FG must support infrastructure roll-out – ALTON

FOR Nigeria to attain its dream of being among 20 industrialized nations of the world by the year 2020, otherwise known as Vision 202020, there must be a concerted effort by the federal government to continue to encourage deployment of infrastructure to engender broadband diffusion.

To achieve this, according to the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), government must encourage roll-out of fibre optic networks and last mile copper infrastructure by scrapping all forms of levies and fees charged by various agencies of government on right-of-way approvals.

“We need to return to the basics to rebuild our terrestrial fibre and copper infrastructure, which will bring high capacity, cheap and high quality data communications,” ALTON said, noting that government should not consider right-of-way approval as a way of making revenue.

“But they should see the end result as in the overall interest of the national Information and Communications Technology (ICT) development and limits its role, to standard compliance and control,” ALTON insisted.

Speaking at an evening with Nigeria’s Legends of Technology organized by Technology Africa at the weekend, ALTON through its chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, on ‘Sustaining the ICT sector growth in a downturn world,’ said ICT industry should be encouraged to sustain the current level of investment and development in the Nigerian market.

He cited for instance that a strong government policy to this effect has long term benefit on the economy and produces a positive circular impact on the economic growth of other sectors, thereby reducing poverty index and increasing literacy and education levels.

ALTON also wants strong government position and warning to road construction companies, who more often than not, cause persistent damage to fibre networks across the country.

As said by him, the active promotion of local manufacturing capacity and training to support the telecoms sector, would ease local production of essential telecoms equipment, stressing that incentives for broadband expansion and downward review of spectrum pricing regime would be a plus for the ICT development.

On security, ALTON advocated for the government to accord telecommunications operations the legal status of critical national infrastructure and severe criminal sanctions for acts of theft, vandalisation and sabotage.

“Provide adequate police support and protection to telecoms equipment and facilities supported by legislation. Accord due protection of telecommunication equipment and facilities,” the group said, suggesting that attachment of adequate police support to operators and telecommunication infrastructure and reinstatement of full MOPOL complement.

ALTON maintained that telecommunications in Nigeria remained the most functional and reliable public social infrastructure, especially as stake holders continued to do the needful to sustain the growth and stability of this all important sector of the nation’s economy.

While examining the social impact of ICT till date, ALTON boss pointed out that ICT has made businesses more productive, which has led to growth in the small and medium scale business (SMME) segment, thereby boosting national gross domestic product (GDP). “This includes the informal sector of the economy such as artisans, transporters to name a few. Poverty alleviation is also achieved by creating jobs all through the value chain and in the real sector of the economy,” he declared.

Just as he pointed out that mobile telephony access has improved family and social relationships tremendously by providing means of staying in touch with family and friends without having to embark on journeys.

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Uwaje emerges ISPON president

The Chief executive officer of Connect Technologies, Dr. Chris Uwaje has emerged the new president of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON).

He takes over from Mr. Simeon Chijioke Agu who also is the chairman, Neptune Software Limited.

ISPON represents the interests of the national software engineering and services developers’ community in Nigeria.

Revealing this at the weekend, Dr. Uwaje said they elected a new National Executive Council to run the affairs of the organisation for the next two years.

He also said that the election which took place at the just concluded Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ISPON held at Neptune Software Limited, Apapa-Lagos, saw to his emergence as the president, while Mr. John Tani Obaro was named the first Vice-President and Pius Okigbo Jr. the second Vice-President, even as the post of the General Secretary went to Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, whereas, Afolabi Salisu becomes the Treasurer and Adeyinka Oyewumi came on board as the Assistant General Secretary.

According to him, the configuration of the new ISPON executive indicated the latest roadmap for actualizing national goals of “Software Nigeria” may have finally arrived.

Particularly, he noted, that the change is coming at a time when the Federal government has inaugurated a Governing Board for the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

“All members of the team are tested, accredited performers and national champions of the IT Industry. Indeed, the new ISPON President has declared that Information Technology Software is the missing-link and solution to the actualization of Nigeria’s Vision 20-2020 and realization of President Ya Adua’s Seven-point Agenda,” he said.

Existing studies, he pointed out, indicated that the Nigerian software industry is a solid gold-mine in-waiting to be tapped.

