Ooredoo and Microsoft Qatar have announced a “significant upgrade” at Ooredoo’s next-generation Smart Data Centre – QDC5 – in Mesaimeer, which will see the facility deploy Microsoft solutions to make the delivery of cloud-based services more efficient and effective for companies across the country.
Cloud-based services, which include security, customer relationship management and file-sharing applications, are becoming increasingly important for Qatar’s companies, and this first-of-its-kind cloud-hosting platform will enable businesses to deploy the latest generation of solutions quickly and cost-effectively in a flexible and scalable manner, according to a statement.
A special ceremony was held at the Ooredoo QDC5 Smart Data Centre to mark the implementation of the platform. It was attended by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani, chief new business officer at Ooredoo, and Naim Yazbeck, general manager of Microsoft Qatar , along with senior executives from both companies.
With the new upgrade, Ooredoo’s QDC5 Smart Data Centre is being supported by the Microsoft Windows Azure Pack, running on the latest Windows Server and System Centre. The solution enables cloud infrastructures to feature rich, self-service capabilities and support the automation of complex processes that make the delivery of cloud-based data services more efficient, the statement explains.
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Nasser said: “We have designed the Ooredoo QDC5 Smart Data Centre to sit at the cutting-edge of business technology, which is why this new upgrade using the Microsoft Azure Pack as the gateway to deliver a range of IT services on top of storage and network resources is so important.”
“Partnering with strategic technology providers like Ooredoo to power breakthrough solutions aligns closely with Microsoft’s own national plan and cloud vision. We are truly proud to partner with Ooredoo on such an important project,” said Yazbeck. Launched in October 2014, Ooredoo’s QDC5 Smart Data Centre is one of the most advanced in the region, receiving an ISO 22301 certification that positions the facility and Ooredoo as a global leader in data availability, resilience and disaster recovery, the statement adds.
Offering the first-of-its-kind cloud-hosting platform, QDC5 enables a number of new services for Qatar that have not been made available previously. These include “Intelligent Patching” in the Smart Data Centre, providing complete visibility into the network infrastructure, and an integrated sensor network that maximises energy efficiency through streamlined web-based management. By introducing these features, Ooredoo is making it possible for companies to adopt next-generation data centre technologies by reducing deployment time, increasing availability and accelerating innovation.
New partnership for Nojoom programme
Ooredoo has announced its partnership with internationally renowned Booking.com as the newest earning partner for its Nojoom Rewards Programme. This comes as the programme continues to expand the range of experiences available, according to a statement. With over 650,000 properties available, Booking.com is the world’s largest online booking site, making roughly 850,000-plus bookings every day in over 77,000 destinations around the world.
With the summer and prime travel season approaching, Nojoom members can now earn one Nojoom point for every QR3 spent on hotel stays around the world or closer home in Qatar’s five-star destinations through Booking.com To earn points, members must complete their reservation through the co-branded booking.com website, which can be accessed directly from the Nojoom page on the Ooredoo.qa website and confirm that they are Nojoom members by entering their mobile number.
Points will be credited 30 days from the date of stay. To ensure that all of its members are rewarded, Nojoom aims to continue to expand the range of local and international partners, including hotels, travel agencies, airlines and restaurants, in 2015, the statement adds. For more information on all Nojoom partners and how to enrol into Nojoom, customers can visit the Nojoom page of the Ooredoo website at www.ooredoo.qa/nojoom, download the Ooredoo app or stop by any Ooredoo shop.
© Gulf Times 2015
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