In an exclusive interview with Nandan Mer, Group CEO of Network International, the Integrator delved into the company’s pivotal role in shaping the payment landscape of the region. As the region’s most innovative electronic payments company, Network International has made significant advancements in tokenization, biometrics, and open banking solutions. Operating in 50 countries, including a recent expansion into Saudi Arabia, the UAE based company continues to extend its global reach into Saudi Arabia, Africa, and Morocco. The Integrator also examines how Network International supports Aani and enhances the digital payments ecosystem in the UAE.

How does Network International support banks and fintechs in improving their business operations and customer service through technology?

Our primary objective is to facilitate business success, encompassing banks, fintechs, merchants, and overall economic prosperity. Technology offers numerous benefits to banks and fintechs, helping them better serve their customers. This involves continuous innovation in product solutions, user experience (UX), and customer interaction. As their technology partners, we collaborate closely with them. With the 200 banks we partner with, we receive approximately 2,000 to 3,000 ideas to improve their businesses in various aspects.

Out of our team, about 1,000 members are dedicated technologists who work diligently to bring these ideas to fruition. They develop and implement technological solutions which are then provided back to the banks and fintechs. We take pride in the number of fintechs we have enabled to enter the market across the 50 markets we operate in. Fintechs are valuable to us because they bring fresh, innovative thinking and challenge the status quo in financial markets, enhancing how consumers are served by financial institutions.

Fintechs often face significant challenges with the initial investment in operations and technology. As entrepreneurs or young management teams, they must manage distribution, marketing, product quality, and more. We assist by handling the heavy lifting in operations and technology, providing these services on a per-transaction basis. This approach democratizes the cost of doing business for fintechs, enabling them to avoid substantial capital expenditure. Consequently, we have successfully onboarded numerous fintechs over the past three to five years.

How has Network International’s recent expansion into Saudi Arabia, along with the acquisition of payment companies in Africa, impacted your global operations and growth strategy?

We are a UAE-based global company currently operating in 50 countries. Our recent expansion includes a significant foray into Saudi Arabia. Until a couple of years ago, we had no business presence in Saudi Arabia. However, we have now started investing in the region, establishing our technology infrastructure locally, and creating a new company. We are proud to have a team led by talented Saudi nationals.

We have partnered with the central bank and Saudi Payments to deliver our services to Saudi banks and fintechs. Today, we have gained the trust of many Saudi fintechs and currently have 12 customers in Saudi Arabia. We are pleased with the rapid growth we have achieved. Additionally, we have been granted a direct acquiring license by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), making us the first foreign company to be fully licensed in the acquiring space in Saudi Arabia. This privilege and responsibility are significant, and we are committed to offering innovative services that better serve Saudi businesses and contribute to economic growth. Saudi Arabia has been a major focus, and we have invested heavily in this market.

In the past two and a half years, we have also acquired major payment companies in South Africa and Kenya, namely DPO and Payfast. Post[1]acquisition, we have scaled these companies by investing significantly in their growth and expanding them into new markets in Africa. Our latest venture is into Morocco, an exciting new market for us. Although we have been servicing Moroccan banks from outside Morocco, they have encouraged us to establish a local presence to better support their technology needs. Consequently, we have recently established our office in Morocco and are expanding our operations there in response to our ongoing discussions with Moroccan banks.

What role does Network International play in supporting Aani and enhancing the digital payments ecosystem in the UAE?

We commend the foresight and investment made by the Central Bank of the UAE in enabling capabilities such as Aani. Enabling faster payments is a crucial new service that complements card transactions, bank-to-bank payments, and more. Aani represents a significant technological advancement, and we fully embrace it. As one of the first companies in the UAE to connect to the domestic switch, we are also among the pioneers in accepting Aani at our point-of sale terminals. We highly regard this initiative, recognizing its vital role in enhancing the digital payments ecosystem in the UAE. At Network, we are committed to supporting the success of Aani in every possible way.

How does Network International utilize biometrics, such as fingerprints on terminals, and artificial intelligence to enhance security and efficiency in transactions?

