A comprehensive audit conducted on the Global Digital Management Solutions (GDMS) Cloud Platform, based at the LEED Datacenter in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, has confirmed exceptional service availability, with an estimated uptime of at least 99.97% for the period from 1 September 2023 to 1 September 2024. This significant achievement underscores GDMS’s commitment to maintaining robust cloud services for its clients across the region.

Audit Scope and Focus

The audit, conducted by Certified Information Systems Auditor^® (CISA^®), aimed to assess the service availability of GDMS’s Cloud Platform. This detailed evaluation focused on the operational mechanisms supporting cloud availability, ensuring that key infrastructure components were functioning optimally.

The audit concentrated on the technical infrastructure that supports the cloud platform, including cooling systems, fire suppression mechanisms, electric generators, UPS systems, and other critical components necessary for maintaining a consistent and high-performing cloud environment.

Impressive Results and High Standards

The results of the audit are highly encouraging for GDMS and its stakeholders. The auditor’s report concluded that the GDMS Cloud Platform maintained an impressive service availability of 99.97% over the audit period, well exceeding the industry standard of 99.9%. This metric highlights the platform’s reliability in delivering continuous services to clients, minimizing downtime and interruptions.

In addition, no significant evidence was found that would suggest a service availability drop below 99.9% during the audited period. The report also noted that all critical infrastructure components necessary to sustain cloud operations are in place and functioning as expected.

Audit Methodology and Rigor

The audit adhered to the ISACA IS Audit and Assurance Standards, ensuring a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation. The methodology involved selective testing of various infrastructure systems that underpin the cloud platform’s availability. The assessment included reviewing maintenance logs and service availability records, as well as evaluating the performance of critical data-center infrastructure components such as air conditioning, fire suppression, storage systems, network devices, and internet upstream connections.

GDMS Commitment to Service Excellence

GDMS’s ability to achieve and maintain a 99.97% uptime is a testament to its ongoing investment in reliable infrastructure and service quality. As cloud computing continues to play a pivotal role in business operations across various sectors, the company’s focus on providing robust and dependable cloud services will remain a key competitive advantage.

The LEED Datacenter, where the GDMS Cloud Platform is hosted, plays a vital role in the platform’s performance. With modern infrastructure and well-maintained facilities, the datacenter ensures that clients in Laos and across Southeast Asia experience minimal disruption to their operations, even during peak periods.

Looking Ahead

The results of this audit will provide GDMS with invaluable insights to continue enhancing its cloud services. As the demand for cloud-based solutions grows in the region, the company’s ability to deliver uninterrupted, reliable services will strengthen its position as a leader in the cloud services industry.

This audit serves as a clear indication that GDMS is well-equipped to meet the future challenges of cloud service delivery while maintaining the high standards its clients expect.

For more information about the services offered by GDMS, please visit GDMS – Sovereign Cloud Provider in Asia and Africa (global-dms.com)

In a significant stride towards technological advancement in agriculture, the Department of Digital Technology of the Ministry of Technology and Communications has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with SettleMint and GDMS. This collaboration aims to conduct a feasibility study for the development of a state-of-the-art blockchain technology system to promote agricultural products in Laos.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for this initiative was signed in Vientiane last week by Mr. Keonakhone Saysoulian, Director General of the Department of Digital Technology, and Mr. Mathieu Ploton, Managing Director of GDMS and representative of SettleMint. This partnership is set to revolutionize the way agricultural products are monitored, verified, and promoted, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in the sector.

Goals and Objectives

The primary focus of this cooperation is to develop a comprehensive system that provides detailed information on agricultural products, accessible by consumers at all stages. This system will encompass all aspects of production, from the initial crop production stages to the final product used by consumers. By offering such detailed information, the blockchain system aims to build trust and transparency within the agricultural supply chain.

Mr. Keonakhone Saysoulian highlighted the importance of this initiative in enhancing consumer confidence. “This technology system will not only help in building trust and transparency but also verify the origin of products. Consumers will be able to make informed decisions when buying Lao products, adding value to local goods and supporting the export market.”

Benefits of the Blockchain System

The implementation of this blockchain technology is expected to yield numerous benefits:

1. Enhanced Transparency: By providing detailed information on every stage of the production process, the system will ensure that consumers have access to accurate and reliable data. This transparency is crucial in building consumer trust and promoting Lao agricultural products on a global scale.

2. Consumer Confidence: The availability of verified information about product origins and production processes will boost consumer confidence, encouraging them to choose Lao products over others. This is particularly important in markets where quality and authenticity are highly valued.

3. Support for Local Farmers: The blockchain system will facilitate the monitoring and exchange of goods, ensuring that farmers have access to transparent financial services. This will help in optimizing the supply chain, reducing inefficiencies, and ultimately benefiting local farmers.

