NITMA’11: Zinox is IT company of the year

Mrs. Johnson, Sir Aladekom, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh of Zinox

Zinox Technologies, last Friday bagged the Information Technology Industry Association of Nigeria (ITAN) company of the year 2011 at the National IT Merit Awards (NITMA).

This is coming as the 17th president of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and organisers of NITMA, Sir ‘Demola Aladekomo has been installed and his executive council members sworn into office.

The award was presented to the chairman, Zinox Group, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh by the Minister of Communications Technology in Lagos.

Earlier in his address, Sir ‘Demola said that his tenure would impact on the nation through provision of world class and professional ICT service delivery, quality, certified education and reliable and sustainable infrastructure development.

These, he said, would earn NCS a place of honour both in the corporate world and governance through good visibility, relevance and high ethical standards and codes of conduct, as well as deploying ICT systems as the vehicle for job creation with a target of 1 million jobs in five years.

However, in the citation of Zinox read at the event, showed that the technology company stood out as the ITAN company of the year due to its role in salvaging the 2011 general elections through the provision and ability to deliver on the Direct Data Capturing (DDC) machines deployed for both registration and actual election process.

Zinox’s outstanding performance, especially in meeting up with the INEC demand for the supply of 80,000 DDC machines in 35 days, was described as an awesome accomplishment for an indigenous firm in the country.

In his remark tagged ‘IT in Nigerians Election’ chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega through a representative commended Zinox for achieving this feat an indication that IT companies in the country can stand global competition.

Zinox which debut in 2001, is reputed to have come into the market with several innovations including the Naira sign and its power supply designed to contain the erratic nature of electric power system in the country.

In addition, Zinox is known to have had at launch, the Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) which involves running a series of tests on third-party hardware or software, and then submitting the log files from these tests to Microsoft for review.

Zinox is acclaimed to be the first to get WHQL certification for a computer manufacturer in sub-Saharan Africa.

Meanwhile, one of the latest Nollywood actors to be honoured by Mr. President recently, Mr. Osita Iheme, MFR, has entered partnership with Zinox Technology for a quiz competition.

This was the outcome of his visit to the Zinox chairman in Lagos, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh, OFR, even as Zinox donates two laptops for the contest.

ITRealms Online gathered that at the visit both gentlemen discussed the Osita Iheme Quiz Competition, a competition for schools in Mbaitoli, Imo State.

Iheme explained that the competition was designed to make students read harder and establish a reading culture.

“It is designed to make them realise that success only comes from hard work,” he emphasized, insisting that hard work in the acquisition of knowledge pays the best dividend in the long run.

Responding, the Zinox Chairman, Dr. Ekeh, noted that the competition is in line with the vision’s Zinox in the Digital Knowledge Democracy, a platform set up by Zinox for the promotion of the knowledge economy.

The Zinox boss later presented two Zinox  whizkid laptops to Mr. Iheme as part of the prizes for this year’s competition.

Remmy Nweke

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Walker says Nigerians passionate about YouTube

The Senior Director, Content Partnerships, for Europe, Middle East and Africa, YouTube, Mr. Patrick Walker, has said that Nigerians are passionate about the services of the company even before its dramatic entrance with talent hunt showcase.

Walker made this assertion at the formal launch of YouTube Nigeria in Lagos in the company of Google’s Country Manager, Ms Juliet Ehimuan, saying that the most popular online video community, YouTube has entered the Nigerian market with lots of excitement.

He also said that YouTube plans to bring to the fore some NollywoodLove, Chocolate City and 37th State among the most popular Nigerian channels.

Walker further said that YouTube Nigeria would now offer some of the most informative and entertaining video content from around the world through a local interface, www.youtube.com.ng.

YouTube, he said promotes content that is most relevant to the locals, adding that there is something on YouTube for everyone, as shown by individuals such as Jason Njoku, the entrepreneurial spirit behind Nollywood Love, or companies such as 37th State, which set up an urban, African culture and lifestyle channel.

According to him, from amateur to professional content, from the unexpected to the emotionally affecting, the educational to the entertaining, Nigerians now have greater flexibility to tell their stories, and find videos most useful to them.

YouTube with over 3 billion views a day, assumes the world’s largest audience and a mode of communication that allows everyone’s voice to be heard.

“Nigerians are passionate about music, entertainment and many other genres that YouTube offers.  By launching YouTube locally, we help people to find the most popular videos in Nigeria, along with those that are rising in popularity” he declared.

YouTube Nigeria, he said, makes it easier for Nigerian users to find and view the videos most relevant to them. 

Pointing out that the content uploaded by Nigerian users will show up as “browse pages” on the YouTube Nigeria site, thereby creating a new virtual space for the national community and giving Nigerians the opportunity to increase their exposure online.

