MORE Magazine by more magazine

www.apnatime.com

{cover story |

4 | More | February 2010

saddads

}

www.apnatime.com

{

www.apnatime.com

saddads

| cover story}

February 2010 | More | 5

CONTENT Disclaimer: Where opinion is expressed it is that of the author’s and does not necessarily coincide with the editorial views of the publisher or MORE. All information in this magazine is verified to the best of author’s and publisher’s ability. However, MORE does not accept responsibility for any loss arising from reliance on it.

{February 2010 | Volume 2 | Issue 8} cover story

data on sMartphones, next BiG thinG

According to industry analysts, in year 2011 of the traﬃc generated into the mobile netw...

teLecoM Late niGht packaGes: teLcos are not onLy to BLaMe

This should not only lie with the telecom companies who have invested billions of rupees...

convert 2G network into 3G or 4G with one device

If the majority of wireless subscribers on the network are using GSM, the module will be...

enerGy thar coaL shouLd not BecoMe another kaLaBaGh

The positive steps of any government have always been appreciated but what is lacking is....

event 1st pink eLephant it service ManaGeMent conference

Trillium Information Security System in collaboration with Pink Elephant organized the...

it iLLeGaL trade of it product and pakistan

The oﬃcials found involved in assisting smugglers both directly and indirectly should be...

BankinG who takes the Lead, is that McB? Though all the competitors have come up with innovative ideas, the one introduced by the....

career Guide 12 tips for ManaGinG your career

I recently ran across an article that advocates thinking “outside the box” and developing an...

technoLoGy advanceMents in visuaL effects

Quite often we see films based upon natural phenomena’s. One recent example is 2012...

reviews nokia 2700 affordaBLe feature rich phone

Similarly, WH-102 Nokia headphone is very irritating if you put them for more than 5 minutes...

st 550 duaL Lcd and touch screen

The lens is sharp enough in the centre of the frame and shows very little distortion at wide...

MoNth IN foCouS MoBiLink Jazz Launches audio cineMa

ptcL introduces BundLe of services

teLenor send areeB iqBaL to south africa

ufone to hoLd capacity BuiLdinG workshop for JournaLists new coMputers, a daMaGed seGMent of it industry

lAtESt IN tECh tIpS AND tRICKS GADGEtS

42 44 46 MORE Magazine printed at Banquet Printing Press 28-A, Nisbat Road, Lahore and published by Mudassar Jehangir Mufti at 2nd Floor, Ali Mansion, 41-A, Lower Mall, Lahore Tel: 042 7321920, 2106737 Email: info@apnatime.com

Editor-in-Chief Mudassar Jehangir Mufti | Group Editor Sumaira Mudassar | Editor Halima Qureshi | Sub-Editor W. Khaliqdad Advertising Manager Abdul Qayyum (Lahore) | Ahmed Malik (Lahore), Designer Assad Chughtai | Marketing Executive Syed Faisal Ahmed, Zain Zahid | International Correspondent Ireland: Alina Amir |US: Ovais Qureshi | Contributor Sachhal Mufti,Aliya Ali Registration No. PCPB 286

{cover story |

8 | More | February 2010

More Team

}

www.apnatime.com

{cover story} n

Mobile broadband networks are about

to get hit by a tsunami of smartphone data across the world. Making networks ready to deliver the superior experience that consumers expect is the issue of the moment. Some 1.7 billion People or 25% of world population have access to internet. According to the ITU, mobile broadband subscriptions topped 600 million in 2009. As mobile broadband connections overtake fixed, few networks are prepared to cope with this new wave of mobile data. A combination of always on apps, mobility and the growth of smartphones and mobile computing devices like the iPad, will increasingly test operators around the world.

To give two very specific examples: if you’re using mobile broadband, and the operator does not have smartphone friendly kit, the experience is either equivalent to unplugging and plugging in a fixed connection to your computer every few seconds, or your battery drains very fast With mobile broadband it’s always bandwidth, or download speeds, that grab headlines. Of course, capacity is vital for mobile broadband. When a single YouTube video is equivalent to half a million text messages sent across your network, you need the capacity to cope. But it is the unique demands of mobility – not just a wireless connection – that really impact the performance of mobile broadband, and therefore determine the experience of people using mobile computers like the iPad. That unlimited data plan isn’t worth much if the network you’re on isn’t smartphone friendly. You just won’t get the most from your device. www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 9

{cover story}

It may help to picture it like this: a typical fixed broadband operator knows where you want your connection. It knows– in fact, it often supplies – the single, approved device such as a wireless router, to get online, and it can predict the traﬃc across this, literally, fixed network. Of course, you can probably also plug your devices - router and com-

According to industry analysts, in year 2011 of the traﬃc generated into the mobile networks 50% is generated by mobile voice, the other 50% by mobile data. By 2015 over 85% of traﬃc in the mobile networks in generated by mobile data, 49% via handheld devices.

puter – into a permanent power supply. Now imagine for a moment if a mobile service provider delivered broadband like fixed. It quickly descends into farce:

there is a capability to transform those networks. One of the companies is NSN.

“What number do you want the broadband line on?” they may

To give two very specific examples: if you’re using mobile

ask. “And where exactly do you want the broadband, because

broadband, and the operator does not have smartphone

we need to switch it on at the relevant local mobile base sta-

friendly kit, the experience is either equivalent to unplugging

tion? Ah, you want it to be in diﬀerent places? Oh,

and plugging in a fixed connection to your computer every few

right. Well, it will be active at a site of your choosing

seconds, or your battery drains very fast. I’ll explain why.

within two working days, when you’ll also receive our approved ‘Mobile Broadband Terminal’…” It’s a caricature, of course, but highlights the

Depending on the network they’re on, some smartphones automatically turn oﬀ their antenna to save battery life as soon as you are not sending or receiving any information, so that the

phenomenal experience we expect of mobile

next link you click or the next app that asks for data from the

broadband. Switch on your device, activate an app

‘cloud’, has to establish a new connection. Every time that hap-

that requires broadband, and receive a broadband

pens the network has to check who you are and what services

connection. For the user: simple. Nobody contacted to switch

you’re entitled to, change your status in its database and allo-

on your service at the nearest base station, no insistence on

cate you an IP address – all in a split second. This “talk” with the

using a single approved device to connect with, no waiting. In

network – known as signaling – doesn’t improve the experience

fact, as the wireless part of the service happens through the air,

for you at all. In fact, it wastes capacity on your operators’ net-

the potential line speed of the connection isn’t even held back

work and can cause congestion – a poorer service for you and

by an old copper wire originally designed just for voice. That’s

other smartphone users.

one of the reasons that mobile broadband is growing so much faster. But as you know, this description may not match your cur-

The alternative, however, is for your device to keep its antenna permanently connected to the operator while your browser or app is open. But then your battery drains, fast.

rent smartphone experience. To exceed the experience of a

This company NSN has this technology, built into their mo-

fixed line on a mobile connection is a unique challenge. But now

bile networks all over the world, to eliminate wasted signaling

10 | More | February 2010

www.apnatime.com

{cover story} Though smartphones are avail- smartphones shipment able in Pakistan but its usage is in 2009 not according to the definition. For the year 2009, Nokia Apart from other hindrances, shipped 67.8 million smartphones one of the major issues is the with a market share of 39%, RIM non-existence of 3G operation shipped 34.5 million smartphones in Pakistan. Available smart- with 15.5% market share, while Apple phones are being used on GPRS/EDGE based accounted for 14.4% of the market share with 25.1 million shipments. network which does not justify its usage According to the firm Strategy Analytics, the smartphone market will become ultra and improve the battery life of smartphones. It allows the net-

competitive in 2010. Samsung and LG have

work to put the smartphone into an idle state that means it re-

ambitious plans to grow volumes and expand

tains its connection, but switches oﬀ its broadband antenna. As

their app stores, while emerging players like Dell

well as doubling battery life in the smartphone, this technology

and Huawei are strengthening their device port-

can make signaling more eﬃcient to such an extent - a five

folios and courting major operators. The smart-

times reduction - that it can save the average service provider

phone wars will be good news for consumers,

45 million Euros.

but the fierce competition will inevitably place downward

The challenges don’t stop there. Mobility itself makes pre-

pressure on vendors’ pricing and margins.

dicting traﬃc across a network tough. During rush hour, around the world, millions of people change their location – all at the same time, putting varying loads on changing locations across

smartphones in pakistan Pakistan has emerged as one of the major

mobile networks at diﬀerent times of the day. How does a mo-

mobile phone user in the world. Accord-

bile operator cope with the fact that its capacity can be wasted

ing to oﬃcial figures, there are more

– but still cost money - if a business district is geared to support

than 95 million mobile phone

peaks in traﬃc at certain times, but empty at weekends and in

subscribers in Pakistan and it is

the evenings? Again, load sharing techniques can save an av-

the fifth largest mobile phone

erage mobile operator 11 million Euros by dealing with exactly

user in the the Asia. Mobile

this movement of people and the change in net-

phones have become a neces-

work traﬃc it causes. There’s a lot more that needs to go into giving you the experience you

sity in Pakistan. Though smartphones are available in Pakistan but its usage

want on a smartphone – or a new

is not according to the definition.

iPad - and we have a lot more to

Apart from other hindrances, one of

say on the topic. But as this next

the major issues is the non-existence of

wave of technology becomes

3G operation in Pakistan. Available smart-

more widespread, isn’t it time you

phones are being used on GPRS/EDGE

checked whether your mobile opera-

based network which does not justify its

tor has a network that’s smartphone

usage. In the absence of 3G network, statis-

friendly? According to industry analysts, in year 2011, of the traﬃc generated into the mobile networks

tics in Pakistan cannot be verified truly as smartphones are meant for data. Future is data and we must realize its im-

50% will be generated by mobile voice, the other

portance, our policy makers and regulators

50% by mobile data. By 2015 over 85% of traﬃc in

should not waste time and must move on so

the mobile networks will be generated by mobile

we could also become the part of global

data, 49% via handheld devices.

community more eﬀectively.

www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 11

{teLecoM |

More Team

}

following the befitting example of television channels, which have recently formed a “Code of Conduct” for airing of sensitive news and images, the telecom giants should also develop some common standards for oﬀering any package, so that it does not compromise the well-being of the citizens

Over the last six to seven years, the rapid

their customer base may have oﬀered

should direct the cell phone companies to

growth of the country’s telecom sector has

some packages that have not a good im-

suspend the “cheap” night packages. It is

both positive and negative implications on

pact on the youth.

pertinent to mention here that the resolu-

the society. If, on one side, the competition

While comprehending how diﬀerent kinds

tion has been tabled by Ms Samina Khawar

in the industry has facilitated the customers

of packages are risking youths’ morality, the

Hayat of PML(Q), whose government was

and businesses, on the other hand, the tele-

Punjab Assembly has recently passed a res-

very vocal in claiming the telecom revolu-

com companies for the sake of expanding

olution demanding that the Government

tion in Pakistan. It would have been better

12 | More | February 2010

www.apnatime.com

{teLecoM} if the PML(Q) government had formulated

velop some common standards for oﬀering

tivities/services of these companies are

such policies in the beginning.

any package, so that it does not compro-

beneficial for the society.

However, it has been rightly emphasized

mise the well-being of the citizens.

