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Dubai’s Damac to pump $1b to set up data centres in Thailand

Naushad K. Cherrayil
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Dubai’s Damac to pump $1b to set up data centres in Thailand
  • This venture could serve as a catalyst for increased investment from other Dubai-based companies, Group CEO says

In a significant move towards enhancing digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia, Dubai’s Damac Group has announced a substantial investment of approximately $1 billion through its subsidiary, Edgnex Data Centres.

The initiative aims to develop three to four data centre projects in Thailand, directly responding to the surging demand for cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) services in the region.

Partnering with local data centre provider Proen Corp., Damac’s ambitious plan includes the establishment of a data centre in downtown Bangkok, set to commence operations by March.

Initially boasting a capacity of 5 megawatts, the facility is expected to expand to 20 megawatts, reflecting the anticipated growth in demand for digital services.

The investment follows similar commitments from major tech companies, such as Google, which has pledged $1 billion to establish data centres in Thailand, underscoring the region’s increasing importance as a hub for AI and cloud computing.

Key player

Damac Group’s founder, Hussain Sajwani, told Bloomberg that the investment is not merely about immediate returns; rather, it represents a strategic response to the evolving digital landscape in Southeast Asia, a region that is home to approximately 685 million people.

“As the Thai government intensifies efforts to build a robust digital economy, Damac’s foray into this market symbolises the potential for collaboration and investment within Southeast Asia.”

The planned data centres are poised to cater to various clients, including hyperscalers, AI enterprises, and government institutions, indicating a broad market appeal. With an established pipeline of around 100 megawatts of future capacity, Damac Group is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s technological advancement agenda.

Moreover, Sajwani’s remarks suggest that this venture could serve as a catalyst for increased investment from other Dubai-based companies in Thailand, fostering further economic development.

As demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow, Damac’s strategic investment represents a significant step in supporting the technological ambitions of both Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian market.

Marriott agrees to pay $52m to settle data breach charges

Naushad K. Cherrayil
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Marriott agrees to pay $52m to settle data breach charges
  • FTC’s investigation reveals that Marriott, along with its subsidiary Starwood Hotels & Resorts, implemented insufficient data protection practices, resulting in multiple breaches from 2014 to 2020.

Marriott International, a prominent player in the hospitality industry, agreed to a settlement of $52 million in response to a significant data breach that compromised the personal information of over 344 million guests globally.

The settlement, reached in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and attorneys general from 49 states and the District of Columbia, underscores the critical need for robust data security measures in the face of rising cyber threats.

The FTC’s investigation revealed that Marriott, along with its subsidiary Starwood Hotels & Resorts, implemented insufficient data protection practices, resulting in multiple breaches from 2014 to 2020.

Reputational crisis

According to Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, such lapses in security not only jeopardised the privacy of millions but also misled consumers regarding the safety of their personal information.

As part of the settlement, Marriott is required to enhance its information security protocols significantly. This includes instituting a comprehensive security program featuring multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular audits by independent third parties.

Notably, customers will now be afforded greater control over their personal data, with the ability to request deletions related to their loyalty accounts and email addresses.

Greater accountability

The breaches disclosed by the FTC highlighted a series of failures in Marriott’s security framework, such as inadequate password protection, lack of access controls, and poor monitoring of network environments.

The first breach, stemming from vulnerabilities in the Starwood system, went unnoticed for 14 months, exposing critical financial and personal information, including payment card details and passport numbers.

Subsequent breaches further compounded the environment of insecurity, culminating in a widespread reputational crisis for Marriott.

While Marriott has publicly maintained that it accepts no liability for the underlying allegations, the settlement signals an imperative shift towards greater accountability in the management of customer data.

The hotel chain’s commitment to rectify its security practices is essential not only for restoring consumer confidence but also for protecting sensitive information in an increasingly digital world.

Ozonetel buys CloudConnect to take unified communications to new level

TCN Bureau
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Ozonetel buys CloudConnect to take unified communications to new level
  • Move will empower enterprises to take comprehensive control over their business communications.

