{"id":67108,"date":"2021-11-26T10:22:46","date_gmt":"2021-11-26T10:22:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/?p=67108"},"modified":"2021-12-16T15:04:10","modified_gmt":"2021-12-16T15:04:10","slug":"driving-digital-technology-transformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/2021\/11\/26\/driving-digital-technology-transformation\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving digital technology transformation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Looking to transition to an asset-light business model, Ooredoo Group has been applying digital technologies internally to fulfil more agile ways of working and rolling out new customer solutions and 5G technology. Nigel Byrne, Chief Technology Information Officer, Ooredoo Group, outlines the group\u2019s focus and how the company is using the power of digital technology to transform the business, drive customer acquisition and ensure that it delivers\u202foutstanding services and\u202fcustomer\u202fexperiences.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nigel Byrne, Chief Technology Information Officer, Ooredoo Group<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Talk\u202fus\u202fthrough your role as\u202fChief Technology and Information Officer\u202f(CTIO)\u202fat\u202fOoredoo Group?<\/strong>\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u202flead the\u202ftechnology\u202forganisation in\u202fOoredoo\u202fGroup. We are\u202fresponsible for\u202fdefining the network and IT strategies and architectures\u202fto\u202fsupport the\u202fefficient delivery of\u202fthe company\u2019s business objectives and\u202fmeet our customers\u2019 expectations\u202facross the different markets in which we operate.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are some of the IT initiatives, projects, and implementations you\u202fhave\u202foverseen since taking on your role as\u202fCTIO at\u202fOoredoo Group?\u202f<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Ooredoo Group we focus on the strategic programmes that help our operating companies achieve their business goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One initiative that we announced just recently was a partnership with Ericsson as our\u202fnext-generation Digital Transformation partner for Business Support System\u202f(BSS)\u202fsolutions.\u202fThis five-year partnership will witness the\u202fdeployment of the latest Ericsson BSS solutions across several Ooredoo operating companies. This will\u202fgive\u202fus\u202fa new set of capabilities across the customer, product,\u202frevenue and service management domains of\u202four\u202fbusiness\u202foperations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, we are transforming our Enterprise Support Systems (ESS), such as Financials, Procurement, and HR and moving them from a legacy technology to a modernised platform on the cloud. This is for all Ooredoo Group and all our operating companies. This will help us to standardise our internal processes and systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology innovation is also being applied to improve our business and network operations. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and automation are being applied across our organisation where it fits. For example, we recently started \u201cSmart Network Planning\u201d to enhance the efficiency of network investment decisions through use of Machine Learning algorithms.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, we are increasingly using digital technologies to engage with our customers and improve their\u202fcustomer journey and experiences. By introducing digital technologies, we are\u202fmaking it quicker and easier for customers to find, buy and use our services online\u202fwhich also reflects positively on our business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, for our employees, we have migrated them to Microsoft 365,\u202fwhich is\u202fenabling\u202fa\u202fflexible \u201cDigital Workplace\u201d culture empowered by Microsoft’s collaboration tools. Ooredoo Group is one of the first in the region to implement this type of agile digital working culture and we hope that it will ultimately be a significant competitive advantage.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The role of a CTIO has evolved over the years with more C-level and business line executives getting involved in making IT decisions and formulating the overall technology strategy. How hard or easy is it for you to get the correct support\u202fand buy-in\u202ffrom your\u202fC-Suite\u202fpeers at\u202fOoredoo Group?\u202f<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ooredoo Group\u2019s C-suite\u202ffully\u202frecognises\u202fthe power of digital technology to transform our business, drive customer acquisition and ensure that we deliver\u202foutstanding services and\u202fcustomer\u202fexperiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have embarked on a\u202fDigital Transformation strategy\u202fthat has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and which is leading to sustained improvements in the financial performance of our business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One area where our\u202foperating companies\u202fhave been particularly keen to adopt the latest technologies is in business services. Among business customers, we have seen a significant increase in demand for\u202fcloud services as more people work remotely.\u202fBased on this, several of our operating companies have\u202fstrengthened their partnerships with global\u202fcloud service providers such as Microsoft.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft Azure Cloud has been hosted in Ooredoo Qatar data centres since 2020, but we have expanded this partnership to cover Kuwait from April 2021\u202fand we believe these types of technology partnerships offer huge potential for us\u202fin the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which telecoms equipment vendors is\u202fOoredoo Group\u202fworking with to\u202froll-out\u202fits 5G network\u202fand where is the company at on its Digital Transformation journey?