Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 56 | Page 17

NEWS Batelco launches cloud unified communications platform Batelco, the leading digital solutions provider in Bahrain, has announced the launch of its latest digital enterprise solution, Batelco Cloud Unified Communications. This is set to provide enterprise customers with access to communication, collaboration and productivity capabilities without the need for investing in costly equipment. Batelco’s Unified Cloud Solution will provide enterprise customers with the opportunity to benefit from a wide range of features including business instant messaging, voice and video calls, conferencing, as well as many other collaboration tools. Abderrahmane Mounir, Batelco GM Enterprise, said: “We are pleased to be launching this innovative new solution through which we aim to support the advancement of the local telecommunications industry. Cloud Unified Communications is part of Batelco’s digital communications product portfolio introduced for our enterprise customers and enabling us to support their Digital Transformation journey. Batelco is providing the tools to fit the modern and agile work style, helping users who are constantly on the go and working remotely from any location to be more flexible, as their office is with them wherever they go. We believe that it’s the perfect time to launch this product as it meets all of these requirements.” The solution also offers customers the convenience of switching in real-time between different devices effortlessly from any location and is characterised by ease of use, reliability and flexibility. AI COVID-19 diagnosis service launched for people of determination in Egypt efforts of the MCIT to support the Egyptian government’s plan to effectively mitigate COVID-19 challenges. Amr Talaat, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology in Egypt, explained this first of its kind service in the Arab World and Africa represents the ministry’s latest effort to ‘reach all segments of society, provide technical support to face the current crisis and keep citizens safe.’ Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has joined forces with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Avaya to extend the capabilities of WASEL – its dedicated contact centre service for people of determination – with the addition of automated testing for COVID-19 symptoms for the deaf and hard of hearing. A world first, this chatbot utilises AI to enable sign-language based interaction, providing users intuitive access to critical COVID-19 related information and support. The service is conveniently available via the Tamkeen website or WASEL smartphone application. This initiative aligns with the Randa Aboul-Hosn, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Egypt, stressed the importance of using ICT solutions to combat the spread of COVID-19 especially for people with special needs. She highlighted that her organisation’s partnership with MCIT Egypt and Avaya has successfully materialised into an easy-to-use solution that is carefully designed to help deaf and hearing-impaired people cope with the challenges imposed by the on-going pandemic. www.intelligentcio.com INTELLIGENTCIO 17