Microsoft showcases sustainable digital transformation solutions as DEWA’s strategic partner at WETEX 2017

As part of its continuous efforts in supporting Dubai’s vision to build a sustainable future and in line with the National Innovation Strategy, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Microsoft today showcased an array of innovations at the 19th Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) organized by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), taking place in Dubai from 23-25th October this year. 

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of DEWA, WETEX is one of the world’s largest exhibitions of its kind with over 24,000 visitors, and 1,900 exhibitors from 47 countries, serving as a global platform for industry players from water, energy and environment to demonstrate the latest technologies, as well as share ideas and best practices. Built on the Azure cloud with the latest technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), immersive human-machine interaction, cognitive services and bot frameworks, Microsoft marked its presence at WETEX this year as a strategic partner to drive transformation through technology and a promise for industry organizations to better engage customers, empower employees, optimize operations and transform their services. 

“Dubai has always been at the forefront of development and sustainability by adopting cutting edge technologies and transform the emirate into a global hub for clean energy and green economy” Said Ibrahim Youssry, Director of Public Sector, Microsoft Gulf. “We take pride in being chosen by DEWA as the strategic Digital Transformation partner at this year’s WETEX, as we bring forth disruptive technologies for industry organizations to leverage Microsoft’s productivity platform and innovations to achieve more”

“Microsoft has a long-standing partnership with DEWA over the years. The Microsoft HoloLens has been adopted by DEWA as an end-to-end solution for its energy plants, and the ‘Rammas’ Service built on Microsoft’s Bot Framework with AI capabilities - are part of a remarkable digital transformation journey that DEWA has embarked on, and we take pride in supporting them.” added Youssry

Microsoft demonstrated its unique ‘Connected Field Service’ solution to empower government agencies and organizations at all levels and move from a costly break-fix model to a proactive and predictive service model. Company experts demonstrated how employees can leverage Microsoft’s connected devices and machine learning capabilities combined with remote monitoring, digital services, and predictive maintenance— to transform field service operations. 

“The Connected Field Service solution enables organizations to capture and analyze data from connected devices. Explained Youssry. “Using the Azure IoT Suite, workers can receive real-time alerts from devices—including places that were previously difficult to monitor. This solution gives a broader picture of operations to optimize resources, improve scheduling through field service and field management software, making the most of employee productivity and resolving issues faster.” 

As part of its Office 365 productivity offerings for enterprises, Microsoft also introduced WETEX visitors to the power of StaffHub, a new application that allows managers to set schedules for deskless workers in the field through a simple interface and share with employees. The workforce can access those schedules through the StaffHub mobile app and also use it for other functions such as swapping shifts, chat, exchange files etc.

Built for teamwork and the modern workplace, Microsoft’s  55” Surface Hub made a star appearance at this year’s WETEX. The fully integrated design with flexible mounting configurations, High Definition cameras, infra-red presence sensors and high-performance microphones, brings the ultimate power of collaboration for teams to suit their business needs. 

“A Forrester Study finds a potential 3-year risk-adjusted ROI of 138% for businesses deploying Microsoft Surface Hub.” Said Youssry. “Surface Hub reimagines the meeting experience. Working in concert with Windows 10 and Office 365, it unlocks the power of the group with its expansive multi-touch screen and responsive inking - driving productivity and advancing the way people work together”.

At WETEX 2017, Microsoft also made a prominent presence at the World Green Economy Summit hosted by DEWA. Ramez Dandan, Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer for the Gulf region participated in a panel discussion titled ‘Digital transformation: the core of the new green economy’ to discuss how technology can be leveraged in the context of economic, social and environmental challenges faced by countries today, and the shift in paradigms with the power of Digital transformation. 

Ibrahim Youssry and Ramez Dandan, also participated in a round table discussion ‘Creating a smart city: challenges and solutions’ to highlight the role of technology in the transition from traditional to smart cities, and how it accelerates the transformation process.

Microsoft’s three strategic partners were also present at the company’s WETEX stand to showcase their solutions built on the company’s Intelligent Azure cloud; for organizations in sectors of water, energy and environment, to experience and achieve unprecedented levels of operational and business excellence. 

Microsoft Partner Saviant showcased its Smart Meter Data Management and Utility Analytics Solution, to enable intelligent actions & accelerate business outcomes for customers. EY (Ernst & Young) demonstrated its Digital Grid Services (DGS), a cloud based smart energy platform, that allows two-way communication between the utility and the network, to enable insights, automation and control - improving reliability, availability and efficiency of the grid.  Robotina flaunted its SMART CONNECTED solutions, components and platforms, which contribute to new models of connected society through technology and expertise by optimizing control and regulation