Computer centre wins Hariri Prize
Posted: 14 August 2006
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Saudi Aramco's EXPEC Computer Center (ECC) recently scored yet another distinction to add to its growing collection.
The centre was chosen from a field of 57 candidates to receive the Hariri Arab Operation and Maintenance Prize in the category of Best Operational Organization.
 The prize, initiated by the late Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri, was given in recognition of ECC's application of reliable, economical and modern operating techniques.
Rafat A. Alouni, administrator of the EXPEC Computer Operations Division, accepted the award on behalf of Saudi Aramco at the 5th International Conference on Operation and Maintenance in Arab Countries, held June 12-15 in Beirut.
"Receiving this prize reflects the huge effort exerted by all EXPEC Computer Center employees and their eagerness to provide high qu ality services using the best, most cost-effective technology," said then-ECC general manager Hani K. Abu Khadra. "Our achievement of this regional and international honor is the result of long years of experience and work."
The prize is awarded annually by the Arabic Institute for Operation and Maintenance (Omaintec).
The head of Omaintec's Founding Board, Dr. Muhammad A. Al-Fawzan, said the prize is "aimed at encouraging sound practices in executing and performing operation and maintenance in Arab countries, to support initiatives and creativity in the public and private sectors, to highlight and emulate effective and successful experiences and practices, and to develop scientific and professional thinking along with the exchange of expertise among speci alists."
Al-Fawzan was impressed with ECC's nomination documentation. He said it included a clear demonstration of the center's strategies, the innovative use of important technologies as well as top-notch technical and administrative manuals developed by the Operations Department.
The award is the latest in a string of recognitions ECC has received since its debut in 1982. The U.S. North Island Consulting Co. awarded ECC its first international certificate for response and resolution time of users' problems.
In 2003, ECC was certified by the International Help Desk Institute (HDI), the largest speci alized international institute for the development of specifications and qu ality standards for computer centers.
In 2004, ECC won the HDI Team Excellence Award, which is awarded annually to the best computer center in the world. ECC was the first center from outside the United States to receive this certificate, beating competition from more than 200 companies representing more than 22 countries.
In 2005, ECC became the second computer center in the world to receive the HDI recertification with the latest best-practices standards.
Dr. Zuhair M. Al-Sarraj, president of the Operation and Maintenance Engineering Board at the Saudi Arabia Council of Engineers, said that Saudi Aramco's success was due to employee competence, advanced administrative applications, dedication to ongoing education and an eagerness to keep up with new developments.
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