Time Machine, convergence of TV, PC

Features of the week:

Recently, Time Machine TV was introduced into the nation’s market. Remmy Nweke, in this report looks at the piece as a combination of personal computing technology.

Nowadays, it has become a sort of crime to miss out in some of the Mexican soaps being aired on various television stations in Nigeria, especially the Gardener’s Daughter and Lorenzo’s wife for the women folk, just as it could be a bad day to miss out on a football match between Arsenal and Manchester United football clubs for some football fans among men folk.

This is coming as global Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) TV revenues rose to over 138 per cent in the year to a record of $11.3 billion (about N1,448.4 billion) as at the second quarter of last year, representing 47 per cent of the worldwide TV market.

Given this backdrop, the coming of Time Machine TV manufactured by the Korean home appliances and mobile communications giant, LG Electronics, into the nation’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) market, is as timely as it places the firm seemingly ahead based on the ability to optimise convergence between Television and Personal Computing (PC) technologies.

Speaking at the launch of Time Machine TV recently in Lagos, Managing Director of LG Electronics, West African operation, Mr. B.W. Park, had noted that Time Machine function allows users to pause, record and replay TV programmes with a built-in 80 Gega Bytes (GB) hard drive that could store up to 40 hours of digital standard-definition programming, eliminating the need for external storage devices.

According to him, unprecedented market demand for LG Electronics innovations in digital lifestyle products paved the way for ‘Time Machine’ Liquid Crystal Display (LCD TVs) available in 37 and 42-inches, while the Plasma version comes in sizes of 42 and 50-inches.

He pointed out that as broadcasting technology evolves from analogue to digital, consumers’ demands from television sets also increased, stressing that LCD and Plasma TVs have seen explosive growth in recent years, orchestrated by a sharp price decline and tech-savvy consumers trading in bulky Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) sets for sleek big-screen models that LG aims to stay ahead of these demands by introducing products with cutting-edge technology.
He also said that LG’s ‘Time Machine’ LCD TVs are the world’s first televisions to come equipped with a built-in Digital Video Recorder (DVR).

This feature allows users to pause, record, and replay TV programmes just minutes after the original broadcast. The one-touch commercial skip features blocks out unwanted commercials with a touch of a button. The units also boast of continuous automatic recording in one-hour intervals.

Also speaking on the Time Machine, President of LG Electronics Gulf FZE, Mr. C.H. Lee, said LG enjoys a 25 per cent market share for Plasma TVs, and more than 15 per cent for LCD TVs in the UAE and the Gulf.

“We expect regional Plasma TV sales to grow by as much as 40 per cent as the demand for flat screen televisions increase. LG Plasma TV sales grew 50 per cent in the Gulf last year, and our LCD TV sales shot up by 200 per cent,” he said.

The ‘Time Machine’ TVs, he also said shows off LG’s exclusive extended data engine that improves brightness, contrast, and Third Dimension (3D) colour control, just as they offer sharpness enhancement and 3D noise reduction, as well as the Extended Data Services (now XDS, previously known as EDS); which is an American standard classification under Electronic Industries Alliance standard EIA-766 for the delivery of any ancillary data (metadata) to be sent with an analogue television programme, or any other affiliated to the United States-based National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) video signal, as well as SRS cum BBE which are sound system that deliver cinematic surround sound.

He noted, clear filter aspect, minimises dullness and eliminates the double image reflection of glass filter TVs, emphasising that the LG DVR Personal Display Product (PDP’s) High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) also does away with multiple wires in favour of a single cable for all functions.

LG, he said, currently occupies the number one spot for LCD and plasma TVs in the Middle East and Africa, with a combined market share of 40 per cent, even as the consumer retail and digital signage sectors have driven demand for plasma TVs, along with hotels replacing old CRT sets with flat panel technology.

Mr. Lee disclosed that LG aims to become the number one player in the global display market by 2010 with global sales of US$10 billion. In order to achieve this, LG would secure the largest production capability in Plasma panels from its four major plants in Mexico, Poland, China and Korea, pointing out that LG will also build on its region-specific research and development (R&D) efforts and localised marketing.

Hence, the LG Time Machine TV has continued to generate commendations from Nigerians, especially the entertainment professionals, just six months after the product made its debut in the nation’s market, for what some of them described as “immense capabilities and technological edge.”

The latest tribute came from leading television presenter, Mr. Soni Irabor, who described the LG Time Machine TV as “A brilliant piece of technology that meets the need of the time.”
According to Irabor, “With the Time Machine TV, you can record for hours and you will be able to catch all the minute details of your production. The picture quality of this machine is also second to none in television viewing.”

He also said that it has fantastic pause and play features that could make one to go back in time, citing an instance, that if one were watching TV and needed to answer the call of nature, all the viewer should do is simply press the ‘record’ button to activate and on return, such a person is assured “you will be able to watch all the broadcast that was done in your absence.”

Mr. Irabor further said that he was impressed with the television as “Discerning professionals will find the LG Time Machine TV highly reliable and it is, indeed,” thus recommended for those in the entertainment and broadcast industry among other professionals.

Since its debut, LG’s Time Machine TV has been associated with some of Nigeria’s leading lights, especially in the entertainment and sports industry, hence it was not out of place for the likes of star actress, Stella Damasus-Aboderin and leading musician, Sunny Neji, voicing out their opinions in commendation of the product, saying that it would aid the growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, even as it will help viewers to enjoy all the exciting moments of their favourite programmes.

