Konga achieves Intel's coveted partner acceleration programme - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Foremost e-Commerce powerhouse in Nigeria, Konga, has been migrated to the Retail Accelerator Program of global technology giant Intel, thereby becoming the first e-Commerce company in Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve this feat, reports ITREALMS.

Konga’s elevation to the new retail channel program takes effect from Q2’19.

Disclosing this, the Consumer Manager for Nigeria, Intel, Olabanji Womiloju, lauded Konga for its landmark strides in the e-Commerce space, noting that the company was selected in West Africa because of its huge reputation and outstanding performance in Nigeria’s e-commerce sector which is widely regarded as Africa’s biggest market.

Responding to the news, Co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Konga Group, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, expressed delight with the development, saying that Konga’s migration to the new RSA programme is proof that the company is on the right direction in her strategies to change the e-commerce dynamics in Nigeria and beyond.

“We are very glad with the news of our elevation to the Intel Retail Accelerator Program. It shows that our efforts to revolutionize e-commerce in Nigeria and beyond is being noticed even beyond the shores of Africa. This partnership will put us in a position to serve our numerous customers across Nigeria better with more exciting solutions across Intel’s wide-ranging bouquet. Furthermore, it calls for more work on our part in justifying the confidence reposed in us by taking e-commerce to greater heights.”

In addition to justifying Konga’s revolutionary strides and leadership of the Nigerian e-commerce space, the development is bound to bolster the company’s partnership standing with Intel, while positioning it for more marketing support to drive huge product volumes and sellout.

Nenye Dom/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Zinox now Intel Platinum

ITREALMS:

Foremost ICT solutions company, Zinox Technologies Limited, has been named the the region’s first local Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to achieve the status of Platinum Technology Partner by Intel Corporation, the world’s leading makers of computer processors and technology solutions, reports ITRealms.

Zinox has successfully passed through all technological trainings by Intel to gain the points necessary for the highest rating awarded by the technology giants, having demonstrated technical and business leadership with strong financial capability needed to attain this position by investing in joint research and development with Intel Corporation to produce worldwide industry rated products powered by Intel’s advanced processors.

By attaining the status of Platinum Technology Provider, Zinox will enjoy enhanced technical support from Intel which will further strengthen its leadership position in Sub-Saharan Africa’s ICT landscape.

Furthermore, Zinox will expectedly work more closely in joint collaboration with Intel on latest technology in line with its Future Visions mandate to anticipate the future of technology and create products for the future consumer in areas such as Internet of Things (IOTs), Robotics, Artificial Intelligence etc.

Zinox’s recognition as an Intel Platinum Technology Partner continues a long tradition of leading the ICT industry with a series of firsts including its status as manufacturers of Nigeria’s first internationally certified computer brand, the first OEM in West Africa to receive the WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certification and the first computer hardware manufacturing and ICT integration company in Nigeria to receive the ISO 9001-2000, among other certifications.

This is in addition to being responsible for salvaging the 2006 voters’ registration exercise by deploying 13,000 data capture machines under four weeks, the deployment of over 84,000 Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines in 2010 to register voters and create a credible database for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which has helped in stabilizing democracy in Nigeria  - a feat it equally achieved in another West African country, Guinea-Bissau and its sterling work with the INEC in transiting the nation to electronic voting, among others.

With its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria and branches all over the country in addition to research hubs in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East; the Zinox Group boasts a 360-degree spectrum orientation as an integrated ICT solutions group with advanced competencies in manufacturing, distribution, e-commerce and after-sales support, among others.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Dell, Intel launch cloud ecosystem hub for EMEA

ITRealms:

Dell EMC and Intel have launched a new web-based Cloud Ecosystem Hub, to provide Cloud Service Providers (SPs) in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) as well as end users with an online one stop site to unify and simplify access to Dell EMC’s cloud proposition and resources, reports ITRealms.