Walker emphasized that YouTube launch event in Lagos comes along with the unveiling of iRok TV, whilst Storm360 launched six new YouTube channels.  While 37th State premieres its first short film and documentary, Nkiru, which goes on air Sunday, December 18, 2011.

For the Obi Asika of Storm360, a leading entertainment company in West Africa, said the power of the internet presents great opportunities to Nigerians at this time.

“ YouTube gives people the power to broadcast themselves,” he said noting that the channel from his company has helped connect Nigerians with local and international fans as well as artists all over the world, and is helping them to achieve their full potentials.

“For users with slow connections, they can use YouTube Feather for better performance” he advised, observing that one of YouTube’s key priorities, in addition to making the platform a comprehensive destination, is to ensure that videos load and play quickly, even in places where bandwidth is at a premium.

Improving Internet access he said, remains a key priority for Internet players across the continent, hence the standard YouTube experience, and users have the option to watch videos with YouTube Feather.

He explained this ‘light’ version only to include the site’s most basic features, to help ensure that those with low-speed Internet connections were able to play videos play faster, even as YouTube Feather could be found in TestTube (http://www.youtube.com/testtube), the area on the site where new products are tested.

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2 car winners emerge @ Visafone Xmas showers

Two subscribers of Visafone emerged winners of Kia Picanto cars in the on-going xmas showers at a raffle draw held last week in Lagos.

The winners were Ameachi Iheanacho, a safety engineer turned photographer and Aliya Eleweogede, a commercial telephone operator (CTO) won emerged winners at the first national draws.

Head, Corporate Communications, Visafone Communications Limited, Mr. Joseph Ushigiale disclosed this in a press statement made available to ITRealms Online.

He also said that draw heralds the rewarding experience for its customers in the 12 cars in 12 weeks Visafone Xmas Showers promo.

Ushigiale noted that apart from the two star prizes, the draw also produced several other winners of over 69 fantastic prizes. 

The prizes, he said, were motor bikes, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, home theatres and air conditioners, while others include microwave oven, table top cookers, pressing irons, Digital Video Display (DVD) players, standing fans, generator sets and free-on-net airtime.

Iheanacho who was surprised that his number was picked as a winner of the star prize, said when contact that he was short of words, asserting, “I am short of words. I am really surprised and it is still like a dream to me. This is indeed the handiwork of God and I appreciate Him for this.”

Iheanacho, 40, said he has been on the Visafone network for the past three years and is proud to be an ardent Visafone customer.

He confirmed to newsmen that he had a premonition of owning a car soon when information of the ongoing promo reached him.

“When I got the text message announcing the promo, something just told me I will win the car so I started recharging like I always do. Visafone is a very reliable and rewarding network,” he said.

Iheanacho expressed gratitude to Visafone for keeping to its promise and enjoined others who are not on the network to join and be part of the good things coming from the company.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director, Visafone Communications, Mr. Sailesh Iyer, said the event is another demonstration of the company’s resolve to add value to the lives of its numerous subscribers.

“Visafone has been consistent and enthusiastic in recognising and rewarding customers since its launch few years ago. It is the loyalty and consistent support of our customers which has made us Nigeria’s network of choice, and we always seek to reciprocate that loyalty through every opportunity we get,” he said.

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Signal Alliance, Microsoft unveil ERP solution

Signal Alliance (SA) and Microsoft Nigeria has unveiled what the partnership called a dynamic Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution.

Speaking at the recent seminar entitled “Microsoft Dynamics ERP – Executive Productivity and Insight” the group chief executive officer, Signal Alliance, Mr. Collins Onuigbo said that the seminar showcased Microsoft’s business-critical Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application.

He explained that ERP system is an integrated information system that serves all departments within an enterprise; hence it becomes a core business application that enables a company to streamline its operations to develop into more efficient and effective entity.

He also said that Microsoft’s Dynamics NAV ERP system includes software for manufacturing, order entry, accounts receivable and payable, general ledger, purchasing, warehousing, transportation and human resources.

Introducing the product, Suleiman Lukman, one of Signal Alliance’s Solution Developers and leading Dynamics expert, described the Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 edition as the most powerful, cost-effective, robust and flexible mid-market business management solution available. 

“This is one innovation that will stand the test of time. If adopted, the Microsoft Dynamics NAV will drive revenues considerably and reduce cost of operations drastically,” he said, adding that the solution is very flexible in its adoption, allowing for it to fit the organization seamlessly.

He also said that the general Microsoft office interface is retained so users could immediately find it easy to adapt in reducing training time.

Executive Director, Business Applications Division, Mr. Emeka Achebe-Okosieme, said that the Microsoft Dynamics NAV is the competitive edge companies are looking for to adopt.

“One of the strong points of the NAV is that it is International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) compliant,” he said.

According to him, this is crucial because the new requirement by all companies in Nigeria is that they must submit their financial report in the IFRS format.

