Qatars's Doha Bank looks at collaboration with Wipro

Dubai (PTI) - Qatar's Doha Bank has said it is keen
to engage Indian IT major Wipro to provide software solutions
to improve its e-commerce and Small and Medium Enterprises
(SME) systems, among others.
A statement from the bank, following a meeting of its
senior officials with Wipro Chairman Azim Premji, said both
sides will focus on a stronger alignment that leverages
Wipro's global and regional expertise.
Wipro is the third largest IT company in India and Azim
Premji, according to Forbes, is currently the third richest
Indian, with a personal wealth of USD 17 billion in 2010.
Premji, who was named for the the Padma Vibhushan this year,
holds a 74 per cent stake in Wipro.
Presenting the strategic information technology needs of
the bank to Premji and his regional team, Doha Bank CEO R
Seetharaman said the bank "expects value addition from Wipro
on its e-commerce gateway. Doha Bank will also need specific
solutions on SME segment from Wipro. We would also consider
potential collaboration on education segment with Wipro."
He said that Doha Bank would like to leverage Wipro's
expertise in the UAE and Kuwait and may also roping in Wipro
for technology support with respect to call centre
enhancements, the bank's global framework on risk management
and insurance solutions.
"Wipro... should also consider local market dynamics and
reporting requirements of Qatar Central Bank," said
Seetharaman, adding that simultaneously, Doha Bank's
specialised knowledge processing and various models for
infrastructure management will also be leveraged.
Seetharaman also felicitated Premji for his achievements.
In 2000, Premji was voted among the 20 most powerful men in
the world by Asia Week. He was also among the 50 richest
people in the world from 2001 to 2003 according to Forbes. In
April, 2004, he was rated among the 100 most influential
people in the world by Time magazine.