- First in GCC to Install Win10 ATM Upgrades

Building on its promise to deliver more velocity, value and vision, Sohar International (formerly Bank Sohar) recently completed its ATM upgrade programme, covering over 30 onsite and offsite ATMs across the Sultanate. At some select locations, ATMs were upgraded to the latest Win10 software making Sohar International the first in the GCC to introduce such an upgrade, implemented in collaboration with Diebold NIXDORF/CNS. Having upgraded over 50% of its network nationwide, Sohar International initiated a range of different enhancements in-line with its on-going drive for greater service efficiency whilst preparing for future developments comprising the introduction of new technologies.

Commenting on the programme, Mr Khalil Al Hedaifi, Chief Retail Banking Officer at Sohar International, said, “Our commitment to business excellence through delivering unrivalled customer experience is multifaceted when it comes to the ATM network, with a focus on investments that not only upgrade the quality of our facilities to improve service efficiency, but further ensure that we maintain a state of readiness in our drive for digitization and the introduction of new technologies. The recent upgrades have brought enhanced security, speed, and greater ease of use for users with new services on the horizon, as a step in-line with many other initiatives that are quickly helping us become Oman’s most customer centric bank”.

Sohar International has already started on a fully-fledged programme of upgrades covering all of its digital touch points, including mobile and internet banking platforms, which in addition to the ATM upgrade will ensure that the bank is ready to adopt cutting-edge technologies that benefit customers and ensure an optimum service delivery.

Mr Mujahid Al Zadjali, DGM of Information Technology and Alternate Channels at Sohar International, said, “ Our digitization agenda continually seeks the space for innovation as a key demand of modern banking, building upon our existing digital infrastructure to unlock new opportunities for the bank and its customers. Implementing the Win10 software articulates our passion to keep up with digital transformation and positions us as a regional leader, furthermore outlining our commitment to growth through strategic partnerships that are capable of elevating our valued customers’ experience”.

Sohar International collaborated with DIEBOLD-NIXDORF and its regional partner CNS on its ATM upgrade programme, which led the installation of the company’s new Win10 technology. DIEBOLD-NIXDORF is a world leading player in technological innovation and digital transformation, integrating solutions with a focus on banking for over 150 years.

Mr Ayman Basha, Regional Business Unit Director at CNS Middle East, said, “This project has taken our partnership with Sohar International to the next level in support of its technological growth and digitization agenda. Modern banking dictates that consumer expectations will continue to change and increasingly reinforce the demand of ‘anytime, anywhere’ when it comes to banking and finance. The software upgrades installed have provided the bank with a new tier of infrastructure that will be critical to its development and delivery of new facilities, not only catering to market demand, but giving the bank a competitive edge in Oman”.

Further to the upgrade, Sohar International continues expanding its ATM network. Throughout the year, the bank has already installed five new ATMs in high footfall areas, including new offsite ATM facilities at Knowledge Oasis Muscat, Mars Hypermarket in Al Hail (South), Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat, Muscat International Airport’s Arrivals Hall, and Lulu Hypermarket in Al Rustaq, in addition to an on-site ATM at the bank’s new Khasab Branch - its first in the governorate of Musandam.

On-site ATMs at Sohar International branches offer dual functionality consisting of cash withdrawal and cash depository services. Moreover the machine provides fund transfer services, bringing customers the utmost convenience in cash management without the need to visit their branch. The bank’s ATMs at Buraimi, Shinas, and Khasab offer customers the ‘Dirhams Dispensing’ service, catering to business travellers transacting across the border on a regular basis, as well as customers visiting the United Arab Emirates. Customers can also enjoy cash withdrawal services at over 1,000 ATMs across the Sultanate under the ‘OmanNet’ platform for added convenience.

Extending its delivery of convenient and secure access points for customers, Sohar International’s e-channels further comprise SMS and Internet Banking services, including Oman’s first interactive e-statement service for the banking sector, and a specialised Mobile Banking application for Android and iOS. Moreover, the bank has implemented the Central Bank of Oman’s Mobile Payment Clearing and Switching System (MpClear) to enable immediate and secure fund transfers.

For more information on Sohar International visit www.soharinternational.com or call 24730000. You can also follow the Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sohar.intl, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/sohar_intl or join the conversation on Twitter @sohar_intl.