The strategic partnership between IFS and Saudi Business Machines (SBM) represents a pivotal development in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation landscape. By bringing together IFS’s expertise in enterprise cloud and Industrial AI solutions with SBM’s four decades of experience in delivering comprehensive IT solutions, this collaboration is set to reshape the technological capabilities of Saudi enterprises. The partnership aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, a national initiative that aims to diversify the economy, foster innovation, and position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in technology-driven industries.
With this collaboration, IFS and SBM are making substantial investments to expand the footprint of IFS solutions across the Kingdom. This expansion is not just about technology deployment—it’s about empowering businesses with intelligent, AI-driven tools that enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and drive long-term growth. By leveraging IFS.ai, the company’s advanced Industrial AI technology, Saudi enterprises will gain access to predictive analytics, automated workflows, and data-driven insights that streamline complex business processes and improve productivity. The integration of these solutions will help businesses reduce costs, optimize supply chains, and enhance overall performance, enabling them to compete on a global scale.
A major focus of the partnership is sector-specific digital transformation. SBM will extend its IFS practice across a wide range of industries, including Aerospace & Defence, Energy Utilities & Resources, Manufacturing, Construction & Engineering, Telecommunications, and Service industries. This means that businesses in these critical sectors will benefit from industry-tailored solutions that address their unique challenges. Alongside implementing IFS software, SBM will provide business consulting and customized technical support, ensuring that organizations maximize the value of their digital investments.
Beyond technological advancements, this partnership is deeply committed to workforce development. Recognizing that digital transformation is only as effective as the people driving it, IFS and SBM are jointly investing in initiatives to nurture local talent. These initiatives include specialized training programs, sales upskilling workshops, and the IFS certification program for young graduates. By equipping professionals with cutting-edge skills, the collaboration aims to build a strong, future-ready workforce that can lead Saudi Arabia’s digital evolution. This focus on talent development is instrumental in fostering an innovation-driven economy, providing young Saudi professionals with opportunities to gain hands-on experience with world-class enterprise technology.
Simon Niesler, Chief Revenue Officer at IFS, underscored the significance of this partnership, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid transformation, fueled by digital modernization and infrastructure development. He highlighted that partnering with a market leader like SBM would enable IFS to establish a stronger regional presence and accelerate the adoption of Industrial AI and enterprise cloud solutions. By working together, IFS and SBM aim to help businesses unlock new growth opportunities, optimize operations, and gain a competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world.
Echoing this sentiment, Fadhel Al-Shaikh, Vice President of Business Tech Solutions at SBM, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030. He emphasized that by combining SBM’s extensive market experience with IFS’s advanced enterprise solutions, the partnership would redefine how Saudi organizations approach digital transformation. The goal is to empower businesses with the technology and expertise they need to reach unprecedented levels of efficiency, productivity, and innovation.
This collaboration sets a new standard for enterprise innovation in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a leader in digital transformation. By integrating AI-driven enterprise solutions with a strong local presence, IFS and SBM are not only shaping the future of business operations in Saudi Arabia but also contributing to the country’s broader economic and technological progress. This partnership represents more than just a business agreement—it is a transformative initiative that will have a lasting impact on Saudi Arabia’s industrial and technological landscape for years to come.