Omantel launches automated self-service cloud platform
MUSCAT: Omantel, the premier provider of integrated ICT and telecommunications services in the Sultanate, announced that it is launching an automated selfservice cloud platform along with its cloud services subsidiary - Oman Data Park (ODP) - for customers to purchase virtual infrastructure and applications as well as automatically configure them.
Cloud-based applications translate into zero-install and alwaysaccessible services. This means that companies of various sizes can make use of the technology without having to procure, instal or maintain complex software on expensive and risk-prone IT infrastructure. Equally important is the fact that cloud-based software is economically favourable because it is based on monthly payment business models rather than costly upfront investments and requires very little human intervention to maintain, hence allowing businesses to get more productivity out of their existing resources.
This offering is a step ahead of the current-generation of static services such as Web Hosting, Domain Hosting and Email Hosting already offered by Omantel. The existing services required clients to contact their account representative to get details and sign up weeks before they needed to use the provisioned services. The next-generation set of services are now offered through the newly launched cloud portal and are self-provisioned by the client.
Fadi Nasser, general manager of ICT at Omantel said, “The cloud portal undertaking is a testament to Omantel’s confidence in the digital future of Oman. Putting together leading technology offerings to be hosted in our leading data centres within the sultanate ensures that all data exchanges are retained within our borders and encourages local businesses to embrace cloud computing sooner. Such turnkey cost-saving technology improves business productivity and makes for a great enabler to small and large companies alike.”
Since clients can now have their service automatically configured upon purchase, the time required to deploy and use the service is drastically reduced from weeks to mere days or even hours now. Services can also be dynamically customised to suit the specific needs of customers. By hosting services, customers will save on Capex and Opex costs.
The right application of ICT is a proven enabler of economic growth and social development and to move forward with sustained business growth and effective service delivery, Omantel is investing in the new ICT services sought by customers.
The cloud platform is powered by ODP and managed by Omantel’s specialised Information and Communications (ICT)team.
Maqbool Al Wahaibi, CEO Oman Data Park said, “Oman Data Park pioneered cloud services in Oman. ODP believes in continuous innovation and enabling the customers through rich cloud portfolios that customers can utilise as a utility. The true power of the cloud is the rapid deployment of services in the cloud, and the value for an agile business. Utilising these services, results in innovative business models, generating new value propositions and resulting in new revenue streams.
“We are happy to be a part of this new journey that is able to deliver results faster, cheaper and will give businesses a competitive edge. With Omantel being the leader in the technology space now, customers have an unprecedented opportunity to benefit from state of the art cloud solutions with the best possible quality of service through strict SLAs.”
Amongst the services on offer in the Oman-based cloud are Hosted Exchange, Web Hosting, Domain Registration, Virtual Private Server, Cloud Server, SSL Certificate, Web Business Builder, Hosted SharePoint, Education-as-a-Service and Cloud ERP.
Investing in the future of the nation, Omantel connects even the most remote communities of the Sultanate to each other and the rest of the world. Technology