It may be noted that under license terms of

that such packages have negative eﬀect on

A socially responsible business entity al-

the PTA, any such package oﬀered by the

the education, health and personality of the

ways takes responsibility for impact of its

telecom operators is a product they oﬀer to

youth, especially students. Almost all the

services on the society. As adopted by the

the consumers and the license does not put

cellular companies in the country have

businesses worldwide, CSR policy functions

any sort of restriction on the mobile com-

been oﬀering late night packages, which

as a built-in, self-regulating mechanism

panies. There is no doubt that the compa-

usually activate at 12 am (5-6 hours after

whereby business monitors and ensures its

nies have paid hefty amounts to acquire

sunset) and goes till 7 in the morning. Most

adherence to law, ethical standards, and in-

these licenses and they have the right to

of the customers utilizing these “cheap” of-

ternational norms. In the developed world,

earn, but again there must be some limits.

fers are students who simply waste their

it is made sure that the businesses embrace

Whatever steps are needed must be taken

time in useless talks, which has definitely

responsibility for impact of their activities

to modify the terms of the license.

adverse aﬀect on their studies, not to men-

on environment, consumers, employees,

“The negative impact of such packages has

tion physical and psychological hazards.

communities, stakeholders and all other

only been ignored to generate taxes for the

The oﬀ peak hour calls are relatively

members of the public sphere.

government but now the issue has come to

cheaper, however the late night packages

Therefore, rather than putting the youths’

the limelight. The unanimous passing of

are almost free. One can talk for an hour for

future at stake by applying shortcuts for

resolution by the Punjab Assembly gives

just Rs. 3-7 at night, while charges for the

moneymaking, the telecom companies

credence to the fact that there is no second

same call ranges from one to four rupees

should compete to improve the quality of

opinion about this issue,” says Altaf, who is

during the daytime.

service as well as coverage of a wider area.

“

not happy with his son availing the late night oﬀers.

This should not only lie with the telecom companies who have invested billions of rupees. Whatever packages they are oﬀering, they had full support from the Government of Pakistan so it would be totally unjust to solely blame the telecom companies for any moral degradation that is caused by late night oﬀers

Saima who is a high school teacher says, “There is no doubt that the only purpose of these packages is to mint money. These packages should have been banned long ago but its better late than never. We

“

The youngsters spend sleepless nights and

It must be realized that a positive competi-

even some of the students could not attend

tion will help in industry’s growth, which

of the companies at the expense of our

their colleges and schools in the morning.

will mutually beneficial for both the service

youth. Some people are comparing these

Staying up during late nights and working

providers and the customers.

packages with the internet, which is not

throughout the day definitely aﬀects

The onus should not only lie with the tele-

comparable because internet has many

health, education and professional life of

com companies who have invested billions

positives usages while not even a single

should not care so much about revenues

these people. We listen to many parents

of rupees. Whatever packages they are of-

quality of late night cellular packages can

complaining that their children are badly

fering, they had full support from the Gov-

be justified.”

aﬀected by these night time oﬀers, al-

ernment of Pakistan so it would be totally

The Government should learn from its

though it is their (parent’s) responsibility in

unjust to solely blame the telecom compa-

mistakes and, in future, deliberate upon all

the first instance.

nies for any moral degradation that is

the pros and cons of any policy before its

However, the notion of the Corporate Social

caused by late night oﬀers.

implementation especially that aﬀects al-

Responsibility (CSR) demands that the tele-

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

most every citizen of this country. More

com entities should seriously think about

(PTA) is the industry’s regulator, which

importantly, all the stakeholders must also

the moral degradation in the society,

should ensure that the sector which it is

be consulted in this regard. It is hoped that

caused by such oﬀers. Following the befit-

controlling must operate fairly. PTA is not

neither the Government and telecom

ting example of Pakistan’s television chan-

only responsible to issue licenses, promote

companies nor the people of this country

nels, which have recently formed a “Code of

investment and look after some of the tech-

will be at a loss, and a proper way out will

Conduct” for airing of sensitive news and

nical aspects. It is Authority’s obligation to

be thoroughly discussed which would be

images, the telecom giants should also de-

observe and analyze whether diﬀerent ac-

beneficial for all the stakeholders.

www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 13

Waseem Khaliqdad

The revolution brought in by the devel-

opment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has a tremendous impact on every aspect of human life. Starting from mobile technology to internet and

}

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The Government should also plan to use this technology for tele-medicine and telenursing applications such as diagnosis, consulting and other such requirements. Using video-conference, the patients may contact physicians while doctors and other paramedical professionals can discuss cases across large distances

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

{teLecoM |

satellites, the ways and trends of communi-

if an emergency meeting has to be called and

ferences through video conferences, using

cation have changed altogether through-

the participants are far from each other. The

state-of-the-art technology.

out the world. Like many other features of

system provides the luxury of calling them

The technology allows the users to

ICT, the video conferencing system is an

any time you want and do the video confer-

communicate not only with people within

amazing invention whose importance has

ence without spending a lot of money on

their organizations, but with the clients and

not yet been comprehended in Pakistan,

travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and

other people outside the enterprise. There

many more. Above all, it saves time. Interna-

is no need to have the same system as most

tionally, there is a growing trend among the

desktop conferencing programs can work

especially in the government sector. The benefits of video conference technology are overwhelming. Meetings and confer-

government departments and business firms

together, otherwise such systems are easily

ences may be scheduled anytime, especially

to hold discussion forums, meetings and con-

acquired online by downloading. Instant

14 | More | February 2010

www.apnatime.com

{teLecoM} messaging systems are also oﬀered for free

in a real-time multimedia communication

rupees. In this regard, the Ministries of Sci-

and those who have basic video conferenc-

with speeds that are comparable to broad-

ence and Technology and IT & Telecommu-

ing needs can very well take advantage of

band internet connections. Soon enough,

nication should be tasked to come up with

these services. This allows costs and eﬀorts

practically everyone with a cellular phone

a comprehensive plan and prepare a feasi-

to be cut significantly.

would be able to engage in video confer-

bility report. HEC experts’ help may also be

encing that is very eﬃcient, stable with

sought as their system is eﬀectively work-

great quality of video and audio.

ing on the national level.

While at present most systems involve separate programmes, in future one can expect to have everything integrated, making

It is worth-mentioning here that the

available to everyone a more streamlined

Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pak-

Provincial Governments, including the Pres-

platform for video conferencing and other

istan has initiated a national level of Video

ident, Prime Minister and Ministers have to

The functionaries of the Federal and

communication needs. Video conferencing

Conferencing project, under which a world-

travel, some of them on daily basis, to at-

has taken the art of communication to lev-

class facility has been provided to 70 univer-

tend meetings and conferences in diﬀerent

els once thought to be unreachable. People

sities and degree awarding institutions

cities. If the Government makes a sincere at-

are just left wondering what exciting thing

across the country. The project involves sup-

tempt and manages to adopt the video-

would come out next.

ply, installation, integration, testing, com-

conferencing facility, one can imagine the

Video conferencing has proven itself

missioning and maintenance/support of

immense reduction of load on the national

useful not only to the governments and

fully functional Video Conferencing System

exchequer.

Through video conferencing, learning institutions can oﬀer online lectures with experts from other countries, who no longer have to travel to deliver their lectures. This has made knowledge sharing very aﬀord-

“

Taking Higher Education Commission’s initiative as a model, the Government of Pakistan should implement the Video-Conferencing facility throughout the country, for oﬃcial purposes that will save billions of rupees. In this regard, the Ministries of Science and Technology and IT & Telecommunication should be tasked to come up with a comprehensive plan and prepare a feasibility report

“

businesses but also to the academia.

able and eﬃcient. Moreover, companies can improve their after sales customer support

along with the collaborative tools to en-

Similarly, the Government should also

through video conferencing because they

hance the teacher-student interaction

plan to use this technology for telemedicine

can respond to customer queries or com-

through distance learning.

and tele-nursing applications, such as diag-

plains in real time. They can also provide

The project is successfully bridging the

nosis, consulting and other such require-

technical support to their clients through

gap of good faculty, especially at those uni-

ments. Using video-conference, the patients

web conferencing. Video conferencing does

versities located at far-flung areas and ulti-

may contact nurses and physicians in emer-

not only promote technology but it can also

mately to uplift the standard of education in

gency. Physicians and other paramedical

connect lives, people and families.

Pakistan. Eminent scholars including Nobel

professionals can discuss cases across large

Laureates/Scientists/Researchers

distances. In rural areas, the technology can

The video conference systems make

from

use of audio modems to transmit the line

across the world deliver interactive lectures

be used for diagnostic purposes, thus saving

of connectivity from the subscriber to

on various topics, with an aim to develop

lives and making more eﬃcient use of

his/her participants. Because of the avail-

the fundamental concepts, enhance the

health care money. Special peripherals such

ability and eﬃciency of POTS, also known

critical thinking of undergraduate and grad-

as microscopes fitted with digital cameras,

as the plain telephone network, some low

uate students, as well as discuss cutting-

video-endoscopes, medical ultrasound im-

speed applications like video telephone

edge technologies and research work in the

aging devices, otoscopes etc, can be used to

satellite are converted to POTS and their

fields of modern sciences. The facility is also

transmit data about a patient.

digital impulses from their analog waves

being utilized for conducting conferences

Moreover, the Government should also

are connected through audio spectrum

and meetings, thus saving precious re-

promote technology such as VOIP, which

range. The birth of the 3G wireless phone

sources of time and money.

may be used in conjunction with desktop

services has been welcomed with great an-

Now, taking HEC’s initiative as a model,

videoconferencing to enable low-cost face-

ticipation by test markets in Europe and the

the Government can implement the video-

to-face business meetings without leaving

Asia Pacific. With the 3G-324M system for

conferencing facility throughout the coun-

the desk, especially for businesses with

mobile phones, it is now possible to engage

try, for oﬃcial purposes and save billions of

wide-spread oﬃces.

www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 15

{teLecoM |

ApnaTime.com

Alcatel-Lucent introduced a new radio

module, based on software defined radio

}

evolutions along with the carrier capacity to execute on these evolutions is a must.”

This ultra-compact, easy-to-install converged radio module has the same form factor

(SDR) technology, that gives mobile service

With the explosion of mobile data traf-

as the previous generations of TRX modules.

providers the flexibility to support any mix

fic that is underway today, service providers

This means that the new module can be im-

of 2G GSM, 3G W-CDMA/HSPA+ and long

face a variety of technical and operational

plemented on all multi-standard base stations

term evolution (LTE) services simultane-

challenges as they seek to increase their

deployed by Alcatel-Lucent around the world

ously. In addition to supporting new de-

wireless network capacity and transform

since 1999, and is of course supported in all

ployments today, this capability can be

their networks toward end-to-end IP. This

base stations sold today. In addition it supports

introduced in more than 700,000 Alcatel-

new converged radio module elegantly ad-

any 3GPP (third generation partnership proj-

Lucent base stations already deployed by

dresses these needs by giving mobile serv-

ect) specification and complies with all local

service providers worldwide, oﬀering a

regulatory requirements.

seamless, cost-eﬀective way for operators

The new converged radio module oﬀers

to introduce the latest generation of tech-

very high GSM capacity, supporting up to

nologies – at their own pace – while contin-

2.5x the transceiver capacity per cabinet

uing to support their existing customers.

today to help operators address market den-

“

sification requirements. The new converged

If the majority of wireless subscribers on the network are using GSM, the module will be configured in GSM mode. As more subscribers move toward W-CDMA or LTE the module can shift the relative mix of technology to allocate more power and carriers to W-CDMA or LTE

ities such as MIMO (multiple input/multiple output) to ensure the best performance

“

figuration. It also can address a range of spec-

MC-TRX

of Alcatel-Lucent’s Converged RAN (radio

trum configurations, supporting bandwidths of up to 20MHz, oﬀering exceptional flexibil-

access network) portfolio, which is geared toward increasing the capacity and the cov-

network coverage thus reducing the number of sites. It integrates advanced radio capabil-

when used in a W-CDMA/HSPA+ or LTE con-

The new converged radio module, called the MC-TRX, is a key building block

radio module can be configured to maximize

ity for deployments and maximum capacity ice providers the ability to “re-farm” their

to enable the introduction of LTE.

erage of all networks while minimizing the

900 or 1800 MHz spectrum -- currently used

This new module is complemented by

overall total cost of ownership (TCO) for op-

to provide 2G GSM services -- by introduc-

the company’s extensive professional

erators. This product is available for opera-

ing more advanced W-CDMA/HSPA+ or LTE

services capabilities, particularly in the

tors worldwide and has already been

services through simple software activa-

areas of radio network design and deploy-

selected by tier 1 mobile service providers.

tion. This process can be managed dynam-

ment. Leveraging its extensive experience

“With multiple spectrum options and

ically -- if the majority of wireless

managing mobile network upgrade ef-

technology options before them, operators

subscribers on the network are using GSM,

forts, Alcatel-Lucent can collaborate with

need to make CapEx containment a priority

the module will be configured in GSM

and counsel mobile operators as they

as they plan their network launches,” said

mode. As more subscribers move toward

plan for and work through the re-farming

Peter Jarich, Service Director with Current

W-CDMA or LTE the module can shift the

process and manage the evolution of

Analysis. “To that end, network infrastructure

relative mix of technology to allocate more

their networks to support next-genera-

that supports spectrum and technology

power and carriers to W-CDMA or LTE.

tion services and applications.