The hallmark of Network International is our forward-thinking approach. We continually push the boundaries to enable faster, cheaper, and more secure technology. Biometrics play a crucial role in enhancing security. By reducing fraud in transactions, we instill greater confidence in consumers and merchants regarding electronic transaction flows. We are pleased to report that fraud levels are relatively low in the markets where we operate, thanks in part to the effective fraud prevention tools employed by ecosystem players and our continuous enhancement of these tools. Artificial intelligence significantly contributes to this effort. The role of new technologies and capabilities in making the electronic payments ecosystem more efficient cannot be overstated.

As a leader in the payment’s ecosystem in the Middle East and Africa, processing approximately $100 billion in transactions across 20 million credentials and over 100,000 merchants, we recognize our responsibility to demonstrate the value of advanced technologies. We rigorously evaluate these technologies before their launch to ensure they enhance the ecosystem’s security. However, not all technologies are adopted as expected by merchants or consumers, and it is only through experimentation and pushing boundaries that we can drive innovation. We are committed to continually experimenting and advancing the field, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry.

How do you envision collaborating on blockchain technology with other companies, particularly in the realms of B2B payment solutions and SME lending solutions?

We are pleased to inform your readers that we have recently been granted the stored value license by the Central Bank of the UAE. This license enables us to offer the solutions you mentioned, which would not have been possible otherwise. This development opens new opportunities for us. In anticipation of receiving this license, we have been developing technologies and capabilities.

We are particularly excited about B2B payments, which, in terms of volume, represent a significantly larger market than B2C payments or consumer-to-institution and consumer-to-merchant transactions. These B2B payment flows are ideal for enhancements in efficiency, security, and speed. We possess the technological capabilities and the necessary experience, with many of our team members having backgrounds in B2B payments. Now that we have the required Central Bank licenses, we are fully prepared to advance in this area.

What are your thoughts on open banking with the new regulations coming in?

Open banking represents a natural progression of the efforts made by fintechs and technology disruptors. It reduces the friction in launching new products in the market. We appreciate the evolving mindset of bankers who are now embracing open banking. While a framework and technology are necessary to facilitate open banking, the core of open banking lies in forging partnerships between banks and companies. These partnerships leverage the banks’ data, historical insights, and balance sheets in meaningful ways.

The value of open banking has been demonstrated in various parts of the world. I am confident that over time, open banking will bring similar advancements in our markets, comparable to what has been achieved in Europe and parts of the US. We are learning from these markets’ experiences and tailoring our approach accordingly. We are also developing technologies to support companies leveraging open banking, enabling them to go to the market faster with better user experience (UX) and customer experience (CX) at reasonable costs. This cost-effectiveness is crucial for achieving scale, which is a key factor in the success of these initiatives

Genetec, a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, shared a comprehensive set of data protection best practices to help physical security leaders protect privacy, safeguard data, and enable trust without compromising security.

This initiative comes as a response to the escalating importance of data security in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. By prioritizing privacy, organizations can effectively contribute to a safer digital and physical landscape for all.

“Organizations should never have to choose between data privacy and security. By equipping physical security professionals with these essential strategies, Genetec is spearheading a paradigm shift towards a more resilient and trustworthy security ecosystem. It is an ongoing process, and organizations should regularly update protocols, stay informed and continuously educate their teams on best practices”, said Firas Jadalla, Regional Director – Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) Genetec.

Genetec recommends organizations ensure their security systems respect data privacy by: 

1. Collecting and Storing Only What You Need:

A fundamental rule of data security is to collect and store only essential information. The potential impact of a security breach can be reduced by minimizing stored data. It’s important to regularly review and audit data and dispose of unnecessary information responsibly.

2. Limiting Access to Sensitive Data:

Enhancing data security involves restricting access to sensitive information. Genetec recommends implementing data-sharing best practices, such as removing personally identifiable information to safeguard individual privacy. Techniques for anonymizing personal information while retaining its utility include:

• Randomization (adding noise to numerical values such as an individual’s age or income),
• pseudonymization (such as replacing names with unique identifiers), tokenization (such as replacing credit card numbers with tokens that have no direct correlation to the original numbers),
• generalization (such as converting exact birthdates to age ranges),
• and data masking (showing only the first few digits of a phone number).