Country Manager, Dell EMC Nigeria, Travers Nicholas said that the hub will connect customers with SPs to help establish stronger marketing efforts, enabling digital transformation and significantly growing long term Cloud business.

This new unified platform demonstrates Dell EMC’s commitment to providing choice and unique solutions to every customer and removing obstacles to cloud adoption through hosting an online cloud portal for Dell EMC Technology, making it easier for customers to select the right SP to address their needs. For SPs, the hub will be a platform to launch key initiatives and drive new business through the marketplace. With sales revenues in the hardware market decreasing and much of the Cloud market set to transition over to hybrid Cloud, it is expected that Cloud SPs will acquire a considerably larger market share over the next five years[i] and Dell EMC and Intel will act as key business enablers to all parties.

“Historically, vendors have failed to support Service Providers in their campaigns and the Dell EMC Cloud Ecosystem represents a game-changing development for both Service Providers and customers alike,” said Eric Velfre, senior vice president, Compute and Networking Sales Dell EMC EMEA. “By simplifying access to the Dell EMC Cloud value proposition and offering content and support for co-marketing projects, we can generate awareness and enable new capabilities to achieve greater profitability for our partners. Through the Dell EMC Cloud Community we can also drive demand from the customer towards Service Providers and capture feedback to help develop future Dell EMC Cloud technologies” he said.

The country manager also said that the One-Stop site for enterprise customers, the Cloud Ecosystem Hub promises to help them understand how to transform their businesses, with a dedicated repository of up-to-date resources and assets explaining the value proposition and benefits offered by Dell EMC’s Cloud technologies. Customers will be able to select SPs through bespoke searches to find the most relevant solutions for their businesses, with options to contact providers directly through the platform. The Cloud Ecosystem Hub will also allow customers to discover and register for broader industry events organised by SPs and Dell EMC.

The Cloud Ecosystem Hub, he said, includes an array of new tools for SPs, including LeadPool demand generation, allowing partners to identify ‘hot’ vendor agnostic leads, along with additional resources to help promote offerings directly to customers.

As said by him, the platform also provides the latest insights and information around Dell EMC’s and Intel’s Cloud technology offerings to help SPs build a stronger portfolio. In addition Dell EMC will allow SPs to run co-marketing campaigns with tools to assist in the creation of marketing assets, campaign building and client and influencer networking, featured within the marketplace.

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Intel, Girl Rising Nigeria partner on International Day of the Girl Child

ITRealms:

Intel Corporation and Girl Rising Nigeria recently partnered on the International Day of the Girl Child, reports ITRealms.

The event which held at the Film House Cinema, Ado Bayero Mall in Kano, has the theme as “Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress: What Counts for Girls”.

ITRealms also gathered that the ceremony was organized in the framework of encouraging girls to see education as a “Must Have” with a goal to highlight the role of technology and the Internet as essential tools needed for leveraging all aspects of human endeavor in the current competitive dispensation.

In addition, ITRealms reports that the occasion brought together over 500 girls from schools across Kano, government officials, NGOs and partners working for the protection of child rights.

Convener of the event who doubles as the Country Manager of Girl Rising Nigeria, Maryam Tafida Bello, described the event as an avenue for girls in Kano and beyond to realize that they can achieve their dreams.

Stressing that people should bring meaningful change to Kano and the world by empowering girls through education.

“There are over 5 million girls out of school in Nigeria and most of these girls are in the northern part of the country. We cannot sit back and watch, we must do something. We must take the baton to lead the fight in ensuring that all girls, all children are educated. That is why we are here today”, Maryam said.

Speaking at the event, Corporate Affairs Manager, Intel Corporation, Babatunde Akinola mentioned how Intel is making efforts in several ways to encourage women and young girls to be technologically motivated, especially through the Company’s ‘She Will Connect’ initiative.

“Women do 60 per cent of world’s work, produce 50 per cent of food, and yet earn 10 per cent of income and own only 1 per cent asset”. Intel will continue to work with NGOs and other well-meaning organizations under the She Will Connect umbrella to enable, empower and connect girls and women to opportunities and consequently put an end to such gender gap” he said.