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5G is\u202fan amazing breakthrough that will drive Ooredoo\u2019s business for years to come. Ooredoo Group was one of the first companies to launch a 5G network in\u202fQatar\u202fin 2018 and we continue to\u202froll-out 5G across our global footprint. Today, we offer commercial 5G services in Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, the Maldives and Indonesia, where we recently launched 5G in the cities of Jakarta, Solo and Surabaya.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5G offers\u202fdrastically improving speeds\u202fand lower latency,\u202fbut it is the amazing and varied use cases for the technology\u202facross sectors and industries\u202fthat I believe makes it so revolutionary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, Ooredoo Group is working with a variety of partners across its operating markets to roll-out 5G services. These include major technology companies like Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia to name just a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the beginning of this year, we signed a global agreement with Ericsson for the supply of 5G radio, core and transport products and solutions, as well as related implementation and integration services for all 10 markets.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most recently, in Indonesia, we deployed spectrum sharing technology solutions from Ericsson and Nokia. The Ericsson Operations Engine and equipment from Nokia\u2019s\u202fAirScale\u202fproduct range aims to increase speeds and widen mobile coverage for our customers. These solutions have also enabled us to use our existing 4G networks for 5G services, decreasing the time it takes to get 5G up and running in Indonesia.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Partnering with global technology players has allowed us to amplify and accelerate our Digital Transformation and we are hopeful that these strategic collaborations will enrich the digital lives of our customers for many years to come.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk\u202fus\u202fthrough what\u202fthe rollout of 5G means\u202ffor\u202fOoredoo\u202fcustomers and what sort of\u202fdigital\u202fservices can they expect from\u202fyour company that they\u202fwere\u202fnot getting\u202fin the past?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The applications and use cases of 5G are wide ranging and impressive. Ooredoo Group recently announced the deployment of our ground-braking 5G network at Hamad Port in Qatar. This milestone means that Hamad Port is the first 5G-enabled seaport in the Middle East, powered by Ooredoo.\u202f Key operations at the port will now benefit from ultra-fast speed, low latency and real-time data that can be used for remote crane and rubber-tyred gantry operations, connected assets, remote inspection and maintenance, data centre connectivity and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are also preparing to deploy 5G at the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021. Ooredoo was recently named the official Middle East and Africa (MEA) telecommunications operator at these major events and our innovation, technology and experience will enable delivery of the required network speeds and reliability to ensure fans can stay connected while enjoying the spectacle. But we are also going further and preparing to use 5G-enabled applications, such as Augmented Reality (AR), to enhance\u202fand transform the fan\u2019s experience in ways never tried before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5G also has the potential to\u202faccelerate the uptake of more\u202fdata-intensive entertainment applications\u202fand we are\u202fnow\u202fexploring\u202fHD mobile video streaming,\u202fmobile gaming, virtual reality 360 experiences and in-car entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking further to the future, Ooredoo Group is also\u202ftrialling other amazing\u202fpotential use cases such as aerial driverless taxi, 5G services in moving vehicles, a 5G drone for smart surveillance, and an ambulance offering 5G-enabled remote medical services.\u202fThese applications really highlight the transformative potential of 5G technology in the years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u202fWhat other technology innovation\u202finitiatives\u202fare you pushing within the Ooredoo Group?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even in developing markets where 5G is not yet available, our customers need \u2013 and demand \u2013 video-grade networks and we are continuing to\u202ftake steps to enhance the performance of our 4G networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Online entertainment is an important area for us, and we have seen a huge increase in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, many of our operating companies have established content partnerships with the likes of Netflix,\u202fBeIN, OSN and Disney+ to offer entertainment packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re also refreshing our mobile financial services, which have\u202fbecome a major part of our ecosystem,\u202fparticularly in emerging markets. Markets such as Iraq, Algeria and others have very undersubscribed banking systems, and so we are seen in these markets as a strong, respected brand. This reputation\u202fis\u202fhelping\u202fus change the narrative from being a traditional telco to a telco operator that is also able to offer mobile financial services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, we are also taking steps to accelerate digitalisation among our enterprise customers. For example, in November Indosat Ooredoo and Google Cloud announced a new strategic partnership to accelerate Digital Transformation across consumer and enterprise segments in Indonesia. Through this partnership Indosat Ooredoo will offer small and medium sized businesses new cloud-based, and 5G enabled digital solutions that will empower new business models and enable them to tap new markets and opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\u202fMiddle East\u202fand\u202fin particular\u202fGCC, has witnessed a heightened wave of cyberattacks in recent months targeting\u202fsectors like\u202fbanking\u202fand financial\u202fservices, telecoms, education,\u202fand government. How is\u202fOoredoo Group\u202fprotecting its digital assets and most importantly client information that it doesn\u2019t fall into the hands of cyber criminals?