“It is estimated at the capability to generate well over USD20billion annually if well harnessed. Above all, it is perhaps the answer to the nation’s youth unemployment, as the software industry is capable of generating employment for millions of youths; now and in the future,” Uwaje enthused.

ITRealms Online recalls that the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) was established in 1998 to promote and foster the development of Indigenous Software (Application and Systems Software) for the empowerment of Nigerian economy and her people.

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Uduma, Ilukwe for Internet Governance forum

The Vice President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Mrs. Mary Uduma and the chief executive officer of the Internet eXchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Mr. Muhammed Rudman are gearing up for the first-ever Nigeria Digital Sense forum billed to hold in Lagos, tomorrow.

Affirming this, the Executive Director, Operations, Digital Sense Africa, Mrs. Nkemdilim Nweke, said that the forum with the theme: Internet Governance: Creating Opportunities for All Nigerians, the Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone Plc, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe would present the input of Galaxy to the explosion of Internet access in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government in the country.

She also said that Mrs. Uduma of NiRA would take participants on Internet Governance: The Role of NiRA, while Mr. Rudman is expected to explore how the eXchange could drastically bring about cheap internet access in the country.

She also said that the Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Mrs. Dora Akunyili has confirmed active participation at the forum slated to hold at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi-Lagos, where she is billed to officially declare the Nigeria Digital Sense Forum open.

Mrs. Nweke noted that Mrs. Uduma who is the Director of Licensing at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), presides over NiRA as the chief executive since the demise of the pioneer president, Mr. Ndukwe Kalu in September.

Mrs. Uduma, she recalled, had headed several departments of NCC including Corporate Planning and Research, Tariff & Charges, and Finance.

Before joining the Commission, she pointed out that Mrs. Uduma worked with Deloitte and Touché a public accounting firm, for the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation, and at an investment bank, all in Nigeria. Just as she is a member of the National Committee on the Implementation of the Outcome of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS); and also a member of an interim Board of Trustee for the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) responsible for the country code Top level domain name .ng.

Further, Mrs. Uduma coordinated the Africa Regional Preparatory Meeting in 2005 for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s World Telecoms Development Conference.

A trained and certified teacher, Mrs. Uduma is a Chartered Accountant and holds B.Sc (Hons) in Accounting from the University of Lagos, even as she worked with the Ministry of Education as a teacher before now.

On the other hand, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, is an Electronic Engineering graduate from University of Nigeria, Nsukka and holds an Executive MBA degree as well.

Over the past 20 years, he has acquired extensive experience working for a string of well-known IT companies.

The pioneer Managing Director/Chief Executive of Galaxy Backbone Plc, Ilukwe was the General Manager of Microsoft Nigeria, with responsibility extending across English speaking West Africa.

A widely traveled man, Ilukwe has established and maintained first-rate relationships with key influencers and ICT stakeholders in Nigeria and other African countries, which earned him many honours including the ‘Outstanding Contributor’ award Microsoft Global Briefing 2002 and West, East, and Central Africa General Manager’s award 2003.

Before his appointment with Microsoft, Ilukwe was in South Africa with SAP, the global leader in Enterprise Planning applications as a consultant. In the course of his career, he has also had stints at other blue chip companies such as IBM, Nigerian Bottling Company Plc and MTS (now MTS 1st Wireless).

Also, Mr. Muhammed Rudman is the pioneer Chief Executive Officer of Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), and a veteran Information Technology (IT) professional with over nine years extensive experience in network design and operations.

He joined IXPN, after working with many organizations including Galaxy Information Technology & Telecommunications Ltd, where he pioneered the deployment of rural telephony project, the Personal Handy phone System (PHS) and an internet Hub for Wide Area Network (WAN) across the country.

Though a graduate of University of Jos in Geology, Rudman is a member of many professional organizations and has contributed immensely to the development of the ICT industry in Nigeria, attending several training courses both within and outside Nigeria alongside.

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Travel Tech ‘09 gathers momentum

INSPIRED by the need to inform stakeholders on the imperative of deploying Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-based tools for developing the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors, the Tradeblazers Ltd is organizing a 2-day Travel Technology Show Nigeria (TTSN) in Lagos, which has continued to gather momentum, reports CHARLES OKOH.

Speaking to the media in Lagos, Project Manager, Tradeblazers, Mr. Seyi Jawando, said TTSN would offer delegates a unique opportunity to exchange notes on the impact of technology on the future of the Nigerian travel Industry.

He said the event is two-pronged efforts composed of a conference and an exhibition which will be chaired by key industry practitioners both within and outside the country.

On what the show seeks to achieve, Mr. Jawando, said it will highlight the innovations and the inherent benefits to end users; spotlight the impacts of these innovations to the sectors; provide a veritable platform for solution providers to meet face to face with products end user, an opportunity for business networking as well as serve as catalyst for problem solving the sectors.

“It is envisaged that a common consensus would be forged by developing a converging insight into how to further reposition the industry by presenting products and services to decision makers and end users. TTSN also seeks to develop a synergy between end users and innovation providers on service and product delivery via utilization of cutting edge technology tools,” he said.

He lamented the high level of ignorance on where travel meets technology, saying the show will serve as an eye opener for participants.

Mr. Jawando also said a show like this may not be widely received as expected in the country for now, because the nation still operates a buyers’ market as opposed to sellers’ market.

“In the sellers’ market the operators will not take us for a ride as they will be seeking all avenues to satisfy the customers by providing value for money,” he said

The show which theme is on “Technology meets travel” will be graced by the Managing Director of HRG Nigeria, Mr. Femi Adefowope, Operations Manager, Amadeus Nigeria, Mr. Linka Glover as well as the Managing director, Footprints Africa Business Solutions (FABS), Mr. Karen Bornheim, as keynote speakers.

Billed for the Expo Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, the show is fixed for the last week of November and will run on both days.

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APC director advises on energy efficiency

Regional director for Africa, Indian Ocean Islands and South Caribbean at APC by Schneider Electric, Mr. Carl Kleynhans, has advised on steps towards achieving energy efficient in virtualization.

He said that the rise in energy costs over the past few years has drawn attention of companies and commentators not just on the amount of energy being used by Information Technology (IT), but more importantly, on the amount being wasted.

This situation, he said, together with high profile campaigns by governments and other institutions addressing data centre energy efficiency, has driven a large number of data-centric companies to implement virtualisation strategies to reduce the energy consumption and increase the efficiency of the facilities under their control.

“The continued adoption of virtualisation technology shows no sign of abating and rightly so, for the industry has to take steps to maximise its productive use of energy. The simple fact is that companies have not been able to realise the full financial benefits of virtualisation and in many cases have seen the energy efficiency of their facilities dramatically worsened,” he said.

As said by him, this situation could be avoided at an early stage, hence, APC suggests a simple five-stage approach to planning for virtualisation.

First of all, he said, a company should understand the ways that energy is usefully and wastefully employed in its data centre to power, cool and protect the IT equipment.

“The EU Code of Conduct on Data Centres Energy Efficiency states that the data centre should be treated systematically in order to produce Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) near to ideal,” he said.

Mr. Kleynhans also said that a great deal of written material in the public domain gives the impression that consolidating physical servers onto virtual machines is the silver bullet for solving IT energy efficiency woes.

He stressed that if reduction of the number of servers in a given data centre by 90 per cent, companies will cut energy costs.

“But if you fail to address the physical infrastructure – the power and cooling – which provisions the servers, the efficiency of the system will actually be reduced and energy wastage will increase proportionally,” Kleynhans said.

Secondly, he said that it has become useful for an organisation to have an idea of its eventual destination, so as to help those planning for change in their data centres, and with the number of simple and free to use TradeOff Tools like that published on the APC website, a mileage is expected.

He explained that Virtualization Energy Cost Calculator allows users to compare pre- and post-virtualisation environments and see how energy costs are reduced.

The tool, he said, breaks out of the impact of virtualisation on the energy cost of the whole facility, physical infrastructure cost, total IT and servers.

In addition, he said, users could see the effect of various data centre ‘improvements’ on energy use, including the use of blanking panels, rightsizing of infrastructure equipment, use of high efficiency equipment and the introduction of precision cooling.

