Eng. Maqbool Al Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Data Park, discusses the transformative impact of digital banking on the financial sector as emerging technologies, bolstered by Artificial Intelligence, pose the next big paradigm shift.
Evolving Landscapes
Seamless Integration
Antom’s partnership with Oman Data Park (ODP) aims to deliver Oman’s first Digital Banking Platform as a Service (SaaS), Open Banking and APIs Development, Instant Digital Lending and Instant Credit Card Insurance Services, says Abdullah Al Nassri, CEO and Syed Muddasir Rizvi, CCO, Antom in an interview with Oommen John
With the aim of setting new standards for data and Cybersecurity solutions ODP and ITHCA Group launch Jabreen smart infrastructure
Maqbool Al Wahaibi:
Jebreen Smart Infrastructure is the largest cloud system that provides integrated solutions with global standards in the fields of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and cyber security
Said Al-Mandhari:
Jabreen smart infrastructure cloud system will contribute to accelerate digital transformation in light of the transformation race in the region.
Muscat, March 2024: Oman Data Park (ODP ) and ITHCA Group launched Jabreen Smart Infrastructure Solutions, the largest cloud systems with a new identity in the Sultanate of Oman. The launching ceremony of Jabreen Smart Infrastructure Solutions, was under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Ghosn bin Hilal bin Khalifa Al-Alawi, President of the State Financial and Administrative Audit Institution. This cloud system aims to provide the Omani market with various packages of integrated cloud solutions, artificial intelligence solutions, cyber security solutions. This phase comes , after the first phase investment of ITHCA Group in attracting advanced cloud services from Oracle, in order Jabreen Project to be the second phase , to provide an advanced package of cloud solutions, including the “cloud infrastructure as a service (IaaS) solutions,” “platform as a service (PaaS) solutions,” and “software as a service (SaaS) solutions, while by this launching , the company will contributes to set new standards for data and cyber security solutions.
Jabreen Smart Infrastructure solutions, with its renewed identity, offers integrated technical solutions in accordance with the international standards, to contribute to strengthen the cloud systems in government entities and private sector companies and establishments in the Sultanate of Oman, base on the principles followed in the country.It will also play vital role in saving data and reducing the cost by moving from capital cost to the current cost, as well as will contribute to advance the pace towards artificial intelligence. Jabreen Smart Infrastructure solutions,will also contribute to acceleratethe digital transformation in light of the transformation race in the region.
Jabreen Smart Infrastructure solutions willstrengthen the provision of advanced systems using artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and cyber security solutions to serve government entities, banks, and companies professionally ,it will also provide other services related to data and information analysis, as well as advanced solutions that will help various sectors to be more dynamic in their contribution to business growth in a more streamlined manner.
In a statement on this subject, Eng. Maqbool Al Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Data Park, said: “The new Jabreen Smart Infrastructure solutions will provide its solutions to various government entities , private sector, oil and gas sector, and banks, through direct cooperation between Oman Data Park, and ITHCA Group, to supply the market with these advanced systems.”
Al-Wahaibi added: As the largest cloud system in providing technical solutions in accordance to the international standards while adhering to the Omani standards followed in this field, this system will contribute effectively to enhance the internally data storage and reducing the cost by moving it from capital cost to commercial cost, in order to acerbate the process of digital transformation in the country.
He emphasized that, Oman Data Park will also pay great attention to small ,medium enterprises and technology companies operating in the Sultanate, by managing direct sales operations in a way that supports the digital sector’s journey in the Sultanate of Oman and enhancing the economic and strategic plans that are compatible with Oman Vision 2040 in its technological context.
For his part, Eng. Said bin Abdullah Al-Mandhari, CEO of ITHCA Group, said: “The cloud partnership between ITHCA Group and ODP enhances the identity of Jabreen Smart Infrastructure solutions, as well as embodies the public and private sector’s cooperation efforts to implement the strategies of the communication and information technology sector towards accessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution”.
Al-Mandhari added: This strategic partnership between ITHCA Group and ODP ,will also contribute to accelerate the pace of projects work, as it will strengthen the provision of advanced cloud services, cyber security solutions, Internet of Things solutions, other ready-made solutions, and various technical support services.
