Mahmoud El Kordy

Gulf Business Machines works with companies in key sectors across Oman to digitalize and modernize their infrastructure and enhance agility by incorporating AI and emerging technologies.

What opportunities and challenges does Gulf Business Machines plan to tackle this year?

The company, with a 30-year presence, is navigating the digitalization landscape in 2024. Significant trends in AI, particularly generative AI, and a heightened focus on cybersecurity, driven by regional concerns, are prevalent. Challenges include managing cybersecurity threats, with AI presenting both opportunities and threats. Geopolitical factors impact spending, while national programs like Estidamah promise to reshape the IT landscape, emphasizing sustainable financing. The government’s focuses in 2024 are social protection, housing financing, and ensuring that the evolving financial sector aligns with increased oil and gas spending, creating opportunities for IT technology to thrive. There are many opportunities in Oman, closing more of the debt gap, and directing funds into developed investments.

Which key sectors is Gulf Business Machines focusing on in 2024, and how is it strategically investing in them?

We are intensifying our presence in key sectors such as oil and gas, government, finance, transportation, and logistics, with a focus on enhancing agility and flexibility. Notably, we are gearing up for collaborations with major banks on Open MPI, a financial system innovation initiative encompassing fintech. Our strategy involves cost reduction through comprehensive solutions, including cloud migration, allowing clients to entrust us with IT management. Anticipating future collaborations, we plan to digitalize and modernize infrastructure for a prominent transportation entity in Oman, incorporating AI and emerging technologies. In the oil and gas sector, after a conservative spending approach in 2023, we expect heightened business engagement and collaboration this year.

What are the main pillars of your system integration services in Oman?

Our primary focus lies in customized generative AI solutions, requiring meticulous attention to data accuracy and adherence to regulations in Oman. Security is a significant emphasis, with the imminent launch of our automated security operations center (SOC), ensuring proactive and automated responses. We guide clients through the complexities of cloud migration, emphasizing the advantages of agility and flexibility over perceived cost savings. Sustainability forms our fourth pillar, providing unique solutions to manage KPIs and enhance ESG perspectives, encompassing services and consultancy tailored to clients’ needs and goals.

How would you characterize the overall adoption of cloud technology in the business community in Oman?

Clients recognize the imperative of cloud adoption for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The process typically begins with thorough assessments to define their strategy. While larger clients, notably in the financial sector, proceed cautiously due to concerns about data security, they are gradually moving noncritical workloads in anticipation of further regulatory clarity. Additionally, the government and oil and gas sectors are developing internal clouds to address specific needs. Although there are a limited number of providers, the market is evolving, and major players are awaiting regulatory changes that would allow data movement outside Oman. In essence, cloud adoption remains a prominent item on every CIO’s agenda.

How can companies afford digital transformation when it involves significant costs?

The key is understanding that while moving to the cloud, a part of digital transformation, may not be cheaper initially, the overall transformation yields financial value. Comparing it to traditional setups, like buying a telephone, might seem more costly, but the comprehensive benefits, such as increased productivity, optimized production, and faster market entry, outweigh the expenses. It is not just about monetary value; it is about enabling businesses to sell more, streamline operations, and connect with their target audience. The cloud journey is gradual, involving planning, moving what is feasible, modernizing existing systems, and building new ones. Although the investment is significant, the rewards are substantial, making it a valuable but not necessarily cost-saving endeavor.