The GISWORX ’13 (GIS Workshops and Exhibitions for ESRI users) was recently held at the Convention Centre of Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai. Held every year, the event provides information about the different aspects of GIS technology through several technical workshops. The GISWORX ’13 explored how users in UAE and the region could further extend the use of GIS beyond computers to the mainstream trend towards mobile and cloud computing.
Major companies like HP, Canon, Epson and regional institutions like DEWA participated in the event. HP was the principal sponsor of GISWORX ’13, which was organized by Technology Integration Events Management (TIEM). ME Printer Magazine, while attending the event, talked to Thomas Valjak, vice president and general manager – large format design printing solutions, HP EMEA to know about the company’s latest advances in the large format segment. Thomas Valjak said that the company was a market leader in the large format printer division and its solutions mostly suit architects, engineering consultants and also the retail market. “Though we address multiple markets, our core market is architecture, engineering and construction. We have a market share in EMEA of more than 65%. HP printing solutions are put into use for the design or construction of buildings at some point or the other. Another important market for us is GIS. A new market, which we see emerging, is in the retail segment.”
He added, “The Designjet portfolio is split into two parts, the T series and the Z series. The T series is predominantly used for technical applications, while the Z series is used for graphic applications and provide very good print and photo quality. Our products are very versatile, and high in quality.”
When asked about the increasing interest for latex printers, Thomas opined, “Latex has proven to be successful because of its versatility. It can be used for indoor and outdoor printing with reasonable print quality. Latex compared to solvent printers are very eco-friendly, is easy to use, has good productivity and good print quality. It’s a very interesting technology for graphic applications and many of our customers are adopting it.”
Mentioning the features of the recently introduced T520 printer, Thomas said, “T520 is a huge hit among our product categories. The printer is getting excellent feedback from all countries that I have visited.”
LFP Solutions From Canon
Canon Middle East showcased its LFP range and Océ wide format solutions at this year’s GISWORX. It included a new line-up of LFP models tailored and designed to tackle the needs to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Computer-Aided Design (CAD) industries.
Canon was the platinum sponsor for this year’s exhibition and the show provided a platform to highlight its Océ range of wide format solutions as well.
Hendrik Verbrugghe, Marketing Director, Canon Middle East said; “Overall, the response to the Canon and Océ products on display at the stand was amazing. Both the GIS and CAD industries are growing with professionals in this market searching for a product with the ability to tackle all their needs in a cost-effective and efficient way without compromising on quality. We are committed to providing the best in class products, solutions and services to their resellers and end-user customers.”
“The introduction of applications such as Scan-to-cloud, cloud printing and integration with ESRI ArcGIS software for advanced usability and efficient operations showed immense interest among visitors of the exhibition,” concluded Verbrugghe.