In addition, Mr. Park, said the Time Machine TV, which is one of LG’s latest innovations, is perfectly placed to fill an important gap in the market because the busy lifestyles of consumers have created a need for integrated products and the company is the first manufacturer to address this growing trend with the high definition Time Machine TV.Like Mr. Irabor noted, LG Time Machine TV is a piece of technology that meets the test of time, just as the test is in the pudding.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

CANi: PMO may be fired

The Programme Management Office (PMO) of the Computer for All Nigerian Initiative (CANi) being run by AMB Multiserve Ltd, may be relieved of the responsibility of managing the scheme.

Champion Infotel investigations revealed that contrary to claims that CANi has stopped marketing of the project as complained by most of the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in the initiative, recently, the marketing is still going on thereby attracting some venom in the core Information Technology (IT) sub-sector.

Much touted as a public-private partnership (PPP) programme between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology through its agency, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and two giants of the Information Technology industry - Microsoft Corporation and Intel Corporation. CANi is expected to be driven by local private partners participation.

AMB Multiserve Ltd, is to see to the implementation and coordination of the operation, which it has since included as “marketing and sales of computers under the scheme.” These activities are being reviewed by the Ministry of Science and Technology and would soon release a white paper on it, pending the return of the Permanent Secretary who Champion Infotel gathered has been away, obviously out of the country.

It would be recalled that OEM complaints over the marketing activities by PMO led to the recent facility tour of their factories, by the Director General of NITDA, Prof. Cleopas Angaye. Most of the OEMs are based in Lagos, including Zinox, Omatek, Beta and Brian, who are currently partnering on CANi in terms of providing hardware.

However, our investigations revealed that the issue of CANi marketing had caused some ripples in the past and has even metamorphosed into the PMO being summoned by NITDA, just as Prof. Angaye had promised to call PMO to order.

Investigations also showed that some industry practitioners complained lately of getting telephone calls from PMO, requesting meetings to enable them make marketing presentations to the management of some institutions in Lagos State, which eventually filtered to the OEM, who were supposed to leverage on the marketing aspect to promote their individual local brands.

One of our sources equally said that after listening to the call from PMO male officer (names withheld), and on reminding the caller of the fracas this kind of action had caused the industry in the recent past, he was told not to worry about that, even as the caller ‘promised to call back’ and hung off.

Industry watchers said that the PMO personnel’s promise to call back was in realisation that this particular recipient was aware of development in the industry and may need strong conviction which may not be achieved through mere telephone conversation.

It was also gathered that given that PMO was summoned previously which afforded it the chance to deny what it then described as ‘allegation’ and now that it has been established, NITDA may go the extra mile of recommending the dissolution of PMO to pave way for peace to reign in the industry.

CANi computers are to be sold for $300, about N45,000 for the least price and non-upgradeable category.

Established in mid-2006 by President Olusegun Obasanjo, CANi, is a Government Assisted PC Purchase programme (GAPP) designed to expand the usage of computers and information technology in the country.

Similar initiatives have been implemented globally including United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), Singapore, Japan, China and Egypt among others, aimed at driving Personal Computers (PCs) penetration into sections of the Nigerian community, which are currently underserved.

The scheme, industry observers noted, was structured around the creation of awareness of information technology generally, and engendering demand for computer usage as well as Internet access amongst people in paid employment across the public and private sectors of the economy.

“The scheme will make available desktop computers and laptops at prices significantly below the prevailing market prices for all such employees and in addition offer bank financing for the purchase of the PCs to be repaid at affordable rates over a period of 24 months.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

NiRA awakes, laments absence of IT bill

ALMOST one year in limbo, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA), arose at the weekend to highlight line of actions following its registration by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) last February.

Champion Infotel recalls that the BoT was inaugurated at the last meeting of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) stakeholders forum of the Internet community, held on March 29, 2006, at the MUSON Centre Lagos, to midwife the harmonisation of interests on how to run the Nigeria’s Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) name dot .ng.

Consequent upon the directive by Mr. President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo that a non-governmental agency be set up according to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) stipulations to run and manage the ccTLD.

CcTLD enables entities resident in Nigeria to register their online addresses with .ng, such as United Kingdom is .uk, South Africa .za. This entails that those in the education sector in the country would have to register with .edu.ng; business .biz.ng; government .gov.ng as well as organisation as .org.ng among other sub-domain names affiliation.

But arising from its purported slumber which it claimed was necessitated by the inability of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to register it with CAC, when the BoT decided to take the bull by the horns by approaching CAC direct, saying that they are ready to ensure that NiRA succeeds.

Chairman of NiRA BoT, Dr. Isaac Adeola Odeyemi, told newsmen in Lagos, that NiRA has been registered and issued the certificate of recognition by CAC since February 9, 2007 and is ready to commence registration of interests on its mandate, dot ng.

To this end, NiRA, he said, has appointed two Point of Contacts (PoC), Messrs Sunday Folayan of Scannet Ibadan and Tem Prieye of NITDA, to manage this aspect, even as NiRA plans to host stakeholders to its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) since inauguration on May 9, 2007, to hold at MUSON Centre Onikan Lagos.

