Mobile App on Ebola debuts

ITRealms:

A new mobile application known as Ebola nationwide report centre has made a debut, ITRealms reveals.

The proponent of this latest application and immediate past president of Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN) and chief executive officer of Connect Technologies, Chief Chris Uwaje said the app is coming at very auspicious time because no one knows who will be the next victim of Ebola, hence the need to help Nigerians aggregate reports around the Ebola epidemic.

He also said that as concerned Information Technology (IT) citizens of Nigeria, his organisation is worried over the epidemic.

“We are collectively challenged and should now be counted and step forward to deploy our IT expertise and skills to engage and curtail the Ebola pandemic,” he told ITRealms.

According to him, in response, the Connect Technology team has created an Ebola: Database-Engine.

“It is an App to capture Ebola Report Online Nationwide,” he said.

This app, he further said, is accessible free of charge, at the Ebola nationwide report centre, urging information managers to feel free to access it and revert.

He equally enjoined Nigerians to log on, spread the word and let’s avert the waiting catastrophe by building on relevant key information together.

The mobile app, he pointed out is a mobile software solutions developed for health and fitness and is compatible with some of the mobile smart devices in the market as well as in use today, especially in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, ITRealms gaathered that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has declared the control and containment of the Ebola virus in Nigeria, a national emergency.

He therefore directed the Federal Ministry of Health to work in collaboration with the State Ministries of Health, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) among other relevant agencies to ensure this disease is contained.

Remmy Nweke:

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Pix: Chris Uwaje

Econet, MasterCard enter MoU on Mobile Money Card

ITRealms:

Econet Zimbabwe and MasterCard have entered a Memorandum of Understand (MoU) on scaling uptake of the mobile money cards in the region, tagged EcoCash, reports ITRealms.

This development, ITRealms gathered will significantly assist in reducing cash dependence and increase financial inclusion through the provision of electronic payments in Zimbabwe.

Explaining this MoU, Douglas Mboweni, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Econet Zimbabwe noted that the collaboration will result in more than three million MasterCard debit cards being issued to mobile money provider EcoCash’s customers in the next five years.

ITRealms recalls that this is the first time that physical MasterCard debit cards are available to people using mobile money services in Africa, and is the largest rollout of secure Europay, MasterCard and Visa, a global standard for inter-operation of integrated circuit cards (EMV Chip) and Personal Identification Number (PIN) payment cards in Zimbabwe to date.

“The adoption of electronic payments is critical to Zimbabwe’s economic development. Reducing dependency on cash while increasing financial inclusion benefits the whole country including the government, industry sectors like tourism and retail, merchants and citizens,” Mboweni said.
He pointed out that today, 40 per cent of Zimbabweans are financially excluded and another 22 per cent rely on informal financial products or services. Through its mobile money products, EcoCash has successfully provided a means for unbanked and under-banked citizens to participate in the formal economy and has reduced the demand placed on banks for scarce and costly currency.

For the first time, EcoCash customers will be able make use of their EcoCash funds in ways previously closed to them. By obtaining an EcoCash MasterCard debit card, EcoCash customers will be able to withdraw money from MasterCard-licensed ATMs and pay for goods and services at millions of merchants that accept MasterCard payment cards, both in Zimbabwe and internationally.

Equally speaking, EcoCash CEO Cuthbert Tembedza said the integration of these products and services are particularly exciting for EcoCash customers.

“We look forward to offering Zimbabweans even more ways to benefit from the security and convenience of electronic payments as they engage with, and contribute to, the formal economy,” Tembedza said.

EcoCash chief noted that as a today, over 85 per cent of retail payments globally are still carried out using cash or cheque, stressing that the percentage is much higher in Africa.

As a payment option, Tembedza pointed out that cash takes time to get at, and is riskier to carry, as well as costing the society as much as 1.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), depending on the country. He stressed that it’s for these reasons that governments are rapidly driving the conversion from cash to electronic payments as they realize the benefits of a cashless society.

For Charlton Goredema, Vice President and Area Business Head, Southern Africa, MasterCard, “The EcoCash MasterCard debit card is a milestone towards realising MasterCard’s vision of a cashless society. Demonstrating the value of close collaboration in the financial services and payments technology industries, EcoCash and MasterCard have devised an innovative payment product that addresses Zimbabwe’s market realities, particularly by acknowledging the impact mobile money has on the country’s economy.”

Further, Goredema said that as EcoCash enables its customers to benefit from MasterCard’s global payments network, they are assisting Zimbabwe to integrate its economy with those elsewhere in the world.

