S. businesses overseas as good corporate citizens.

Virtusa’s clientele includes some of the world’s largest financial services, communications services, media and information companies, as well as leaders in the enterprise software segment. With presence in three continents and an innovative platforming approach to providing IT solutions, the company has propelled Virtusa to the forefront of the global information technology industry.

Keith Modder, Managing Director of Asian Operations for Virtusa, said: “The alliance with eHosting DataFort will not only strengthen our mutual business relationship, but will also help identify areas where we can capitalise on each other’s strengths and create regional business opportunities. Our global track record of an enhanced delivery model, employment of industry-wide best practices and flexible platforming approach to application development will accelerate time-to-market, offering clients a clear competitive advantage. We are confident our partnership with EHDF will ensure premium services to clients.”

eHosting DataFort recently won the distinction of “Enterprise Service Provider of the Year” at the prestigious 4th ACN Arab Technology Awards 2008, dedicated to the outstanding achievement and excellence of the region’s enterprise IT industry.

eHosting DataFort has established a wide network of technology and channel partners based in the GCC, MENA, Europe, North America and Asia Pacific regions. With world-class data centers, state-of-the-art infrastructure and round-the-clock operations, the region’s leading outsourcing provider delivers its operations through highly-reliable infrastructures based on best practices, including ITIL, ISO 27001, ISO 20000 and BS25999.

With an impressive portfolio of customers, EHDF currently provides IT services and consultancy to government, finance and banking, IT, telecom and media sectors. its clientele includes Emirates airlines, Dubai Financial Market, Dubai Ruler’s Court, Dubai Aluminium Company (DUBAL), Dubai e-Government, Dubai TV, Standard Chartered Bank and Arcelor Mittal, the world’s largest steel company.