Zain KSA signs MoUs with four global tech giants, and a MSSP Agreement with Fortinet

Zain KSA has signed 4 Memoranda of Understanding with 4 of the world-leading telecom technology giants: Huawei, Nokia, Tata Technologies, BTAS in addition to a MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider) Agreement with Fortinet. The MoUs and MSSP Agreement are part of Zain KSA's strategy to develop its innovation and improve the customer experience for individuals, businesses and government agencies, in accordance with the latest international standards and information security best practices.

The MoU with Huawei entails mutual cooperation for the full deployment of the 5G network within the SME sector, as well as the utilization of 5G solutions for warehouses. Zain KSA will also cooperate with Huawei on the analysis of global trends in addition to 5G innovation development to achieve the best value for subscribers while encouraging a wider adoption of 5G technologies in Saudi Arabia.

As per the MoU with Nokia, Zain KSA will leverage Nokia's innovative use cases in many areas, including reliable, high-speed digital business solutions, by developing 5G use cases in various fields. This would achieve the best customer experience and improve the network’s operational efficiency. The MoU also entails a strategic partnership to develop and market Nokia's business solutions through Zain KSA, including a plan to access the market for the targeted sectors and achieve added value.

In parallel, the MoU with Tata Communications outlines bilateral cooperation for supporting the growth of the business sector through joint projects related to software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) and global contact centers, as well as the application of smart transport and IoT solutions in a variety of sectors such as smart waste handling, smart metering and other smart city use cases.

Meanwhile, the MoU with Beyond Technology Al Saudia (BTAS) is mainly concerned with providing an integrated portfolio of B2B cybersecurity solutions. The two parties will also exchange expertise in the field of information Security Operations Center (SOC), as well as analyze and assess cyberthreats in the Kingdom, promote awareness of the importance of cybersecurity and review relevant governance requirements.

Zain KSA recently signed a MSSP Agreement with Fortinet, a global leader in broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions, which will expand their collaboration to strengthen the security of Zain Cloud services dedicated to start-up, enterprise, SME and government sectors.

In his remarks, Zain KSA’s Chief Business and Wholesale Officer Eng. Saad Al-Sadhan stated: “At Zain KSA, we continue to work to attract the best and latest technologies to the Kingdom, taking into account 3 main aspects: The first is national and is associated with our role, as a leading Saudi company, in supporting the Kingdom-wide digital transformation in line with Saudi Vision 2030, through deploying the best and latest technologies to the Kingdom. The second aspect is economic, and is reflected through our keenness to achieve the best returns and value for the business sector by harnessing ground-breaking technologies to support the growth and expansion of their businesses efficiently and effectively. The third is humanitarian, and is related to improving the quality of life in the Kingdom, based on the vital role innovative technologies play in achieving individual well-being.” He added: “We are proud to be partnering with prominent and pioneering names in the world of technology which signifies Zain KSA’s structured commitment to achieving excellence through sizable quality investments.”

While constantly developing the quality and performance of its innovative offerings, Zain KSA continues to ensure compliance with the pertinent regulatory requirements and international standards. In this regard, Zain KSA has recently achieved two ISO certifications of the Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), ISO 27017 and ISO 27018, dedicated to security management for computing service providers. Previously, the company had also acquired two ISO certifications, ISO 9001:2015 (QMS) and ISO 27001:2013 (ISMS), both of which demonstrate the company’s capacity to roll out products and services that consistently meet customers’ demands as well as applicable statutory requirements. Such accomplishments further showcase Zain KSA’s ability to maintain and continually improve its Information Security Management System while meeting the requirements of the assessment and treatment of information security risks.