Digital transformation is key to achieving aims of Vision 2030

The vital role of digital transformation technology in driving Saudi Vision 2030 to yield desired results was outlined during an event in Dubai.

In fact, digital transformation, which will be driving the next industrial revolution, is relevant in making the vision program a success, Microsoft MEA’s Windows and Devices Business Group Director for Middle East and Africa, Denis Klimashev, told Arab News.
According to him, 86 percent of CEOs consider digital their topmost priority and they believe technology will transfer their business more than any other global trend.
Striking a positive note about Saudi Arabia, Klimashev said its banking and telecom sectors are pushing for innovation and companies are adapting to digital transformation.
Klimashev added that companies that don’t digitally transform also risk losing talented employees. “Millennials will make up 75 percent of the work force by 2030 and are on the lookout for the best digital opportunities.” 
Addressing some of the challenges enterprises are facing, Klimashev said: “Traditional companies want to behave like startups, but they usually don’t have the technology infrastructures or operating models to keep up with companies that have been digital from the start.”
According to Klimashev and other experts at the event, the core to successful digital transformation is leadership. “Digital orientation must flow from top managers to all levels of the organization. Without vision or direction, businesses will miss the true digital opportunity,” Klimashev added.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization worldwide, he said and cautioned that if SMEs that create jobs are not digitized then they will not grow fast.
Ihsan Anabtawi, regional manager, applications and services, Microsoft Gulf, talked about reinventing productivity for the digital transformation under the theme, Microsoft Office 365 driving digital transformation for business.
He said 41 percent employees say mobile business apps are changing the way they work.
Hesham Saad, product technical manager, Microsoft Gulf, focused on Windows 10 enterprise-grade security and described it as a vital component of digital transformation.
Digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) are predicted to add $14 trillion to the world’s 20 largest economies by 2030. That’s one-fifth of the current world GDP. However, many enterprises in the MEA are held back from fully realizing digital transformation because of a lack of a clear digital strategy, robust IT policy, inability to change with the rapid pace, and a shortage of the business as well as technology skills.
The event, which brought together experts to discuss challenges and opportunities for digitally transforming companies, included sessions on security, IoT, and innovations like digital inking and cloud productivity intelligent apps that are transforming productivity.
It builds on Microsoft’s commitment at the Ignite Summit to help business take advantage of the modern enterprise.
From Oct. 1, businesses were to start getting the secure productive enterprise (SPE), with Windows 10 Enterprise, Office 365, and Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS), with the flexibility to deploy either on-premise or in the cloud.
Big data is fundamental because it gives leaders the insights needed to make more informed decisions.
The Internet of Things (IoT) with sensors connected to a business’s assets or "things", is delivering cutting-edge insights to businesses.
With headline grabbing cyber-attacks on the rise, security concerns are also holding some companies back from fully embracing digital transformation. However, the fact that banks are leading the digital revolution, particularly in the MEA where customers demand innovative and mobile banking services, is a sure sign of trust.
In the Middle East, 100 percent of medium-sized banks are ready to adopt a mobile technology this year. And 65 percent of banks are implementing private cloud technology now or are planning to deploy it within 12 months.
At Ignite, Microsoft announced enhanced security updates, including Windows Defender Application Guard for Microsoft Edge, which will make Microsoft Edge the most secure browser for the enterprise. This level of protection has never been more important as the majority of attacks start in the browser.
The company also introduced threat intelligence sharing between Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (WDATP) and Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection, enabling IT to identify and follow the complete chain of an attack from an email to across the network.

Source: Arab News