Saudi Gazette Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and video-based security systems for cities were some of the technologies that Huawei has showcased during the Mobile World Congress 2016 as solutions for safer cities. NB-IoT enables the user consume low power while it connects a big number of objects and covers a massive network area. This technology would help in having healthier and safer environments. For instance, by using this technology farmers will know where their cows are and their health while also ascertaining the condition of the natural waters in the countries including lakes. The Regional Vice President of Huawei Middle East - Smart City and IoT Safder Nazir said "NB-IoT it is a big thing for us this year. It is a game changer when it comes to connectivity and lowering the barriers for connecting things. The reality of connecting everything including this chair, I can do it today if I wanted to, would be possible if narrowband lower the barriers." Etisalat Group and Huawei have set up a joint IoT innovation lab, including NB-IoT innovation. Video-based security systems is another technology that helps in having safer cities. What makes it special is that it combines several video sources to create standardized information system which helps in enhancing security. The cameras that are used in this technology are HDV. Nazir explained that one of the things for governments to look at when adopting a smart city program is to also prioritize citizens visibility and the citizen impact, so the people can feel that something has been done for them. They can feel the impact of things getting better. This is the importance of having a smart city program. He added that in Saudi Arabia there is market analysis that has been done that smart homes market is a very wide potential market to be addressed. Huawei's Safe City solutions have been deployed over 100 cities across more than 30 countries. Huawei shared its vision for a better connected world by promoting openness, collaboration and shared success, Huawei's focus at this year's event is centered on building an open digital ecosystem with industry partners to accelerate digital transformation within different countries and industries, and promote thriving digital economies. in the digital era, the company strives to enable agile innovation, build an open ecosystem, expand business partnerships, and help carriers succeed in their digital transformation. At MWC 2016, Huawei focused on specific strategies and technologies that support digital transformation, and outline how its SoftCOM end-to-end solutions will guide transformation at the business, operation, architecture, and network levels. By breaking down its future vision into practical strategies and actions, Huawei aims to accelerate the development of a cohesive industry ecosystem. "In a fully connected era, rapid digital transformation is critical for all industries. Changes in the ICT industry are the main driving force behind business development in the digital era. As a key enabler in the ICT industry, Huawei is committed to helping the telecom industry and vertical industries digitize their infrastructure, operational systems and business models with state-of-the-art technology," said Zou Zhilei, president of Carrier Business Group, Huawei. "We believe an open digital ecosystem is strategically important to the industry's future. In the pursuit of openness, collaboration and shared success, we will continue to expand our business partnerships, make greater contributions to the industry, and partner with industry players to create Open ROADS to a Better Connected World. Through successful digital transformation, we believe carriers can lead the value chain and accelerate the transition towards tomorrow's digital economy."