On the partnership, Akinola reiterated Intel’s commitment to the development of the girl child.

He stressed that the company elected to partner with Girl Rising to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child to further demonstrate Intel’s commitment to helping the girl child realize her potentials and improve their opportunities for employment and income generation while embracing technology and the Internet.

ITRealms further gathered that to drive home the message with storytelling, over 500 girls and young women including, government functionaries, NGO partners watched the Girl Rising video series ‘Da Bazar Mu’ which literally means ‘Dancing to Women’s Tune”.

The key message of the video series was centered on encouraging and motivating the girl child to see education as a necessary step towards the accomplishment of their dreams.

Representatives of the girls including two beneficiaries of Intel She will Connect initiative gave presentations to affirm their commitment to acquiring education and relevant technology skills that would ensure they achieve their dreams.

The International Day of the Girl Child Event echoes the need for more opportunities for girls, and increases awareness on the inequalities faced by girls worldwide. 

Uj. N. Dominic/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Intel, TPG establish world’s largest pure-play cybersecurity firms worth $4.2bn

ITRealms:

The duo of Intel Corporation and leading global alternative asset firm, TPG have established the world’s largest pure-play cybersecurity firms worth $4.2bn, reports ITRealms.

This collaboration, ITRealms reports saw to Intel and TPG jointly investing in spin-out of Intel Security in a transaction valuing the business to the tune of $4.2 billion.

ITRealms gathered that Intel received $3.1 billion in cash and retained 49 per cent stake after completion of the transaction, while TPG owns 51 per cent of the new company, which will be named McAfee, as the leading independent cybersecurity company

Industry observers said the investment reflects TPG’s confidence in Intel security’s industry-leading enterprise and consumer businesses, strong market position, and business momentum, which positions new company as one of the world’s largest pure-play cybersecurity firms.

According to Intel senior vice president and Intel Security general manager, Mr. Chris Young said existing management team would lead the new company following transaction closure.

Through this transaction, TPG, a leading global alternative asset firm with demonstrated expertise in growing profitable software companies and carve-out investments, and Intel, a global technology leader that powers the cloud and billions of smart, connected computing devices, will work together to position McAfee as a strong independent company with access to significant financial, operational and technology resources.

Mr. Young also said that with the new investment from TPG and continued strategic backing of Intel, the new entity is expected to capitalize on significant global growth opportunities through greater focus and targeted investment.

The new company, ITRealms reports, will be one of the world’s largest pure-play cybersecurity companies. Just as last year, Intel Security unveiled a new strategy that refocused the business on endpoint and cloud as security control points, as well as actionable threat intelligence, analytics and orchestration.

“This new strategy allows customers to detect and respond to more threats faster and with fewer resources,” Young enthused.

Reacting to this development, Brian Krzanich, the chief executive officer, Intel, noted that security remains important in everything at Intel and going forward they company will continue to integrate industry-leading security and privacy capabilities in its products from the cloud to billions of smart, connected computing devices.

“As we collaborate with TPG to establish McAfee as an independent company, we will also share in the future success of the business and in the market demand for top-flight security solutions, creating long-term value for McAfee’s customers, partners, employees and Intel’s shareholders. Intel will continue our collaboration with McAfee as we offer safe and secure products to our customers,” Krzanich said.

The Co-Founder and Co-CEO of TPG, Jim Coulter, they believe that McAfee will thrive as an independent company.

“With TPG’s investment, along with continued support from Intel, McAfee will sharpen its focus and become even more agile in its response to today’s rapidly evolving security sector. TPG is excited to partner with Intel and McAfee management to accelerate growth of the business by enhancing its go-to-market strategy and continuing to grow and strengthen its core product offerings” Mr. Coulter assured.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Intel lauds NPF on PC acquisition programme for officers

ITRealms:

Intel Corporation has lauded the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) over the launch of a Computer Acquisition Programme (CAP) for the men and women of the force, reports ITRealms.