The servers of the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), will power the Group’s processing, networks , while the networks will transfer its data and communications, where the devices connect users of the group’s services through professional technical support by ODP.
The Platform as a Service (PaaS), will contribute to enhance ITHCA Group’s competitive capabilities through platforms that provide speed and innovation in delivering flexible and reliable solutions for the group’s development needs, in affordable enough to launch without committing large sums of capital.
As for the Software as a Service (SaaS) , it is a fast, reliable, and secure app to support ITHCA Group technically, while the SaaS of ODP , is capable to run ITHCA operations in a few minutes and can deploy the new programs through its cloud environment to ITHCA endpoints, while updates are managed by the professional team at Oman Data Park without wasting the group’s time on sourcing, installation and troubleshooting.
It is also noteworthy that ODP, the Sultanate’s first managed cloud services and cyber security provider, plays an integral role in supporting the digital transformation of Oman, through their offering of an all-in-one solution of computing, cloud computing, data storage, networking, web hosting and network security services. ODP also offers the Sultanate’s first Artificial intelligence-ready cloud infrastructure – Nebula AI powered by Nvidia. More details of their services can be found at www.omandatapark.com
ODP and Antom Collaborate to Revolutionize Digital Banking & Open API in Oman
Muscat, March 2024: Oman Data Park (ODP), the Sultanate’s first IT-managed and cloud services provider, and Antom , the leading digital banking innovator based in Oman, have joined forces in a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),to introduce cutting-edge financial solutions to the Omani market through leveraging ODP’s robust infrastructure and Antom’s expertise in digital finance , via the state-of-the-art Antom Digibanc platform in Oman .
The signing of MoU ,was under the auspice of His Excellency Sheikh Ghosn bin Hilal bin Khalifa Al-Alawi , President of the State Financial and Administrative Audit Institution , in presence of the managements of the managements of the two companies and the invited guests .
This collaboration promises to deliver unparalleled services in key areas including , Digital Banking Platform as a Service (SaaS), Open Banking and APIs Development, Instant Digital Lending, and Instant Credit Card Issuance services.
Commenting of this launching, Eng. Maqbool Al-Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Data Park, said: “Our collaboration with Antom represents a significant step forward in Oman’s digital economy. By combining our expertise in managed IT services with Antom’s cutting-edge digital banking solutions, we are poised to reshape the future of banking in Oman and deliver unparalleled value to our customers.”
Al-Wahaibi added:Oman Data Park took the lead in establishing the company’s cyber security center known as Cyber Security Park to provide pioneering and effective smart security solutions to various sectors ,including banking and financial sector , to reduce electronic attacks. It is a center with all capabilities that enable it to repel more than (8000) electronic attacks faced by various institutions in the Sultanate Oman daily, while its unremitting efforts contributed to providing specialized sites to host and save data inside the Sultanate instead of saving it abroad.
For his part , Abdullah Al Nassri, CEO of Antom, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Our partnership with Oman Data Park represents a significant milestone in our journey to transform Oman’s Open banking landscape and a game changer for API-driven innovation in the Sultanate of Oman. Antom Digibanc is designed to empower individuals and businesses, offering secure, efficient, and personalized financial services.”
Base on the Digital Banking Platform as a Service (SaaS) , Antom Digibanc will provide a comprehensive SaaS solution, enabling banks and financial institutions to swiftly deploy and manage digital banking services, including account management to secure transactions, while the platform ensures a seamless user experience.
In the Open Banking and APIs Development, Antom enterprise-grade digital enablement platform is built on an open architecture and collaborative governance framework with 550+ out-of-the-box APIs. Open APIs will empower developers, fintech companies, and businesses to create innovative financial products and services.
In the Instant Digital Lending, the Antom Digibanc streamlines the lending process, offering instant loan approvals and disbursements. Whether for personal loans, mortgages, or business financing, customers can access funds swiftly and conveniently.
As for the Instant Credit Card Issuance, the platform facilitates real-time credit card issuance, eliminating paperwork and long waiting periods. Customers can apply for credit cards online and receive immediate approval, enhancing their financial flexibility.
