Shariah success for VAR

Evolution claims its specialist knowledge could become a key differentiator in difficult times

After completing an installation for Islamic finance specialist Gatehouse Bank, reseller Evolution has claimed that its knowledge of Shariah-compliant banking could become a key business differentiator.

The VAR recently completed the design and deployment of Gatehouse’s IP network infrastructure, including a hosted twin-datacentre.

Managing director Simon Osman told CRN that his company had worked on several projects with Islamic finance institutions.

“You have to understand and respect the culture,” he said. “We did not design the network differently, but every piece of work has to be approved by the scholar. It also affects terms and conditions, which have to be worded in a way that is totally compliant.”

Islamic finance has been in the spotlight in recent months with a number of high-street banks offering Shariah-compliant accounts and mortgages.

Osman claimed Evolution saw it as a growth area and had been keen to get involved.

“We saw an opportunity and the Islamic clients have been a fillip for us,” he said. “The challenge now is in building that vertical.”