Country Manager, Intel Corporation, Mr. Olunbunmi Ekundare gave this commendation Wednesday in Lagos, at the Zone 2 Police Command during the formal launch of the programme.

He described the programme as novel and first of its kind and urged other security agencies to take a cue from NPF in this regards.

“This is the first of its kind in this country to have computer acquisition programme with the support of the NPF Microfinance bank,” he said.

Ekundare also said that Intel is a chip-technology manufacturer, usually embedded in the computers and devices being used daily unknown to many.

He further said that the focus of Intel in the region is education through digital training and creation of jobs, stressing that when people well trained on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) they could create jobs and definitely employ other people.

The brand of computers on offer cuts across HP, Lenovo to name a few.

 

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally! 
Pix: IGP Rep speaking at the launch

Yudala Mobile Monday: Shoppers on prowl for Lenovo, Intel, Samsung

ITRealms:

Shoppers at the Yudala Mobile Monday showed remarkable interests on products from Lenovo, Intel and Samsung, reports ITRealms.

Also on the prowl this Monday as customers shop for Easter were products from Microsoft, Apple and Alcatel, at the Mobile Monday, a mega sales promotion exclusive to Yudala, Nigeria’s composite online and offline retail giants.

ITRealms reports that the initiative which began in February, has become a household feature every Monday; through which Yudala offers all categories of shoppers the chance to enjoy best prices and mouth-watering deals on a wide range of mobile devices from the biggest brands including  mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs and accessories, among others.

Marketing Communications Manager at Yudala, Mr. Afam Anyika said in a press statement made available to ITRealms that there are thousands of consumers who now look forward to the Mobile Monday deals, just as a number of top brands have begun to explore partnership opportunities which enables them position bundled offer.

This, he said, attracts increased patronage from the legion of shoppers who throng the online channel and Experience Stores every Monday.

According to him, findings indicate that Monday’s edition which kicked off by 6am witnessed an unusually heavy traffic, with the Lenovo Yoga 300 laptop and Lenovo A10 tablet, both were bundled with Microsoft Office 365 emerging among the best-selling items from orders processed on the day.

Also, he said, another product with best-seller status in the latest edition of Yudala Mobile Monday was the Samsung S7 and S7 Edge which launched on both online and offline platforms on Monday.

Stressing that feedback received across the Experience centers, showed that many who placed orders for the device were eager to be among the first to own the S7 while others were looking to purchase it as an Easter gift for loved ones.

Additionally, Ayika said, the Apple iPhone 5S and Alcatel Pixi 3 were not left out of the action as multiple orders were processed for both items as part of Monday’s promotion.

Powered by Intel, the latest edition of the Yudala Mobile Monday was remarkable for the flash sale at 12pm, 3pm and 6pm which saw customers jostle for the HP 255 Business Laptop which was given away at a jaw dropping price of less N70,000.

“We are delighted by the growing acceptance of Mobile Monday. The huge orders processed today both online and in our chain of Experience Stores nationwide shows the eagerness with which Nigerians now await the promotion. Increased traffic spike was noticeable during the hours of 12pm, 3pm and 6pm when the flash sales went live,” Anyika said.

 +Remmy Nweke (ITRealms) 

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Intel shares vision for future technology innovation

ITRealms

 

Intel, the company that designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world's computing devices has shared its vision for future technology innovation with developers and partners, ITRealms gathered.

The partners, information said, would create the products, engineer the systems, render the movies, and power the toys and devices that create amazing experiences.

The Chief Executive Officer of Intel, Brian Krzanich in his opening address at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco, highlighted new products, tools and programs that support the growing personalization of computing and explained the trends creating new opportunities for developers across an unprecedented breadth of technologies, ITRealms reports. 