By making use of the TradeOff Tools, he said, data centre managers and other interested parties could make fundamental decisions in order to maximize efficiency and savings from the virtualised environment.

“Another important consideration is that virtualisation projects often result in the deployment of a cluster of high density or blade servers within an existing environment,” Kleynhans said.

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Entry opens for Young Scientist Award

Call has opened for the Future Awards for the young scientists in the country tagged Best Use of Science category.

Before now, The Future Awards had propagated the Best Use of Technology category which over the years produced technology innovators, advocates and entrepreneurs like United Nations Information Technology (IT) Ambassador ‘Gbenga Sesan.

Revealing this at the weekend, the Creative Director, The Future Awards, Mr. Chude Jideonwo, said that for many years, they have tried to mirror the breakthroughs that young people have made in different fields and to sustain them.

“However, this year, we decided we have gotten to a level where we can take this further and stimulate activity in the field of science as well as draw attention, and ultimately support, to that small random army of young Nigerians across the country who are working in spite of the debilitating lack of structure in science - with innovation or invention,” he said.

He said that nominations for the awards kicked off on October 1, and would last till the end of this month, November.

“Nominees must be Nigerian citizens aged between 18 and 31. If you want to nominate anyone, all you need to do is go to the website www.thefuturenigeria.com, click the ‘Nominate’ link and fill in information about the nominees’ work and why you think he/she should win. You will also find The Future Awards link at www.naijaborn.com,” he said.

According to him, the criteria was born due to the claims that there are not much people interested in science, and with the academic environment seemingly wired against development in science, “it is difficult to find young people with solid achievement in this area.”

He maintained that the organizers of The Future Awards disagree with the aforementioned view, hence the introduction of the latest category which covers physics, chemistry and biology.

“We know there are a critical number of young Nigerians who are advancing impressive, practical innovations that can compare with the best around the world.
This might also involve innovation or entrepreneurship in science,” he said.

Other categories for the Awards for this year include Best Use of Advocacy, Actor of the Year, Best Use of Technology, Business Owner of the Year, Comedian of the Year, Creative Artist of the Year, Journalist of the Year, Magazine of the Year, Model of the Year, Musician of the Year, Music Producer of the Year, On-air Personality of the Year (Radio), On-air Personality of the Year (TV), Professional of the Year, Screen Producer of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, Team of the Year, the biggest for Young Person of the Year, and a new category for Excellence in Public Service.

Jideowo also said that they are beaming searchlight on public service, which explains the Excellence in Public Service category.

“Again, for the same purpose as the Best Use of Science. Our awards seek to encourage young people to think of ideas outside of government, outside of convention and to add value that way,” he said.

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ICT, tool for combating climate change

As lead up to the Barcelona climate change talks, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has canvassed that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) remains the single most powerful tool for the human race to avoid potential climate catastrophe, reports Charles Okoh.

The ITU is stressing the critical importance of including information and communication technologies (ICTs) as part of the solution at the Barcelona talks which will produce the draft text to be considered at the United Nation’s COP 15 Copenhagen climate change conference in December.

The ITU said in a press statement made available to ITRealms Online at the weekend that specific mention of the critical role of ICTs in the Copenhagen draft agreement would help commit policy makers around the world to seek technical solutions to reducing GHG emissions.

ITU also said that a recent study estimated that more effective use of ICTs could help reduce total global emissions by 15 per cent by 2020, representing carbon savings five times higher than the estimated emissions for the whole ICT sector in 2020.

The Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI), of which ITU is a part, estimates that these reductions could deliver energy efficiency savings to global businesses of over EUR 500 billion.

Since the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in December 1997, the number of ICT users has tripled worldwide, yet ICTs find no mention in the current draft COP 15 text.

If the ingenuity of technological innovation has had the unfortunate consequence of creating unforeseen environmental damage, ITU believes the same drive to innovate - fundamental to the human spirit - can be harnessed through ICTs to reduce carbon footprint across all industry sectors, and fight the impact of climate change through accurate monitoring and rapid disaster response.