According to Dr. Odeyemi, who was flanked by some BoT members including Chief Chima Onyekwere of Linkserve, Mr. Shina Badaru of Technology Times, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote of Ministry of Information and Communications, President of Computer Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Dr. Mrs. Adenike Osofisan and the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mr. Ejide Oludunmoye who represented NCS president, Dr. Chris Nwannenna, registration of NiRA membership would top the agenda at the AGM.

This, he said, would attract N1,000, while those wishing to register their domain name in Nigeria with .ng can access information to that effect online as from April 1, 2007.

“Prospective members are to visit the NIRA website at www.nira.org.ng from April 1, 2007 for registration guidelines. Applications can be submitted online from that date. Applications may be submitted to nirabot@nitda.gov.ng and this will be routed to the Screening Committee,” he said.

While commending Mr. President for his steadfast support in ensuring that Nigeria is placed in her rightful position in comity of ICT nations, NiRA lamented that only few Nigerians are aware of .ng and its importance and therefore solicited the support of the media.

“Obasanjo’s government has put ICT sector in the front burner,” he declared.

NiRA also decried the state of ICT bill which is reportedly at the presidency for assertion, warning however that from its own perspective there is no stipulations on the responsibility and modalities of choosing the chief executive of NITDA, even though the BoT calls for early endorsement of the bill to transform it into law in the land.

“The signing of ICT bill would be a prelude to ICT development in this country,” he said, stressing that NiRA is ready up to a level it could now take off with the support of its BoT members.

Also speaking, Chief Onyekwere expressed optimism that NiRA would succeed, although there are some logs that need clearing such as epileptic power, saying that Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has a lot of influence in this regard to ensure that NiRA accomplish its goals.

“We have to make NiRA succeed,” he said.Other speakers at the session including CPN President, Dr. (Mrs) Osofisan and Mrs. Odusote, advocated for support of all Nigerians and stakeholders precisely so as to move the nation forward, just as they enjoined stakeholders in the nation’s Internet community to make themselves available for the AGM come May 9, this year.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Where is Galaxy Backbone Plc?

Market Intelligence:

For over 10 months now, after the Federal Government incorporated Galaxy Backbone Plc, stakeholders are getting worried that nothing seem to be coming out from this company.

This worry is heightened by the recent reports of the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly revolving around the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

According to the committee’s report, it described as illegal, the approval by President Olusegun Obasanjo for the incorporation of Galaxy Backbone Plc, purchase of computers for civil servants under the Computer for All Nigerian Initiative (CANi).

Industry observers held that this worry was the first thing that came to mind at the initial announcement that Galaxy Backbone was berthed in June last year.

Although the Government set up Galaxy Backbone as a company to integrate its existing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into a national backbone infrastructure, very little information currently exists as to what they are doing or has done so far.

Champion Infotel, recalls that Galaxy Backbone Plc integration is expected to further generate reliable data, voice and video transmission within the nation’s ICT sector, noteworthy is that the Minister of Science and Technology Minister, Prof. Turner Isoun noted that the company would also provide solutions that would be well adapted to the existing infrastructure, services and initiatives of stakeholder ministries, parastatals and participating private sector groups.

Even as PTDF was mandated to provide about N2 billion ($15 million) to finance the phase one of the company’s activities, with anticipation of another N25 million towards Galaxy Backbone’s incorporation advancement, revealing it’s a political tool to siphon public fund rather than developmental.

The proposed national backbone according to the initial briefing of the company include the harmonisation and aggregation of bandwidth purchase by the Government for effective planning, monitoring and cost control in line with the economic reforms; provision of the best value of ownership to the end users and intrinsically provide for full automatic and dynamic bandwidth on demand (BoD) capability, thus making available the required bandwidth where and when it is needed.

Other value proposition expected of Galaxy Backbone Plc are that it should form the first step in the right direction towards planning, and subsequent utilization of our communication satellite bandwidth, by boosting growth capacity, and having an open architecture based on Internet Protocol Technology and latest industry standard.

But 10 months on, not even the chairman of Galaxy and Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof. Cleopas Angaye has been able to keep stakeholders abreast of development on its mandate little then is expected from the Managing Director, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe.

This attitude, however, goes against every stakeholder’s expectation, hence there is need for a rethink and not waiting until things have completely gone wrong before involving stakeholders as it should.

The earlier Galaxy Backbone and its management realise this fact, the better for the nation.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Reltelwireless becomes CDMA telco of the Year

… Appoints 2 advert agencies

One of Nigeria’s foremost telecommunications companies, Reltelwireless has been pronounced the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Company of the Year 2006” at the City People Awards for Excellence, held in Lagos, weekend.

This development is coming as the telco has appointed Prima Garnet Ogilvy and MaC Clemm Advertising as its advertising consultants.

Head, Corporate Communications at ReltelWireless, Mr. Victor Oge Udeagha informed that the event organizers said the award was in recognition of the company’s commitment to offering top quality telephony services to Nigerians irrespective of social or economic status.

He noted that the company’s acquisition and call rates were the most flexible and customer-friendly in the Nigerian telecommunications industry.

Mr. Udeagha also said that the organizers praised what they called the “company’s uncommon resilience in overcoming a potentially disastrous fire incident at its switch in 2004,” by bouncing back to become the company to beat in its market category.

Mr. Udeagha, who received the award on behalf of his company, dedicated it to all Reltelwireless’ subscribers who have kept faith with the company.

