Is Huawei's Local cloud the Right Choice for Saudi Construction Companies?

When considering a hosting solution, the primary concern is how well it supports data compliance, performance, and cost-effectiveness. It also should align especifically with the IT infrastructure of the construction industry.

In this article, we’ll introduce Huawei local cloud and analyze its solutions see whether it fits for the construction sector.

1- Local Cloud Solution:

According to Saudi data regulations that restrict hosting sensitive data on public clouds, particularly with compliance requirements like the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), local cloud hosting has become critical. Recognizing such market need, Huawei has established a cloud service in Saudi Arabia. This local data center also aligns with the trend of major cloud providers setting up in the Kingdom.

2- Huawei IT Infrastructure:
blank

Real-time data access, resource allocation, and Big data analytics are special needs for construction. So while IT components are common across all companies, cloud providers create different resources so companies can mix and match them according to their needs. Let’s break down construction’s IT infrastructure into computing, networking, storage, big data, and security to see how Huawei serves each one.

blank

1) construction Computing:

From complex designs and simulations to project management tools, all these require reliable computing resources to process and manage.

So what components Huawei sets up to handle this:

1- Elastic Cloud Servers (ECS):

 

Elastic Cloud Servers (ECS): Huawei Elastic Cloud Servers (ECS) offers virtual cloud servers with reliable compute resources for applications like project management software (e.g., Primavera, MS Project).

Its key features include:

  1. Scalable Resources: Adjust resources based on project demands.
  2. Security: Ensures secure virtual environments.
  3. Diverse Configurations: Supports multiple instance types for various applications.
  4. Global Reach: Available worldwide.
blank
2- Auto Scaling:

During peak construction phases such as the initial and final stages of a large-scale project when it comes to invoicing, payment processing, and document archiving, IT systems should handle increased data processing, collaboration, and document management.

 

Accordingly Huawei’s Auto Scaling is designed to dynamically adjust computing and bandwidth resources based on real-time demand, ensuring that project management systems continue to operate smoothly without delays or downtime.

Its key benefits include:

  1. Dynamic Resource Adjustment: Scales resources to meet real-time demands.
  2. Instance Health Management: Ensures system reliability.
  3. Cost Efficiency: Reduces expenses by scaling resources as needed.
3- Cloud Container Engine (CCE) and Cloud Container Instance (CCI):

Huawei understood the fact that construction companies handle projects in different sites, so it developed Cloud Containerization (CCE and CCI). CCE and CCI allow deploying containerized applications without managing clusters or servers so each construction site can be managed and updated independently, enhancing flexibility and efficiency.

Its key features include:

  1. Heterogeneous Computing: Supports multiple architectures.
  2. Zero-Loss Networking: Ensures uninterrupted service.
  3. High Availability: Provides automatic failover solutions.
  4. Advanced Scheduling: Offers intelligent resource allocation.
  5. Security: Enhances protection with network policies and secure containers.

2) Construction Storage:

1- Scalable File Service (SFS):

Huawei’s Scalable File Service (SFS) supports enterprise file sharing and project documentation management.

Its key features:

  1. High Durability (99.99999999%): Ensures minimal data loss, safeguarding valuable construction information.
  2. High Performance: Supports fast data access for applications and operations.
  3. Flexible Configurations: Scales storage capacity and performance to meet fluctuating demands during peak phases of construction.
2- Cloud Backup and recovery:
  • Huawei’s Cloud Backup and Recovery (CBR) service provides backup solutions for data stored on Huawei Cloud servers, disks, databases, desktops, and local environments. It ensures data protection against threats like viruses and accidental deletions with rapid backup and recovery processes.

    Its main features:

    1. Secure: Three-layer ransomware protection and cross-region replication.
    2. Efficient: Fast data backup and instant restore capabilities.
    3. Easy to Use: Unified management and policy-based automatic backups.
    4. Comprehensive: Supports various backup scenarios including cloud and on-premises.