The world ICT governing body supports the view that successful strategies will require truly radical change, rather than incremental change to ‘business-as-usual’ approaches. “ICTs are the only tool powerful enough to serve as the ‘circuit-breaker’ to our current climate-hostile strategies, and to effect the true paradigm shift needed to make a difference.”

The ITU said the ICT industry is at the forefront of a ‘green revolution’, with new developments in areas such as smart grids, sustainable networks, energy-efficient data centres, teleworking, intelligent cars, smart buildings and energy-efficient workspaces.

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Etisalat Nigeria, RIM launch Blackberry solution

The fifth Global System for Mobile communications operator in the country, Etisalat Nigeria in collaboration with the Research In Motion (RIM), have launched the BlackBerry solution into the nation’s market.

The Public Relations Manager at Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Yinka Ijibiyi, informed ITRealms Online that the BlackBerry solution brings together industry-leading smartphones, software and services to provide powerful and easy-to-use email, phone, calendar, web and multimedia applications.

In addition, he said, the new service offers access to thousands of other mobile business and lifestyle applications.

Etisalat customers in the country, he said, in a press statement made available to ITRealms Online, would now be able to enjoy the enhanced freedom and productivity benefits of using the latest high end BlackBerry smartphones to stay connected to people and information on the go.

The chief executive of Emitac Mobile Solutions (EMS), RIM’s strategic channel partner, Mr. Babar Khan, was quoted as saying that they were thrilled to embark on a partnership with Etisalat Nigeria, as they look forward to working with them to bring truly powerful mobile solutions to the Nigerian market.

“We are committed to supporting Etisalat Nigeria in introducing the latest BlackBerry products and services and to staying at the forefront of mobile technology,” he said.

Equally speaking, the Vice President, Corporate Marketing at RIM, Mr. Mark Guibert, said RIM is very pleased to be introducing the latest BlackBerry solutions for both businesses and consumers through Etisalat in Nigeria.

“BlackBerry smartphones are the top choice for people who want a stylish and easy-to-use smartphone that can help them stay connected, productive and entertained while they are on the move,” he declared.

According to the press statement, Chief Marketing Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Wael Ammar, expressed Etisalat’s delight to commence delivery of the latest business and lifestyle enhancing solutions in Nigeria.

“We are excited to be able to introduce the very latest Blackberry smartphones to the Nigerian market. We pride ourselves on our dynamic and innovative products and services and the introduction of Blackberry services so soon after our commercial launch is further evidence of this,” he said.

Further, he said the new Blackberry service from Etisalat will provide a definite boost to the quality of communication in Nigeria and also reinforce Etisalat’s pedigree as a superior provider of performance enhancement services for the business and lifestyle needs of customers.

At commercial launch, ITRealms Online gathered that Etisalat will offer the latest in Blackberry smartphones, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 and BlackBerry Bold.
Both are known as exceptional smartphones with built-in Wi-Fi support and advanced multimedia capabilities.

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Anabel Mobile goes into entertainment

Anabel Group, one of the leading mobile communications brands in the country, has diversified into television entertainment, just as it premiered ‘Inglorious Bastards’ starring Brad Pitt, at the weekend.

A leading mobile phone and first Nigerian handheld pocket computer and Smart phone producer, Anabel Mobile, has concluded plans to launch its entertainment division to promote Nigerian and African talents in movies, music, art and the culture, according to its President, Mr. Nicholas Okoye.

He said that Anabel is ready to retool Nigerian talents in the entertainment industry in an effort to make them acceptable to international audiences in the United States, Europe and Asia.

The event, which attracted some Nollywood stars, had a representative of the Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dorothy Akunyili.

A press statement from the Anabel endorsed by the Marketing and Products Manager, Itohan Amusa-Eke said that company has come to stay.

“We will continue to support the Nigerian ICT market with our quality products. We will also continue to promote the Nigerian entertainment industry, as we stated during our Launch that Anabel is a 21st century company borne out of the triple convergence of the Telecommunications Industry with Technology and Entertainment Industries,” Eke said.

Anabel Mobile, Amusa-Eke said is passionate about the entertainment industry and expects that industry to experience significant growth over the next few years.

“We are positioning to be a part of that growth and to raise the bar in terms of high quality world class movies, music and entertainment events. Nigerians, our artistes, are doing very well in the entertainment industry. It is our resolve to retool them for cross over to the international market,” the manager said.