“Importantly, we are also contributing to the financial freedom of individuals,” Goredema declared.

Remmy Nweke

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FG refutes caution on mobile phone use causing cancer

For the records:

The Minister of Communication Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson has refuted a statement circulating in some sections of the media alleging that the use of mobile phones can cause cancer.  Dr Johnson disclosed that there are no proven health hazards resulting from the use of mobile phones or proximity to telecommunications installations for now that could pose a risk to human health.

A statement made available by the SA Media to the Dr Johnson, Efem Nkanga described the statement as a personal misinformed view of Engr Ngozi Ogunjiofor, a deputy director, Department of Posts and Telecoms, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, that is not backed by proven scientific analysis.

Ogunjiofor who represented the Minister at the launch of the Etisalat Flagship store in Abuja on Thursday had expressed a personal opinion and was quoted as saying that the use of mobile phones can cause cancer.

Mrs Ogunjiofor had said ‘’ The most dangerous and important element in the communications sector are mobile phones, because of the health and other related risks they bring. Some radioactive elements in the mobile phone might affect the body and cause cancer and other health challenges.

Radiation from phones can cause problems, and this is why we are advising the public not to bring phones close to their body or use in the rain. Radio waves produced by mobile phones could interfere with important electrical equipment, such as telecom masts, monitors, hospitals equipment’s and electrical systems on airplanes, and that is why the ministry made it mandatory for operators to install their masts five kilometres away from residential areas.’’ Ogunjiofor added that ‘’ dangerous driving is caused by mobile phones and it is important for operators to also enlighten the public on the risks, because this will also help members of the society to enjoy their lives.

Mothers should not allow their children to play with mobile phones, especially when they are not of the age of using a mobile phone and are not well educated on the use of it’’

Describing the statement as a personal opinion that does not represent the position of the Minister or Ministry of Communication Technology, Nkanga enjoined Nigerians to disregard the caution on the use of mobile phones as various researches conducted by international organisations on the safety of mobile phones use till date remain inconclusive.

Nkanga stressed that until results of a definitive and conclusive research is obtained with zero doubts on the safety of cell phone use, Nigerians can safely continue using their mobile phones.

The World Health Organisation WHO in September 2013 stated that ’’Based on mixed epidemiological evidence on humans regarding an association between exposure to RF radiation from wireless phones and head cancers (glioma and acoustic neuroma), RF fields have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).

Studies to date provide no indication that environmental exposure to RF fields, such as from base stations, increases the risk of cancer or any other disease.”  WHO also asserted that ‘’While an increased risk of brain tumours from the use of mobile phones is not established, the increasing use of mobile phones and the lack of data for mobile phone use over time periods longer than 15 years warrant further research of mobile phone use and brain cancer risk. 

In particular, with the recent popularity of mobile phone use among younger people, and therefore a potentially longer lifetime of exposure, WHO has promoted further research on this group and is currently assessing the health impact of RF fields on all studied endpoints.”

Efem Nkanga:

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Lenovo YOGA Tablet Now in Nigeria

ITRealms:

Acclaimed largest Personal Computer (PC) company, Lenovo, has said its latest in stock, the Yoga Tablet 10 High Definition (HD+) in gold and silver, reports ITRealms.

Officials of Lenovo revealed to ITRealms that Yoga Tablet is now available at Slot and Microstation outlets across Nigeria.

According to ITRealms, the multimode Android YOGA Tablet 10 HD+, with its incredible battery of up to 18 hours^, refines the tablet’s unique design with Hold, Tilt and Stand Modes by infusing it with the latest technologies including a Full HD screen, Qualcomm Snapdragonprocessor and sharp high resolution camera.

Also, the original YOGA Tablet 10, ITRealms gathered broke the mold on the tablet design with this model for multimode tablets mostly with its new leading features.

Some of the features include that consumers would notice how the tablet’s 10.1-in 20/20 Vision display graphics seemingly pop off the screen.

“With Full HD 1920x1200 resolution, movies and photos look crystal clear and more like real life. With the new Smart Display, the tablet automatically adjusts the images and text on the screen to the ambient light, making it gentler on users’ eyes in all its modes,” were some of the features says an official.

In addition, Yoga Tablet was built for accessing multimedia on the go, apps and files load quickly thanks to its new Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with quad core CPU and large storage. Running Android 4.3, the tablet features rich Dolby® audio, 10 point multitouch, a micro USB port supporting on-the-go technology and an optional keyboard. For capturing mobile memories in even sharper pictures, the YOGA Tablet 10 HD+ comes equipped with a new high definition 8MP rear camera.

