Al-Ain - 29 March, 2005

Arabian Advanced Systems (AAS) and 3M announces a partnership agreement that entitles AAS to deliver the new generation of 3M's most robust and patron oriented RFID solution, known as OneTag, to libraries in the Middle East. The new partnership positions AAS and 3M uniquely as market leaders to serve the evolving needs of RFID in libraries around the Middle East. AAS will leverage the innovation of 3M's OneTag solution and assist libraries in a successful implementation and utilization of RFID technology for a better patron service.

"Together AAS & 3M are very optimistic about this partnership for a market that demonstrates continuous adaptation of innovative library solutions" said Mr. Abduljabbar Alabduljabbar, President of AAS. Speaking very confidently, Abduljabbar assures that this new relationship will be advantageous to libraries in the region, and gave the installation at American University of Kuwait as an example. "We are very pleased that this partnership already has proven to move patron services in libraries to a new level of satisfaction and fulfillment like what we achieved with the American University of Kuwait (AUK)".

AUK is an interesting case in that it demonstrates the need for a solution approach to RFID implementation in libraries. "We have been able to set AUK on production within a very short time, with 3M OneTag solution integrated with AUK library management system, Horizon" Mr. Tareq Al-Nouri, AAS Product Manager for Libraries Services said, commenting on the value of 3M & AAS's partnership.

Mr. Samir Tabbara, Country Business Leader at 3M Gulf sets another dimension for this partnership. "We have an excellent product portfolio with many installations around the globe. This partnership will bring OneTag solution to the widest base of libraries in the region with committed after sales support". He added "We recently conducted four days of extensive training to AAS staff; to ensure that AAS is well equipped with the knowledge they need along the course of serving our customers".

-Ends-

About 3M
3M has been helping libraries become more secure, efficient and productive for over 30 years, and we've learned that no two libraries are the same. That's why we offer libraries more choices than anyone else in the industry. 3M Materials Flow Management optimizes the handling, processing and security of materials out of, back into and throughout the library. It's based on radio frequency identification (RFID) and Tattle-Tape security technologies that identify, track and secure materials, allowing staff to spend less time managing the collection and more time assisting customers.

About Arabian Advanced Systems:
AAS is the leading provider of information solutions and library technologies in the Arab World with more than 15 years of experience serving the Arabic information community, providing state-of-the-art information services and solutions. AAS combines integrated tools and applications, with best-of-breed solutions, to provide the information community with a comprehensive set of services covering all aspects of the information cycle, from acquisition and management, to publishing and dissemination. AAS equipped the region's most prominent libraries with 'Horizon', the world's leading library automation system. AAS also developed, through its "Naseej" division, enterprise and public portal solutions and applications for key sectors and organizations. AAS is the regional partner for some of the world's leading information providers such as Dialog, OCLC, EBSCO, ProQuest Ovid/SilverPlatter, IHS, ZAD, HW Wilson, CABI, Jane's, ISI Emerging Markets, NISC, and others.

For more information, please contact AAS HQ :
Tel.: 966 1 477-0477
Fax: 966 1 478-3512
Email: pr@aas.com.sa

© Press Release 2005