ICTSI powers unified global data platform, TOS with Microsoft Azure
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has partnered with Microsoft to enable a centralized and integrated data platform for its global portfolio and further improve the operational efficiency of its terminals.
Powered by Microsoft Azure, the unified data platform gives the Company an enterprise view of the operations of its 34 terminals across 20 countries. It also enables ICTSI to drive innovation and economies of scale by connecting future platform deployments of internal and external services. With five terminals currently onboard, ICTSI is working to connect majority of its portfolio to the platform.
“With the help of Microsoft technology, our new data platform gives us 24x7 visibility and critical system monitoring services across our global terminals in every market we operate in. This innovation is a game-changer for us, driving improved efficiencies and enabling us to better engage with our partners and customers,” said Brian Hibbert, ICTSI Chief Information Officer.
Aside from enabling the data platform, ICTSI has also migrated the terminal operating systems (TOS) of Subic Bay International Terminals, Mindanao Container Terminal in the Philippines, and Onne Multipurpose Terminal in Nigeria to Microsoft Azure. The three terminals, which run on Navis N4, now benefit from increased performance, improved security, and more seamless client and partner transactions.
"Everything went smoothly and we completed the migration activities ahead of schedule. The system has become more responsive after the migration to Azure, but more importantly, we have been able to place a strong emphasis on security and disaster recovery," added Mr. Hibbert.
ICTSI will also migrate the TOS of its terminals in Brazil and Argentina to Azure.
Ella Dujali-Mangubat, Microsoft Philippines Customer Success Lead, said the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in digital transformation – a process that was otherwise expected to happen over the next decade.
“COVID-19 has challenged organizations but has accelerated the creation of untapped business opportunities and models. Our focus is to provide customers and partners with a foundation that will enable the specific outcomes they need today and tomorrow – whether it’s a massive disruption and digital transformation or pockets of meaningful innovation. We’re eager to continue building with ICTSI and help them accelerate their resilience and growth strategies around the world.”
According to Mr. Hibbert, “The infrastructure is essential but only the foundation. We are working in many areas together, including data analytics, digital platform services, API delivery, and web and mobile applications for customers. This is the beginning of a very exciting journey that is all designed to ensure all of our terminals offer great digital experiences to our customers."
With the aim of enabling further innovations, ICTSI plans to make its data platform available to the public via an API layer and give citizen developers access for them to build their apps and services. The company is also open for partnership with other private organizations for an open data platform for data exchange.
Together with Microsoft, ICTSI looks to encourage a start-up mentality and drive innovation in the Philippines.
Berth shot of ICTSI's flagship Manila International Container Terminal