Packed with even more valuable features, the YOGA Tablet 10 HD+ retains the key design and technologies users love about the original YOGA Tablet 10, starting with its incredible up to 18 hours of battery life¹. The tablet’s signature three modes – Hold, Tilt and Stand – continue to give users a better way to use the tablet in nearly any situation. 

The tablet’s unique cylindrical battery allows them to hold it for reading or browsing the Internet, or they can place it in Tilt Mode for a better viewing angle on a desk or tablet. They can also deploy the new and improved kickstand that extends from the tablet’s battery cylinder to position it in Stand Mode. Stand Mode provides a more stable way to enjoy movies and photos without propping the tablet up with a cover and now stands upright from between 30 and 80.

Lenovo’s three DOit apps make sharing, synching and protecting data on the YOGA Tablet 10 HD+ simple. With SHAREit, users can instantly share pictures, videos, music files, documents, contacts and even apps with up to five devices without an Internet connection. It wirelessly transfers information or even the app itself between devices at up to 40x faster than Bluetooth.

SECUREit optimizes and protects users’ mobile data with its menu of data-protection tools. With a single touch, it protects against viruses, spam and malware, and if the tablet becomes lost or stolen, anti-theft protection locks it down. 

SECUREit acts as a privacy guard to protect against unwarranted access to users’ private information and also makes the tablet operate faster by taking actions such as closing redundant background apps.

Remmy Nweke 

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Pix; Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10

ICANN endorses Name Collision Occurrence Management Framework

ITRealms:

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has endorsed the Name Collision Occurrence Management Framework by the Board’s New Generic Top Level Domains (gTLD) Programme Committee (NGPC), reports ITRealms.

This is coming as ITRealms gathered that ICANN has introduced a special Internet Protocol (IP) address (127.0.53.53) to alert system administrators of potential issue.

The framework implementation requirements were developed with input from many sources including the ICANN community, a report published by JAS Global Advisors LLC, and advice from the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC).

Also, ITRealms gathered that the framework is designed to mitigate the impact of name collisions in the domain name system (DNS), which typically occur when fully qualified domain names conflict with similar domain names used in private networks. When this occurs, users can be taken to an unintended Web page or encounter an error message.

According to Akram Atallah, president of ICANN’s Global Domains Division, noted that to address this issue, the framework calls for registry operators to use a technique called “controlled interruption” to alert system administrators that there may be an issue in their network. Specifically, an IPv4 address – 127.0.53.53 – will appear in system logs, enabling a quick diagnosis and remediation.

“We now have a well-defined methodology for mitigating name collisions for delegated top-level domain names and a path forward for registries to unblock certain second-level domains in their list,” Atallah said, stressing these operational processes, which were developed in conjunction with the multistakeholder community, will help to ensure the security of the domain name system.

Atallah noted that ICANN will provide information to and work with the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) to consider whether policy work on developing a long-term plan to manage gTLD name collisions issues should be undertaken.

Meanwhile, ICANN as gathered by ITRealms, will be holding webinars to discuss details of the Name Collision Occurrence Management Framework and answer questions on 12 August 2014 – Session 1 will take place from 01:00-02:30 UTC and Session 2 take place from 15:00-16:30 UTC.

Remmy Nweke

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Emirates commences daily flights from Abuja

ITRealms:

Global connector of people and places, the Emirates, has now linked up to the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, reports ITRealms.

Abuja is Emirates 26th destination in Africa and its 144th worldwide.

ITRealms recalls that Emirates flight EK785 landed at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on 1st August, marking the start of the airline’s daily service to its second destination in Nigeria, even as its services to Lagos were launched just over 10 years ago.

Confirming this to ITRealms, Emirates’ Vice President for Commercial Operations, Northern and Western Africa, Adil Al Ghaith, said this new daily flight provides a convenient point to point service for customers between Abuja and Dubai, and it will meet and further stimulate a vibrant market demand between the two cities.

“It will also serve our customers in Nigeria and around the network with additional connectivity and daily frequency. Our leisure and business passengers from Nigeria can now better connect to the Middle East, Europe, the United States and Asia via our hub in Dubai,” Ghaith said.

The VP also said that customers in Abuja could experience the A380 flagship aircraft to 29 destinations around the world, including popular ones like Beijing, Hong Kong, Mumbai, New York, Jeddah and London.

He equally said that with a fast growing economy, Nigeria is a key market for Emirates, pointing out that they started operations to Nigeria on 2nd January 2004, with four flights a week from Dubai to Lagos.