He further pledged that the telco would re-double its efforts to ensure that it continues to deliver top quality services to its teeming subscribers.

Noteworthy is that Reltelwireless which currently operates in 10 cities in nationwide, is in the middle of an aggressive pan-Nigeria roll-out programme, just as it was recently voted the Best Telephone Company in Nigeria for the year 2006 at the Nigeria Information Technology and Telecom Awards (NITTA Awards).

In related development, ReltelWireless has appointed Prima Garnet Ogilvy and MaC Clemm Advertising as its advertising consultants.

As said by Mr. Udeagha, the two agencies were appointed based on their respective performances at the recently concluded pitch for the company’s advertising business.
He said that the exercise was part of Reltelwireless’ re-positioning strategy.

“We’re in the middle of an aggressive, pan-Nigeria network roll-out programme, which has made it imperative for us to re-assess and re-focus our marketing communications strategies to enable us reach our current and prospective customers better,” he said.

In addition, he said, the market is getting increasingly exciting and competitive, hence it calls for fresh ideas and better targeted messages.

“We believe that the combined strengths and ideas from these Agencies will give our campaigns the desired fillip,” he said, expressing confidence that Reltelwireless will maintain its position as a market leader with the new relationship.

Founded in 1998, Reltelwireless is a privately held Nigerian company, with its headquarters in Lagos.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Celtel introduces unity tariffs, ready for 3G

Third Generation (3G) compliant and Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operator, Celtel Nigeria has made another first by introducing a flat tariff structure, to be known as ‘Unity tariffs’ even as the telco declared its readiness for 3G regime in the country.

Chief Executive, Celtel Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Ligali, said in Lagos, Thursday that the introduction of the unity tariffs on its network is in the bid towards making life better for Nigerians.

According to him, the flat tariffs come in three formats, namely simply special, simply smooth and simply smart, just as it has slashed the international call tariffs by 45 per cent and on per second billing.

Mr. Ligali, said the flat tariffs has three key elements including simplicity, affordability and transparency.

He explained that ‘simply special’ offers subscribers on the network affordable prices and maximum benefits as on or across the net calls during peak hours, that is, 6am to 7pm which attracts 66 kobo while off peak is 39 kobo respectively.

In addition, subscribers on this platform would have access to local Short Messaging Service (SMS) nationwide at the cost of N9 at all times, whereas SMS send internationally would attract N15 per message.

On the Simply smooth, Mr. Ligali said that its targeted at customers who are business people and high volume users desiring affordable prices while removing complexity and price discrimination between networks.

He said that on this platform subscribers are expected to pay a monthly fee of N400 while having access to on and off net calls during peak hours at 59 kobo and off peak at 33 kobo respectively, with local SMS costing N9 and international SMS attracts N15.

Equally on Simply Smart, Mr. Ligali noted that it is focused on small and medium enterprise (SME) owners looking at increasing convenience while controlling phone costs.

He pointed out that Simply Smart attracts N3,600, which includes 100 free minutes and 30 free SMS, stressing that on and off peak periods attract 61 kobo and 33 kobo in that order, even as it has the same offering for local and international SMS like in other platform on this new package.

Mr. Ligali further said that extra features of flat tariffs structure include that midnight happy hours between 12am and 4.30; friends and family enjoy 15 free SMS monthly apart from Simply Smart which comes with 30 free SMS.

Other benefits, he enumerated include 10 per cent recharge bonus, 300 ‘call me back’ option per month and 300 ‘credit me’ monthly options.

He pointed out that for any subscriber to migrate to the new unity tariff structure, those who want to engage in Simply Special has to send ‘Yes’ SMS to 701, while 702 is for Simply smooth and 703 is for Simply smart.

“You would get an SMS containing the Personal Identification Number (PIN) for your migration,” he said.

Mr. Ligal added that by entering *126* plus the PIN number and then send.

“You would be migrated within 48 hours and would receive an SMS when done followed by a congratulation message,” he said.

He equally warned prospective migrants to the unity tariffs to desist from sending SMS for this purpose more than once, otherwise, “you would be charged N100 for each SMS if you send more than one.”

In a related development, Celtel has reduced its international call rates by 45 per cent, which means that calls to United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, United Arab Emirate is now 55 kobo per second on the network.

Just as special discounts await callers to popular African countries such as Ghana, Togo, Benin, Cameroon to name a few.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Madueke presides @Titans of Tech

Former military administrator and executive chairman, Interconnect Clearinghouse Nigeria Limited (ICNL), Admiral Alison Madueke has been confirmed as the chairman of the Titans of Tech planned for April this year.

This is coming as industry interest groups led by the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) and Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) have given their supports for the Titans of Tech nite, just as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has not been left out.

Coordinator of the Titans of Tech nite, Mr. Don Pedro Aganbi, said that the organisations are not just supporters of the project but collaborators in the efforts to recognize the individuals and institutions that have contributed toward making the nation a leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub in the sub region.

According to him, Admiral Madueke, the executive chairman of ICNL, has consented to preside over the event that is assumed to be the biggest gathering of ICT professionals in the nation’s history.

The Registrar, CPN, Mr. Sikiru Shehu, was quoted as describing the event as a clear departure from the norm as it is a night dedicated to celebrate professionals in the nation’s burgeoning ICT industry.

For him, CPN council would be present in its strength as he urged its members to back the project as one dedicated to recognize “our own”.