Stressing that local artistes’ could compete with their counterparts in the international market if given the opportunity and the right exposure.
She further said that Anabel is passionate about made-in-Nigeria products whether they be hard products such as Anabel smart phones or computers, intellectual content or artistic talent.

ITRealms Online recalls that Anabel Mobile has been identified by the Federal Ministry of Information and Communications as one of the trail blazers in the direction of promoting Nigerian talent having launched the first Nigerian mobile phone and first Nigerian pocket PC and Smart phone that runs on windows mobile operating system licensed by the Microsoft Corporation.

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Extend stimulus fund to ICT - Tizhe

The President, Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN)

, Mr. Ibraheem Tizhe, said called on government to invest some of its stimulus funds in mobile phone networks, fibre-optic connections and broadband infrastructure as part of an effort to boost the wider economy.

This could trigger the much economic recovery at this era of economic meltdown, especially for developing country like Nigeria.

Tizhe made this call in Lagos at an evening with Legends of Technology and said that this has become necessary when one considers that the spread of information technology in the country, in particular mobile devices such as phones, laptops among others, have momentous implications on individuals, and the national productivity.

The vast potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), he said, cannot be over-emphasized.

Information Technology (IT), he said, is the revolution that is making waves in the world presently because of its capacity in changing the lives of all and sundry.

“It has become a tool for building a better life through the acquisition of knowledge and experience. It is also a weapon for participating in global markets, promoting of political accountability, improving the delivery of basic services; and enhancing local development opportunities,” he said.

Equally, the newly elected CPN president, said, ICT has the potential of eradicating poverty and it could assist tremendously in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“It is against this background that we need to look forward to Information Technology for speedy economic recovery from the present recession that is affecting our economy,” he said.

According to Tizhe who presided at the occasion, the World Bank projected recently that Information Technology would be responsible on a scale of 70/30 for determining real growth in most countries from 2015.

“It further hinted that by 2020, the most critical factor that would separate developed economies from non-developed ones would be the existence or otherwise of Information Technology,” he said.

Stressing that this explains why government should continue to partner with Information Technology professionals to come up with a comprehensive IT policy direction that would serve as operating guide.

This document, he pointed out would be reviewed from time to time to conform with the realities of the time.

“With innovative and dynamic IT policies, a country could leapfrog from being an IT consuming nation to an IT producing one. A good example is the Asian Tigers, Malaysia, Singapore, India to name a few, who have recorded giant strides in Information Technology,” he noted.

Therefore, he said, that through proper policy direction on Information Technology, the aforementioned Asian countries were able to move from the status of a backward nation to that of the fastest developing economies in the world.

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Harris Stratex holds workshop on 4G

In effort at build up its success in the Nigerian telecom sector, global leaders in wireless communication solautions, Harris Stratex Networks, recently organised a 4G/LTE/Wimax Evolution workshop for engineers in the commercial nerve centre of the nation, Lagos.

Targeting existing customers of the company, Harris Stratex Networks’ used the platform to showcase its latest range of products and technology for fourth generation (4G), Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX).

Addressing participants, a senior network engineer with Harris Stratex Networks Silicon Valley California, Mr. Ivan Zambrano, noted that the company is desirous of using this type of training schemes to continuously keep its customers informed about the next level in telecom technology and at the same time, keep them up to pace with technological changes across the globe.

He pointed out that the training programme has structured to benefit the existing customers of Harris Stratex by giving them the required updates on how to upgrade and evolve their networks into the next generation.

He said that with renewed awareness for its solutions as the underlining objective, the company also wants to use this avenue to renew the confidence of its customers on the company’s readiness to constantly offer support for all of its Nigerian customers.

The training, Zambrano noted had in attendance, representatives from over 10 corporate clients including MTN, Zain, Glo, Etisalat, Starcomms, ExxonMobil, NLNG, Schlumberger, Helios Towers, Soft Alliance, ACT Networks and Direct-On-PC.

According to the Managing Director, Harris Stratex Networks Nigeria, Mr. Bekele Tadesse, “it is important for our customers to understand very clearly where the industry is going and the new trend available, so that they can make well informed decisions on the best company to work with”.

