Keeping up with the rate of advancement in the ICT sector, our systems and processes are maintained at the cutting edge, to operate seamlessly and serve the needs of our clients.

solutions by stc prioritizes fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge creation. The Company’s sector-leading best practices, commitment to process improvement, and focus on maximization of synergies have contributed to maintaining solutions by stc’s market leadership position. This section explores the Company’s investment in intellectual capital that is vital for sustainable growth.

Presence

solutions by stc operates six branches within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; located in Jubail, Khobar, Jeddah, Qassim and two branches in the capital city, Riyadh. In addition, solutions by stc’s recent acquisition of an 88.19% stake in Giza Systems has strengthened the Company’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and expanded its footprint to the West, East, and Central Africa (WECA) region; with offices in Cairo, Dubai, Doha, Nairobi, Dar-es-Salaam, Abuja, Kampala, and New Jersey. The expansion comes at a time when the region is experiencing significant growth and opportunity in the ICT sector. For more information regarding solutions by stc’s acquisition of Giza Systems.

solutions by stc is dedicated to ensuring systems and processes are regularly updated to work seamlessly and stay ahead of emerging trends and advances in the ICT sector, as well as meeting the needs and expectations of all stakeholders.

Continuous investment in our IT capabilities

In line with the Company’s 2020-2025 LEAP strategy for stable growth, solutions by stc continually invests in IT capabilities. These enhancements enable the Company to reinforce its leadership position and continue to lead the field in managed and professional services. The following enhancements to IT infrastructure services were instituted during the year:

IT infra Service	Enhancements
Security Services	STC GUARD
	Enforcement of network access control to all users
	Enhancement and upgrade of Trend Micro components such as server-side protection, advance threat protection, integration with multiple threat intelligence platforms
	Enhance the Identity Access Management System
	Migration and upgrade of Privilege Access Management System
	Migration of Vulnerability Management Platform
Information Security Audits	STC GUARD KPIs (Implementation of CS Controls)
	NCA Cybersecurity Cloud Controls
	NCA ECC Compliance
System Services	Implementation of Open Shift
	Implementation of Azure HCI Stack
	Upgrade of ADFS 2019
	Implementation of Email Archiving
Virtualization Services	Upgrade of VMware Esxi/VCenter
	Addition of new Esxi host to meeting demand/capacity
	Upgrade of VDI.
Network Services	Addition of four (4) new branch offices
	Enhancement in network links
	Upgrade multiple core switches
Storage Services	Addition of new NetApp appliances
	Upgrade of Commvault backup system
	Upgrade of SAN Brocade Switches
Disaster Recovery Services	Completion of Phase 1 (replication of Tier 0-1 services)
	Kickoff Phase 2 ( addition of new nodes in HyperFlex)
	DMZ/VDI hardware implementation
Communication Services	CISCO PCCE Upgrade for Ameer project
	Enhancement of IPT services for IT Operations
	Implemented customer quality assurance feedback

Processes

The Company’s systems and processes make up a key component of its tacit knowledge, and intangible and inherent value. They promote internal efficiencies, collaboration, and dynamism that are essential to the success of solutions by stc’s agile business model.

Embracing digitalization to support changing work modalities

Several new programs and processes were adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain smooth flow of business. Uninterrupted communication between customers and employees was enabled, and served in providing greater feedback, closer monitoring of projects, and efficient and effective response to client requests.

Additionally, instituted optimizations opened new communication channels, enabling better internal collaboration and information transfer within teams. The following digital solutions continue to provide strong collaborative efficiencies in the post-pandemic period:

IT infra service	Enhancements
My access	Includes all solutions apps and systems under one umbrella
VPN	Allows access to critical systems at any time
Microsoft Teams	Offers flexibility to work, share documents, calls, and meetings in real time
Webex	Offers flexibility to schedule meetings with and for clients
Jabber	Provides the ability to access work numbers from outside work
Azer	Removes access barriers to resolving client issues quickly and easily

Further, a number of automated processes have been instituted for critical functions of the Company such as:

• BPO Continuous Improvement and Reporting
• BPO Process Migration and
  Re-engineering
• ERM Escalation
• Top Risk Identification
• Risk Off-Boarding.

Corporate culture

solutions by stc holds a firm belief in the importance of a corporate culture that is conducive to development and change. By regularly implementing initiatives that best serve its employees, the Company makes way for creativity and innovation. The corporate culture at solutions by stc aims to achieve the following:

• Empowering all employees and facilitating knowledge generation
• Increasing motivation leading to job satisfaction
• Communicating accurate information, providing transparency and maintaining professionalism
• Facilitating positive change and growth
• Continuously monitoring and improving the work environment
• Maintaining open communication channels between employees and leaders.

Foundational to development of the Company’s corporate culture are five (5) key focus areas:

1. Enhancing employee awareness: Be aware approach

2. Collaboration and cooperation

3. Change management and employee engagement

4. Fostering a high-performance culture and shared achievement

5. Supporting diversity and a well-being of women

Throughout the year, the Company continued to invest in cultivating a work culture where employees were satisfied, engaged, and empowered. For more information on how the Company invests in its Human Capital.

Using systematic scientific research studies and a focused strategic approach, the Company successfully implemented a well-defined engagement transformation strategy, which significantly impacted the performance, productivity and effectiveness of the business. solutions by stc implemented a number of major initiatives as part of the engagement transformation strategy, as detailed in the Human Capital section.

Celebrating the strength of our corporate culture

Reflecting the Company’s successful and dynamic corporate culture, solutions by stc received a number of awards in 2022.

	Outstanding Change Management Strategy
	Best Workplace in KSA
	Best Workplace in Asia
	Best Workplace in the Technology Sector in the Middle East
	Integrated Performance Excellence Award (International from The KPI Institute)
	Best Work Environment for Women

Corporate communications and change-management functions – The 3R’s Model

To drive and sustain momentum in a rapidly changing business environment, the Company developed the 3R’s Model for change-management. Developed internally and customized for solutions by stc, the model centers around the most important aspects of the change cycle.

Using a unique approach, change is initiated through communication with employees. First, making employees aware of the need for change, then using a model and methodology that invites employee input and support, convinces them of the benefits to them and fosters desire to participate in the implementation of change.

Brand equity

solutions by stc retains a strong brand position shared with its parent company, stc, the digital enabler in the region. At the same time, solutions by stc has carved a niche of its own, built on over one and a half decades of excellence and proven project delivery. solutions by stc’s brand strategy reflects the strength of this foundation, and engages proactively with stakeholders to reflect solutions by stc’s story, values, and message of digital transformation.

As the leading enabler of digital transformation for institutions and enterprises in the Kingdom, solutions by stc has garnered a reputation for innovation and unmatched technological advancement. This has led to the Company’s pole position as the number one IT service provider in the Kingdom. As the premier agency of choice for ICT services in the Kingdom, solutions by stc is at the cutting edge of developments in the ICT sector.

In line with the Company’s local, regional, and international growth strategy; solutions by stc participated in a number of key local and international events in 2022 such as LEAP, Global AI Summit, Misk Global Forum, and the Future Aviation Forum. Strategic participation by the Company was aimed at raising awareness of products, services, and offering, and attracting new customers.