Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 32 | Page 16

NEWS Website assists with domestic help recruitment Country manager welcomes IoT Incubator Huawei has launched a cloud-based hosting centre to accelerate digital transformation A country manager for Oman has welcomed news that Huawei has launched the Middle East’s first IoT Incubator. The IoT hosting centre is Huawei’s new and innovative platform as a service solution that provides OceanConnect services such as open device connectivity, device management, and application enablement to customers across the Middle East region. It is designed to quickly develop IoT business in the Middle East region with reduced initial investment cost compared to CAPEX mode while providing a fast time to market by plug and play deployment. O mani citizens and residents can now use the Internet to assist in the hiring of domestic help online. The Information Technology Authority (ITA) announced that applications can be made for a work permit for a maid or a gardener on the Ministry of Manpower website, www.manpower.gov.om. A statement from the ministry stated that: “You can apply for a private work permit at your own place. You can provide the documents and apply online. “If you want to employ a housemaid, a cook or a gardener, just visit manpower. gov.om, apply and get the permit online.” 16 INTELLIGENTCIO The service enables users of the system to upload required documents (such as a salary certificate or a marriage certificate) in addition to paying fees online. The ministry has collaborated with the Royal Oman Police (ROP) on this development, which can also be utilised by residents as well as citizens in Oman. The ITA is highlighting the Private Work Permit Service through the social media accounts of both organisations. The development is also featured in a promotional video that encourages the use of the eService. The campaign includes surveys and stories to raise awareness. Huizhong and Hayat Communications are the first partners to obtain the Middle East IoT Hosting Center’s 1st NB-IoT enabled certificate. Narinder Singh, Oman Country Manager of Hayat Communications, said: “We are proud to be part of this revolutionary initiative, which is aimed at quickly developing IoT ecosystem in the Middle East. Together, with Huawei and other partners, we are committed to accelerating digital transformation in the Middle East.” The hosting centre is deployed, maintained, and operated by Huawei Technologies. It is a one-stop solution with an established ecosystem with global partners and a pre- defined services catalogue that includes technical support, marketing support, and business co-operation. www.intelligentcio.com