Ozonetel, an established leader in unified customer experience intelligence in India, made a significant strategic move by acquiring CloudConnect Communications.

The acquisition is particularly impactful as CloudConnect is renowned for its mobile-first digital Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) solutions and holds a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) licensed status as a virtual network operator (VNO).

The merger positions Ozonetel to harness the growth potential of the global UCaaS market, which is currently valued at over $50 billion.

The integration of CloudConnect’s TRAI and DoT-compliant UCaaS solutions into Ozonetel’s existing framework promises to cater comprehensively to the evolving communication demands of modern enterprises.

With the increasing reliance on mobile technologies, traditional Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems have become inadequate, often resulting in disruptions and inefficiencies in workplace communication.

By consolidating these capabilities, Ozonetel aims to streamline communication processes, allowing employees to carry out their responsibilities without distraction. Moreover, with official communication channels embedded within mobile applications, executives can manage calls effectively, leading to enhanced organisational productivity.

Atul Sharma, Founder & CEO of Ozonetel, highlighted that this acquisition fortifies the oneCXi platform, offering scalable, secure, and reliable communication solutions across various industries.

He noted that the incorporation of UCaaS capabilities into Ozonetel’s diverse suite of services—including Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS), Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS), Customer Experience (CX), and artificial intelligence (AI)—will empower enterprises to take comprehensive control over their business communications.

Raman Singh, Co-founder and CEO of CloudConnect, expressed pride in joining Ozonetel and underscored the enhanced technological capabilities that will emerge from this partnership.

He emphasised the commitment of both companies to deliver innovative, scalable solutions that adhere to the highest regulatory standards while driving growth and value for their customers.

Google sets up fraud-fighting platform for cybercrime disruption

Naushad K. Cherrayil
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Google sets up fraud-fighting platform for cybercrime disruption
  • Aims to facilitate swift identification and disruption of cyber threats by serving as a comprehensive repository for signals related to online scams and fraud.
  • GSE aims to create a more secure online environment, enhancing the collective ability to thwart fraudulent activities and protect users worldwide.

In an era marked by the pervasive threat of cybercrime, the initiation of a Global Signal Exchange (GSE) by Google, alongside its partners, represents a pivotal advancement in the fight against fraudulent online activities.

The centralised platform aims to facilitate the swift identification and disruption of cyber threats by serving as a comprehensive repository for signals related to online scams and fraud.

The GSE leverages Google’s extensive experience in safeguarding approximately 3.2 billion users, establishing a robust framework that enhances the protection of digital spaces.

In collaboration with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and the DNS Research Federation, the initiative aims to harness the collective intelligence of multiple stakeholders, including tech companies and policy innovators.

Collaborative effort

The collaborative effort underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches in responding to the escalating complexity of cybercrime.

By functioning as a global ‘clearinghouse’ for maleficent activities, the GSE aspires to streamline the processes associated with the reporting and analysis of fraudulent signals.

The pilot phase of the project has demonstrated its potential efficacy, with Google sharing over 100,000 URLs linked to fraudulent merchants and processing an impressive one million scam signals.

The initial phase illustrates the platform’s capacity to act as a vital resource in the identification of bad actors operating in the digital landscape.

The GSE’s commitment to creating a user-friendly interface ensures that qualifying organizations can efficiently access and utilise the amassed data. With Google providing a data engine on its Cloud platform, participants will have the tools necessary to both contribute to and benefit from a repository of scam-related information.

Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence within the platform allows for the intelligent detection of patterns, enhancing the predictive capabilities of the system.

Ooredoo raises $500m via bond offering

TCN Bureau
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Ooredoo raises $500m via bond offering
  • Moody’s and S&P give the unsecured notes maturing in October 2034 an A2 and A rating.

Ooredoo, the leading telecommunications company in Qatar, has successfully raised $500 million through international bond offering.