3) Construction Networking:

Reliable network infrastructure is critical for connecting multiple construction sites securely and efficiently.

Huawei Virtual Private Network (VPN) establishes secure connections between project sites and central offices, subcontractors and main contractors, and cloud-based applications and on-premises systems.

Its main features include:

  1. High Data Security: Uses IPsec encryption.
  2. High Availability: Features active-active gateways.
  3. Flexible Access: Adapts to diverse network needs.

4) Construction Big Data:

1- Huawei Data Warehouse Service (DWS):

Huawei’s DWS is an advanced big data solution hosted on Huawei Cloud, designed to store, manage, and analyze extensive data collected from various construction sources.

Its key features include:

  1. High Scalability: Capable of supporting up to 2048 nodes and handling up to 10 PB of data, ensuring the system can grow with your data needs.
  2. High Performance: Delivers fast query responses and supports concurrent processing, essential for timely decision-making in construction projects.
  3. Real-Time Analysis: Integrates data lakes and supports real-time stream data, enabling you to analyze construction data as it is generated.
  4. Compatibility: Supports multiple ecosystems such as TD, Oracle, PG, and MySQL, ensuring seamless integration with your existing systems.
2- Data Lake Insight (DLI):

According to construction’s vast amounts of stored data and the continuous generation of new unstructured data, DLI is a service designed for processing large volumes of unstructured data. This includes sensor data from construction sites and equipment. 

Its key features include:

  1. Serverless Processing: Eliminates the need for infrastructure management, allowing IT teams to focus on data analysis rather than hardware.
  2. SQL Compatibility: Supports standard SQL, making it easy for IT teams to use without requiring specialized training.
  3. High Performance: Provides fast query responses for large datasets, enabling quick insights and timely decisions.
  4. Cross-Source Analysis: Analyzes data from various sources without the need for data migration, allowing for comprehensive insights from disparate data points.

5) Construction Cybersecurity Measures:

1- Host Security Service

Huawei’s Host Security Service (HSS) detects and protects against threats like ransomware, mining, and intrusions, offering robust asset management, vulnerability fixing, baseline checks, antivirus, intrusion detection, and ransomware prevention.

Its key features include:

  1. Wide Applicability: Protects VMs, physical machines, and containers across multiple environments.
  2. Quick Alarm Reporting: Generates alarms for security issues within seconds.
  3. High Performance: Detects over 99% of known ransomware with minimal CPU usage.
  4. Cost Efficiency: Pay-per-use model, easy installation.
  5. Multiple Editions: Tailored for various security needs.
1- Cloud Firewall

Huawei’s Cloud Firewall (CFW) is a next-generation, cloud-native firewall providing elastic and flexible services, low deployment costs, and easy, efficient operations and maintenance.

Its key features include:

  1. Elastic and Flexible: Easy to deploy with low costs.
  2. Comprehensive Protection: Intrusion detection, antivirus, traffic protection.
  3. High Reliability: Cluster deployment for uninterrupted services.
  4. Integration: Works with multiple Huawei Cloud services for enhanced security management.
3- Web Application Firewall

Huawei Cloud’s Web Application Firewall (WAF) protects web applications and websites from common online attacks.

Its key features include:

  1. High Availability: 99.95% SLA, multi-region disaster recovery for non-stop protection.
  2. Elastic Scalability: Handles tens of millions of QPS for Handling massive traffic.
  3. Threat Detection: AI dual engines, OWASP top 10 threats for advanced AI-powered threat blocking.
  4. Custom Protection: Customizable policies and virtual patching for flexible security for unique needs.
  5. Compliance Assistance: Supports PCI DSS certification for meeting industry standards.

Final Thoughts

As construction companies continue to adapt to market demands and regulatory requirements, understanding the capabilities and offerings of cloud providers like Huawei Cloud is crucial. IT managers and consultants must evaluate how new technology can enhance operational efficiency while aligning with company goals. By making informed decisions, companies can leverage technology to drive growth in an increasingly digital world.