A survey of the Arabian Gulf library automation marketplace

Presents results of a survey of the Arabian Gulf region marketplace for library automation systems. The paper provides a market review and evaluates the vendors' standing and discusses the various criteria that underpin relative success or failure in this specific marketplace. The paper begins with a short history of library automation systems in the region and the changes arising in the mid‐1990s as major European and North American vendors began to recognise its potential as a territory for growth opportunities in sales and support services. A market share analysis section in which vendors' varying success in fulfilling key local requirements as well as more widely applicable criteria are analysed in relation to their marketplace success. The Horizon system from Dynix emerges as the clear market leader in the principal states of the Arabian Gulf region, due mainly to its strong Arabic and local support capabilities. Finally, two tables list the market share and the relative shares in responsibility between parent company and local vendor for each major system aspect.