Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 23 | Page 46

COUNTRY FOCUS: KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN Microsoft’s Azure Cloud Solution is adopted by Gulf Air M icrosoft has announced that Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has revamped its online customer-experience utilising the power of Microsoft Azure Cloud. The deployment carried out by Link Development, a Microsoft Certified Cloud service provider and global technology solutions provider, enables Gulf Air to deliver world-class web and cross-device services while future-proofing its online platform. This will give customers access to information and services around the clock, from anywhere in the world, with lightning-fast response times. “At Microsoft our mission is to help every individual and organisation on the planet to achieve more and we are deeply proud to have played a part in Gulf Air’s digital transformation journey,” said Sherif Tawfik, Country General Manager, Microsoft Bahrain and Oman. 46 INTELLIGENTCIO “Sub-second response times are critical to travellers as they plan their itineraries, and this was a high-priority aspect of Gulf Air’s digital transformation. Azure allowed the company’s online services to react in real time to fluctuations in web traffic, all while providing world-leading security for both the airline and its passengers.” Dr Jassim Haji, Director of Information Technology, Gulf Air, said: “The importance of the online user experience and the need for a superior online presence made us decide that a new, modern online presence was a high strategic priority. With the Azure-based portal, our unique visitor numbers have shot up, while we have reduced our backend operational costs.” With the help of trusted local Microsoft implementation partner Link Development, a driver of business transformation by delivering integrated, inventive and digitally productive experiences, Gulf Air has rebuilt its legacy www.intelligentcio.com