It is noteworthy that ODP, the Sultanate’s first managed cyber security and cloud services provider, plays an integral role in supporting the digital transformation of Oman, through their offering of an all-in-one solution of computing, cloud computing, data storage, networking, web hosting and network security services. ODP also offers the Sultanate’s first Artificial Intelligence ready cloud infrastructure – Nebula AI powered by Nvidia. More details of their services can be found at www.omandatapark.com
The Data Park (TDP) inks a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with 247 Labs Inc at Riyadh, KSA
Riyadh, March 2024: As a part of its participation in Leap Tech at Riyadh, in Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia KSA, held during the period of 4- 7 March 2024, The Data Park (TDP), the leading provider of data centre services, cloud solutions, and managed services in the gulf region, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with 247 Labs Inc, a reputed provider of software development, implementation services, and comprehensive innovative technology solutions globally.
The MoU, signed by Eng. Maqbool bin Salem Al-Wahaibi, CEO of The Data Park (TDP), and, Eng. Azwar Khalid, CEO of 247 Labs Inc., in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Amer Al-Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Sultanate’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communication and Information Technology.
In accordance with this MoU, the two parties will join a collaborative partnership, where 247 Labs will serve as the AI development arm for TDP, providing expert software development and implementation services to support TDP’s objectives.
The collaboration framework between the two leader companies will also include the development of AI-driven solutions, software engineering, project management, and technical support by 247 Labs, based on TDP’s requirements.
Stating on this occasion, Eng Maqbool bin Salem Al-Wahaibi, CEO of The Data Park (TDP), said: ” Our collaborative partnership with 247 Labs Inc, will contribute to strengthening the infrastructure of artificial intelligence (AI) in the GCC countries including the Sultanate of Oman “.
He emphasized the capabilities of The Data Park in providing the best levels of AI service, relying on the team of professional experts at TDP, one of the first providers of managed services in this field, in the information technology and cloud services in the Gulf region.
For his part Eng. Azwar Khalid, CEO of 247 Labs Inc, expressed his pleasure in joining this partnership with Data Park, stressing that, MoU the two parties, considered a quantities leap for the business relationships of 247 Labs Inc. with offshore companies such as TDP “
It is also noteworthy that The Data Park (TDP), the prominent player in cloud services and cyber security in the region, plays an integral role in supporting the digital transformation of Oman, through their offering of an all-in-one solution of computing, cloud computing, data storage, networking, web hosting and network security services. TDP also offers the Sultanate’s first Artificial intelligence-ready cloud infrastructure – Nebula AI powered by Nvidia. More details of their services can be found at www.omandatapark.com
During the renowned Leap tech event in Riyadh, KSA The Data Park (TDP) and GO Telecom Company solidified a strategic partnership
Muscat, March 2024: During the renowned Leap tech event in Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period of 4- 7 March 2024, where with the blessing of HE Dr. Ali bin Amer Al-Shidhani ,Undersecretary of the Sultanate’s MTCIT, The Data Park (TDP) ,the prominent player in cloud services and cyber security ,and Go Telecom, signing a strategic partnership ,furthering their collaboration to enhance digital infrastructure and security offerings in the region.
The agreement was signed by Eng. Maqbool bin Salem Al-Wahaibi, CEO of The Data Park (TDP), and Yahya Al Mansour CEO of GO Telecom.The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Amer Al-Shidhani , Undersecretary of the Sultanate’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communication and Information Technology, while Eng. Maqbool Al-Wahaibi expressed his pleasure with this auspicious presence ,saying that :“We are honored to have HE. the Undersecretary facilitates this momentous partnership between The Data Park (TDP) and Go Telecom”.
By this agreement, The Data Park (TDP) in cooperation with GO Telecom will provide cloud services, managed services and co-selling to achieve mutual beneficiary for the two parties in the booming cloud managed services market at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The signed business deal between the two leader companies will contribute to expanding the global portfolio of The Data Park (TDP) as well as strengthen the services of GO Telecom, which is reputed for its capabilities in building solutions that enable the Beneficiaries of its services to enjoy the highest quality interactions with their customers through its malty functions channel solutions including over voice, instant messaging, email, SMS and social media services.