4. Promotion of Export Goods: With detailed and verifiable information, Lao agricultural products will be better positioned in the export market. Products like coffee and tea, which have significant export potential, will particularly benefit from this initiative.

Leveraging Blockchain Technology

Currently, blockchain technology is widely used in various sectors, including finance, agriculture, and food security. Mr. Pasithideth Luangvilay, Director of the Digital Information Centre of the Department of Digital Technology, emphasized the importance of this technology in the development of the food supply chain management system. “Blockchain technology has been promoted by international bodies such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Organisation on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the European Union (EU). It helps farmers access transparent financial services and facilitates the monitoring and exchange of goods.”

Future Prospects

In alignment with global trends and to expand the use of blockchain technology in Lao agricultural production, the Department of Digital Technology, SettleMint, and GDMS have agreed to cooperate on this feasibility study. The partnership also includes collaboration with the Champasak provincial administration office, further emphasizing the commitment to enhancing agricultural practices across the country.

SettleMint, a Belgian company with extensive experience in blockchain technology, has successfully helped governments in Vietnam and other countries secure funding for similar initiatives. Their expertise will be invaluable in raising funds and developing a system to access information about Lao products, especially key export goods like coffee and tea.

Conclusion

The partnership between the Department of Digital Technology, SettleMint, and GDMS marks a significant step towards modernizing the agricultural sector in Laos. By leveraging blockchain technology, this initiative aims to enhance transparency, build consumer confidence, and support local farmers. As the feasibility study progresses, the potential benefits for Lao agriculture and its export market are immense, promising a brighter and more efficient future for the sector.

Stay tuned for further updates on this innovative project and its impact on Laos’ agricultural landscape.

For more information about services offered by GDMS, visit GDMS – Sovereign Cloud Provider in Asia and Africa (global-dms.com)

In a significant milestone for the tech landscape in Laos, GDMS Laos and the Ministry of Technology and Communication have recently announced the renewal of their 10-year partnership. This collaboration is aimed at furthering the promotion and efficient management of the LEED datacenter located in Vientiane.

The event took place on the evening of October 6, 2023, in Vientiane, Laos, in the 4th-floor conference room of the Ministry of Technology and Communication, which is housed within the Prime Minister’s Office.  It was indeed a privilege to witness the ceremony, where Mr. Borviengkham Vongdala, Minister of Ministry of Technology and Communication, was in attendance. Also present were Deputy Ministers, department heads, and their equivalents within the Ministry of Technology and Communication, along with executives from GDMS.

A Decade of Technological Advancement

This agreement aims to strengthen the cooperation between the two parties on developing and maintaining the digital data center of the Ministry of Technology and Communications. Unlike the previous marketing partnership, this agreement will involve a comprehensive collaboration on managing and upgrading the core infrastructure, facilities, and ICT equipment of the data center. The two parties will also work together to expand the cloud service platform aligned with international standards. This will support and promote the digital transformation of Lao PDR, focusing on contributing to the national vision, strategy, and plan for digital economic development for the next 20 years (2021-2040), 10 years (2021-2030), and 5 years (2021-2025) respectively.

The LEED Datacenter: A Technological Marvel

The crown jewel of this partnership is the state-of-the-art LEED datacenter, which serves as a symbol of excellence in the industry. LEED, short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, signifies the center’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This world-class facility is not only technologically advanced but also environmentally conscious.

LEED Datacenter, Vientiane, Laos

Key Highlights of the Partnership Renewal

In 2020, the Ministry of Governments signed a three-year marketing partnership agreement with GDMS to develop the Digital Data Center. The partnership has resulted in various upgrades and maintenance of the data center infrastructure and facilities, as well as improved service delivery to meet the digital needs of different public and private sectors.

LEED digital data center has onboarded more than 80 customers, accounting for over 40% of our resources. GDMS has also provided cloud system infrastructure for various cooperative projects of the Ministry of Technology and Communications and some major state sectors. Moreover, GDMS has contributed to the technical training of digital data center staff at each stage.

The 10-year extension reaffirms the long-term commitment of GDMS Laos and the Ministry of Technology and Communication to the development of Laos’ digital infrastructure. It will usher in a new era of technological advancements, including increased capacity and enhanced services for businesses and government agencies.

The LEED data center will continue to lead the way in environmental sustainability, with a focus on reducing carbon footprint and optimizing energy efficiency.

The Future of Digital Transformation in Laos

As Laos strides into the era of digital advancement, the partnership between GDMS Laos and the Ministry of Technology and Communication is primed to assume a central role in shaping the nation’s digital landscape in the years to come. The extension of this collaboration for ten more years serves as a clear affirmation of both organizations’ dedication to pursuing excellence and pushing the frontiers of technological possibilities

Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we look forward to a decade of innovation, growth, and a sustainable digital future for Laos.