Assuring its constant commitment to educating young Saudis and introducing them to the latest technology in the world, King Saud University (KSU), College of Computer الجزيرة Information Sciences recently signed an agreement with Saudi Business Machines (SBM) on the IBM Academic Initiative program. With this agreement, KSU becomes the first university in the Kingdom to embark on this program and becomes part of a larger network of top universities worldwide who are part of the IBM Academic Initiative network.

In this context, Dr. Sami Saleh Al-Wakeel, Dean of the College of Computer and Information Sciences at KSU, and Mr. Ali Dulaim, Chief Executive Officer of SBM, recently signed a document of understanding at the College of Computer and Information Sciences at KSU, "KSU intends to take the IT business a step forward towards its growth. With this program, KSU will boost the skills and knowledge of its computer IT students, and prepare them for the IT market that sees constant accelerative growth and a relentless pace of innovation." , said Dr. Al-Wakeel.

Mr. Ali Dulaim said they are very pleased that KSU's College of computer الجزيرة Information Sciences is the first college in Saudi Arabia to take up the IBM Academic Initiative. He expressed his confidence that KSU will be a leader in providing education excellence in the Information Technology fields for future generations.

The IBM Academic Initiative will provide KSU and its Scientific Colleges with several benefits, such as free IBM software for the university's educational requirements, training programs for the academic faculty, assistance in deployment of IBM software, internships for students, in addition to access to certain IBM corporate resources.

Established over fifty years ago, KSU grew to encompass twenty-eight colleges that include research centers and hospitals. Its 62,000 students are served by 3,000 academic staff, who are well trained and qualified to present KSU's undergraduates with the best knowledge and skills.

The College of Computer and Information Sciences was established in 1983 as the first specialized college in Computer and IT in the Middle East. The College aims towards spreading Computer and IT knowledge and preparation of specialized graduates and manpower for IT sectors. The College also aims towards carrying advanced research and widespread utilization of computer technology in administrative, scientific and educational sectors of Saudi Society.

Based in Jeddah, and with branches in Riyadh, Al-Khobar and Jubail, with over 600 employees and 60 years of experience in the Kingdom, Saudi Business Machines Limited (SBM), has played a leading role in the development of information technology in the Kingdom. SBM continues to power both the private and public sectors in the Kingdom with innovative products, integrated services and e- business solutions. Partnering with the world's technology leader, IBM, further extends SBM's status, positioning it as the most comprehensive information technology solutions provider in the region.