He also said that computing has become increasingly personal, enhancing nearly all aspects of life, “Computers are on our desks, in our bags, in our clothes, in our homes and on our bodies. They are not only growing smarter and more connected, but gaining senses and becoming an extension of ourselves.” 

Noting that an ecosystem was emerging around Intel to address growing opportunities for computing, detailing many of the essential products, technologies and tools from the company that will help developers make the differentiated experiences possible.

He also unveiled a number of updates to Intel Real Sense technology that will bring depth sensing to more devices and applications, and announced new collaborations for securing the Internet of Things (IoT), in addition to programs and toolkits for developers to help speed industrial IoT solutions to market, ITRealms reports.

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!
Pix:Brian Krzanich

Tecno, Microsoft, Intel join forces to launch WinPad 10

ITRealms:

Tecno in partnership with Microsoft and Intel, Thursday, unveiled a 2-in-1 gadget dubbed Tecno WinPad 10 in Lagos, reports ITRealms.

The trio said that Techno WinPad 10 is the latest and most revolutionary tablet cum personal computer (PC) device in the Nigeria’s market.

The Activation and Event Manager, Tecno Mobile, Attai Oguche told ITRealms at a media launch, said the collaboration with two global tech partners, is just to synergize with the best that is being unveiled. 

With the slogan ‘A tablet when you want it and a PC when you need,’ ITRealms informs, Oguche extolled the features of the Tecno WinPad 10, stressing that life is changing and the latest design is to find a technology that is in tandem with that changing lifestyle, adding that you may want to go to market or travel and you do not want to go with your PC or Laptop, Tecno WinPad has answers to all that. The partnership is meant to unlock the huge technological potential in Nigeria. 

According to the innovative mobile phone company, Tecno WinPad will run on Intel’s atom processor for tablet, being a 10.1 inches High Definition (HD) screen device, it is expected to offer consumers an entirely unique video watching and browsing experience.

The WinPad 10 device, ITRealms gathered, comes with a 5.0 Mega Pixel (MP) back camera and 2.0 MP front camera that give a captivating interface visual quality and a smooth operating experience on its preloaded Windows 8.1m while running on Intel Atom Processor z3735F, Quad Core 1.83 Ghz, a 2GB ROM and 2GB RAM

Tecno WinPad is said to be more mobile than laptop, more productive than tablet and more affordable than an Ultrabook. It has a dual “boom” speakers with  an amazing surround stereo which offers high quality sound.

In addition, the Deputy General Manager, Tecno Nigeria, Chidi Okonkwo said that the new WinPad 10 will help to expand the company’s market and provide new opportunities to those who desire to work on the Window Operating System.

For the Consumer Channel Group Director, Microsoft Nigeria, Mark Ihimoyan said that, “For full PC power and total tablet fun, there’s nothing like a Windows 2-in-1. Touch, click or type- you choose what fits your style and activity. All the great apps you need are in the Window store, plus you can play Xbox games, music and videos. Use Skype to video, chat, take notes with Office, and get your photos and file from anywhere with OneDrive.

Speaking on the same vein the Consumer Manager, Intel Corporation Nigeria, Womiloju Olabanji, said WinPad is an efficient device, adding that its Intel processor offers a brilliant and faster experience.

Even though there was an issue why the WinPad should run on 3G when some other products in the market are 4G integrated, the Digital Marketing Manager, Tecno, Jesse Oguntimehin, explained that the reality is 3G that those who claim to offer 4G are not realistic even though he said there is room for further  innovation and improvement.

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

 

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally! 

L-R:  Womiloju Olabanji; Consumer Business Lead Sub -Saharan Africa, Intel Corporation; Yewande Oyebo, Device Specialist Microsoft Nigeria; Mark Ihimonya, Consumer Director, Microsoft Nigeria; and, Attai Oguche; Activation and Event Manager, Tecno Mobile at the official launch of the new Tecno WinPad 10 on Thursday, 25^th June, 2015 at Westown Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos