ITU to host workshop on ‘Internet of Things’ trends

ITRealms:

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has advanced plans to host a full-day workshop on Internet of Things (IoT) – Trends and Challenges in Standardization, to be held on 18 February at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, reports ITRealms.

The event, ITRealms gathered will be audio cast; live and archived for media unable to attend in person, with spotlight on emerging next steps for standards developers.

According to Chief, Media Relations and Public Information at ITU, Ms Sarah Parkes affirmed to ITRealms that the event aims to facilitate the global expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) through a better understanding of trends, including standardization needs.

“Results will inform the drafting of the future technical standards (ITU-T Recommendations) that will be fundamental to the smooth operation of networks potentially supporting billions of interconnected devices,” she said.

In addition to examining the status of IoT and machine-to-machine communication (M2M) standardization initiatives across other Standards Developing Organizations (SDOs), ITU says, the event will report on progress of related standards and protocol development in the research and open-source communities.

Also, ITRealms learnt that the event will incorporate exhibits from industry, government, research institutes and academia. STMicroelectronics will showcase its Smart Home concept, and EPFL its OpenIOT project.

Further, ITRealms gathered that Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications (NICT) will display its medical body area network, as well as Yokosuka Telecom Research Park (YRP).

In addition, Daniel Faulk, representing new ITU-T member SAP, will deliver a keynote presentation on Internet of Things, Creating new Opportunities for the Enterprise.

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Pix; Dr. Hamadoun Toure, ITU Secretary General

Lenovo Vibe X, six other smartphones debut in Nigeria

ITRealms:

A total of seven brand of Lenovo, Tuesday in Lagos, debut into the Nigeria’s mobile market at a ceremony held in Sheraton with Vibe X model leading the pack of smartphones, reports ITRealms.

Stressing that the seven smartphone including its flagship Vibe X, will be available in first week of March 2014 and available at all major retailers nationwide.

Nigerian consumers, he said would be the first in the African content to get their hands on seven models, with each Lenovo smartphone designed with specific customer needs in mind, maintaining that Lenovo offers a range of carefully considered design innovations and functionality that fits every style, personality and need. 

For the Director of Operations, Middle East and Africa, Mr. Shashank Sharma told ITRealms that Lenovo smartphones the range includes entry-level devices, such as the A369i, A516, A680, and A859; the stylish models like S650 and S930; and the picture perfect and sleek Vibe X.

“All Lenovo smartphones will come with a one year local warranty,” he said.

Further speaking, Braum told ITRealms that Lenovo’s entry to the Nigerian smartphone market, has prospects, especially with over 120 million mobile subscribers, thus Nigeria represents a strategic market for Lenovo’s smartphone business.

“Smartphones are fast becoming a primary platform for work, entertainment and social networking for consumers and we are thrilled to announce the launch of our exciting line-up today in Nigeria. Innovation is in Lenovo’s DNA; our team strives to deliver ground-breaking devices with distinct, elegant design. Today’s launch marks the first time customers in Nigeria can purchase Lenovo smartphones locally and we are excited to see the market’s reaction,” Braum said.

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Pix: Dr. Phil Osagie of JSP, Mr. Braum, Ms Monique and Mr. Sharma of Lenovo.

Chehade cautions on fragmented Internet

ITRealms:

The Chief Executive Officer of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), Mr. Fade Chehade has cautioned activists in the domain name industry who may be agitating for a fragmented Internet, reports ITRealms.

Speaking recently at the just ended World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, made this known while chatting with HuffPost, pointing out that the essence of the Internet is that its oneness and openness remain intact.

He warned that once the development of the Internet crumbles to that level, it could amount to re-inventing the wheel, because the processes would need another kind of path to be followed, which defeats the purpose of the founding fathers of the current Internet.

"If we cannot find a way to govern the Internet in an equal footing, in an open transparent way this year, we might descend into a fragmented version of the Internet," Chehadé declared.

He, however, sounded a note of warning on the implication, asserting, "The moment we fragment the Internet it is possible there will be tariffs between borders, there will be rules ... it will not be the internet as we know it."

ITRealms recalls that in more technical terms, ICANN coordinates the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions, which are key technical services critical to the continued operations of the Internet's underlying address book, the Domain Name System (DNS).

The IANA functions include the coordination of the assignment of technical protocol parameters including the management of the Address and Routing Parameter Area (ARPA) Top-Level Domain;  and the administration of certain responsibilities associated with Internet DNS root zone management such as generic (gTLD) and country code Top-Level Domains (ccTLD).

 

In addition, ICANN via IANA allocates the Internet numbering resources; and other services as well as performs the IANA functions under a United States (US) government contract.

 
Remmy Nweke
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Pix: Fade Chehade, ICANN CEO