16 | More | February 2010

www.apnatime.com

{

www.apnatime.com

saddads

| cover story}

February 2010 | More | 17

{enerGy |

MORE Team

}

In the beleaguered history of Pakistan, many successive gov-

ernments have made huge claims about diﬀerent mega projects, but most of these schemes became political issues and the ultimate victims have always been the people of Pakistan. Had our rulers formed right strategies to use the wealth of natural resources that Pakistan is blessed with, we would definitely become a prosperous nation in the world. Among many other precious resources, Thar Coal is one of the world’s largest coal reserves. About 9,100 square kilometers of Thar desert contains 175.506 billion tonnes of coal. According to an estimate, these reserves are worth 25 trillion US dollars and if we put only two percent of it into use we can produce

The positive steps of any government have always been appreciated but what is lacking is consistency, especially when there is a change in government. Our politicians must have to realize that development schemes, particularly mega projects like Thar Coal, must not be politicized rather credit be taken for further developments and success of such projects.

20,000 megawatts of electricity for the next 40 years. If utilized in a proper way, it can save oil import bill, reduce unemploy-

Coal extraction from Thar requires at least 3-4 years before

ment and help strengthen economy, rupee and foreign ex-

coal is made available for use and if our government succeeds

change stocks. Just compare our resources with the

in utilizing these reserves, Pakistan's dependence on hydro proj-

ever-increasing problems of this country.

ects and diminishing gas reserves will definitely decrease, re-

For generation of electricity in many of the developed and

sulting in the rapid economic development of our country.

developing countries, coal is used as the most important energy

We have seen the worst power crisis in the country during the

source. Statistics of the World Coal Institute London indicate

last few years that has jeopardized the very basic elements of our

that the US produces 52.2 percent of its electricity through coal,

economy. But our policymakers and leaders don’t seem to bother

China produces 77.5 percent of its total electricity by coal, India

about such a critical situation. Several MoUs were signed be-

generates 70 percent of power by coal while Pakistan is using

tween past governments and multinational exploration compa-

just five percent of coal for energy generation. Since the discov-

nies, who even invested and work started on the infrastructure

ery of Thar Coal in 1991, very little development work has been

but the projects were stopped on political grounds. During the

done to utilize this natural resource. Thar coal is environment

last six to seven years, German, Chinese and other companies had

friendly with a low sulfur content. The deposits extend across

not only carried out surveys and feasibilities of this project but

the border where they are being mined for power generation

also oﬀered 100 percent investment but they were discouraged

by India in Rajistan.

in a systematic way and they had to quit.

18 | More | February 2010

www.apnatime.com

{enerGy} Some analysts even believe that the petroleum lobby is very strong in Pakistan and they are against any other means of power generation except for the imported oil. They argue that this lobby is major beneficiary of the increasing oil bill that is estimated above 15 billion dollar this year. Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, Member (Science and Technology) Planning Commission, who is a strong proponent of the utilization of Thar coal, recently said a seminar that by exploiting our coal reserves to the optimum, we could provide power to farmers at the rate of Re.1 per unit, which could boost our agriproducts and make the country self-suﬃcient, adding that cheaper electricity will improve and increase our exports. He said reverse osmosis could also be used to purify underground saline water, making fresh water available for agriculture in the Thar area. He lamented that the Australians, Americans, British and Chinese know more than us about our cobalt, gold and

Several MoUs were signed between previous governments and multinational exploration companies, who even invested and work started on the infrastructure but projects were stopped on political grounds. During the last six to seven years, German, Chinese and other companies had not only carried out surveys and feasibilities of this project but also offered 100 percent investment but they were discouraged in such a systematic way that they had to quit.

copper deposits. It was really encouraging to read that the Sindh government

If we start working in 2010, the first megawatt of power from

has notified the constitution of a committee, headed by Dr.

the project will flow somewhere in early 2016, if all goes accord-

Mubarkmand as Chairman, for conducting interviews and mak-

ing to plan. So we are already very late and no more excuses are

ing contractual recruitment for two coal projects in Thar Coal-

acceptable to the people of Pakistan. There are many problems

field. The Committee, which will be the sole authority to make

that need to to be addressed urgently. Thar coal is believed to

contractual appointments in the two coal management units

be high in moisture content, which makes it unsuitable for

to be established under the Sindh Coal and Energy Develop-

transportation or easy use in power generation. Then there is

ment Department, comprises Additional Chief Secretary, Plan-

the issue of acquiring adequate water to run a power plant, and

ning and Development, Government of Sindh, Provincial

overcoming the inter- and intra-provincial water disputes that

Secretary, Coal and Energy; Special Secretary, Finance; one rep-

will inevitably ensue. And any new power plant in Thar will have

resentative of SGA&C department and Director General, Sindh

to be connected to the national grid at great cost and eﬀort.

Coal Authority will work as member of the body. The positive steps of any government have always been ap-

But more than the technical problems, politics and funding hang heavy on the Thar power project. For one, disputes between

preciated but the thing which is lacking is consistency, espe-

the Centre and Sindh over who has the ultimate say on Thar coal

cially when there is a change in the government. Our politicians

and its use for power generation could yet scuttle the project. Ad-

have to realize that development schemes, particularly mega

ditionally, there is the question about how exactly power projects

projects like Thar Coal, must not be politicized rather credit be

in Thar will be financed. Domestic banks are wary of additional ex-

taken for further developments and success of any project. Pro-

posure to the power sector given its recent troubles, while Pak-

fessionals and companies engaged for such projects should be

istan’s poor standing in the international financial market could

selected solely on merit.

render the project prohibitively expensive to finance.

There must not be any delay in finalizing the feasibility study

Clearly, we must do more to put our overall economy in

of Thar Coal so that work on the project is started at the earliest.

order to make credit cheaper. And from an environmental and local point of view, it must be ensured that clean-coal technology is employed and that the people of the area benefit directly and fairly from the exploitation of Thar Coal resources. It is again requested to the provinces as well as the political parties that they should rise above their diﬀerences and unite for making Thar Coal Project a big success. They must realize that it will solve many many problems that this poor nation is faced with.

www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 19

{event}

Trillium Information Security System in collaboration with Pink Elephant organized the 1st Annual Pink Elephant IT Service Management Conference on 26-27th January 2010 at Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai. The event was gold sponsored by Loyalist (Certification Services) and endorsed by itSMF (IT Service Management Forum). Below are the pictures of participants.

A Groupphoto of Conference Organizers and Speakers

Mr. Azhar Zia ur Rehman ( Group Director IT, Etisalat ) Mr Mohsin Sheikh (MD, TISS), Mr. Yasin Miheisi (Director IT Service Delivery Division, ADJD), Julia Chapelle (Director, Loyalist Certification Services) and Mr. Mr. David RatcliďŹ&#x20AC;e(Co-Founder and President of Pink Elephant)

Conference Audiance 20 | More | February 2010

Ammar Elkaderi (Sr. IT Consultant, National Information Center, Riyadh, Saudia)

Mr. Abdulrahim Almudhareb ( IT Director, Dubai Courts) www.apnatime.com

{

www.apnatime.com

saddads

| cover story}

February 2010 | More | 21

{it |

Nauman Butt

}

Computer and IT industry of Pakistan has not been able

to keep the momentum as a result of numerous factors including worse ever law & order situation, energy crises, ill conceived taxation policies, fragile currency and failure at oďŹ&#x192;cial level to identify and explore new opportunities in the sector. But the most conversable and formidable counterpart in this regard that need to highlight is Illegal trade or smuggling of computer IT items and its allied accessories. Illegal trade or smuggling among countries can be defined as the form of trade across the borders/ports with hidden strong collaboration between traders/smugglers and the government oďŹ&#x192;cials responsible for controlling such movement across the boundaries. A variety of computer and non computer items is traded illegally at Pak-Afghan and Pak-Iran borders. The mainstream products are Notebooks, Ram, Toners and Telecom sets with allied accessories. The local assemblers claimed that smuggling of computer

25,000 people involved in illegal trade earning 720 million ru-

and electronics items like Notebooks, Ram, drives, toners and

pees per annum. This implies that a big network of smugglers

memory chips was started after the imposition of general sales tax, which now contributes to 30 per cent of the total industry size, thus causing a loss of millions of dollars to the national exchequer. The computer hardware industry was growing at steady 20 per cent growth in Asia Pacific, which was the third highest growth in the region after China and India. Since the government imposed 15 per cent GST on computer hardware, the growth declined 17 percent. The question arises that despite of encouraging global trends in the IT industry, why Pakistani market is showing the reverse trend and not exploiting the opportunities. New report of IDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker shows that Global PC shipments rose 2.3% year on year in the third quarter of 2009 (3Q09). Pakistan IT industry is going down every day and contrary to this, people in illegal trade are minting money. According to the data of Export Promotion Bureau, there are more than 22 | More | February 2010

The officials found involved in assisting smugglers both directly and indirectly should be awarded exemplary punishments through a very rapid and effective prosecution. The arrested smugglers should not be released at any cost. Their punishment should also be exemplary so that no person should dare of entering into such illegal business. The efficient custom/excise officers should be awarded rapid departmental promotions as well as various prizes and medals. www.apnatime.com

{it} is present in Baluchistan. These groups are strong an influential

turers keep requesting government and other stakeholders

and high GST pave the way for smuggling, eventually, making

through seminars and workshops but it seems all the eﬀorts are

it diﬃcult for the hardware companies to survive.

bringing no fruits.

Pakistan does not manufacture any IT product. The global

Not only the IT industry is facing these issues, automobile,

trade, especially for developing country, is subject to WTO with

consumer electronics and other industries have similar prob-

zero tax. This is done to promote the IT related business in every

lems. This is the very reason that there is no transfer of technol-

way. The margin after selling genuine IT products are hardly 2-4%

ogy in Pakistan so far. There are example of local manufacturing

and after paying almost 17% GST to government at the time of

in shape of refrigerators, air conditioners, televisions etc but one

import, a further GST on sale plus 3.5% withholding tax makes the

thing to note is that no major part of them is being manufac-

total tax percentage to almost 25%. In

tured here. Every important element is imported. Pakistan has

this condition, earning mere 4% and giving a 1-3 year warranty on prod-

a considerable market for a host of electrical items almost all of them are being imported or smuggled into Pakistan. One of the major reasons for not developing the local industry is the culture of giving preference to the imported goods as compared to those produced locally. One should however accept the harsh fact that usually the poor quality goods produced locally were enough to shift the interest of the consumers

“

Indian IT industry has set a target of $ 175 billion for itself till the year 2020. They are all set to achieve the target for the year 2010 which is almost $ 50 billion. It became a reality because the Global IT giants have outsourced their IT ventures in India due to IT friendly policies. IBM, Microsoft, Oracle etc have their regional oﬃces and plants in India having thousands of employees

“

towards the imported goods. Spelling out the facts which gave way to the menace of smuggling in Pakistan, specially the IT and electronics goods; sources identified the double standards of duty structure for Karachi and Sust borders at Karakorum (Silk Road), as the loophole of this industry. ucts make the trade unviable to IT companies.