With this training now in place, he said, the company has demonstrated its leadership in the infrastructure scene by pledging to constantly offer support and training to all its customers

Harris Stratex Networks Inc. is a leading provider of wireless solutions that enable the evolution of next-generation fixed and mobile broadband networks.

The company offers reliable, flexible and scalable wireless network solutions, backed by comprehensive professional services and support.

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Akunyili, Ndukwe lead speakers @ Digital Sense forum

The chairperson of the Bureau of African Ministers of Communications and Information Technologies (ICT) and Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili would on Thursday this week in Lagos, declare open the annual Nigeria Digital Sense forum.

The event which has been slated to hold at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi-Lagos, would also have the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe as a keynote speaker focusing on the theme of
the forum, Internet Governance: Creating Opportunities for All Nigerians.

Disclosing this, the Executive Director, Operations, Digital Sense Africa (DSA), Mrs. Nkemdilim Nweke said it is heartwarming that the honourable minister, Prof. Akunyili, would be at the event by accepting to honour the forum, which is the first of its kind in the country.

According to her, the forum aims at galvanizing ICT stakeholders and the Nigerian Internet community particularly to harmonize relevant voices towards having a national position at the forthcoming global conference on Internet, tagged the Internet Governance Forum, holding in Egypt later in November.

She recalled that Nigeria emerged the chairperson of the Bureau of African Ministers of Communications and Information Technologies (ICT) under the auspices of the African Union (AU) Commission at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)-Telecom Africa 2008 at the Cairo International Conference and Exhibition Centre (CICC).

The election of Nigeria into this position, industry observers had said was in recognition of nation’s influence and current standing in ICT performance in the sub-region, even as the sector liberalization in Nigeria, has triggered an enabling environment provided by federal government based on the bid to enshrine fair and transparent regulatory framework within the telecommunication industry.

Confirming Akunyili’s participation at the event, she said a letter to DSA from the Federal Ministry of Information and Communications, endorsed by the Special Assistant to the honourable minister, Mrs. Mary Ikoku, stated that Prof. Akunyili has graciously accepted to be present at the occasion.

In addition, Mrs. Nweke said that the EVC, NCC, Dr. Ndukwe would present the keynote address, on the theme: Internet Governance: Creating Opportunities for All Nigerians, while the Vice President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Mrs. Mary Uduma would dwell on ‘The Role of NiRA’ in creating internet opportunities for Nigerians, just as the Regional Manager, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), Ms Anne Inne Rachel would take participants on Internet Governance, Africa and ICANN’s position.

Equally the Managing Partner of Technology Advisors, Mr. Basil Udotai, she said would speak on the impact of law in Internet governance, while the chairperson, Inter-ministerial Committee on the Outcome of World Summit on Information Society, Mrs. Ibukun Odosote, would give account of the journey so far, just as the President of the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), Mr. Lanre Ajayi would unveil the functions of the group in getting thus far.

Lots of chief executives of Internet Service Provider (ISP) companies and internet enthusiasts have signed up for the forum, even as MTN Nigeria Communications Limited and iWayAfrica have concluded arrangements to showcase their various internet-based products to the participants.

Digital Sense Africa is an initiative of Remnek Kommunications Ventures; Information and Communication Technology (ICT) analysts, public relations consultants, with continental media affiliates as part of its enlightenment strategies to engage Nigerians for sustainable deployment and utilization of technologies in order to make sense out of the revolution.

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‘Intel innovations to boost Nigeria’s economy’

Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Intel Corporation, Mr. Jacques Vanschalkwyk, has restated the company’s commitment to use innovations to boost its investment that will bring about economic and social development in Nigeria.

Speaking during a media interactive session in Lagos, Mr. Vanschalkwyk noted that Intel is poised towards various activities that promote better way of life and focused on creating and developing business opportunities in their markets.

“Nigeria is one of the places we look at in our planning. Intel has been a founding member in contributing to connectivity and has 15 years of investment in internet, with a strong focus on embedded internet by 2015,” he said.

Stressing that Intel has 20 per cent expenditure plan in new growth area with an unshaken investment in the future that will be driven by its new devices.

