Sapura Technology Berhad (STB) formerly known as Sapura Telecommunications Berhad has added another “first” to its growing list of international certifications with the most recent being, the certification of the Company’s Data Centre and Managed Operation Unit (Dataone Asia (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd) to the British Standard BS 7799: Part 2. The Standard specifies requirements for organisation implementing Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This is the first Information Security Management Certification to be awarded to any organisation by SIRIM QAS International.

BS 7799: Part 2 is one of several national standards that is being used as the basis, by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), for the development of the future International Standard for Information Security Management Systems. The certification is awarded to organisations which have established and effectively implemented information security management systems in accordance with the standard, thus ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information at all times. This will enhance the credibility of the organisation and should provide confidence to clients and business partners.

The certification was presented by the chairman of SIRIM QAS International, Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Ariffin Hj. Aton to Sapura Technology Berhad’s chief operating officer, Rodzlan Akib Abu Bakar during the recent ASEAN Communications and Multimedia Expo & Forum (ACM 2004) held at the Mines International Exhibition Centre. Also present as a special witness as the ceremony was the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“We are very proud and equally excited to obtain this international certification as it clearly showcases our capability to provide world-class technology services. This award further testifies to our long-term commitment and efforts to become a global technology player”, said Rodzlan Akib Abu Bakar, chief operating officer of STB.

Dato’ Dr. Mohd Ariffin Hj. Aton, chairman of SIRIM QAS International said, “Sapura Technology Berhad has once again placed Malaysia on the global technology map. Their constant efforts in pioneering advanced technology practices has indeed placed them in a class of their own. We hope to see more technology companies in Malaysia following in Sapura’s footsteps of ensuring the highest standards in technology offerings.”

According to Rodzlan, acquiring international certifications for the company’s human resource as well as business processes is one of the important steps taken in order to thrive, compete and grow in an increasingly and highly competitive global economy. With each successful international certification, Sapura grows by leaps and bounds in its ability to compete with other major global IT players in the same industry.

“As security elements and requirements are becoming a vital component for businesses today, it is very timely for us as a group to ensure only the best-practices of technology offerings for our customers,” added Rodzlan.

In today’s technology climate, customers are demanding greater transparency and accountability in client data management. This is evident where prevalent security vulnerabilities are constantly barraging data centres; and service providers are challenged to deploy more advanced security efforts to ensure high data integrity and confidentiality.

With this certification, all of STB’s customers are ensured of a systematic approach to handling of client data; from the development of security policies, classification of assets and control; integration and maintenance of information systems right through to personnel, environment and physical security, business continuity management and compliance reporting.

In addition to benefiting customers, the certification provides STB the necessary competencies to penetrate global markets and compete on an equal footing against technology heavyweights.

“It is our intention to further expand our outsourcing capabilities and business process outsourcing offerings to offshore clients. With a solid technology platform and robust security infrastructure, we are confident of attracting more foreign business opportunities,”said Rodzlan.