The strategic financial maneuvre not only reinforces the company’s position in the global financial markets but also showcases the increasing confidence of investors in the telecommunications sector, particularly in the MENA region.

The bond issuance comprises senior unsecured notes maturing in October 2034, featuring an attractive coupon rate of 4.625 per cent. The overwhelming interest in the offering, which was oversubscribed by 3.6 times, reflects robust demand from a diverse array of global investors.

These include asset managers, fund managers, insurance and pension firms, banks, and sovereign wealth funds, spanning multiple regions such as the Middle East, Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The strength of this bond offering is further underscored by the ratings from two of the largest credit rating agencies, Moody’s and S&P, which accorded the notes an A2 and A rating, respectively. Such ratings indicate a strong capacity of Ooredoo to meet its financial commitments, enhancing the allure of the investment.

Financial strategy

The notes were issued by Ooredoo International Finance Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the telecom firm, under its expansive $5 billion Global Medium Term Notes programme, listed on the Irish Stock Exchange.

Notably, the spread of 88 basis points over 10-year US Treasuries marks the narrowest spread recorded by Ooredoo, signaling a favourable outlook from the market.

The achievement reflects not only the company’s solid financial foundations but also the effectiveness of its financial strategy, which attracted prominent bookrunners such as Citigroup Global Markets Limited, J.P. Morgan Securities, and HSBC Bank.

Huawei flexes muscles to take on Android, iOS and Windows

Ana Mary Joseph
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Huawei flexes muscles to take on Android, iOS and Windows
  • HarmonyOS Next will longer support Android-based applications and available to test on selected phones in China.
  • Launch is a pivotal step for Huawei as it navigates the complexities of international relations and seeks to establish its technological independence.
  • Huawei aims to extend the reach of Harmony OS beyond mobile devices, with plans for a PC version anticipated in the latter part of this year.

Huawei’s recent launch of Harmony OS Next marks a significant milestone in its endeavor to establish an independent technological ecosystem, distinct from Western influences.

The public beta version of its homegrown operating system will initially be available on the company’s flagship devices, including the Mate 60 smartphone, Mate X5 foldable model, and MatePad Pro tablet.

Scheduled for an official release later this year alongside the Mate 70 smartphone, Harmony OS Next represents a bold strategic pivot for Huawei amid escalating geopolitical tensions and sanctions impacting its business operations.

Evolution of OS

The evolution of Harmony OS has been shaped by the necessity for a robust alternative to Android, which has been Huawei’s operating system of choice until recent years. Following allegations of espionage and subsequent sanctions, Huawei recognised the imperative of fostering its own technological sovereignty.

Launched initially in 2019, Harmony OS was designed as a multi-platform system capable of running Android applications. However, the introduction of Harmony OS Next suggests a deliberate move away from this compatibility, highlighting a commitment to developing a uniquely Chinese operating system.

Support from major domestic partners, such as Tencent Holdings, has bolstered Huawei’s foray into this new operating system. Tencent is reportedly developing 20 applications compatible with Harmony OS, including well-known platforms like QQ and WeCom.

Self-sufficient ecosystem

The collaboration underscores the importance of a robust application ecosystem for the success of any operating system—an acknowledgment articulated by Huawei’s deputy chairman, Eric Xu Zhijun, who emphasised that a native ecosystem is essential for Harmony OS to function effectively as a mobile OS.

The reception of Harmony OS within China has thus far been favourable, with the platform claiming a 17 per cent market share in the first quarter, gradually encroaching upon Apple’s presence in the market.

While Android remains the dominant player with a 68 per cent market share, according to Counterpoint Research, the gradual rise of Harmony OS reflects a growing sentiment of nationalism and a willingness among consumers to support local technology solutions.

Looking ahead, Huawei aims to extend the reach of Harmony OS beyond mobile devices, with plans for a PC version anticipated in the latter part of this year.

The ambition signifies Huawei’s resolve to not only reclaim its place in the global tech landscape but also to contribute to the development of a self-sufficient technological ecosystem within China.

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