How important is the Saudi market for Seagate and what is your vision for the Kingdom?
One of the largest markets in the Middle East, which is actively pursuing digital transformation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is actively working to roll-out the latest advanced technologies and Smart City developments. In fact, the Kingdom was named the “Top Digital Riser” among the G20 nations in 2021 due to the comprehensive government support for digital transformation in the Kingdom as part of Vision 2030.
As a global leader in high capacity storage solutions, Seagate is actively investing in the country. To support its ambitions as a leading tech hub, affordable, flexible, scalable, and secure high-performance data management systems will be vital. With more than 40 years of experience in cutting-edge technologies and solutions, we are equipped with the skills, expertise and technology to support Saudi Arabia’s advanced IT infrastructure needs.
How is Seagate helping organisations and companies in Saudi Arabia overcome their security challenges?
At Seagate, we are support the security needs of Saudi-based businesses in three different ways.
First, we offer unique value-added services such as Seagate Rescue Data Recovery. A unique, free-of-charge data recovery service provided with SkyHawk and SkyHawk AI surveillance >1TB classed drives, it allows customers to retrieve data from a physically damaged hard drive. Once the unit is received by Seagate, the data is retrieved at the in-house lab, and returned to the customer on new media to ensure security. Data can be retrieved at a >90% success rate irrespective of the way it was destroyed – whether due to natural calamities, vandalism or a cyber attack.
The second way we are helping organisations is through our Data Storage Systems. Seagate’s JBOB and SAN options have the highest storage and data transfer capabilities available in the market, allowing customers to record data from thousands of cameras to a central location. Utilising cutting-edge technologies like Seagate’s ADAPT, customers can now install solutions that reduce rebuild times by up to 90% compared to RAID! Given the requirements for high capacity, fast data throughput, security and retention, Seagate Data Storage Systems are perfect products for ‘Smart City projects’.
Lastly, we support businesses in Saudi Arabia indirectly by extending training opportunities and incentives to our partner network to ensure our customers enjoy a first-class service.
What do you think the future of mass data storage, and video and analytics surveillance will look like in Saudi Arabia within the next five years and what trends do you think are here to stay?
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the National Transformation Programme, growth of the non-oil sector and a fast-growing population, the market for surveillance and video analytics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% between 2020-2026. Within the segment, the camera component acquired the highest revenue share, and the most popular vertical for the market proved to be government and transportation, as remote monitoring, transportation management and increased public safety are priorities among the authorities. At the same time, looking to the future, surveillance and video analytics are expected to play a major role in the development of smart cities. They will also be critical as Saudi Arabia’s major infrastructure projects are advanced.
What value do you think Seagate can provide to the smart city infrastructures such as NEOM?
A smart city integrates digital technologies into its networks, services and infrastructure and solves city problems. The underlying enabler of smart cities is data. For a smart city, it is essential to store, access, share, and analyse data to ensure its efficiency and sustainability and improve the lives of its residents. For example, smart cities can deliver utilities more efficiently thanks to smart grids, which can optimise the delivery of electricity based on citizen usage.
Of course, none of this is possible without the infrastructure, systems and capabilities like AI to manage and help decipher the avalanche of data. Adding on to that, lacking storage infrastructure to accommodate the exponential increase in data capture from sensors and digital devices is one of the main challenges the cities face.
Seagate is specialised in this sector, and we are ultimately responsible for crafting the ‘Datasphere’ by managing, storing and mobilising data in a cost-effective manner. With our rich history and project experience, Seagate is an asset for partners in Saudi Arabia, who are currently faced with the challenge of managing the ‘data explosion’.
What can we expect from Seagate at Intersec KSA?
At Intersec KSA, Seagate will announce its regional focus. The team will be physically present at the event to assist current and potential customers. This team includes account managers, marketing managers and myself as the lead for video surveillance in EMEA. Attendees can also expect to see our latest products and technologies expected in the market in the near future. We look forward to recruiting resellers and installers to our partner programme and having meaningful conversations about our unique services and solutions.