3. Ensuring Privacy without Compromising Evidence:

By making use of technologies such as KiwiVision™ Privacy Protector, organizations can automatically anonymize images of people, so they can continue to survey surveillance footage while respecting privacy. This technology also offers an additional layer of security that ensures only authorized users can “unlock” and view unmasked footage while maintaining an audit trail.

4. Being Transparent and Get User Consent:

Building trust through transparency and user consent is essential. It’s important to clearly communicate with users about the data collection process, promoting informed decisions. Organizations should also gain explicit consent before collecting and processing data.

5. Choosing a Reliable Data Storage Provider:

Organizations should select a data storage provider carefully, ensuring a clear understanding of data storage, handling, and sharing practices. If using third-party services, organizations should demand strong security measures and reliable data handling practices. Establish who “owns” any data stored in the cloud, and any rights/privileges associated with the use or disclosure of any information.

6. Establishing Strong Policies:

To ensure long-term data safety, Genetec recommends putting in place robust policies across the organization. Enforcing a transparent chain of custody through technology, such as a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS), ensures accountability and traceability at every stage of the data lifecycle.

The Integrator recently interviewed Sakkeer Hussain, Director- Sales & Marketing Middle East & Africa, D-Link.

Sakkeer discussed how D-Link uses cloud technologies to improve their products across different categories. He emphasized the benefits of cloud technology for D-Link products: convenience, security, scalability, and improved user experience.

Could you provide us with insights into how D-Link incorporates cloud technologies into its product portfolio, particularly with cloud routers, cameras, and managed access points?

At D-Link, we integrate cloud technologies into various aspects of our product portfolio, to offer users remote access, manageability, and enhanced functionality. 

D-Link cloud routers can be configured and managed remotely through a web interface or mobile app. This allows users to monitor their network status, adjust settings, and troubleshoot issues from anywhere with an internet connection. Some of these routers offer cloud-based security features like intrusion detection and prevention systems. These systems can help identify and block potential security threats on the network. We also have cloud-based parental controls, allowing users to manage internet access for their children by filtering websites, scheduling internet access times, and blocking specific applications.

When it comes to our cloud cameras, users can view live footage and recordings remotely through a mobile app or web interface. This enables users to keep an eye on their homes or businesses from anywhere. Cloud-based motion detection allows cameras to send alerts to users’ smartphones or emails whenever motion is detected. This can help monitor potential security breaches. Some D-Link cloud cameras offer cloud storage for video recordings. This eliminates local storage devices and allows users to access recordings anytime, anywhere.

As you might be aware, we offer cloud-based management platforms for our managed access points. These platforms allow network administrators to remotely configure, monitor, and troubleshoot multiple access points from a single location.

By incorporating cloud technologies, we aim to provide users with a more convenient, secure, and scalable networking experience, which we have successfully done to date. 

How do you foresee cloud-managed networks shaping the future for businesses, and what role does D-Link play in driving innovation in this space?

Cloud-managed networks are poised to revolutionize business networking, and D-Link is well-positioned to be a key player in this transformation. 

Imagine juggling a bunch of Wi-Fi routers at different offices – that’s what managing networks can feel like for businesses without a big IT team. Cloud-based platforms are like magic wands for these situations. They also help save manpower. Instead of wrestling with each router individually, you can log into one simple dashboard from anywhere. This lets you see everything that’s going on at all your offices, fix any issues that pop up, and keep your network running smoothly – all without needing a team of tech experts. It’s a real time-saver. Cloud-managed networks can also offer advanced security features like threat detection and automated updates, keeping business networks safer. Thanks to the cloud’s scalability feature, businesses can easily add or remove devices to their network as needed. So for sure, it is going to shape the future of a digital-first environment. 

