Mo Mobasseri is CEO of Emt Distribution, a specialised Value-Added Technology Distributor (VAD) and service provider with a focus on information security and the most effective cyber threat mitigation strategies. He leads a highly skilled team committed to the company’s mission of enhancing information security and implementing highly effective cyber threat mitigation strategies.
Emt’s core mission revolves around delivering innovative solutions and cutting-edge strategies aimed at proactively preventing cybersecurity incidents and safeguarding the digital assets of businesses, Education services around emerging technologies and cybersecurity as well as offering best in class ITAM Solutions and services. Beyond providing state-of-the-art products, Emt also extends support through a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity professional services. These offerings include Privilege Access Maturity Assessments, Essential Eight Maturity Assessment, Cloud Security Assessments, Data Access Governance Implementations and Privilege Access Implementations, among others. By offering cutting-edge products and services, Emt strives to empower its partners with the tools and expertise needed to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats and ensure a secure digital future for their clients.
Anita Joseph caught up with Mo for a candid discussion on the company’s future-forward growth trajectory and its innovative market strategies that have positioned it as the undisputed leader in the fiercely competitive IT distribution market.
DIVERSIFIED, YET FOCUSED
Emt Distribution, according to Mo, is laser-focused on strategic expansion initiatives across multiple fronts. Beyond geographical horizons, exemplified by the recent establishment of an office in Saudi Arabia, the company is dedicated to fortifying its presence in this region. This move is not merely about physical expansion; it’s about enriching resources to provide unparalleled service to its network of technology partners, resellers, and customers.
The realm of Operational Technology (OT) has been a cornerstone of Emt’s operations for some time. However, recognising the pressing challenges facing the OT industry, particularly concerning security management, emt has taken proactive steps to address these issues head-on. With a spotlight on security management within the OT domain, emt is poised to make significant strides in this arena throughout 2024, solidifying its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure.
While cybersecurity remains the bedrock of emt’s operations, the last 7 years have witnessed a strategic diversification into comprehensive management services and solutions. “This evolution encompasses vital areas such as IT asset management, cost optimisation and the integration of DevOps, FinOps and SecDevOps solutions. The success of this expansion owes much to emt’s collaborative approach, leveraging cutting-edge solutions in tandem with its esteemed technology partners. Looking ahead, emt is dedicated to further enriching its service offerings, with an emphasis on customisation and flexibility to meet the unique needs of its clientele,” Mo says.
Setting itself apart from conventional distributors, emt takes immense pride in its robust commitment to service offerings. Unlike its counterparts, emt boasts a dedicated service division, providing not only support for vendor technologies but also vendor-neutral services. This distinctive approach underscores emt’s role as a service distributor, facilitating seamless delivery through its extensive network of channel partners, with the flexibility to white-label services as per individual branding preferences.
Furthermore, emt has made significant strides in cloud management and security, aligning itself with the burgeoning trend of cloud adoption across various sectors. While the benefits of cloud solutions are undeniable, emt remains acutely aware of the paramount importance of ensuring the security of cloud environments. To this end, the company has forged strategic alliances with new vendors and implemented robust security measures in line with industry standards, such as CIS controls. By prioritising security in the cloud, emt reaffirms its commitment to providing comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that inspire confidence in an increasingly digital world.
Meanwhile, expanding into Africa remains another significant area of focus for the company. “We’ve established resources in South Africa and Morocco, with plans to open additional offices in 2024. The African market presents exciting opportunities for training, technology sales, and services, which align with our strategic focus on service offerings.”
BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP
emt Distribution is actively involved in skilling and training the future generation. Recognising the ever-widening cybersecurity skills gap, the company has collaborated with organisations like the Dubai World Trade Centre and the UAE Cybersecurity Council to provide training in cybersecurity, IoT, and data science. “Additionally, we’re now delving into office gaming platforms to create environments for blue and red teams to practice real-world scenarios,” Mo points out.
“On a national level, we’re working in multiple initiatives to expand our cooperation with the respective authorities in cybersecurity awareness campaigns and initiatives focused on IT asset and cost optimisation. By customising solutions for ministries and government entities, we aim to help them redirect funds towards cybersecurity investments,” he adds.
POWERED BY AI
AI is a game changer and emt has leveraged the power of AI to achieve its objectives and propel growth. Mo underscores the pivotal role played by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in navigating the contemporary business landscape. “AI has evolved into a cornerstone of our operational strategies,” he states. “While numerous platforms harness AI capabilities, we acknowledge the unique significance of generative AI, especially within cybersecurity frameworks.” To foster understanding and proficiency in this specialised domain, we’ve conducted extensive workshops and training sessions focused on generative AI. These initiatives serve as a prelude to the integration of this cutting-edge technology into our suite of offerings. He stresses the company’s commitment to empowering both individuals and organisations through certified training programs, envisioning a future where the full potential of AI is harnessed to address evolving challenges in the industry.
THE WAY AHEAD
The Middle East region stands as a promising arena for the company’s growth trajectory, particularly with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar emerging as steadfast hubs for expansion. Mo highlights that despite occasional global turbulence, these markets have demonstrated resilience, remaining robust, appealing, and primed for development. “While challenges like payment issues persist, we’ve adeptly maneuvered through them by implementing service-centric solutions and flexible payment structures,” he explains. Moreover, the competitive landscape has evolved into a more professional and stable environment, fostering healthier market dynamics. Says Mo, “Considering the challenges faced in other regions, the Middle East presents a wealth of opportunities, positioning it as a strategic focal point for our investment and expansion endeavors.” This sentiment underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging the region’s growth potential and consolidating our presence in key markets.
In an era marked by unprecedented digital transformation and ever-evolving cyber threats, emt Distribution emerges as a beacon of innovation and resilience within the IT sector. It is not just a distributor; rather, it is a strategic partner equipped to help businesses navigate the complex challenges of today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
At the heart of emt’s mission lies a steadfast commitment to enhancing information security and mitigating cyber threats effectively. Its focus on innovation is evident in its proactive approach to cybersecurity. Rather than merely reacting to threats as they arise, emt anticipates and prepares for future challenges. Through strategic partnerships and ongoing research and development, emt stays at the forefront of cybersecurity trends, ensuring that its clients have access to the most advanced tools and technologies available.
As the IT sector continues to evolve at breakneck speed, businesses must adapt quickly to stay ahead of the curve. emt Distribution stands poised to guide organisations through this dynamic landscape, providing the expertise, resources, and support needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. With its unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence, emt is not just a distributor; it is a trusted partner for businesses seeking to secure their digital future.
emt Distribution’s proactive approach, comprehensive solutions, and commitment to education position it as a leader in the IT sector. As businesses navigate the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world, they can rely on Emt to provide the tools, expertise, and support needed to safeguard their digital assets and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