At last but not least there is always room for remedy provided how serious we are to implement and enforce the law and

Our neighboring countries, in-

order. This illegal trade of computer IT products and electronics

cluding India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are giving top priority

can be minimized and can be controlled if following steps

to their IT industry. There are no duties and undue taxes on the

would be taken seriously. The duties of the collectors should be

trade. Because of very same policies, Indian IT industry has set

rotated after short intervals. Only honest and dutiful persons

a target of $ 175 billion for itself till the year 2020. They are all

should be posted at all borders that are assumed to be a path

set to achieve the target for the year 2010 which is almost $ 50

way of illegal trade.

billion. It became a reality because the Global IT giants have out-

The honesty of the personals should be monitored through

sourced their IT ventures in India due to IT friendly policies. IBM,

the intelligence department. The oﬃcials found involved in as-

Microsoft, Oracle etc have their regional oﬃces and plants in

sisting smugglers both directly and indirectly should be

India having thousands of employees.

awarded exemplary punishments through a very rapid and ef-

In Pakistan, there are few assembling units for IT and elec-

fective prosecution. The arrested smugglers should not be re-

tronic products. There is no transfer of technology in any ways.

leased at any cost. Their punishment should also be exemplary

Most of the IT giants have not even opened there oﬃces in Pak-

so that no person should dare of entering into such illegal

istan and they are just relying on distributors because it is more

business. The eﬃcient custom/excise oﬃcers should be

feasible to them rather than having a complete work force here.

awarded rapid departmental promotions as well as various

Though, the representatives of the global hardware manufac-

prizes and medals.

www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 23

{BankinG |

MORE Team

24 | More | February 2010

}

www.apnatime.com

{BankinG} n

Ever since the telecommunication

technology was introduced in Pakistan, a number of magnificent features have been added in the services provided by the mobile companies. In the beginning, cell phone was a luxury enjoyed only by the elite class; however, over the years it

companies attained the customer base of 90 million in less than 10 years, so it becomes crystal clear that the next 30 million people will be brought into the formal economy by opening a bank account in not more than five years

has become an aﬀordable commodity for everyone. Starting from a simple call and

easier for the customers, even then the

companies and some are extension of the

messaging service, there’s nothing that

internet banking could not grow much

online internet banking services while

you can not do through your mobile. Just

because of lack of a large community’s

others stand alone as mobile banking

name it. We are using the mobile phone

access to the computers, especially lower

platforms. But there is still a big room for

not only to communicate with each

middle and poor strata of the society. In

improvement.

other, we are using it to connect all across

comparison, everyone carries a mobile

An important thing that must be

the globe. And in this excessive flow of in-

phone, he/she may belong to any age

highlighted here is that both the banks

novative services, mobile banking is an-

group or any community so it is easy to

and telecom companies will have to have

other important addition that has yet to

assume as to what are the prospects of

a close coordination so that a reliable and

flourish.

the mobile banking in Pakistan. Availabil-

long-lasting system is in place. A true

The cell phone consumers can now

ity of internet on the mobile phones has

spirit of partnership between the two

make monetary transactions via their

opened up a large resource pool for mass

sectors is indispensable to make mobile payments revolution a success.

mobile, no need to take cash or credit

enrolment in the banking sector, which is

card along. The service enables the users

not only a good omen for the baking and

Though all the competitors have

to perform online transactions including

telecom sectors, it also shows bright

come up with innovative ideas to attract the customers, the one introduced by the Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB) seems to

though all the competitors have come up with innovative ideas, the one introduced by the Muslim commercial Bank seems to have an edge over others. the Bank has launched mobile payments service by the name of McB Mobile, which is being seen as a great success with thousands of customers registered and the Bank proving itself a leader in providing the service as yet.

have an edge over others. The Bank launched mobile payments service by the name of MCB Mobile, which has been a great success with thousands of customers registered and the Bank proving itself a leader in providing the service as yet. But those who want to compete will have to grow faster and continuously innovate by introducing new payment types and functionality.

money transfer, cash-in, cash-out, person-

prospects for the overall economy of the

to-person transfer, bill payments online

country.

purchases and much more.

Having said that, transaction through

In today’s marketing world, one must be extra sharp as the fittest will survive. It has taken over many decades for the

This is rightly being anticipated that

a mobile phone is not as easy as it may

banking industry to get more than 30

the mobile banking will further enhance

seem because a lot of technical expertise

million bank accounts, and the telecom

the mobile phone users in Pakistan as

is needed to design a system that takes

companies attained the customer base of

now an average man can feel safe for not

into account the dynamics of all the

90 million in less than 10 years, so it be-

having to carry cash, and make utility bill

stakeholders, including customers, gov-

comes crystal clear that the next 30 mil-

payments from home.

ernments/businesses, banks as well as

lion people will be brought into the

the telecom companies. A number of mo-

formal economy by opening a bank ac-

computers revolutionized the banking

bile banking solutions have already been

count in not more than five years. The

sector in Pakistan and made transactions

oﬀered by the banks and the telecom

race is on!

Although in the last decade or so, the

www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 25

{career Guide |

Shahid Khan

}

I recently ran across an article that advocates thinking “outside the box” and developing an “entrepreneurial spirit” with an openness to new opportunities when it comes to managing your career — as we are likely to experience multiple career changes throughout our work lives. The article also provided twelve tips for successful career management — which I’ve paraphrased below. n

Brand yourself. In other words, understand what your skills, experience, knowledge, values and expertise are and then encapsulate them into a sentence or a phrase that describes you, much like creating a simple personal mission statement.

n n

Market yourself. Make sure people know what you can do. Having an updated and customizable resume readily available is a must. n

Network…network…network. That means building relationships. Socializing with peers, joining professional associations, volunteering and making sure you’re taking advantage of online communities are all great ways to do this. Develop professionally. Know your business, stay current with advances in your area of expertise, read journals, attend workshops — truly become an expert in your field. Keep a portfolio of your accomplishments. And make sure they’re known, even if it feels “uncomfortable” to toot your own horn. You’ll be glad you did when performance review time comes around, as they’ll be right at your finger tips. Be a team player. It’s great to be great on your own, but it’s even better — and absolutely critical in today’s work environment — to achieve greatness in partnership with others. Be prepared to make changes at a moment’s notice. Flexibility, adaptability and readiness for change are key characteristics of successful employees. If you can anticipate and be prepared for “what’s next,” change will no longer be your enemy.

26 | More | February 2010

Keep a healthy work life balance. While it might be diﬃcult to replace you at work, it can be done, but no one can replace you to your family, your friends — and yourself! Look for a mentor who can guide you through your career development. Mentors not only teach us, but can be very influential when it comes time for a promotion or a move to a new opportunity. And in turn, be prepared to mentor others as your expertise grows. Attitude is everything. Being positive, especially in the face of adversity, will make you someone your colleagues want to work with and managers want on their team. Lastly, though it’s your career, you’re not in it alone. Make sure you’ve engaged your manager, your co-workers and others around you in your journey.

I like these twelve tips. Reading through them I realized I’ve used many of them in my work life — including mentoring, keeping a portfolio, networking and staying positive. The twelve tips also remind me there is a lot I can do to control my career path — and that’s invigorating. I’d like to know if any in particular resonate with you, or if you have other tips that have helped you successfully manage your career. Writer works for a multinational firm. You can send your feedback on mr.shahidkhan@gmail.com

www.apnatime.com

{

www.apnatime.com

saddads

| cover story}

February 2010 | More | 27

{technoLoGy |

Aliya Ali

}

A scene from the movie Benjamin Button

With the films like ‘Avatar’ and ‘District 9’

pire strikes back and for the blockbusters

for crowd scenes, and because it allows the

in Oscar nominations, who is not talking

like Batman and Indiana jones and the last

creation of images that would not be fea-

about success and advancement of visual

crusade. Computer generated imagery

sible using any other technology.

eﬀects in recent time’s cinematography?

techniques surprised cinema goers in

two important techniques which can be

2009 was a big year for animated films. Ani-

1990’s with films like Terminator 2. At this

used by using cGi only are:

mations and visual eﬀects ruled the year. Vi-

time visual eﬀects artists were creating im-

1. Fluid dynamics

sual Eﬀects are the methods used to create

ages which were near to impossible with

2. Facial animation

and blend non-existing scenes into a live ac-

previous techniques.

Firstly we will talk about facial anima-

tion movie. These are used when a scene

In the last decade CGI ruled out tradi-

tion. Often film makers need to make

would be too expensive or dangerous, or

tional techniques to fool audience. Its

photo realistic face images which cannot be digitally created using other methods.

“

Quite often we see films based upon natural phenomena’s. One recent example is 2012. More than 100 artists created 2012's 1300 visual-eﬀects shots, including volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods and a massive earthquake that rips California apart The use of computer generated im-

agery (CGI) has evolved over a period of

“

simply impossible to film any other way.

One remarkable example is the movie Benjamin Button, where we saw an older version of Pitt’s face. Did you even realize the first hour of the movie was a completely

dominance was widely seen in Matrix,

computer animated face? Every action, re-

transformers and Lords of the rings.

action, motion and emotion of Brad Pitt’s

CGI is used for visual eﬀects because

face was interpreted by a computer, and

time. In 1980’s audience were subjected to

the quality is often higher and eﬀects are

transformed to a face which aged roughly

experience practical visual eﬀects on big

more controllable than other more physi-

45 years. And it looked 100% real. It took

screen. Elaborate models, puppets and

cally based processes, such as constructing

155 people over 2 years to create the

cameras did the trick for movies like Em-

miniatures for eﬀects shots or hiring extras

'heads' of Benjamin Button. The face not

28 | More | February 2010

www.apnatime.com

{technoLoGy} only needed to look alike Brad Pitt’s, it also

one scene a tidal wave was shown which

Director’ at Rhythm and Hues, the US-

had to move like it in convincing manner.

appeared to be nothing less than reality.

based company that worked on this par-

Pitt was given a series of exercises to

In Pirates of the Caribbean, the water-

ticular film. Mir Zafar Ali is a FAST-Karachi

practice so that he could easily move his face

fall was to represent the end of the world,

graduate. There are many such promising

into various actions. A 3D laser scan of Pitt’s

stretching to the horizon and infinitely

students of technology in Pakistan. IT and

face would then yield a complete configura-

deep. The overall eﬀect needed realistic

sciences has improved a lot in a last decade

tion of his facial geometry in that position.

water flowing, spray and mist rising from

here. Despite of that we are still unable to

What the audience is actually seeing

the fall, bubbles floating and all other

use this talent in right direction. At this

in the first-third of the movie is a com-

minor details. Artists had to be able to

point of era where technology is a very im-

puter-generated copy of Pitt's head, which

change each layer in parts of the waterfall

portant part of entertainment industry, our

the studio aged digitally. It acts like Pitt on

without aﬀecting, or unnecessarily re com-

film industry has not even managed to

the screen, that's because Pitt was filmed

puting, other regions.

