In a significant stride towards digital transformation, Bahrain’s Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has successfully completed the backup of data for 44 government entities using Microsoft 365 cloud computing services. This initiative underscores Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing data protection, ensuring business continuity, and setting a benchmark for future-facing governance.
A Strategic Partnership for Digital Advancement
The collaboration between iGA and Microsoft is rooted in a strategic partnership spanning over two decades. This alliance has been pivotal in driving Bahrain’s digital agenda, aligning with the nation’s Cloud-First policy introduced in 2017. This policy emphasizes the adoption of cloud computing to foster innovation, reduce operational costs, and improve public services. The recent data backup project is a testament to this ongoing commitment.
Comprehensive Data Protection Measures
The backup project encompasses a wide array of services integral to daily government operations, including emails, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint Online, and Exchange. By migrating these services to the Microsoft Azure platform, iGA ensures that data is securely archived and readily accessible, thereby enhancing the resilience of government operations against potential disruptions.
Hesham Ebrahim Al-Hashemi, Director of Government Systems Support and Maintenance at iGA, highlighted the project’s significance: “Before Azure Backup, our environment’s retention and availability were around 30%. This has now been extended to nearly 100% of our workloads.”
Streamlined Collaboration and Efficiency
The integration of Microsoft 365 has revolutionized collaboration across government entities. Tools such as Microsoft Teams have facilitated virtual meetings, reducing the need for physical travel and associated costs. Dr. Khalid Ahmed Al Mutawah, Deputy CE of Operation and Governance at iGA, noted, “Each of us spent about five hours weekly getting to meetings. Extrapolate that to all 20,000 employees now working online, and you have 100,000 working hours saved per week.”
Moreover, the transition from on-premises SharePoint to SharePoint Online has provided ministries with unlimited storage and improved document management capabilities. This shift has enabled entities like the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Housing to streamline internal processes, enhancing overall efficiency.
Ensuring Business Continuity and Data Security
A cornerstone of this digital transformation is the emphasis on business continuity and data security. The implementation of Azure Backup ensures that data is not only securely stored but also readily recoverable in case of unforeseen events. This proactive approach mitigates risks associated with data loss, whether due to user errors, cybersecurity threats, or technical issues.
Al-Hashemi emphasized the importance of this initiative: “It is necessary to comply with legal requirements and regulations regarding data protection along with the ability to deal with accidental deletion and the ability to recover important files and emails when needed.”
Empowering a Digitally Skilled Workforce
Beyond technological advancements, iGA is committed to cultivating a digitally proficient workforce. Through training programs and workshops, government employees are equipped with the necessary skills to leverage modern technologies effectively. This investment in human capital ensures that the benefits of digital transformation are maximized, leading to improved public services and operational excellence.
A Model for Future-Facing Governance
Bahrain’s proactive approach serves as a model for other nations aiming to enhance their digital infrastructure. By prioritizing data security, business continuity, and employee empowerment, iGA exemplifies how strategic partnerships and forward-thinking policies can drive meaningful transformation in the public sector.
As Bahrain continues its digital journey, the successful implementation of Microsoft 365 and Azure solutions stands as a testament to the nation’s dedication to innovation, efficiency, and resilience in governance.
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