Meanwhile more companies have shown support for the Titans Of Tech Nite, including the telecom giant, Globacom, Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) and Hyperia.

In accordance with the event coordinator, Nigeria is a major beneficiary of the technology revolution that has marked the world over the last decade.

“The liberalisation of the nation’s communications sector has precipitated a time of unprecedented technological development, which is increasingly altering the way people live, work and communicates, with the widespread use of the mobile phone the most visible symbol of this technological revolution” he said.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Elmina receives prize fromTelemedia

It was all words of praise for the management of Telemedia, the promoters of Quiz Line as one of the winners, Miss Elmina Ali, was presented with her prize money at the weekend.

Ms Ali who is unemployed until she emerged winner in the phone-in quiz programme said that she is excited.

“I feel very excited that I won. I am not doing anything now but with this money I can start a new life,” she declared.

According to her, one fateful day she had played on Quiz Line, an afternoon network programme on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), from her home in Gombe.

Fortunately, she saw herself in the programme designed for small wins of N10, 000 with the opportunity to play for a bonus win, which gave her the hit of N507,500.

For her, it is a new phase of her life, stressing that the programme has demonstrated what it’s like to play Quiz Line.

“Especially if one is meticulous such a person should be able to get involved with interactive TV programmes,” she advised.

Ms Ali revealed that she holds Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Nutrition Science, and plans to use the money judiciously.

Also speaking, General Manager, Telemedia, Mr. Olu Akinlabi, enumerated some benefits of the programme to TV viewers.

As said by him, it has helped to improve the lives of over 839 Nigerians who have won since the show began last May.

He said everyday the programme is on air, a winner must emerge, and particularly very interesting is the fact that so many who really need the money have won some handy packages.

He explained that the quiz line programme which could be played in different parts of the world is an interactive TV show.

“The drama to win is between the player at home and the presenter who would usually ask the interacting viewer some questions most times presented in form of a puzzle,” he said.

Mr. Akinlabi stressed that the programme is highly intellectual and a player must have full concentration in order to get a win.

“It is a great game show that has continued to attract a large following in the country. This is one of the reasons, Akinlabi told us last week, the process of play must always be explained to the players.

Further, he explained that the play pattern of Quiz Line, allows interested audience to Call 345 on the MTN network or 358555 on the other networks at the cost of N100 per call, which also serves as a non-refundable registration fee.

“You will then receive an automatic response from the computer which qualifies you for participation. If your number gets selected from the pool of numbers on our list, you will receive a call from the presenter inviting you to play the interactive game. And if you successfully solve the puzzle, you could win as much as N1m,” he said.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

TD explains roadshow @ Otigba

Emerging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) distributing leader, the Technology Distribution (TD) Limited, has given reasons for its recent roadshow at the popular computer market, known as Otigba in Ikeja-Lagos.

The company said that this goes to show how important the Otigba Computer Village is to its goal of sustaining the number one position in ICT distribution in the West African region.
Assistant General Manager (AGM), Marketing at TD, Mrs. Meg Ugoanusi, said that the week-long event was a special session with partners of TD.

According to her, while penultimate Monday, was slated as Microsoft Day, Tuesday was for APC Day, Wednesday HP Day, Thursday for Cisco and Friday was Epson Day.

Mrs. Ugoanusi said the event offered TD an opportunity to showcase the latest in stock for technological developments at the doorsteps of Otigba traders.

She also said that as major players in the ICT market “it was important to attune the market and traders specifically with new trends to ensure that the activities of Otigba complement the formal sector in ICT.

Mrs. Ugoanusi further explained that TD shares a common goal with Otigba in the sense that the healthy growth of the ICT market remain the primary concern of all stakeholders.

She noted that key advantage of the roadshow was the assembling of international giants like Microsoft, APC, Epson, Cisco and Hewlett Packard (HP), stressing that the session offered an opportunity for the traders to interact directly with these original manufacturers and obtain clarifications on all aspects of the business.

She observed that a direct relationship with these manufacturers would create awareness against counterfeit and fake products, which could undermine the integrity of the market place.

Mrs. Uzor Okpaka of Microsoft said at the occasion that the Microsoft Vista would introduce a totally refreshing new era for personal and business computing, that is easier, faster, safer and more enjoyable.

She said that Microsoft expects that 100 million computers around the world would be using the Vista in 12 months time and stakeholders should expect new next generation hardware, software, and entertainment devices.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

ExpertEdge takes bankers to Oracle classroom

ExpertEdge Systems and Software Limited, a subsidiary of the Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), at the weekend, took some Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals from the banking industry back to Oracle’s financial solution classroom.

Speaking at the session held in Lagos, the Managing Director, ExpertEdge Systems and Software Limited, Mr. James Agada said that the essence was to intimate the nation’s financial sector of the Value Added Services (VAS) inherent in Oracle Financial Solutions.

This session, would also afford the company to know where and where to channel its resources in supporting the nation’s banking industry.

Also speaking, the Applications Sales Consultant for Middle East and Africa Operations at Oracle Systems Limited, Mr. Zakhia Zaarour, said that Oracle Data warehousing is built for establishments based on individual model, describing it as a multipurpose solution.

According to him, Oracle transfer pricing helps organisations to streamline their price offering, just as the Oracle performance analyser assists users to optimise their performances, even as Oracle risk manager and budgeting is not value less.