“Since then, our operations have steadily grown with increases in both frequency and capacity between Lagos and Dubai. Today, we fly twice daily to Lagos and now we have added Abuja, giving us a total of more than 12,200 seats a week, which will further stimulate business and leisure travel, as well as trade,” he said.

Emirates’ Dubai-Abuja route is served by an Airbus A340-300 which offers 267 seats in a three-class configuration - 12 First Class, 42 Business Class and 213 Economy Class seats. Customers on the route experience Emirates’ award-winning hospitality - from multi-national cabin crew and gourmet cuisine to the iceentertainment system, which offers hundreds of channels of audio and visual entertainment. Customers also enjoy Emirates’ generous baggage allowance of 30kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business and 50kg in First.

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Jonathan commends AVCNU, CWG-led consortium on NgREN

ITRealms:

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has commended the Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Computer Warehouse Group (CWG plc)-led consortium on the establishment of the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), reports ITRealms.

The president, represented at the occasion held in Abuja by the Minister of State for Education, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike and were supported by Senator Uche Chukwumerije, Senate Committee Chairman on Education, Honourable Aminu Suleiman, House Committee Chairman on Education, Dr. Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Honourable Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Macjohn Nwaobiala, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Senator Amadu Ali, Chairman, NUC Board and Prof. Julius A. Okojie, Executive Secretary, NUC and Chairman, NgREN board.

“As I join the Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) in the celebration of this achievement in the establishment of the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), I commend the individuals and groups that dedicated time and energy to make it a reality,” he said.

President Jonathan also appreciated the World Bank for its support to the NgREN project, and the Executive Secretary of the NUC for championing its cause and the hardworking team of dedicated individuals from within the university system to realize this dream.

He said that government expects all education and research institutions to enlist as members of the NgREN and that the current low ranking of Nigerian universities in quality of teaching and research output will improve significantly within a short time as a result.

Further, President Jonathan urges NgREN stakeholders to ensure the broadband infrastructure and services already provided are maintained and improved upon for the use of all education and research institutions in Nigeria, while directing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to provide the necessary funds for this purpose.

For Dr. Omobola Johnson the major milestone in local technology advancement with a network of this magnitude wholly designed by Nigerians, built by Nigerians and managed by Nigerians. She specifically singled out CWG Plc, Resourcery Limited and Phase 3 Telecoms for commendation.

Commenting, CWG group CEO, Mr. Austin Okere said his team has never doubted local capacity to deliver major technology projects for government.

“We have matured in delivering projects of this scale, and are grateful to the NUC and World Bank for the opportunity to prove this with the timely delivery of the NgREN. We do look forward to the opportunity of extending this success in the next phases of the project,” he said.

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Pix: Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Education; Dr. Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Honourable Minister of Communication Technology; Mallam Yakassai, Deputy Director, Public Relations, NUC and Mr. Phillip Obioha, Chief Operating Officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc during the commissioning event of Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) recently in Abuja.

Airtel launches Touching Lives CSR Initiative

ITRealms:

Airtel Nigeria in effort to better its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the country has introduced a scheme tagged “Touching Lives Initiative” in Lagos, reports DigitalSENSE Business News.

Chief executive officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya told DigitalSENSE Business News at the launch that the initiative is to enrich the CSR intervention of the mobile network operator to Nigerians through provision of succour to the under-privileged members of the society.

This initiative, he said, marks a significant milestone in the company’s history of CSR interventions in the country, noting that Airtel Touching Lives is a responsive CSR project targeted at providing timely aid to underprivileged Nigerians irrespective of their gender, background or geographical locations.

According to him, Touching Lives Initiative seeks to identify underprivileged persons with specific challenges, pains and struggles with the ultimate objective of providing the needed help to empower and enrich the lives of these individuals.

He went on to describe the programme as a timely, deliberate and responsive CSR initiative to tackle myriad of life challenges confronting most Nigerians.

“At Airtel, we’re passionate about the people we serve and the Nigerian society. Airtel Touching Lives provides a platform for the underprivileged in our society to be identified, heard and also cared for,” he said.

Stressing that it is this commitment to connect with millions of Nigerians, alleviate their suffering and bring smile to their faces that encouraged Airtel to come up with this initiative.

He insisted that the primarily objective for embarking on this initiative it’s genuine interest in the general well-being of Nigerians, especially people with special needs. Pointing out that the project is one of the vehicles by which the company complements the developmental efforts of various governments.

