STC Group, Microsoft Team Up for Corporate Digital Transformation Innovation across Saudi Arabia

A man passes the Saudi Telecom STC office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 6, 2018. (Reuters)
A man passes the Saudi Telecom STC office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 6, 2018. (Reuters)
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STC Group, Microsoft Team Up for Corporate Digital Transformation Innovation across Saudi Arabia

A man passes the Saudi Telecom STC office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 6, 2018. (Reuters)
A man passes the Saudi Telecom STC office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 6, 2018. (Reuters)

stc group, an engine of digital transformation, announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with Microsoft to further advance its digitalization and drive innovation across Saudi Arabia.

As part of the partnership, the organizations will jointly develop and deploy cutting-edge solutions that will transform and empower organizations across various industries, while enabling small businesses to grow and thrive in the digital economy, according to a press release by stc, SPA reported.

"Our strategic partnership with Microsoft marks a defining moment in the history of digital transformation for both stc group and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said stc group CEO Olayan Alwetaid.

“This collaboration isn't just about technology; it's about promoting a future where Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of global innovation, setting the standard for what's possible in the digital age. Together with Microsoft, we will work to bring the latest technologies to Saudi Arabia and help businesses of all sizes to embrace digital transformation, advance economic diversification, and create a more vibrant and prosperous future for our country.”

The collaboration between the organizations, the release said, aims to enable stc’s subsidiaries to explore new markets, develop disruptive business models, and bring innovative products and services to market. By jointly developing and deploying the latest advanced technologies, the partnership aims to support high-quality, safe, and secure digital experiences for businesses across the Kingdom.

The alliance will also serve as an innovation powerhouse, powering the transformation of industries from the Kingdom to the world.

“We are excited about this next phase in our journey with stc. Our aim is to empower businesses of all sizes and industries with tailored digital solutions that enable them to innovate and solve their unique challenges to drive equitable business growth.” Said President Microsoft EMEA Ralph Haupter.



Britain to Introduce Digital Driving Licences this Year

A gaggle of geese stop traffic on The Mall as they cross the road in front of Buckingham Palace, in London, Britain October 10, 2022. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
A gaggle of geese stop traffic on The Mall as they cross the road in front of Buckingham Palace, in London, Britain October 10, 2022. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
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Britain to Introduce Digital Driving Licences this Year

A gaggle of geese stop traffic on The Mall as they cross the road in front of Buckingham Palace, in London, Britain October 10, 2022. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
A gaggle of geese stop traffic on The Mall as they cross the road in front of Buckingham Palace, in London, Britain October 10, 2022. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo

Britain will introduce digital driving licences later this year in a push to use data to transform public services, the government said on Tuesday.

The licence will be held in a new GOV.UK digital wallet on smartphones and it will enable users to easily prove their age when buying age-restricted items as well as proving a right to drive.

Security features built into smartphones like facial recognition will ensure digital documents are secure even if a device is lost, the government said.

Other credentials issued by the government such as veteran cards and criminal record checks will be added by the end of 2027, it said, while physical documents would also remain available, according to Reuters.

The wallet will come alongside a government app, due this summer, that will make using services like applying for childcare or reporting a lost passport easier.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle said the GOV.UK wallet would mean that every letter or identity document received from the government could be issued virtually.

"For people who choose to use GOV.UK Wallet, they will find it easier to prove they're entitled to benefits or check their age when buying alcohol or DIY equipment, with more security and trust than ever before," he said.

"Crucially, it also opens huge opportunities to make interacting with public services much easier by putting people in control of their own data."

A government review published on Tuesday said the full digitisation of public services could result in more than 45 billion pounds ($55 billion) a year of savings and productivity benefits.

Digital driving licences already exist in Australia, Denmark, Iceland and in some US states.