He noted that each department in an organisation could be structured to depend on individual needs, as some could start from pricing and another from budgeting.

He said that Oracle financial analytics include data reporting and end user layer, business rules, parameters, management ledger, chart of accounts and transactions.

On the statistics data tables, Mr. Zaarour said that it has eight standard instrument tables, consisting of general ledger table, unlimited user model among others.

He highlighted the fact that Oracle places high esteem on security, thus the company has launched the solution with data-based security applications that affords users to define individual and group roles.

“In addition, there is room for correction and manipulation,” he asserted.

The applications sales expert said that there is available some business intelligence modules developed by Oracle to enable banks develop detailed solutions.

Equally speaking, Joseph Diouf of Oracle, pointed out that the analytics solution of the firm drives higher values.

“It is a big shift when you buy a business intelligence,” Mr. Diouf said, emphasising the imperative of the banking industry to engage in Oracle solution, so as to maximize customer profitability, comply with regulations, increase customer retention, monitoring and decrease costs.

He also said that Oracle banking solution has been built to empower agents to build what he described as “360 degree view with each customer.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

HiREST boosts brandband services

Fast growing Internet Service Provider (ISP), HiREST Africa Limited has restated its resolve to boost broadband Internet service in the country, especially as the company brings what it described as new approach in service delivery to the market.

Corporate Affairs Director at HiREST, Mrs Ufuoma Daro, said that the company, which commenced full operations about a year ago, is focused on providing extraordinary services to its customers nationwide and in the West as well as Central Africa region.

She said that these steps by HiREST have reached advanced arrangement with some foreign partners to actualise its offering.

She quoted the chief executive in a press statement made available to Champion Infotel, Mr. Igho Mrakpor, who refused to give details of the partners, as saying that HiREST was set up basically to fill the gap that hitherto existed between service providers and their customers.

According to Mr. Mrakpor, there was yearning gap of service inadequacies.

“We noticed that subscribers complained about unstable and unreliable networks. It was in an effort to bridge this gap that HiREST was set up and we intend to do all that is required to close this gap,” he said.

Mr. Mrakpor also said that, Internet business in Nigeria is no doubt witnessing one of its glorious moments as today’s customers are no longer conservative but are well aware of global developments and as such demand better services.

He stressed that was the reason his company decided to bring a new approach in service delivery to the market.

“We do not believe that we should just take a customer’s money, give him his equipment and disappear,” he asserted.

He emphasised that the only thing that will make the Internet service sector better again is to make the customer king once more and to give him value for his money.

“We’re customer focused, at HiREST because customer is the king. The customer is first for us and while we look at customer satisfaction, we ensure that we exceed our customers’ expectations,” he added.

Mrakpor pointed out that there was a need for a paradigm shift by ISPs to put the customer back at the centre stage and provide services to them instead of overselling bandwidth and leaving customers to suffer the attendant poor service quality associated with such actions.

HiREST, he said has also opened two new offices in Abuja and Port Harcourt, stressing that the Abuja office is the company’s international office, while the Port Harcourt office will serve the East and Central Africa office.“Our customers are already enjoying better services as a result of this,” he noted.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Nokia Siemens Networks reaffirms April 1 take off

Nokia and Siemens have reaffirmed the operational take off date of their partnership that resulted into Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), saying it will start operations on April 1, 2007.

Champion Infotel recalls that the two telecommunications giants contributing their respective carrier networks businesses and corresponding assets into what is known as new 50:50 company.

Both parties also agreed to increase their respective net asset contributions to the new company, with Siemens expected to contribute EUR 2.4 billion (about N408 billion) and Nokia EUR 1.7 billion (about N28.9 billion).

The above contributions coupled with the global scale and size of Nokia Siemens Networks, industry observers pointed out, that it would be in a great position to play leading role in the industry by developing innovative, cost-efficient products and services.

NSN is reported to have one of the world’s best research and development (R&D) teams, who will assist in advancing development of product platforms and services for next-generation fixed and mobile networks.

Reaffirming the readiness of NSN, the chief executive, Nokia, Mr. Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo said that in consolidating the telecommunications market the new company is billed to offer customers cost-saving, leading-edge solutions that will also optimally meet their needs with regards to convergence.

For President Siemens AG, Mr. Klaus Kleinfeld, the launch of Nokia Siemens Networks, avails the company to be a strong leader with excellent growth potential and entering at the top league of the telecommunications market.

“In taking this step, we’re dramatically strengthening our market position and creating sustainable value,” he said.

Equally, NSN would set the highest standards of ethics and integrity as well as based on the results of a pre-closing compliance review, Nokia and Siemens have reached an agreement on compliance and control processes that are meant to become a benchmark for the entire industry.

Other pertinent issues in this partnership include consolidation of the financial results of Nokia Siemens Networks, which both companies have agreed that the compliance processes will be based on Nokia’s system and practices.

In addition to a strong finance and control organization with centralized reporting systems and robust internal control processes, Nokia Siemens Networks plans to have an expanded compliance programme including training programmes and defined approval processes for governmental business and for engaging third party consultants in the sales process.

Further, NSN said it has zero tolerance for financial or other business misconducts and has also defined anti-corruption policies, principles and materials.

Chief executive of Nokia Siemens Networks, Mr. Simon Beresford-Wylie, pointed out that ethical behaviour is about more than strong policies, programmes and processes.

“It is also about company culture and individual choice,” he said.