Also speaking on the project, Airtel’s Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Mr. Emeka Oparah, expressed the readiness of the telecommunications operator to contribute to efforts of government, non-governmental organisations and individuals who are highly-spirited like Airtel Nigeria in humanitarian courses.

 “Touching Lives is one of the philanthropic gestures of Airtel Nigeria designed to connect and alleviate the suffering of helpless people across the country. This initiative underscores our determination to enrich lives and contribute to humanity.”

The programme allows Nigerians to nominate disadvantaged persons who are in need of care or special interventions.

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Pix: Touching Lives: L-R, Former Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Muiz Banire; Director, Legal & Company Secretary, Airtel Nigeria, Olugbenga Rotimi; Producer, Airtel Touching Lives Programme, Patricios Spero; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya; Mrs Tijani Azizat, representing Dame. Abimbola Fashola, First Lady of Lagos State; Mrs. Oluranti Odutola, representing the Deputy Governor of Lagos State and Jibril Saba, HR Director, Airtel Nigeria at the unveiling of Airtel Touching Lives CSR programme held in Lagos.

Upperlink becomes ICANN registrar

ITRealms:

Finally, the Nigeria’s internet industry received a boost as the global internet body, Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] announced the accreditation of Nigeria’s leading registrar, Upperlink, reports ITRealms.

Upperlink is first Nigerian registrar and eighth accredited registrar on the content of Africa by ICANN, just as the new status, would avail Upperlink to serve Nigerian and international markets comfortably.

Upperlink’s core areas are in internet and mobile applications, software development and deployment, database management, systems integration and cloud solutions.

As the leading Nigeria Internet Registration Association [NIRA]’s registrar, Upperlink is in the forefront of registrars spearheading the migration of Nigerian companies from .com to the .ng domain name, which is Nigeria's Country Code Top Level Domain.

The Managing Director and chief executive officer (CEO), UpperLink, Mr Segun Akano, said the .ng domain “is a shorter and unique domain.”

As ICANN registrar, he said, Upperlink would offer Nigerians opportunities to register any domain name extension such as .com, .org, .net etc at affordable prices locally.

Upperlink’s accreditation follows a similar exercise that was achieved in Ghana, Senegal and South Africa.

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CPN CEO calls on African TLDs to create demand

ITRealms

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Computer Registration Professional of Nigeria (CPN) Mr. Sekiru Shehu has called on the African Top Level Domain (AfTLDs) to create more demands, reports ITRealms.

Speaking to ITRealms in his keynote to the 2014 Africa Domain Name System (AfDNS) forum holding at the Nicon Luxury Abuja on “Monetizing the Africa Domain Name Space” Mr. Shehu noted that there are two sides to a business, namely the supply and demand sides respectively.

According to him, the problem is not supply so “we have not done well in creating demand – And so, we have to wake up.”

Members of the African TLDs community need to develop capacities for business development, take seriously the issues of quality of service (QoS), quality of experience (QoE) and put in place friendly operational policies and procedures.

He pointed out that as many Africans go online, African businesses and governments are turning to the internet and in particular the domain name industry to help them elevate their work to the next level, to help them grow and increase impact.

“The domain name industry is increasingly becoming a major contributor to our countries, Gross Domestic Products (GDPs). This has brought about the need to look at ways of taking advantage of the new opportunities through investment and monetization,” he asserted.

In addition, Shehu said there are many different categories of domain investment and monetization, with some being easier than others.

“Some methods have a higher return than others. They all have their pros and cons, and they all take time and hard work to utilize effectively. This will form the basis of our discussion in the next three days,” the CPN boss said.

Monetisation within the domain name space include developing affiliate websites – Think of a good domain name, register it, and then build a website filled with various advertisements for other sites that bear a similarity to your domain name, making money off anyone who clicks on the ads and purchases the advertised products.

As said by him, by developing Pay Per Click (PPC) websites people make money one, which means these are very much like affiliate sites, except the revenue generated comes from PPC advertising systems like Google AdSense and Yahoo Publisher Network.

Additionally, domain parking – There are several services, like sedo.com, where you can “park” your domain. The domain will have a variety of keyword targeted ads, similar to the ppc and affiliate sites mentioned above. You make money off the ads that your parking company puts up. Additionally, you can also list your site for sale at the same time.

For him, domain leasing, which entails renting the domain name out to advertisers or other interested parties, could be a source of monetisation, just as domain purchase and resale – register use domain or buy an existing domain with hopes of reselling it to other domainers.

“Domain Development – Register a domain name and develop a website for it, with unique content and some sort of business model,” he said.

Remmy Nweke

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Pix Mr. Shehu, CPN, CEO