The NAV also protects a company’s investment in Microsoft solutions by integration with Microsoft Office. Signal Alliance’s vast experience and wealth of technical expertise will serve customers very well in adopting the NAV solution.

Remmy Nweke

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

‘Why Etisalat, Samsung team-up on Galaxy Note’

The recent partnership between Etisalat Nigeria and Samsung West Africa on the launch of Galaxy Note has been revealed.

Samsung Galaxy Note, which is currently on exclusive package for Etisalat, it was gathered, has the undertone to increase the market share for the mobile operator with the kind of offers embedded on the product.

Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat, Mr. Wael Ammar elucidated that Etisalat is the first network to launch the Samsung Galaxy Note in the country, adding that Samsung has chosen the company in recognition of the value they bring to the telecommunications circle in the areas of innovation, quality of service and customer focus.

Samsung Galaxy Note, he said, is a high-end device running on android Gingerbread operating system, designed to perform pocket digital assistance functions for downloads of applications, e-mails-at-a-go, editing-at-a-go amongst other unique features.

Ammar went on to say that the new Samsung Galaxy Note apart from being exclusive offer from Etisalat comes with a 12 months free data bundled,  and voice plan in addition to all the functionalities of a personal computer (PC) and a mobile phone with features such as the Samsung Smemo, which allows users to create and edit documents and content on-the-go.

Additionally, he listed Samsung Apps store, Social Hub which allow setup of multiple email, PIM & instant social networking solutions.

The readers hub, he said, enables downloads and access to free and premium books, magazine and news content, even as the device include Google Mobile Services (Android Market Place, Gtalk, Gmail, Latitude), a 5.3 inch High Definition (HD) touch screen, accelerometer functionality, WIFI functionality, WIFI hotspot, document creator and viewer to name a few.

Introduction of Samsung Galaxy Note in partnership with Samsung Electronics West Africa, he said, is a further entrenchment of Etisalat’s position as a leader in the delivery of innovative services and world-class products.

Remmy Nweke

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Odusan tasks NiRA registrars, dangles iPad-2

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) Mr. Ope Odusan has tasked the accredited registrars on the nation’s country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) .ng even as he dangles iPad-2 for the first to record 5,000 in a month.

Mr. Odusan made this promise at the end of the year party organized by Nigeria Internet Registration Association, which coincided with the last forum of NiRA registrars in Lagos.

The event attended by some registrars and executive board members of NIRA, saw the presentation of prizes to the Registrar of the months since August 2011.

Odusan also said that though he was pleased with the rise in the number of domains being registered by NIRA registrars, he urged them to increase their marketing strategies in order to further show-up the figure in the coming year.

The COO promised exciting products for the Registrar in 2012, pledging that the first registrar to register 5,000 domains on .ng in a month will be awarded iPad-2 from his purse.

He said that this step of encouragement has become necessary to keep the momentum going and the spirit high among the NiRA registrars.

Equally speaking a member of the Executive Board of NiRA and chairman, Establishment & Finance committee, Mr. Sikiru Shehu, commended the registrars for making out to attend the event, assuring that the board of NIRA will continue to play its role in creating enabling environment for registrars to thrive.

According to him, the success of the NIRA registrars means the success of NIRA itself as a stakeholders’ organization.

ITRealms recalls that in the past four months of the NiRA’s registrar of the month, Upperlink Nigeria Limited, sweeping the best awards

These months comprised of August, September, October and November 2011 in that order.

As said by the chief operating officer, Nigeria Internet Registration Association, Mr. Ope Odusan congratulated Upperlink Nigeria Limited for making the Nigerian registrars proud.

He also said that Upperlink emerged the best registrar in the past four months by scoring the highest mark in registration of domain names under the dot ng (.ng) domain names.

Upperlink, he said, scored the highest mark in the aforementioned months with 2403 in the month of November, 627 in October, 419 in September and 230 domain name registrations in August 2011.

Odusan underscored the fact that the report of activities in the .ng Registry for the period, namely August 2011indicated that Upperlink registered the highest number of domains followed by Nairahost which scored the second place with 64 domains; while Websoft came third place with 55 domains.

For the month of September this year, Odusan said that Upperlink registered the highest

number of domains with 419 registrations, yet Nairahost came second with 99 domains whereas Websoft was scored third with 79 domains, even as Skannet came 4th with the registration of 52 domain names.

NIRA, he said, acknowledges the activities of all active Registrars for the  overall improvement in the number of domains registered during the period.

“We look forward to even greater activity in the .ng Registry in the months ahead,” he said.

ITRealms Online recalls that Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) was founded on March 23, 2005 as a stakeholder-led organisation, charged with the management of the nation’s Country Code Top Level Domain (.ng ccTLD)

NiRA’s establishment was the end of a long period of inactivity and dispute on the appropriate management of this important National Resource. Coordinated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as well as stakeholders within Nigeria’s Internet community participated in its formation.

Remmy Nweke
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