Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 44 | Page 12

NEWS Omantel supports mapping platform updates O mantel, a leading provider of integrated ICT services, has rolled out the latest version of the most widely used mapping platform, Google Maps 5.6, across the Sultanate. This comes with an enhancement to its Automatic Navigation and other features that were not fully functional in Oman prior to the release. Bank Muscat’s digital solutions to enable PASI to deliver enhanced customer experience This has been achieved after several discussions between Omantel, Google and Google Developer Group Muscat and with the Ministry of Tourism’s support. Samy Al Ghassany, Chief Operations Officer at Omantel, said: “Updating mapping platforms is an important element in preparing the ground for efficient smart services. As a result, we managed to deliver ‘Daleel 1010’, Oman’s first interactive Yellow Pages that provides customers with instant information throughout the day via phone, mobile app and website.” HE Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Tourism, said: “We are glad about the new update to Google Maps and as the Automatic Navigation feature for Oman is now fully functional, it will be much easier for tourists to wander around our country and enjoy all its beauty from mountains and beaches to charming historic and cultural attractions.” Omantel has worked to bring the latest technologies and smart solutions to the country, paving the way for a thriving digital society. B ank Muscat, a flagship financial services provider in Oman, and the Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a new initiative that will allow the authority to leverage the bank’s digital solutions for better customer service to PASI customers and employees alike. The MoU was signed by Tariq Atiq, DGM – Transaction and Public Sector Banking, and Hamda Said Al Shamsi, Acting Director General, PASI. The new system will help PASI digitise its payments by completely on-boarding the authority to the IB/B2B platform and will also access to live support. It will also provide collection solutions by connecting PASI with Bank Muscat’s 12 INTELLIGENTCIO Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) solution and Point of Sale (PoS) system. Key advantages of the new system include reconciliation support, advice on opportunities for investment of surplus funds at better rates, helping PASI employees to benefit from various schemes on loans, cards, deposits and exploring special schemes and offers for pensioners. Tariq Atiq, DGM – Transaction and Public Sector Banking, said: “Bank Muscat has been a pioneer of digital technologies in the country and has collaborated with PASI to introduce state-of-the-art technology to digitise PASI operations for greater efficiency in the delivery of its services. A shift to digital typically brings in a host of benefits including efficiency, cost reduction, accountability, speed and scalability.” www.intelligentcio.com