D-Link is already driving many innovations in this space. We introduced Nuclias range of solutions back when it was critical for organizations to have such a solution for business continuity. We focus on developing interconnectivity and user-friendly cloud management platforms that are intuitive and easy for even non-technical users to navigate. We also ensure to integration of advanced cybersecurity into our managed networking solutions.

Can you give us an overview of the features and functionalities of D-Link’s newest product, the AQUILA PRO AI M60 AX6000 Smart Mesh Wi-Fi 6 system?

The D-Link AQUILA PRO AI M60 AX6000 Smart Mesh Wi-Fi 6 system is a feature-rich offering designed to deliver high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. With its AI-powered optimization, mesh networking capabilities, and robust security features, the M60 aims to provide a future-proof networking solution for demanding households.

Some highlights of the product are as follows – 

·      The M60 boasts AX6000 dual-band Wi-Fi 6 technology, delivering speeds of up to 6 Gbps. This translates to blazing-fast internet for smooth streaming, lag-free gaming, and efficient handling of multiple connected devices.

·      The M60 utilizes a powerful antenna design coupled with AI technology to provide comprehensive 360-degree Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. This eliminates frustrating dead zones and ensures a seamless connection wherever you are.

·      The M60 functions as a standalone router, but it also has built-in mesh capabilities. This allows you to add additional AQUILA PRO AI routers or extenders to your network in the future, creating a mesh system for even larger homes.

·      The M60 leverages AI to automatically scan and select the best channels with minimal interference, optimizing your Wi-Fi performance.

·      The AI tech also enables self-healing mesh capabilities, ensuring your network automatically recovers from any minor disruptions.

·      The M60 offers advanced Quality of Service (QoS) with AI-powered network prioritization. This allows you to prioritize bandwidth for specific devices or activities, ensuring smooth operation for critical tasks like video conferencing.

·      The M60 comes with built-in security features like WPA3 encryption to help safeguard your home network. Additionally, it offers premium parental controls to manage internet access for your children.

·      The M60 is designed for user-friendly setup and management through the intuitive AQUILA PRO AI app. This app guides you through the installation process and allows you to monitor your network performance.

How does D-Link view environmentally friendly technologies and the associated costs involved in designing products aimed at reducing carbon footprint and conserving energy?

We think it is critical to have sustainability at the heart of everything we do. 

We take pride in our ‘Green Technology’ agenda, which we introduced for our channel partners and end-user customers in the region. Thirteen years ago, D-Link was the first to introduce the industry’s first ‘Green Ethernet’ technology with a series of environmentally friendly small office, home office (SOHO) Gigabit switches that decrease energy costs by reducing power consumption without sacrificing operational performance and functionality. D-Link has continued this ethos and today, we continue to develop green networking technology, which allows our products to reduce power consumption drastically. 

AI can play a key role in enabling us to create environmentally friendly technologies that are cost-effective and user-friendly, without compromising on the design and quality. 

Could you share some insights from the recent Distributor Meet 2024 hosted by D-Link Middle East & Africa in Bali, Indonesia?

D-Link’s regional distributor meet was a memorable experience, it was all about saluting collaboration and recognizing the incredible partnerships we have built over the years. The event brought together our top distributors from across the Middle East and Africa. We recognized the outstanding achievements and contributions of these distributors to D-Link’s success. Additionally, D-Link’s senior management presented insightful information on current market trends and shared their strategic roadmap for the future. The event was also a platform for our distributors to share valuable feedback with us on market challenges, customer preferences, and areas for improvement in D-Link’s products and services. We also had several team-building and networking sessions. 

How does D-Link plan to maintain and strengthen its partnerships with distributors and stakeholders in the Middle East & Africa region moving forward?

At D-Link, we ensure our partners know we are there for them. For any successful collaboration – communication, shared vision, clear goals, and passion are important and this is what we share with our distributors and partners. We will continue to host regular meets and training workshops, develop strong partner programs and incentives, and provide unwavering support to foster enhanced collaborations. We look forward to continuing to inspire and empower D-Link’s network of distributors and channel partners to thrive in today’s competitive market.