come up with average good films.

performing all of the scenes and the visual

Still there are challenges faced by vi-

If adequate budget is provided and a

eﬀects artists then mimicked his move-

sual eﬀects artist. With advancement in

potential script is chosen, we can create a

ments on the digital head.

technology, audience has become clever

new market for our IT professionals. Our own people are now used to mind blow-

“

In 2007 The Golden Compass picked up the award for Best Visual Eﬀects and Mir Zafar Ali was one of the ‘Eﬀects Technical Director’ at Rhythm and Hues, the US-based company that worked on this particular film. Mir Zafar Ali is a FAST-Karachi graduate

ing visual eﬀects and remarkable captured shots in foreign films. We not only need to provide quality cinema to our audience but also we should give our engineers and

“

Quite often we see films based upon

enough to guess what is real and what is

technicians a chance to use their expertise

natural phenomena’s. One recent example

not. And the whole point of CGI is to de-

on big screen.

is 2012. More than 100 artists created 2012's

velop images which look real. Now, the

1300 visual-eﬀects shots, including volcanic

technology has matured and is hitting the

our films. We need good equipment, edu-

eruptions, tsunamis, floods and a massive

mainstream as more theatres and the big

cated people and proper investment to

It’s high time to bring a revolution in

earthquake that rips California apart. Every

movie studios adopt the technology in an

make this happen. We can not only bring

single thing had to be destroyed. Visual Ef-

eﬀort to attract more people to the cinema

viewers back to cinema, we can also give a

fects artists for this film built a 3D photore-

In future, we are expecting to see

new dimension to IT profession in Pakistan.

alistic version of several city blocks using

some tremendous work in this field. The

In this Global world, technology and

60,000 high-dynamic images as a reference.

charm of CGI has influenced film makers

advancement are the keys to success and

Then they made every mailbox, tree and

like never before.

development. Almost in every walk of life

building shake and crumble.

Absolutely with no doubt, CGI and vi-

scientists and engineers are improving

Previously such scenes were created

sual eﬀects has captured film industry all

ways to make lives easier. Entertainment

using models and other traditional tech-

over the world with its amazing room for

industry also has been completely over-

niques. Artists used to make models and

improvement. But in all this visual eﬀects

then flood them, blew them up or set

magic, we see Pakistan far lagging behind.

rience was never this brilliant before. In

them on fire. It not only requires a lot of

On the first hand, there are no films being

Pakistan, we do have all talent, capability

man power but very serious security is-

made. And those few which are, they have

and minds to compete in such environ-

sues. The dam breaking scene in Dente’s

shamelessly low budget, with no good

ment. If a right step at this right time is

Peak was one of the most remarkable out-

script. There are some exceptions though

taken, we can surely succeed in this area.

comes of its kind using similar method.

like Shoaib Mansoor’s Khuda K Liye and

Our IT professionals are doing wonders in

Now using fluid dynamics, real life

some films from Javaid Sheikh, Shan and

foreign countries. This is time to use our

scenes can be amazingly shown to audi-

Ajab Gul. The question is: Do we lack tal-

talent in our own country. Creative minds

ence which was previously impossible or

ent or we are just afraid to use it?

need to collaborate with technology.

required much expertise, time and cost. In

In 2007 The Golden Compass picked

When every field in today’s world has

‘The Day after tomorrow’ spectacular

up the award for Best Visual Eﬀects and Mir

taken benefits from technology, why not

scenes were shot using this technique. In

Zafar Ali was one of the ‘Eﬀects Technical

our own “Film Industry”?

www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 29

{reviews |

More-In-House

}

Good things 3.5 mm audio jack You can use any headset or connect it to a set of speakers of your choice.

email client If you have the GPRS/EDGE activated on your phone, which normally is the case now in Pakistan, you can configure any POP3 enabled email account. The automatic configuration won’t work and you will need to configure settings manually..

Built in Maps You can download new maps , though it does not have a built in GPS but can connect through a GPS device.

web services It allows you to connect to Facebook without having to go via the phone's browser.

equalizer The music player has an equalizer and a stereo widening option, which gives you a surround sound eﬀect.

flash Message The function allows you to type messages which are directly opened on the receiver’s phone.

scientific calculator Besides a regular one, you can switch to the scientific calculator for a more detailed working. 30 | More | February 2010

www.apnatime.com

{reviews} n

Since the competition is getting stronger, mobile phone

manufactures are putting everything in the low range phones. Nokia 2700 is one such example. Feature wise, the phone gives

Bad n n

you a feel that you are holding a good middle end phone which

could fulfill calling, texting and data need. Though Nokia is run-

ning a separate series for the music but this phone also has the

Screen can get too many scratches just in few days No USB Cable in package No external Camera button No external Volume control Very irritating WH-102 headphones

necessary music software to impress you. Measuring only 109 x 46 x 14 mm and weighting only 85 g,

cut on the display screen like music or radio you will miss your

this item's size will satisfy its most skeptic users. This cell phone

favorite shot every time. 2MP camera will give you the good re-

comes with a 1020 mAh Li-Ion battery, letting a talk time of 6.00

sults but video is not acceptable and crisp. Maximum image size

hours and provides in standby mode 288 hours. It includes a 32

it can take is 1200x1600, for video it is 176x144. Very rarely, the

MB memory, a good quantity for a regular use but our never

camera application gets stuck and you will need to restart your

shown more than 28MB of memory. For extra storage of your

phone.

music and image files, you can put a separate 2GB card into it. The package in Pakistan comes with a 1GB card.

Voice quality is good and won’t let you down so is the typing if you are a slow texter. Those who love to text a lot won’t find it

Screen is pleasant and sharp with enough readable fonts.

a smooth sail every time. Buttons are a little tough, better than

You can select the shortcuts for left and right menu buttons. The

Nokia 5030 but still a little improvement is required. It is com-

default is the email function which is a real charm in this price

pletely contrary to the outlook of the phone.

range. You can store contacts with much more detail besides

The good thing about this phone is that it has all standard interfaces nothing proprietary of Nokia

“

Similarly, WH-102 Nokia headphone is very irritating if you put them for more than 5 minutes. They will never pass you any sound adjustment done by the equalizer. Even Chinese phones in the local market have the headphones which will give you an ultimate sound quality

particularly. Connectivity is standard microUSB, you have a standard 3.5 mm headphone socket so any headphone can be jacked in & you have a microSD card which can fit in any standard SD adapter.

“

Bluetooth, GPRS and USB options are the Ovi Contacts, which Nokia is promoting a lot. Nokia has been promoting music almost in every set, this phone is no diﬀerent. It has the music and video player along

available for the connectivity, again, the package does not include the USB cable. This is the second cheap but important accessory that is not available inside your box.

with a good radio which has a good reception to catch major

Few good games are packed inside. Diamond Rush, Rally 3D,

stations in the city. One annoying fact for the music application

Snake III, Sudoku are built-in and entertaining games. You can

lovers is that you can’t adjust the volume from any side button.

download more. Bad part is, you can’t reduce the volume which

Nothing is placed on any side of the phone. You only need to

is quite high. Such a thing would remind you of a Chinese

rely on the navigation button for this. Similarly, WH-102 Nokia

phone where most of the post production quality checks are ig-

headphone is very irritating if you put them for more than 5

nored. Anyways, for this, you need to change the profile and

minutes. They will never pass you any sound adjustment done

turn the “silent” mode on. After playing your game, turn it oﬀ or

by the equalizer. Even Chinese phones in the local market have

else you may miss some important calls.

the headphones which will give you an ultimate sound quality.

You may find your MicroSD card causing your

We had to dig the menu for locating the camera application

phone to halt after using for some days. In such a

which was not a pleasant experience. The device does not have

case remove the card and phone will be back to

a camera button outside. That means if you want to take a quick shot, you will need to rely on the quick menu (shortcut). If you have other important short-

normal. Battery life is 3-4 days which is the hall mark of Nokia phones. Finally, those who want communication, imaging and media in one phone at an aﬀordable price, the Nokia 2700 classic is the one for you.

www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 31

{reviews |

More-In-House

32 | More | February 2010

}

www.apnatime.com

{reviews}

www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 33

{reviews} n

Imagine, you are holding the digital camera and standing

with arm outstretched to take your own snapshot, most of the time you will end up taking the picture of half of your head, sometime you will miss your favorite background scene just because there was no one to tell you what was your camera capturing exactly. It’s a thing of past, Samsung’s ST550 has introduced the first camera with two LCDs, One on the back and other one on the front side just adjacent to the lens. While standing in front of the camera, you can easily see what it is capturing and you can adjust yourself accordingly. The front LCD is a 1.5 inch display, to take a self portrait, simply tap the front screen to activate it and compose your shot. LCD monitor is hidden beneath the transparent surface of the front panel, to the left of the lens. When not in use the display is almost invisible beneath the

touch screen is new, no doubt we will see lots of improvements

tinted black surface, but shines after tapping. When activated

in the coming models.

face when activated face and smile detection feature will kick in

The large backside display uniquely provides haptic feed-

and the camera will take your picture automatically.

back when you tap on it. The cameras buzzes slightly when you

The front screen can also have animation activated from the

touch an on-screen button. The smart gesture allow pattern on

menu; it will be good to get attention of yours or the subject for

the screen to execute certain commands such as rotate or

a better picture. In self timer mode you can also see the count-

delete the saved picture. If you want to scroll through your pho-

down on the front screen to know when the picture is being

tos you can just tilt the camera one way or the other or if you

taken. Press the shutter halfway and the smiley face will appear

want to delete a picture you just have to draw an X on it with

on the front screen to remind the subject to smile. Bad thing is,

your finger.

the front LCD screen cannot be used in video mode.

Interestingly, the ST550 uses microSD cards for storage. According to Samsung, the front LCD took up space inside the camera and

“

The lens is sharp enough in the centre of the frame and shows very little distortion at wide angle. The camera has an automatic contrast booster, but all it really does is brighten the image, clipping the highlights even more

hence the company had to resort to a smaller memory media. The lens is sharp enough in the centre of the frame and shows very little distortion at wide angle, but corner sharpness could be better. The camera has an automatic contrast booster, but all it really does is brighten the image, clipping the high-

“

lights even more. The ST550 has plenty of user-friendly features to show oﬀ.

Image noise control, on the other hand, is surprisingly good.

A Smart Auto mode automatically detects scene conditions and

Images at 400 ISO have a little noise and colour distortion but

selects the best settings, the Beauty Shot feature fixes skin im-

are quite printable, and even at 800 ISO tone gradients remain

perfections while the Photo Style Selector consists of a variety

fairly smooth, usable for web and email purposes.

of in-camera creative eﬀects that, according to Samsung are

In use, the zoom slider feels flimsy and has a less than smooth

there ‘to evoke a mood’ and include colour manipulation, neg-

motion. It sometimes bumps its way through the diﬀerent focal

ative, retro and soft eﬀects.

lengths. Yet the ST550 has an excellent Macro mode for this level

The ST550 is a slim 12Mp compact with a 4.6x optical zoom

of camera, which allows you to focus up to 5 cm away. Response

4.9-22.5mm f-3.5/5.9 lens equivalent to 27-124mm on a 35mm

times are also good with little shutter lag and a fast Auto Focus

camera. The LCD on the back is a 3.5in touch screen LCD. It also

The camera has 760mAH Lithium-ion Rechargeable battery

sports an 80-3200 ISO range and a 1280 x 720 HD video record-

which needs more improvements. While using the camera, we

ing at 30fps.

activated the flash and front display more often and the battery

The camera rely mostly on touchscreen technology which Samsung has been using in its mobilephone quite excellently.

could take some 123 pictures before it got discharged. The ST550 is a very interesting camera with two screens and

In the coming models Samsung can also make use of space by

a lot of functions. It’s a beautiful gift for ladies and teenage pho-

removing even the “play” button from its body. For the camera,

tographer.

