Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 87 | Page 12

NEWS

stc and SkyFive sign MoU to introduce broadband inflight connectivity to MENA

stc Group , a leading digital enabler in the region , and SkyFive

Arabia , a leading provider of Air-to-Ground ( A2G ) based solutions and services , announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) to introduce Inflight Connectivity ( IFC ) through A2G-based solutions to airlines in Saudi Arabia .
With plans to further expand across the entire MENA region in the near future , the partnership will deliver unparalleled connectivity that will enrich passengers ’ travel experience .
Through the MoU , stc aims to contribute towards the Kingdom ’ s Digital Transformation while providing connectivity , be it on the ground or in-air .
Inflight connectivity through A2G-based solutions will enhance airline passengers ’ experience , who will benefit from access to high-speed connectivity , allowing them to experience high-quality ( up to 4K ) video-streaming , web browsing and social media usage .
“ Having seen Saudis ’ Internet usage rocket by more than 92 % in 2021 versus 2020 , we know that our customers want to stay connected no matter where they are ,” said Eng . Mohannad Makki , VP of Carrier and Wholesale at stc .
“ Our partnership with SkyFive Arabia is the latest in a series of investments geared towards meeting the rapidly growing demand for high-speed and superior-quality connection services , by introducing innovative technologies that elevate the user experience . As the Kingdom ’ s Digital Transformation accelerates , stc is paving the way for our customers and business partners to connect in more ways than ever .”

Trend Micro joins forces with SCCC Alibaba Cloud to strengthen cybersecurity resilience in KSA

Trend Micro , a global leader in cybersecurity solutions , has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) with Saudi Cloud Computing Company ( SCCC ) Alibaba Cloud , to protect the enterprises of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the evolving threat landscape and to promote the localisation of cybersecurity solutions .

During a special ceremony at the inauguration of Trend Micro ’ s MEA HQ in Riyadh , SCCC Alibaba Cloud ’ s Chief Executive Officer , Talal Albakr , and Trend Micro ’ s Area Vice President and Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa , Moataz Bin Ali , signed the agreement in the presence of HE Haytham Alohali , Vice Minister , Ministry of Communications and Information Technology .
In 2022 , Alibaba Cloud became the world ’ s first hyperscale cloud provider to enter the Saudi
Arabian market , offering its services through Saudi Cloud Computing Company ( SCCC ). SCCC Alibaba Cloud and Trend Micro will collaborate to provide cutting-edge solutions that benefit the customers of both companies .
Together , they will share cybersecurity best practices , insights and explore opportunities for hosting Trend Micro ’ s innovative data lake in KSA . The data lake will allow Trend Micro and its partners to offer advanced threat defence solutions from inside KSA . The two organisations will also work together on the localisation of cybersecurity solutions and practices across the Kingdom .
“ SCCC Alibaba Cloud is committed to enhancing collaborations with partners in various markets to provide tailor-made cloud solutions that will empower businesses across industries and help them to thrive in the digital age ,” said Talal Albakr , Chief Executive Officer , SCCC Alibaba Cloud .
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