“They will add value to life with our innovations on market creation and sustenance. We have the 160 personal computer in 65 countries; work with private organization on the best way to deploy the available technology to maximize business profit; majorly focused on e-learning ingredient, improved learning methods and professional development,” he said.

The regional director also explained that the corporation has the nationwide employee personal computer program in the country, stressing that it has been innovating in the past 40 years, hence he promised the company would continue to contribute to help Nigerians enjoy better living standards.

Also speaking the Business Development Manager, West Africa, Mr. David Ibhawoh said Intel technology transcends impacting life and providing the best and conducive business environment.

“This is why our World Ahead Programme is basically focused on four pillars – access, broadband, content and education. We believe strongly that achieving all these will not only change the world but serve as added advantage to the way we live, work and play,” he explained.

Ibhawoh said that Intel has been in the fore front in internet accessibility by increasing WiFi and Wimax availability, leading to ecosystem development, regulatory consultation, technology advances, removing barriers and advocate for low cost internet for all.

He disclosed that Intel has contributed immensely to 79 universities in Nigeria by providing laptop with internet connectivity, partnership with OEMs and training of telecommunication operators on the best way to provide internet for all.

“We have provided people in rural communities with a rural health care pilot project in partnership with the government’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Body aims at bringing attention to the deplorable state of health care in rural areas by taking health care services to the grassroots and capturing health specific data. The project uses Hawk-peak as capture tool provides doctors, nurses, health policy makers, traditional birth attendants with HPs and access to a specialized health information capture SW (DHIS),” Mr. Ibhawoh said.

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APC introduces field education programme

Global leader in critical power and cooling services, APC by Schneider, has introduced a field education programme in collaboration with Microsoft System Center Alliance to enhance and support critical physical infrastructure monitoring and management through the integration of APC InfraStruXure Central with Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007.

The Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)-LAM Channel Developer Director at APC by Schneider Electric, Giuseppe Candito, said that the field education programme is to establish a skilled team that is dedicated to its resellers in Nigeria.

“This is an investment into the development of the local channel. We want to help all APC resellers to develop sales and expand the APC product footprint in Nigeria,” Candito said.

The director also said that APC’s education team will include sales representatives and field sales people to strengthen sales in Nigeria.

“The sales representatives will be expected to build relationships and set up meetings for APC account managers in order to proactively increase purchases and drive project detection by telemarketing, while the field sales people will grow
APC’s market share through the development of its reseller customer base,” he said.

Explaining that the key focus of this programme will be to increase the number of active APC resellers in Nigeria and to support as well as assist them in increasing sales.

Equally commenting, the regional director: Africa, Indian Ocean Islands and South Caribbean at APC by Schneider Electric, Mr. Carl Kleynhans, said that the integration of APC’s data centre management suite with Microsoft’s System Center Operations Manager 2007 will give data centre managers the ability to view and manage physical infrastructure, including power, cooling, physical space and security, as well as providing a comprehensive view of the health of servers, applications, and clients within the data centre.

The APC Management Pack for System Center Operations Manager 2007, he highlighted, enables integrated system and service monitoring in a multi-vendor environment.

“Linking the physical and server environments with the APC Management Pack through Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 allows customers to better understand the impact of physical layer changes on business applications,” he said.

Mr. Kleynhans noted that through this ongoing partnership, APC and Microsoft strive to deliver resilient, energy-efficient, and cost effective solutions for the IT environment.

Director, Strategic Partner Alliances, Management and Services Division, Microsoft, Mr. JD Marymee, said the integration of Microsoft System Center Manager 2007 and the APC Management Pack affords customers to better view and manage the physical infrastructure supporting key applications throughout their business.

“We are pleased to welcome APC to the System Center Alliance and look forward to continuing our work together bringing improved integration to the market and even more value to our mutual customers over time,” he said.

Microsoft System Center, he said, is a suite of management products and solutions that help customers manage the physical and virtual IT environments across data centres, client computers, and devices. The purpose of the System Center Alliance is to provide an online community to help partners more easily collaborate on the creation of solutions for System Center, as well as deliver a vehicle for providing information about those solutions to customers and sales channels.

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