34 | More | February 2010

www.apnatime.com

{Month in focus}

Mobilink has launched a new and innovative service allowing users to listen to select movies on their cell phones. Jazz Audio Cinema is the first of its kind service allows users to enjoy the original dialogues & songs of popular blockbusters on the go. The movies have been adapted into a storytelling format and converted into durations of 60 to 90 minutes. Commenting on the service, Wasif Mustafa, Director Value Added Services, IR & Products & Platform shared that, “Today the cellular handset has become a tool not only for communication but also entertainment. At Mobilink we continue to add value to the cellular experience with our new and innovative product portfolio which is the largest in the telecom industry. The Jazz Audio Cinema is an exclusive treat brought to Pakistani audiences for the first time.” Mobilink Jazz users can subscribe to this service by dialing IVR short code 606 for a nominal monthly subscription fee and enjoy the service at low per minute browsing rates. Mobilink has the most diverse bouquet of value added services including revolutionary and exclusive services such as Mobi Track, Mobilink Insurance and Mobile Money Order that provide users with convenience and flexibility no other operator provides. n

subscription process: User can subscribe to this service by dialing IVR short code 606. After subscribing to service, users will get the successful subscription notification via SMS. After successful subscription of service, users can dial 606 and enjoy the service.

un-subscription process: To unsubscribe this service user dials the IVR and select unsubscribe option from the menu. A notification SMS will also be sent to user after un-subscribing the service.

service charges Monthly Subscription Charges @ Rs. 20 + Tax. IVR Browsing @ Rs. 0.20+ Tax per min

List of Movies available: Chance Pe Dance, Chori Chori Chup Ke Chup Ke, Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal, Fashion, Hattrick, HUM, KAMINEY, Karz, Khalnayak, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Life in a Metro, Mein Aur Mrs Khanna, Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, Tezaab, Wake Up Sid, Welcome to Sajjanpur, Whats Your Rashee note: the service is available for Jazz customers only www.apnatime.com

Winner of 500,000 with Mobilink team

The SMS that changed his life! n Tariq Mehmood who is father of four children, two sons and two daughters is a government employee and works with the relief agencies in Bagh, Azad Kashmir. Like any Mobilink Jazz user, Tariq is fun loving and an optimist by nature which is why he could not resist participating in the Mobilink Jazz SMS Khazana contest. Hooked to the thrill of winning, the brain tease, Tariq kept accumulating points. Little did he know that these SMSes will completely change his life and that happened when he was declared the 1st winner of Jazz SMS Khazana Weekly Prize of Rs. 500,000/Munching on the treats laid out in his honour at Mobilink House, Tariq shared with the Mobilink Jazz Brand team that he had never taken part in any conTariq Mehmood being awarded by Mobilink oﬃcial test of this nature before. This was his first time and he did so because he had faith in the company. He said, “I knew Mobilink is a big company and I have been using Jazz number for last 5 years, I fully trusted the company and their SMS Khazana campaign. I decided to give my luck a try aur Allah kay karam se sab Acha ho gaya!” Senior members of the Mobilink team met Tariq and asked him for his feedback on the Mobilink Jazz SMS Khazana before handing him his cheque for Rs 500,000. Using the prize money Tariq plans to start a small side-business as he believes this way he will be in a much better position to support his family as well as his ageing parents. Tariq was extremely thankful to Allah and everyone involved for totally changing his life. He said, “I believe everyone should take a chance in life because unless you give it a try, you won’t come to know what luck has in store for you.”

February 2010 | More | 35

{Month in focus}

Pakistan Telecommunication Company

the first time in Pakistan, expanded to all

tive packages at national and regional levels

Ltd (PTCL) recently announced its finan-

the major cities in the country too. Under

have been introduced. Free on-nets minutes

cial results for the half year ended on 31st

the USF scheme, PTCL is extending voice

for new connections, Double-up Unlimited

December, 2009. The Company has an-

and data services to the underserved and

Package with single pricing for voice and

nounced a Net Profit of Rs. 5.354 billion

far-flung areas of Pakistan using satellite

broadband services, Bundle deals in Lahore

compared to Rs. 5.314 billion recorded in

backhaul as well.

and Karachi and Regional Packages all over

the same period last year. On a consoli-

To provide value services to its Corpo-

dated basis, for half year ended December

rate clients, the Company has launched

31, 2009, the Group earned Rs. 6.7 billion

Enterprise DSL, I-Sentry (IP video moni-

Profit after Taxation i.e. a 13% growth

toring and surveillance solution), man-

compared to same period last year.

aged services and also soft launched

the country are a few examples.

“

President PTCL Walid Irshaid commenting on the results said, we strive hard to ensure the high standards of quality that our valued customers expect from us. Now customers can experience the Internet at its fastest with high-speed access from Broadband Pakistan

“

During last year, PTCL has continued

Tele-presence for the first time in Pak-

its strategy of developing new sources of

istan. Also, Data Centers equipped with

income, on the Commercial side. The

latest technologies are being established

Company remained focused, inter-alia,

at Karachi and Lahore with the objective

Mr. Walid Irshaid, President PTCL

on enhancing Broadband penetration

to provide data-hosting as well as disas-

and accordingly PTCL achieved 85% mar-

ter-recovery services to our valued corpo-

President PTCL Walid Irshaid com-

ket share by acquiring about 336,000 cus-

rate customers. Another initiative is the

menting on the results said “We strive

tomers spread over 200 cities in Pakistan.

on-going project to equip over four thou-

hard to ensure the high standards of

During the period under review, ‘Evo’ –

sand (4,000) schools with IT labs under

quality that our valued customers expect

the wireless Broadband based on 3G

the auspices of Government of Punjab.

technology with nationwide roaming for 36 | More | February 2010

For the PSTN customers, various innova-

from us. Now customers can experience the Internet at its fastest with high-speed www.apnatime.com

{Month in focus} access from Broadband Pakistan, simulta-

Another service that has thrilled the

In order to reduce the communication

neously, enjoy Voice service over the

industry is PTCL’s Wi-fi facility with its

cost in the corporate sector, its audio con-

same telephone line without any extra

fixed line broadband service that will give

ferencing platform has introduced new

cabling connections! Broadband Pakistan

the PTCL Broadband customers the abil-

state of art service ‘Personal Collaborator’.

oﬀers DSL service with unmatched relia-

ity to use high speed and secure broad-

The aim of this conference service is

bility, aﬀordability and connectivity

band services anywhere in the house.

to connect national and global workforce

He further added this reflects our

This service will provide wire free con-

of corporate clients and small businesses,

commitment to add value to the lives of

nectivity to all WiFi enabled devices like

where clients immediately can support

our customers and provide them access

desktops, laptops, PSP, cell phones etc

virtual meetings of up to 10 users.

to the most sophisticated and advanced

with strong WiFi signals up to 54MBPS,

services with Automation of processes,

with a secure password which enables

operational costs optimization, commis-

protection to avoid any misuse.

sioning of Next Generation Networks, de-

PTCL is oﬀering this customer friendly

velopment of nationwide backbone

WiFi service at an additional charge of

EVP Customer Care Jamil Khawaja has

“

SEVP commercial Naveed Saeed Stated, by launching this service, PTCL again has reinforced its commitment to provide our customers with updated technology at value added cost and with no additional cost for Broadband customers with smart TV service

“

infrastructure, and propagation of broad-

only Rs 200 per month. However, the

band services among few of the envi-

service has no extra cost for the cus-

sioned objectives for the near future.”

tomers having Broadband with the smart

PTCL is oﬀering special 30% discount

TV service. The package also includes a

package for the students on 1 Mbps con-

WiFi USB to enable customer’s desktop pc

nection on high speed broadband serv-

to be used on the WiFi service.

Naveed Saeed, SEVP Commercial, PTCL

stated that PTCL audio conferencing solu-

ices. The company says, it is giving better

SEVP Commercial Naveed Saeed

tions has been designed in a way so as to

services to growing student segment of

Stated, “By launching this service, PTCL

keep the usage easy with economical

Broadband customers in recent years

again has reinforced its commitment to

billing packages while allowing the cus-

with the confidence that this package will

provide our customers with updated

tomer’s organization to collaborate with

continue to facilitate students in their ed-

technology at value added cost and with

their customers, staﬀ and partners located

ucational requirements.

no additional cost for Broadband cus-

both in Pakistan and internationally, thus

EVP Multimedia and broadband, Syed

tomers with smart TV service. This is an-

enhancing their work productivity.

Zomma Mohiuddin said that the aim be-

other milestone towards reinforcing

This service is being oﬀered both in

hind oﬀering this package is to provide

positive image of PTCL Broadband as a

English and Urdu with reservation-less in-

uninterrupted service to all our existing

customer centric organization

stant meeting, where customer’s employ-

and new student customers. He also said

EVP Multimedia and broadband, Syed

ees keep the same dial-in number and

that we take this opportunity to thank the

Zomma Mohiuddin said that the aim of

pin code so meetings can be started at a moment’s notice.

loyal customers of PTCL in displaying great

launching this service was to make the

faith in Broadband services being oﬀered.

fixed line broadband service available to

PTCL is determined to develop sys-

All other packages of greater than 1

multiple people in the house at the same

tems and services that are customer-cen-

Mbps i.e., 2 Mbps and 4 Mbps on high

time on a single connection, thereby pro-

tric and customer-friendly. As part of that

speed broadband services will not have the

viding users with the fastest Broadband

endeavor PTCL is exploring new horizons

student package discount applicable which

connectivity with the added convenience

of technology to provide its customers

is eﬀective from 1st March 2010 onwards.

of roaming anywhere within in the house.

best value of their money.

www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 37

{Month in focus}

Telenor send Areeb Iqbal to South Africa “areeb iqbal” has won the finals of the competition and will be flying to south africa for the world finals of red Bull street style.

what is “red Bull street style”? “Red Bull Street Style” is a new event that aims to unite the loosely organized international scene that has grown up around “Freestyle Football“ under a single banner. It’s a competition about artistry with a soccer ball that is taking place in 41 nations, with the winners of the national contests advancing to the world finals in Brazil.

how, when and where did freestyle football originate? It’s impossible to pinpoint exactly when and where it began because people have been performing tricks with soccer balls for ages. But there was a notable increase in the buzz around Freestyle Football at the start of the 21st century that came largely from urban areas. The roots lie much deeper, however, with legends such as Pele or Maradona considered early pioneers with their great technical ball-handling skills. The trend continued with latter-day stars such as Ronaldinho, Beckham and others carrying the torch.

when exactly do the finals take place? The finals will take place in November/December in Sao Paulo. More exact details will be published at a later date.

PTA to study MVNO, 3G and 4G in 2010 Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has successfully achieved 95 percent of its Targets and Goals for the year 2009 and set new Targets and Goals for the year 2010. The Annual Meeting was held at PTA Headquarters, Islamabad wherein progress of Division and Directorates of PTA for the year 2009 was reviewed and proposed Targets and Goals for the year 2010 were discussed and finalized. Chairman PTA. Dr. Mohammed Yaseen chaired the session. It was decided in the meeting that during the year 2010, PTA Commercial Aﬀairs Division will carry out Consultation Paper on Charging of Calls to Toll Free Numbers from n

38 | More | February 2010

Mobile, Broadband tariffs-Benchmark Study, Financial analysis of Mobile Operators and some other studies. The Enforcement Division, along with other tasks, will conduct QoS surveys of different telecom services in the country. The Finance Division of PTA will work on the Comparative Study of MVNO with different Countries, Review of Mergers and Acquisitions in the Telecom Sector of Pakistan and some other studies. PTA Strategy and Development (S&D) Division will conduct different studies including study on Status of 4G and 3G deployments globally and way forward for Pakistan.

