Move addresses expanding international markets NEW YORK – Computer Associates International Inc. (CA) is expanding its presence in the Middle Eastern region, announcing Monday that it has opened a regional headquarters in the United Arab Emirates.Islandia, New York-based CA has long done business in the Middle East, but most of its initiatives in the area are indirect operations assisted by partners. The company called its direct presence and creation of a local management team a “clear change” in its strategy.CA’s new regional headquarters is in Dubai Internet City, a development zone with IT infrastructure, tax incentives and a legal code aimed at encouraging foreign companies to set up local operations. Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM Corp. and Dell Inc. are among the IT vendors with offices in the City. CA has also set up a contact center in Beirut, Lebanon, to field questions from local customers. CA expects to offer implementation services, technical support and customer training through its offices in the region.Gilbert Lacroix is CA’s newly appointed general manager for the region. Lacroix comes to CA from Intel Corp., where he oversaw the company’s business in the Middle East and Africa.A U.S. CA spokeswoman wasn’t sure how many employees the company will place in the Middle East. CA said in a written statement that its expansion there is part of an overall, three-pronged growth strategy: increasing businesses with OEMs (original equipment manufactures), better penetrating the SMB (small and medium-sized businesses) market, and expanding in emerging international markets. Software DevelopmentDatabasesApplication IntegrationTechnology IndustrySmall and Medium Business