In a significant technological advancement for Oman, OQ, the multinational integrated energy company, has recently allied with leading technology firm SAP. This strategic partnership establishes OQ as the pioneer user of SAP’s integrated solutions in Oman, paving the way for accelerated digital innovation. The partnership also heralds the introduction of the SAP Data Center in the country.
As part of the recently inked agreement, OQ will adopt a range of solutions, including the Business Transformation as a Service (BTaaS) offering RISE with SAP, and employ SAP’s comprehensive ERP system within a newly minted local data center. This milestone agreement not only emphasizes OQ’s commitment to technological progression but also sets the stage for a surge in digital solution deployment within the Sultanate.
The collaborative efforts of OQ and SAP, officiated in the presence of key personnel, underpin a major leap forward in their joint commitment to propel digital solutions in Oman. SAP’s new private cloud data center, set up in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, will serve as a launchpad for Oman Vision 2040. By fast-tracking cloud adoption and innovation, the SAP Data Center aims to facilitate business expansion across more than 25 industries, thereby securing data within Oman’s borders.
Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the significance of this development. He suggested that the establishment of a local SAP cloud service aligns perfectly with the Ministry’s digital transformation strategy, announced in the previous year. He further predicted this move to catalyze digital innovation and foster the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning (ML) among Omani entities.
A Leap Towards Digital Transformation with SAP Data Center
OQ’s cloud computing adoption strategy is poised to exploit the benefits offered by SAP’s S/4HANA ERP, promising improved operational efficiency, comprehensive visibility, and enhanced control. By automating routine business tasks, this software solution is expected to facilitate faster decision-making and enable businesses to capitalize on market trends and opportunities.
Expressing her views on this alliance, Maryam bint Ahmed Al Shibani, Vice President of Integrated Digital Solutions at OQ, stated that this partnership serves as a testament to the confidence in transitioning Omani companies to cloud systems. Al Shibani added that this initiative aligns perfectly with Oman Vision 2040’s digital transformation objectives and would also promote talent development across various technology fields.
The new partnership further aims to foster talent development in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. This will be achieved by offering comprehensive training to Omani nationals in diverse fields such as technology, business, and behavioral skills. Additionally, the introduction of a new platform by SAP aims to support job seekers and freelancers, bridging the gap between job supply and demand.
Alaa Jaber, Managing Director for SAP Fast Growth Markets, echoed the importance of Oman as a significant market for SAP. He expressed confidence in the ability of forward-thinking businesses, like OQ, to leverage the latest SAP solutions to enhance their operations and reduce costs. Jaber further accentuated that cloud computing would allow businesses to stay abreast of innovations while ensuring security, compliance, and scalability.
“With our RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP offering, businesses of all sizes can migrate to the cloud, starting from wherever they are, and realize immediate benefits,” he remarked.
The SAP Data Center stands ready to assist businesses seeking to adopt SAP’s cloud solutions or those wishing to relocate their existing cloud-hosted information within Oman. Catering to various industries such as oil and energy, education, healthcare, and more, the Data Center promises a secure environment that prioritizes data confidentiality and integrity. In doing so, it enables organizations to harness the full potential of cloud computing while complying with local regulations