The Licensing Division will carry out studies on Regulatory Changes in WLL Regime in line With Technological Advancements, 3G Licensing, and Low Power GSM Trends etc. The Law & Regulations Division will work on the preparation of Research Papers on different topics including Unification of License: Provision of Coveraged Services i.e. voice, video and data under one Umbrella and their Regulatory Issues etc. The ICT Directorate will conduct consultancy on recommending various strategies for improving Telecom market in Pakistan and will be responsible for carrying out some other important tasks. www.apnatime.com

{Month in focus}

Two Numbers in One SIM by Zong n ZONG has introduced‘Chine-Ease’one SIM two numbers, an additional service for ZONG postpaid subscribers. Chine-Ease is a service through which subscribers using international roaming services will be given roaming facilities in China at the cheapest rates. ‘Chine-Ease’ subscribers will be given a ‘China Mobile’ number, mapped with their ZONG number; enabling them to have two numbers on one SIM. Thus, the China Mobile number will serve as the calling number, when the subscriber is in China. The ZONG number will serve as the calling number when the subscriber is in Pakistan

or in any other country. The calling number is switched automatically, according to the registered network and location while incoming calls can be received on both numbers. This service will allow subscribers to avail the cheapest rates on roaming while in China and at the same time have the convenience of carrying their regular ZONG SIM. Awais Malik, Director Segment, Products & International Business, ZONG, while expressing his views said that the new service would particularly benefit people who travel frequently to China and do not want

the inconvenience of purchasing local SIMs for making calls . ZONG has again produced a highly innovative and affordable service for its subscribers. The Chine-Ease tariff is very cost effective; it is even less than half of China roaming tariff being offered by other operators in Pakistan. Moreover, as the calling number is switched automatically there is no inconvenience to the subscriber. During initial phase the Chine-Ease service has been offered in Beijing, Guangdong, Zhejiang and Xinjiang provinces with plans to expand the service to other parts of China.

Ufone to hold Capacity Building Workshop for Journalists

Mr. Afzal Butt, President National Press Club, Mr. Abrar Khan, Chief Marketing Oﬃcer, Ufone, Mr. Tariq Chaudary, Ex-President National Press Club and other oﬃcials at the reception hosted by Ufone in the honor of recently elected Governing body of National Press Club, Islamabad n Appreciating the role played by Pakistani media in providing information to the people in very trying times, Ufone has announced a capacity building initiative that will train journalists for reporting in security sensitive situations.

Akbar Khan, Chief Marketing Oﬃcer at Ufone announced the initiative at a dinner hosted in the honor of the elected cabinet of the National Press Club Islamabad. The capacity building workshop will be held with international trainers in the month of April this year. Speaking on the occasion he said that both the cellular industry and the media had shown tremendous growth in the last decade and have empowered the people by providing them access to information. He congratulated the newly elected members of the National Press Club cabinet and expressed confidence that that their tenure will bring further improvements to the important organization like National Press Club. President National Press Club Afzal Butt thanked Ufone for inviting the elected body and emphasized that telecommunication and media were interconnected in many ways and support each other. He hoped that the cooperation between Ufone and the National Press club will further grow. He proposed a few steps to strengthen the relationship with the journalist community.

LG’s highest earnings in its history n LG Electronics reported record revenues and operating profits in the fourth quarter of 2009, reflecting the results of the company’s successful strategy and competitiveness during the current recession. Record sales and operating profits were reported for the three months ending Dec. 31, 2009. Sales on a global basis rose 6.8 percent to USD 12.2 billion year-over-year. Operating profit was up to USD 382 million resulting in a margin of 3.1 percent, 2.3 percent points higher than the fourth quarter last year. The LG Home Entertainment Company saw fourth quarter sales rise by 18 percent to USD 5.0 billion, returning an operating profit

www.apnatime.com

of USD 232 million for a margin of 4.6 percent, 5.2 percent points higher than the previous year, as a result of strong product leadership and rising demand for LCD TVs and Plasma TVs. Unit sales of total flat panel TVs jumped 52 percent year-over-year to 6.6 million sets from 4.3 million. Quarter-overquarter unit growth was also seen in both LCD TVs and Plasma TVs, 38 percent and 29 percent respectively. Annual sales reached USD 15.3 billion, jumping 19.9 percent from the previous year, mainly led by record unit sales of 19.5 million flat panel TVs. The LG Mobile Communications Company reported sales of USD 3.6 billion in sales, 7.4 percent lower than the 2009 fourth quarter.

Operating profit of USD 48 million in the 2009 period resulted in a margin of 1.3 percent. Handset revenues were USD 3.3 billion, a 5 percent decline from the same quarter in 2008, while operating profit reached USD 57 million, resulting in a margin of 1.7 percent. Unit shipments of handsets saw an increase of 32 percent year-over-year and 7 percent quarter-overquarter to 33.9 million units, which resulted in a record 117.9 million units being sold in 2009 versus 100.7 million units in 2008 due to robust growth in North America, Europe and emerging markets. Price erosion and an increase in marketing expenses for year-end inventory clearance and emerging market channel expansion resulted in lower profitability compared to the third quarter. February 2010 | More | 39

{Month in focus}

Kingston Boosts Speed, no price increase standalone unit or with a bundled solution for desktop or notebook systems. There is no need to reload the operating system or do anything that would alter critical data files. The included cloning software makes it simple to move the contents of the existing hard-disk drive (HDD) to the SSD. “Kingston has really increased the performance on the new second generation SSDNow V Series drive without raising the price, and maintaining pricing will be huge for our customers,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston.

Basic features sequential speed n

Kingston Digital’s second generation SSDNow V Series solidstate drive (SSD)are targeted for mainstream consumers and small and medium businesses, the new Kingston SSDNow V Series oﬀers higher performance than its predecessor and supports Windows 7 TRIM functionality while maintaining pricing. Capacities are 30GB, 64GB and 128GB and the drive comes as a

n n

128GB: up to 200MB/sec. read; 160MB/sec. write 64GB: up to 200MB/sec. read; 110MB/sec. write 30GB: up to 180MB/sec. read; 50MB/sec. write

pcMark hdd 2005 n n n

128GB: 20,177 64GB: 21,317 30GB: 18,900

MTV VJs Dino and Navin endorsing the Dell Consumer notebooks. "Yours is Here", the tagline for Dell Consumer is about the colorful personalities that make up this world and they can express themselves through Dell.

Nubla Iftikhar,Marketing Manager for Consumer and SMB at Dell sharing a light moment with MTV VJ, Dino. Dino is holding a Cherry Red Inspiron 1440. 40 | More | February 2010

Provincial Minister Sindh Shazia Marree, C.E.O Mr. Asad Sibtain & Country Manager Mr. Tauseef Khan at soft Launch of ASUS at PC Hotel Karachi. www.apnatime.com

{Month in focus}

3rd TeleCON-2010 on April 24 in Lahore The 3rd Global Telecommunication Congress 2010 (TeleCON 2010) with a special emphasis on “Taking Pakistan to the Next Level of Technology Frontiers” is being organized on April 24 at the Pearl Continental Hotel-Lahore by SHAMROCK Conferences International. This high profiled forum is held annually, under the patronage of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). TeleCON-2010 is the third in a successful series of Telecom conferences designed to assemble the Industry-Specialists, Regulators, Technologists, Speakers and investors from national and global institutions, including the Government and Private sectors. These experts will discuss challenges & opportunities to equip this dynamic sector with revolutionary modern technology available in the developed world. Deliberations on Forn

eign-Direct Investment during the global economic revival will also be held. Ammad Hassan Shah, Head of Conferences at SHAMROCK Conferences International (SCI) said, “The national telecom objectives and policies need prompt realignment with the rapid technological advancements in global telecom. Over the years, this forum has inspired innovative initiatives for evolved operations in Rural Area Connectivity, Broadband, Wireless Access, Connectivity, Mobility, Safety and Security.” Similar to the TeleCON forums in the past, the upcoming moot will attract leading names from prominent telecom organizations. Proactive leaders in Telecom, GSMA and the Cyber technologies are expected to share their wisdom to enable seamless, instant connectivity throughout Pakistan, delivering highest quality and futuristic capabilities.

Viper Technology one of the leading IT solution companies in Pakistan, steps forward in creating server technology awareness through its mall based activities, with an idea to bring the high-end technology forward through the direct consumer interaction. Picture shows Viper representative explaining a customer about Viper Server.

A recent survey on the topic, “why new computers are sold less than the old ones”, was conducted by MORE team. Reviews and feedback of prominent hardware sellers are mentioned below; saqib iqbal, Branch Manager, Galaxy computers says, it is good that Government is focusing on IT sector at the same time Government should review the tax policy on the computers and related hardware. The current tax rate is very high and causing low revenue for the government. Revenue can be increased if the policy makers could make it favorable for the traders. Due to smuggled and used computers, 30 % - 40 % of genuine business is aﬀected in the negative way.

emad saeed, ceo, surge enterprise says the market for the computer and hardware is badly aﬀected due the smuggled goods and used items being imported illegally. If a new Dual Core is sold at Rs. 20,000, a similar used one is available for Rs. 10,000. How can we convince a customer to buy an expensive item? It would have been much easier to convince the buyer if diﬀerence between the price of new and used was not more than 20%. Government is not taking any action to bring this industry back to life. Stake holders should act immediately. www.apnatime.com

Muhammad halim, ceo decent computers says people are buying used computers more than the new ones. Schools and colleges use old computers whereas corporate sector rely on the new computers. A used computer is available for Rs. 6,000 whereas nearly Rs. 30,000 is the price of new computer. This is huge diﬀerence. Taxes should be low so that prices could be brought down.

Muhammad rehan anwar, ceo, Gs computers says, dealers remove Hard Disks and RAMs from used imported computers and install these components in the new computers and then sell them on higher profits. 90% of the dealers are involved in such activity. Only 10% of dealers are selling new computers in a proper way. Since the duties on used computers are very low that is why they are being imported very easily and in bulk. Importers of used computers do not mention the true value of their items at port hence they pay less tax and duties and gain maximum profits. All these activities have damaged the new computers industry. February 2010 | More | 41

{Latest in tech} waterproof kindle n An Amazon Kindle is seen inside an M-Edge Accessories Guardian case floating in. The molded plastic Guardian case floats and safeguards Kindles in water up to one meter deep for those wanting to use them in the bath or pool. The case allows the Kindle navigation buttons and keyboards to be used fully through flexible sealed button cutouts.

vectorform's surfacedJ music mixing application 3M Touch Systems communications manager Tim Holt demonstrates Vectorform's SurfaceDJ music mixing application on a 3M 22-inch, 10-finger Multi-touch Display. The unit will be available in March 2010 for USD 1,500 and can be used like many touch screens but can handle so much data, combined with a high resolution and HD, that it is aimed at higher end users in the medical and engineering fields. The screen even works when a user is wearing surgical gloves. n

“year of tiger” usB drive n Kingston Digital launched another interesting USB and termed it as “Year of Tiger” USB drive. Kingston’s LimitedEdition “Chinese New Year” USB drives with twelve zodiac animal symbols have been popular since the “Year of Pig” USB drives rocked the market back to the year 2007. Kingston Limited-Edition “Year of Tiger” USB drive will not only fulfill your needs for data storage but also serve as a seasonal greeting delivered by Kingston, which will bring you unfailing good fortune and luck in 2010.

