22.39 million dinars in new contracts to boost Kuwait’s digital infrastructure
. . . to expand Cloud and cybersecurity systems in deals led by Google services
The Audit Bureau data shows the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) has, from last April till date, awarded nine direct contracts, renewed one existing agreement, and floated four new tenders valued at a total of 22.39 million dinars, as part of efforts to strengthen Kuwait’s digital infrastructure.
The awarded contracts cover a range of services, including software development and cloud solutions with Google for Education, technical support packages, Google Cloud services, and the procurement of Google Business licenses.
They also include agreements related to data center operations and business continuity, such as CAIT’s contract with Zain Kuwait to lease data center facilities under the National Business Continuity and Disaster Management Plan, reports Al-Rai daily.
Another contract was signed with the Integrated Computer Systems Group to provide additional data center leasing services, along with a separate agreement for implementing, developing, and supporting the Unified Communications Center (Wasel).
Google Cloud services accounted for the largest portion of the direct contracts, totaling 10.7 million dinars—or 47.9% of the total. Premium technical support services followed with 3.03 million dinars, while Google Education licenses came third at 1.94 million dinars.
CAIT also launched four practices aimed at developing the Kuwait Information Network and bolstering cybersecurity.
These include projects to upgrade network infrastructure for cloud connectivity under the Kuwait Digital Strategy, provide technical support and maintenance for network protection systems, supply security and control solutions and switches for the national network, and extend the maintenance contract for IBM FileNet software licenses.
The practices also include leasing an email system license and offering technical support services for the agency.
Additionally, the Audit Bureau is reviewing a request from CAIT to directly award a contract to Zain Kuwait valued at 332.79 thousand dinars, as well as another proposed contract with Systems Group for business continuity and disaster management services worth 437.87 thousand dinars.