Commenting on this deal, Engineer Maqbool bin Salem Al Wahaibi, CEO of The Data Park (TDP), said: “We are delighted with our partnership with GO Telecom, whose service is at the top of the industry for reliability, connectivity and professional customer service, while The Data Park (TDP) is one of the leaders companies , that provides a variety of cloud infrastructure data services through the third-level data centre, Including a wide range of cloud applications, and operates the only virtual data centre in the country.”
For his part, Yahya Al Mansour CEO of GO Telecom stated: “What sets GO Telecom apart from our competitors is that we pride ourselves on striving to hit a 5-star rating from every customer as a reference for future sales, as GO Telecom aims to hit that level of excellence with our customers, we believe that our new strategic relation with ODP will open new future horizons for us in GCC countries “.
It is also noteworthy that The Data Park (TDP), the prominent player in cloud services and cyber security in the region, plays an integral role in supporting the digital transformation of Oman, through their offering of an all-in-one solution of computing, cloud computing, data storage, networking, web hosting and network security services. TDP also offers the Sultanate’s first Artificial intelligence-ready cloud infrastructure – Nebula AI powered by Nvidia. More details of their services can be found at www.omandatapark.com
Minister of Labor patronages the launch of Sahab Work-Based Trainee Program
Muscat, November 2023: H.E. Dr Mahad bin Said Baawain, Minister of Labor, patronage the launch of Sahab Work-Based Trainee Program , which evolved by Oman Data Park (ODP), in coordination with the Ministry of Labor (MOL) , represented by the Employment and Training Support Center, to enhance and improving the skills of Omani graduates applying for jobs. The launching ceremony was held at the ODP’s premises in the Knowledge Oasis.
The Sahab Trainee Program comes within the framework of ODP’s commitment to boost its corporate social responsibility by contributing to the professional development of the Omani workforce, with the selection stage of the program covering15 out of 25 job opportunities.
Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad Khamis Al-Alawi, Acting Director of the Employment and Training Support Center at the Ministry of Labor, said: The training program aims at promoting the professional improvement of fresh graduates by offering training and development opportunities that would enhance their professional, technical and soft skills, leading to fully equipping them with the necessary experience to fill the vacancy.
He added: During its implementation, the “Sahab” program will keen on the values of quality, innovation, enhancing concentration skills, as well as contributes to addressing the gap between academic education and labor market requirements to ensure that fresh graduates are qualified with the skills required by the market.
In a press statement, Eng. Maqbool Al-Wahaibi, CEO of ODP, said: “We believe that the Sahab Trainee Program is a qualitative addition to the employment processes for new graduates, as it will contribute to facilitating the successful integration of beginners into their early professional path and into the workforce”.
Al-Wahaibi added that the mechanism and the scope of work of the Sahab trainee program will practically confirm the program’s ability to achieve the goal for which it was developed. The program is based on a precise selection process, where in trainees are selected from a list of applicants who meet the minimum requirements for each job opportunity, and by subjecting those selected to an evaluation process in order to identify the candidates. The candidates who successfully pass the selection processes are selected and included in the initial group of the shortlisted qualified candidates.
It is noteworthy that ODP, the Sultanate’s first cloud services and managed cyber security provider, plays an integral role in supporting the digital transformation of Oman, by offering an all-in-one solution of computing, cloud computing, data storage, networking, web hosting and network security services. ODP also offers the Sultanate’s first Artificial intelligence-ready cloud infrastructure – Nebula AI powered by Nvidia. More details of their services can be found at ww.omandatapark.com. (ENDS)
Oman Data Park, Powering Oman’s Digital Transformation and Economic Growth
Following Oman’s highly successful post-pandemic economic recovery, the International Monetary Fund projects “higher growth over the medium term.”
This optimistic outlook is owed to several factors: soaring oil prices, continued fiscal consolidation, and low government debt. Moreover, Fitch Ratings reaffirmed Oman’s credit rating as ‘Positive,’ citing the impressive turnaround of Oman’s fiscal deficit into a surplus of 3.4% of its GDP over the past year.