42 | More | February 2010

n A chimpanzee in the Budongo Trail at Edinburgh Zoo holds a chimp-proof camera in Edinburgh, Scotland. The 11 chimps at the zoo are being featured in a BBC Natural World Documentry. They have been taking part in a voluntary study called 'The Chimpcam Project', a collaboration between the Royal Zoological Society , the University of Stirling and Burning Gold productions. The chimps have experienced video streaming for the first time, learned how to use touch screen technology and have been given the camera to shoot their own footage.

tinniest usB n Tuﬀ-'N'-Tiny 8GB USB Drives by Verbatim are displayed. The devices measure 1.19 x 0.5 x 0.06 inches.

www.apnatime.com

{Latest in tech} French designer Philippe Starck presenting a new line of Micro Wind Turbines in Milan. Starck, creator of chic hotels, high-tech lamps and modern-style furniture, has turned his attention to energy with the design of two sleek micro wind-power turbines aimed at domestic use. Starck on Wednesday unveiled the "Revolutionair" turbines, made by Italy's Pramac which makes power generation equipment, after two years of work on the project.

save energy n The 304 Series luminaires, BetaLED's first luminaire to achieve landmark performance of over 100 lumens per watt (LPW), have the potential to make a significant impact on our environment by saving as much as 70 percent in energy use.

n MagicJack CEO and founder Dan Borislow holds up the new and improved MagicJack. The company behind the MagicJack, the cheap Internet phone gadget heavily promoted on TV, has made a new version of the device that allows free calls from cell phones in the home.

n On the display is a boom box playing an Apple iPhone. The boom box can record radio to an MP3 or SD card.

The Powertech Slim USB charger. The device plugs directly into a wall outlet and lets you charge up USB gadgets while a normal three-pronged plug is plugged into the socket. Consider the device something of portable power strip, handy for the traveler running low on computer ports and hotel room outlets. n

An iPod is shown docked in a prototype of Cydle's i30 ATSC Mobile TV handheld. The company says it is the first device to bring mobile digital TV to smartphones.

www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 43

{tips and tricks |

Darren Rowse

}

These days digital cameras are found in a variety of other gadgets – including cell phones. In fact Camera Phones are one of the fastest growing segments of the digital camera market. Unfortunately many of the pictures being taken with Camera Phones are poor in quality. This might partially be a result of lower quality cameras – but it is also often a result of poor photographic technique. n

Light your subject well

Get close to your subject

keep still

The better lit your subject is the clearer

One of the most common mistakes

As with all digital photography, the

your image is likely to be. If possible shoot

with camera phone images is that their

steadier your camera phone is when taking

outside or turn on lights when shooting in-

subject ends up being a tiny, unrecogniz-

your shot the clearer your image will be.

side. If you’re turning on lights in a room to

able object in the distance. Camera

This is especially important in low light

add extra light to your shot be aware that

phone images tend to be small due to

situations where the camera will select

artificial light impacts the color cast in your

low resolution (although this is changing)

longer shutter speeds to compensate for

shots and you might want to experiment

– so fill up your view finder with your sub-

the lack of light. One trick is to lean your

with white balance to fix it.

ject to save having to zoom in on the sub-

camera phone (or the hand holding it)

Some cameras come with a built in flash or light – this can really lift a shot and add

ject in editing it later (which decreases

against a solid object (like a tree, wall, ledge)

quality even more).

when taking shots.

Having said this, getting too close on

Keep in mind that many camera

(in a sense it becomes a fill flash). If your cam-

some model camera phones creates dis-

phones also suﬀer from ’shutter lag’ (ie the

era doesn’t have a flash or light you should

tortion and focusing issues (particularly if

time between when you press the shutter

avoid shooting into bright lights as you’ll end

the camera phone doesn’t have a macro

and when the camera takes the shot can be

up with subjects that are silhouetted.

or close focusing mode).

a second or so). This means you need to

clarity to it, even if you’re shooting outside

44 | More | February 2010

www.apnatime.com

{tips and tricks} hold the camera still a little longer to ensure

zooms’ – these are fine to use as they don’t

it doesn’t take a shot as you’re lowering it

enlarge your subject by enlarging pixels.

away from the subject. n n

edit images later

experiment with white balance An increasing number of camera

Whilst it can be fun to use your camera

phones come with adjustable white bal-

phone’s inbuilt editing and eﬀects, editing

ance which allows you to modify color bal-

pictures later on your computer produces

ance in your images based on shooting

much better quality images. Take your

conditions. Experiment with this feature to

shots in color at high resolution to keep

get a good feel for the impact that it has on

your options open on how to treat it later.

your shots. I find that it impacts diﬀerent

You can always make it black and white

camera phones diﬀerently. Read your man-

dirty and can easily become damaged – fin-

on your computer, but you can’t make it

ual to find out how it works on your phone.

gerprints are a common problem on cam-

take loads of shots and experiment

have a lens cover. From time to time clean

color if you take it in Black and White mode

era lenses – especially if your phone doesn’t n

The beauty of all forms of digital photography (including that of camera phones)

the lens of your camera using a soft cloth (sunglasses cleaning cloths are great).

is the ability to shoot oﬀ many shots quickly and without cost. This means you can ex-

don’t throw away ‘mistakes’

observe camera phone etiquette While there is no formal set of rules for

sition and discard those that you don’t want

using camera phones – it is worth consid-

to keep.

ering how you use it and what impact it

Camera phones are particularly good

might have upon others. There are many

for experimenting with new angles and

cases of camera phones being abused to

perspectives – shoot from down low, up

take sneaky or voyeuristic photos. Ask per-

high, close up etc and you’ll end up with in-

mission to photograph strangers, consider

teresting and fun shots.

restrictions on the use of cameras in places

Remember that on many phones the quality of the screen will not be as good as

periment with diﬀerent modes and compo-

like theaters and concerts etc. n

follow rules of composition

your computer’s. So if possible hang onto

Learn some basic composition ‘rules’.

your shots until you can get them on your PC.

(for example – the rule of thirds – i.e. don’t

use the highest resolution possible on your camera phone

You might just find that they come alive on a

place your subject squarely in the middle of

Some phones allow you to choose

quality monitor. You’ll also find that even‘mis-

your frame but a third of the way in). Simple

what resolution you want to take photos

takes’and blurred shots can actually be quite

tips like this can bring life toyour photos.

at. It almost goes without saying (but we

But then also remember that the

usable (in an abstract kind of way)

like to state the bleeding obvious) that

beauty of a camera phone is its ability to

the higher your resolution the clearer

break all conventions – some of the best

your shot will be. This is especially true for

As tempting as it might be to zoom in on

shots around break all the rules. So shoot

camera phones which often have sensors

your subject when taking your picture (if you

from the hip, the floor, up high, up close –

of under 1 megapixel in them. Keep in

have a zoom feature on your camera phone),

anything goes.

mind however that the higher the resolu-

avoid using the digital zoom

tion the larger the file size of the images

if the zoom is a ‘digital zoom’ it will decrease the quality of your shot to use it (you’ll end

keep your Lens clean

you take – this means if you want to send

up with a more pixilated shot). Plus you can

One of the challenges with many cam-

always edit your shot later using photo edit-

era phones is keeping them maintained and

time to send.

ing software on your computer.

clean. Phones spend a lot of time in pockets,

writer is the editor and founder of

Of course some camera phones are be-

in bags and being used in all manner of

digital photography school

ginning to hit the market with ‘optical

weather and conditions. As a result they get

www.apnatime.com

images they can end up taking a long

February 2010 | More | 45

{GadGets}

46 | More | February 2010

February 2010 | More | 47

{GadGets}

48 | More | February 2010

www.apnatime.com

{GadGets}

ixus 210 n

Canon’s compact digital cameras are synonymous with

premium build quality, powerful performance and chic styling. This season’s new products, IXUS 130/105/210 and PowerShot SX210 IS are set to raise the bar with new and enhanced features to improve picture quality and creative expression. All the models are equipped with the DIGIC 4 image processor that oﬀers much faster image processing and improved noise reduction at high ISO sensitivities, and lens-shift type image stabilization for sharp image quality. With the exception of the IXUS 105, all new models can record 14.1 megapixel stills and HD movies (1280 x 720 at 30 fps) and feature Servo AF/AE that tracks a moving subject, maintaining optimum focus and exposure. New scene and shooting modes have also been added to improve functionality and image quality, and all models in the new range also support the SDXC memory card, facilitating fast data transfer and capacity of up to 2TB.

www.apnatime.com

February 2010 | More | 49

{GadGets} models to choose from. The IXUS 105 fea-

ixus 210: the largest screen, with touch af

image resolution 12.1 megapixels, and a

The sleekness of the IXUS 210 is accentu-

112mm) with wide-angle. LCD screen has

tures the DIGIC 4 processor with increased 4x optical zoom (35mm equivalent of 28-

ated by its 3.5-inch LCD screen – the

also been increased to 2.7 inches. The

largest among the new models. The

IXUS 105 also features the new Low Light

screen covers the entire back of the IXUS

scene mode.

210. A touch-sensitive widescreen (16:9),

ixus 130: Most compact

oﬀers intuitive camera operation without

Available in four attractive colours which

the need for many buttons, including

are also applied to the lens extension, the

Touch AF, where users can select objects

IXUS 130 is the lightest and slimmest of

and faces by simply touching them on the

IXUS yet, measuring only 17.8mm in

LCD. The IXUS 210 then automatically

width and weighing a scant 133g with

tracks these selected elements and main-

batteries. Yet within this svelte subtly

tains optimum focus and exposure.

curved case is a 4x zoom lens with 35mm

The IXUS 210 also oﬀers higher image res-

equivalent focal range of 28-112mm.

olution, with a 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor

Smart Auto mode has been enhanced in

coupled with a 5x zoom lens with 35mm

the latest models, where the camera can

equivalent focal range from an ultra-wide

powershot sx210 is: peak performance

detect and analyse subject and scene in-

24mm, to telephoto 120mm.

The PowerShot SX210 IS’s calling card is

formation to derive the most suitable

The IXUS 210 also features the new Fish-

formidable performance in a compact,

shooting mode for the best results.

eye Eﬀect, Miniature Eﬀect and Low Light

stylish camera. The PowerShot SX210 IS

New scene modes include Fish-eye eﬀect

scene modes and Smart Shutter.

features a 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor, and a 14x zoom lens, oﬀering an exceptionally

where photos simulate the eﬀect of a fisheye lens while retaining the rectangular

broad focal range between 28-392mm

aspect of the image without the circular

(35mm equivalent).

fish-eye distortion, and the Miniature Ef-

Unique to the PowerShot SX210 IS, is its

fect which gradually blurs the peripheral

ability to record HD movies with stereo

area of an image to increase emphasis of

audio. Smart auto which automatically

the subject to make it stand out.

detects 18 diﬀerent scenes and optical

There is also a Low Light mode where ISO

zoom are also available during movie

speed can be raised to 6400 to manage

recording.

diﬃcult shooting conditions. Another new feature is the Smart Shutter:

ixus 105: performance with value

In place of the former’s 4:3 screen, the PowerShot SX210 IS also features a 3-inch 16:9 wide screen LCD. Fish-eye Eﬀect,

beyond pressing the shutter or activating the shutter timer, the shutter can now be

For users who prize value and perform-

Miniature Eﬀect and Low Light scene

set to trigger with the detection of a face,

ance, the IXUS 105 oﬀers these in a pre-

modes are also new features in this

a smile or even via a wink!

mium build, with five attractive colour

model, along with Smart Shutter.

50 | More | February 2010

www.apnatime.com

{

www.apnatime.com

saddads

| cover story}

February 2010 | More | 51

{cover story |

52 | More | February 2010

saddads

}