Talking to Oman Web Awards winner

‘Everyone can achieve, be it in the same line or indeed any other, provided that he or she is a good listener, hard-working, ambitious, has a good attitude, and a plan with goals in mind’

YO talks to Oman’s Web Award Winner
What are your priorities? Are you good at time management? Are you willing to work hard? These are at least some of the keys to success, says Tariq Al Barwani from Nawras, the winners of this year’s Oman Web Awards. Also high on Tariq’s list is the ability to work hard. These, he said are among the keys to success. His overall message to other young people: “You can do it. Everyone can do it. Don’t be afraid of IT.”

How did the Nawras website get started, describe its status today and plans for the future?
The Nawras website initially enabled customers to interact with Nawras online, view billing information and service settings on the web, as well as providing information on products, pricing, coverage, shop locations and promotions. However, Nawras’ spectacular growth since commencing operations in March 2005 required a second-generation website that delivered an enhanced online experience by offering dedicated channels addressing different kinds of Nawras customers, serving as a customer service, self-help and information touch point for Nawras in Oman. In addition, Nawras wanted to keep up with global standards in web design, content, functionality and user experience.

Analysing the usability of the new Nawras website, one can see it stands for convenience and service delivered in a pleasingly different way. It is imperative that visitors to the Nawras website don’t need to search around looking for information. For the same reason, the home page is designed to directly address two kinds of audiences — a prospective Nawras customer primarily looking for information, and an existing Nawras customer requiring support. The two landing pages from the home page serve as two gateways to Nawras with a 360-degree brand presence that reel in visitors from different target audiences and take them to dedicated micro sites.

The content is written with minimum page lengths to help the web surfer who does not read but scans for information. The Nawras website incorporates reader-friendly features and content is written in the style of persuasive language to emphasise a ‘Call to Action’ by highlighting special offers, promotions and user benefits.

Why do you think Nawras was awarded this accolade?
At Nawras, we have looked at all the aspects and standards of an international website, from design to technology, navigation structure to information flow across the website, keeping customers at the front of our minds. We believe in innovation; our solutions are original too. Nawras website has a compatible medium that works across all the Internet browsers and screen sizes that by default are used by everyone, with complete menu structure where any section, page or link within the website can be obtained from the homepage itself. Users instantly get to know what is new at Nawras, and users are served dynamically by the rich services available on our website, all ensuring that the design is consistent — inside out. Naturally, Nawras also ensure that all areas of creativity, technicality, functionality and interactivity are covered!

What other recognition has Nawras received?

What does it mean to be the online manager at Nawras?
My role involves working with all departments within Nawras to incorporate internal and external communications , utilising the technology per se. Typically, my job revolves around building the Nawras brand, exposure and communication with employees (internally) and customers (externally) via the information superhighway medium. I manage and co-ordinate the day to day activities related to Nawras in the World Wide Web (Internet) and the Intranet from design, content and technology; in addition advising on what to use, where to get and how to incorporate business activities onto the web medium in addition to techno-commercial assistance. I get involved in the process of selecting and assisting off-the-shelf and internal products to carry out the different tasks involved.

What qualities does an online manager need?
From my point of view, I believe in commitment, efficiency and ensuring that I am the best at what I do. I would describe my approach as ‘interpreting my past as an experience, functioning to the best of my abilities in the present, and constantly planning and thinking of actions that I will undertake in the future’.

At what age did you first show an interest in IT?
I have been associated with the Information Technology (IT) world for so long that I am often known as Tariq.net. My interest in computing began at the age of five when my parents bought me a ZX Spectrum 128, a home computer system released by Sinclair Research Limited in the United Kingdom. The computer had a specification of a 32kB of ROM (Read Only Memory), 128 kB RAM (Random Access Memory) along with an embedded Sinclair’s BASIC editor, a computer programing language editor. The output of the sound was through a beeper from the computer itself — I’m sure you can now imagine how computing life was 2 decades ago.

The ZX Spectrum was the de facto starting point for people interested in creating computer programs as it was simple to learn and use (provided one had the interest). Users were able to write programs using the BASIC Language via the Sinclair’s editor, execute and run the program, and then finally save it onto an audio cassette tape for distribution. Therefore, it goes without saying that ZX Spectrum’s software, games and the like, were available as audio cassette tape to load and run. I started playing computer games where I soon realised that I wanted to be inside the game itself! I wanted to be the one running and fighting, rather than externally manipulating the characters within the game. That’s when my interest in programing began to soar.

What advice would you give to young people who wish to pursue a similar career?
Everyone can achieve, be it in the same line or indeed any other, provided that he or she is a good listener, hard-working, ambitious, has a good attitude, and a plan with goals in mind. With support and knowledge from Nawras, I have had the opportunity to work on some very interesting projects which have enabled me to use my skills in thinking outside the box.


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