Channel Middle East, the region's leading IT channel magazine, has listed ASBIS ME amongst the Top 15 largest Dubai-based distributors in its 2008 Power List survey. The ranking criteria included revenue figures, number of active accounts, financial transparency, and geographic coverage.

The authors of 2008 Power List point out that leading distributors in the Middle East are growing, maturing and even reinventing themselves in some cases, buoyed by the knowledge that distribution remains central to the plans of almost every IT vendor serving the Middle East.

The authors further indicate that regardless of the ongoing challenges, the prospects for the Middle East distribution market look encouraging. As vendors come under pressure to meet their lofty growth targets, they are looking to expand their distribution reach throughout the region.

This year's Power List reveals that the combined revenues of the 15 largest Dubai-based distributors total a colossal US$3.881 billion - a 21% rise on the previous year.

Here's the snapshot of ASBIS Middle East as presented in the magazine's 2008 Power List.

Asbis Middle East FZE

2007 sales: $105m

Employees: 49

Active Accounts: 500

No. Middle East offices outside Dubai: 1

Geographic remit: Middle East & Africa

Background: Once perceived as just a hard drive distributor, Asbis has massively grown its portfolio by striking deals with the likes of Dell and Toshiba, and aggressively pushing its own-brand hardware.

2008 strategy: Asbis' new Saudi operation has got off to a flying start by gaining Toshiba distribution rights, and now the firm has set its sights on establishing a local presence in Qatar. Asbis aims to eventually reach sales of US$175m and employ 80 people, underscoring the extent of its ambition.