Integrity will be a prominent and deeply embedded part of the Nokia Siemens Networks culture,” said Simon Beresford-Wylie, CEO of Nokia Siemens Networks.

As communicated previously, the board of Nokia Siemens Networks would consist of seven members, Mr. Kallasvuo presiding, while Mr. Kleinfeld would act as the vice-chairman.

The other members of the board are the head of Nokia Operational Human Resources, Juha Äkräs; Siemens CFO, Joe Kaeser; member of the Siemens managing board, Eduardo Montes; head of Nokia Technology Platforms, Niklas Savander; and Nokia CFO, Rick Simonson.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

ATCON ready for stakeholders’ forum

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has said that it is ready for this year’s Telecom Stakeholders’ Forum with focus on ‘Telecom Franchise and Virtual Operation’.

“All is now set for the Telecom Stakeholders Forum” Executive Secretary of ATCON, Mr. Godwin A. Morgan.

He also told Champion Infotel that the event being organised jointly with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) for which almost all the dignitaries invited to brainstorm at the forum have confirmed their acceptances to attend and actively participate.

Mr. Morgan noted that the one day forum holding at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos, this Friday, March 30, 2007, would however, be preceded by the Association’s 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for 10.00am at the same venue.

According to the programme of event, he said, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Chief Frank Nweke Jnr. invited as the special guest of honour, would deliver a keynote address at the forum while the Minister of State for Communications, Dr. Femi Anibaba, also a special guest, would preside over the plenary session of the event and give an opening remark.

The Science and Technology Minister, Prof. Turner Isoun, who also is special guest, would chair the interactive session at the forum.

Mr. Morgan pointed out that four special presentations are expected in a session with Mr. Fola Odufuwa, a renowned industry analyst and founder of eShekels Limited, speaking on “Telecom Franchise & Virtual Operation: Accelerating Telecom Services Provisioning in Rural Nigeria”.

He said that the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Dr. Ernest C. Ndukwe, would make a special presentation on “Making Telecom Franchise & Virtual Operations Work In Nigeria: A Preview of Policy & Regulatory Framework”, whereas the Director, USPF, Mrs. Lolia S. Emakpore has been slated to speak on “Funding Rural Telecom Projects: How the USPF Can Support Franchising & Virtual Operations”.

Equally, he said, that the Director-General, Small & Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mrs. Modupe Adelaja, would be speaking on “Rapid Extension of Telecom Services to Rural Nigeria: The Role of Small & Medium Enterprises”.

The Executive Secretary added that panel of discussants would include the chief executive, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Ahmad Farroukh, his counterpart at Celtel, Mr. Bayo Ligali, chairman of Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo and chief executive, Linkserve Limited, Chief Chima Onyekwere.Others he said, are the Executive Director, Marketing Communications at Globacom Limited, Mr. Okon Iyanam, President, Internet Service Providers Association of Nigeria (ISPAN), Mr. Sam Adeleke, chief executive, Oceanic Bank Plc, Chief (Mrs.) Cecilia Ibru, as well as the first Vice President, ATCON, Mr. Bayo Banjo.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

More winners emerge in Glo N750 promo

More winners have continued to emerge in the on-going Glo N750 Recharge card promo.
The latest of these winners were six Glo Mobile subscribers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja and Jos regions, who have become owners of the brand new Honda Accord i-vtec cars.

Glo mobile said that this brings to 34 the number of subscribers who have so far won cars in the N750 Recharge card promotion.

Four of the new winners were from Abuja region comprising Niger, Kogi and Benue states, while two were from the Jos region made up of Plateau, Nasarawa, Bauchi and Gombe states.

The Abuja winning numbers were 08058303327, 08075177058, 08053557369 and 08053864952. For the Jos region, the lucky subscribers were owners of 0805 4048077 and 08058363695.

The owner of 08058303327, who identified himself as James Omale, when contacted on phone, screamed, “It is a lie, it is a lie. Please are you joking? Tell me you are not joking, please!” Omale who was in the Abuja metropolis raced down to the Valencia Hotels, Wuse II, venue of the draw ceremony to confirm that the call was real.

He described Glo as the best, saying its services are cheap and wonderful, stressing that he never expected to have this good fortune of being among the promo car winners.

“I am now a Glo ambassador for life. I am urging everybody to drop every other line and patronize Glo,” he declared.

When called and informed of the car prize win, owner of number 08053557369, muttered “Jesus, Jesus,” repeatedly before the line went off.

The two winners from Jos region who were also reached on telephone gave their names as Abdul Abubakar (08054048077) and Victor Okechukwu Ikekwe (08058363695). For Ikekwe, his reaction was simply “That’s incredible.”

In his speech at the draw, the Globacom’s Abuja Regional Manager, Mr. Valentine Ossai, said the promotion was a demonstration of Globacom’s commitment to improving the quality of lives of its over 12 million subscribers.

Ossai noted Globacom’s resolve to continue to empower Nigerians to rule their world by offering world-class telecommunication services and improve their quality of lives.

Also speaking, Regional Manager for Jos, Chudi Nwoye, said that Globacom had the best customer-reward package in the industry, pointed out that the telco decided to hold the draws in several regions of the country in order to give subscribers in all parts of the country the opportunity to win the prizes being offered in the promotion.