Additionally, the reduction of government debt as a percentage of GDP from 61% at the end of 2021 to 40% further solidifies the positive trajectory.
Central Solutions
Oman’s elaborate ICT and digitalisation strategy envisions a fastgrowing
digital economy in which data centers play a fundamental
role. See how the data centers of Oman Data Park are contributing
significantly to the local economy.
ODP signs an agreement to provide a cloud environment for high-speed Big Data analysis in the oil and gas field for OQ Group
Muscat, May 2023: Oman Data Park ODP, the Sultanate’s first managed cloud services and cyber security provider , signed an agreement to provide high-speed big data analysis services in the oil and gas field to OQ Group, the global integrated energy company in the Sultanate of Oman, as part of the activities of the 32nd edition of COMEX, at the Oman International Convention and Exhibition Center.
The agreement was signed by Ashraf bin Hamad Al- Mamari, Chief Executive People, Technology & Culture, at OQ, and Eng. Maqbool bin Salem Al Wahaibi , CEO of Oman Data Park.
In accordance with this agreement, Oman Data Park provides a cloud environment thatenables the analyzing of the Big Data in high-speed, that paves the ways to the transferring and hosting of OQ data in a highly efficient and secure manner to the Oman Data Park data center within the borders of the Sultanate of Oman to ensure safe analysis of big data, based on Oman Data Park’s distinguished capabilities in handling big data.
In the same context, Oman Data Park provides OQ with the Infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence solutions (AI), enhancing the company’s digital transformation operations through the Digital Reserve Cente, while the digital transformation process included an incubator for work continuity. It also provide a cloud digital workspace that automatically adapts to the needs of OQ for its employees and contractors, quickly expand scopes of work for software testing and development, provide WorkSpaces the helps the company to eliminate the complexity in managing hardware inventory, OS versions and patches, and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), which contributes to enhancing simplify the company’s desktop delivery strategy.
With Oman Data Park WorkSpace,the users get a fast, responsive desktop of their choice that they can access anywhere, anytime, from any supported device in particular during natural disasters and in any circumstances.
The agreement aims at enhancing efficiency, adapting the new direction of leading organizations in the region and globally, expanding the base for benefiting from cloud service technologies and keeping abreast of the latest developments in information technology and cloud services.
The signing of the high-speed data analysis agreement in the oil and gas field with OQ came in light of the approval of the OQ’s board of directors for the group’s cloud strategy.
The cloud strategy of OQ is consistent with the initiatives of the local content promotion programs in the Sultanate of Oman that aim at advancing efforts to enable the private sector to lead the Omani economy, enhancing local products, promoting small and medium enterprises, as well as enhancing the in-country value added.
Commenting on this deal, Eng. Maqbool bin Salem Al-Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Data Park Company, said: “We are pleased to sign this agreement with the OQ Group, at a time that our company has made huge strides in all its services, as ODP operates the only virtual data centre – Nebula – in the Sultanate of Oman, as well as it owns the Cyber Security Park, the sole specialized cyber security centre in the country, run by highly qualified Omani employees, where it provides security operations and services around the clock.
Al-Wahaibi added, “To involve in a precise technical cooperation with OQ, a company whose operations cover a global range of value-added products in oil, gas, hydrocarbons, refineries, oil exploration, production and marketing, is considered as a real trust on the high professionalism and technical development that Oman Data Park enjoys.”
He said: We are also delighted that the inking of this agreement came in light of the acceleration of digital transformation efforts in the country to achieve the Oman Vision 2040’s targets, while we can implement what our country aspires to achieve these goals.
It is noteworthy that ODP, the Sultanate’s first managed cloud services and cyber security provider, plays an integral role in supporting the digital transformation of Oman, through their offering of an all-in-one solution of computing, cloud computing, data storage, networking, web hosting and network security services. ODP also offers the Sultanate’s first Artificial Intelligence ready cloud infrastructure – Nebula AI powered by Nvidia. More details of their services can be found at www.omandatapark.com
