Microsoft said that the sultanate's information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure is 'adequate' to support the company's cloud computing services, which could mean a reduction in overheads for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Oman.
Speaking to Muscat Daily on the sidelines of the Microsoft Open Door event at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel, Microsoft Gulf regional general manager Samer Abu Ltaif said the company had run tests on the infrastructure with key clients.
He said, "The infrastructure in Oman is adequate for us to launch cloud services. We have run our tests with key clients and we have done our own assessment for the provisioning of public cloud services in all Gulf countries and I am very pleased with the outcome."
Ltaif added that cloud computing services will chiefly benefit 'struggling' SMEs, which will not have to invest large sums in ICT hardware and software but subscribe to services they need.
He said, "I see the biggest opportunity for Oman around cloud computing in the area of enabling SMEs. "The SMEs have been struggling. You will see us targeting SMEs more with offerings that can best fit their needs."
However, Ltaif warns that regular investments in infrastructure will be needed to meet the growing demand for online applications.
© Muscat Daily 2012