Champion Infotel learnt that draws have also been scheduled to hold in Sokoto and Lagos regions respectively for the six remaining cars, just as Globacom is offering prepaid subscribers a total of 40 Honda Accord cars for win in the promotion.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

John Holt, FG Wilson join force on capacity building

Acclaimed generating set infrastructure provider in the country, John Holt Plc Nigeria and FG Wilson Generators of United Kingdom, have joined forces in improving capacity building for local work force.

Deputy Managing Director (DMD) John Holt Plc, Dr. Nosike Agokei, disclosed this at the commencement of weeklong training for John Holt Engineering work force and nominees from its clients in Lagos.

He said that John Holt as exclusive distributor of FG Wilson Generators in the country remain committed to delivering a world class after sales services, quality customer care and total customer satisfaction.

“We believe in capacity building,” he declared, stressing that more the training would be offered to employees of the company and its local clients in partnership FG Wilson in development of local manpower.

Dr. Agokei noted that before now John Holt has about 25 expatriates which has since been reduced to three, pointing out that more Nigerians are being trained to aspire and occupy top management positions in the company.

He assured that the firm would focus on its core competence, so the company has decided to provide services based on internationally accepted standards.

“We have to contribute extensively to the economy, so as to benefit stakeholders and communities where we operate,” he said.

He also revealed that the partnership between John Holt and FG Wilson has produced over 200 trainees since it was inaugurated in 1990.

Dr. Agokei who was accompanied at the press briefing by the Product Training Engineer at FG Wilson, Mr. Paul Hutchinson, General Manager, Engineering Services, John Holt Engineering, Mr. Tonnie Uwoghiren and Business Development Manager, John Holt, Mr. Arthur Nwachukwu, emphasised that it is only when a customer is happy and satisfied that a product is sold, hence, John Holt takes delight in training its personnel to ensure that anytime any day they are equal to the task of meeting up with customers requirement.

Also speaking, General Manager, John Holt Engineering, Mr. Austin Onono, his firm offers genuine FG Wilson parts and up to 1000 KVA.

Mr. Onono further said that John Holt has diagnostic laptop deployed in identifying problems of generating sets.

He called on government to improve the electricity power supply to the populace, noting that although power should be improved, there is still need to have generating sets at high-rise buildings in case of power failure and some people are trapped in the lift.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Celtel organises roadwalk for unity tariffs

In the bid to start its aggressive marketing campaign, Third Generation (3G) compliant and Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operator, Celtel Nigeria, on Monday embarked on T-Trek in Lagos to carry the message of its new tariff structure known as unity tariffs to doorsteps of Nigerians.

The T-Trek team led by the chief executive of Celtel Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Ligali, consists of management team of the telco.

The event, which involved roadwalk from its corporate headquarters at Olakunle Bakare Close off Sanusi Fafunwa to Silverbird Gallery, also saw other Celtel outlets assembling at the same venue from various parts of Lagos including Ikoyi, Ikeja and Apapa.

Speaking on the new tariff, Mr. Ligali reiterated that it is another first by introducing a flat tariff structure, to be known as ‘Unity tariffs’ even as the telco declared its readiness for 3G regimes in the country.

Celtel CEO said that the introduction of the unity tariffs on its network is in the bid towards making life better for Nigerians, stressing that the flat tariffs come in three formats, namely simply special, simply smooth and simply smart, just as it has slashed the international call tariffs by 45 per cent and on per second billing.

Mr. Ligali, also said the flat tariffs has three key elements including simplicity, affordability and transparency, adding that the ‘simply special’ offers subscribers on the network affordable prices and maximum benefits as on or across the net calls during peak hours, that is, 6am to 7pm which attracts 66 kobo while off peak is 39 kobo respectively.

Equally, he explained that, subscribers on this platform would have access to local Short Messaging Service (SMS) nationwide at the cost of N9 at all times, whereas SMS send internationally would attract N15 per message.

He said, on the Simply smooth, that its targeted at customers who are business people and high volume users desiring affordable prices while removing complexity and price discrimination between networks, even as subscribers are expected to pay a monthly fee of N400 while having access to on and off net calls during peak hours at 59 kobo and off peak at 33 kobo respectively, with local SMS costing N9 and international SMS attracts N15.

In addition, Mr. Ligali explained that on Simply Smart, which is focused on small and medium enterprise (SME) owners looking at increasing convenience while controlling phone costs.

He pointed out that Simply Smart attracts N3,600, which includes 100 free minutes and 30 free SMS, stressing that on and off peak periods attract 61 kobo and 33 kobo in that order, even as it has the same offering for local and international SMS like in other platform on this new package.

Mr. Ligali further said that extra features of flat tariffs structure include that midnight happy hours between 12am and 4.30; friends and family enjoy 15 free SMS monthly apart from Simply Smart which comes with 30 free SMS.

Other benefits, he enumerated include 10 per cent recharge bonus, 300 ‘call me back’ option per month and 300 ‘credit me’ monthly options.

He pointed out that for any subscriber to migrate to the new unity tariff structure, those who want to engage in Simply Special has to send ‘Yes’ SMS to 701, while 702 is for Simply smooth and 703 is for Simply smart.

“You would get an SMS containing the Personal Identification Number (PIN) for your migration,” he said.

Mr. Ligali added that by entering *126* plus the PIN number and then send.“You would be migrated within 48 hours and would receive an SMS when done followed by a congratulation message,” he said.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D