\u202f<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ooredoo Group takes\u202fcybersecurity and data protection very seriously.\u202fWe offer our customers a suite of\u202fmanaged\u202fcybersecurity services, including a managed security operations centre\u202fthat provides\u202fcomprehensive security support and assistance in the event of an attack.\u202fOur cybersecurity products also include\u202ffirewalls, malware protection, vulnerability\u202fmanagement,\u202fcloud web security, and\u202fa\u202fdistributed denial of service (DDoS) mitigation suite.\u202fWe can\u202falso provide security experts for consulting and management support, who can be based on-site at customers\u2019 premises\u202fif\u202frequired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much of your IT infrastructure is on premise versus that which is hosted in the cloud?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While\u202fmost\u202fof\u202fOoredoo\u202fGroup\u2019s IT infrastructure\u202fis still located on premises,\u202fwe are hosting some customer facing applications in the cloud. Currently we are exploring\u202fthe best use cases to migrate\u202fmore of\u202four infrastructure to the cloud, while at the same time ensuring compliance with relevant regulation.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, as part of Indosat Ooredoo\u2019s recently announced partnership with Google, we will modernise our infrastructure and applications on Google Cloud to help create a cloud-first organisation. Specifically, we aim to define a clear roadmap for the use of advanced data analytics and AI\/ML to improve Indosat Ooredoo\u2019s core operations, costs, and customer experiences and identify and maximise new business opportunities for the future<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the business outlook for\u202fOoredoo Group\u202fin\u202fthe next 18 months?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ooredoo Group\u202fhad a good first\u202fnine months\u202fof\u202f2021, with\u202frevenue\u202fincreasing by\u202f3%\u202fand EBITDA by 7% year-on-year,\u202fas we accelerated our Digital Transformation strategy.\u202fLooking ahead, we remain optimistic about Ooredoo Group\u2019s potential,\u202fand we believe that we are on track\u202fto continue delivering\u202fgrowth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We expect to see demand for content, entertainment services, faster broadband, and larger mobile bundles continuing to grow. The pandemic has greatly accelerated demand for online entertainment, and we continue to identify new content providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our growth will also be driven by our strategy to create more value from our infrastructure portfolio\u202fas we transition to an asset-light model. In-line with this strategy, in March 2021 we announced the sale of over 4,200 telecoms towers in Indonesia, in a landmark deal valued at over US$750 million.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through digitalisation and our transition to a more asset-light model, we aim to build on our growth and lead the way in Digital Transformation across our global footprint.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Looking to transition to an asset-light business model, Ooredoo Group has been applying digital technologies internally to fulfil more agile ways of working and rolling out new customer solutions and 5G technology. Nigel Byrne, Chief Technology Information Officer, Ooredoo Group, outlines the group\u2019s focus and how the company is using the power of digital technology […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":67111,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12765,34,4955,4724,46,6787,3032,36,38,232,12433,389,13,79],"tags":[390,6531,382,228,14307,14306,1296,920,1158],"class_list":["post-67108","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-apac","category-case-studies","category-cats","category-countries","category-data-centres","category-digital-transformation","category-industry-verticals","category-intelligent-technology","category-networking","category-qatar","category-success-stories","category-telecom","category-top-stories","category-used","tag-5g","tag-algeria","tag-ericsson","tag-huawei","tag-indonesia","tag-indosat-ooredo","tag-nokia","tag-ooredoo-group","tag-ooredoo-qatar"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67108","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67108"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67108\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67261,"href":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67108\/revisions\/67261"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67111"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67108"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67108"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/me\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67108"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}