MORE Magazine by more magazine

Volume 3 / Issue 8 March 2011

CO NTENTS INTERVIEW 10

INTEL WANTS IT TO FLOURISH IN PAKISTAN Intel is a leading organization in the world of Information Technology. Recently, Naveed Siraj has been given the task to lead Intel in Pakistan as its country head. We got a chance to discuss IT related matters with him.

COVER STORY The TVC assumes that this extreme state of negativity in our society has made it impossible for our sisters and daughters to leave their homes for jobs and education purposes. Contrary to this we see a very healthy picture when hundreds and thousands of our women go out daily to work in schools, universities, banks, private and government organizations.

REVIEW 14

SAMSUNG NEXUS S, GINGERBREAD PHONE It can be difficult to review a phone like Google's Nexus S in a world already populated by so many outstanding Android devices. Not only does the manufacturer of this phone make a series of handsets that are all essentially the same (the Galaxy S line), but countless other OEMs are cranking away on hardware for the platform. Of course, the Nexus S is a decidedly different phone altogether.

TELECOM 18

VIMPELCOM BECOMES WORLD’S SIXTH LARGEST OPERATOR Larger VimpelCom will have more than 173 million subscriber base with with pro forma net operating revenues of US$21.3 billion and pro forma EBITDA of US$9.4 billion for the year ended 31 December, 2009.

NOKIA BRINGS AFFORDABLE QWERTY PHONE IN PAKISTAN– NOKIA X2-01 Nokia’s continuous efforts of ‘connecting people in new and better ways’ are paying off as its strategy to offer something for everyone from every walk of life can be seen materializing with its promising new line of devices. X2-01 is the latest addition to this.

THIRD PARTY MOBILE BANKING REGULATION THIS YEAR – CHAIRMAN PTA Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Dr. Mohammed Yaseen has been selected as best Telecom leader for the year 2010. He received award as “Visionary Telecom Leader 2010” at 4th International Mobile Commerce Conference 2011 held at local hotel.

ILLEGA EXCHANGES RAIDED IN LAHORE AND PESHAWAR Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) jointly conducted two successful raids at Peshawar and Lahore and confiscated illegal gateway exchanges while three persons were apprehended.

EVO WIFI CLOUD, ANOTHER FEATHER IN PTCL'S CAP PTCL alone has more than half a million broadband customers under its belt grabbing more than 49 percent of market share. EVO Wifi Cloud, a new and attractive device for the broadband lovers is expected to increase pace of broadband sales.

MONTH IN FOCUS 24

MOBILINK PAYS BACK TO SOCIETY We all have a personal responsibility to each other and the world around us. Everything we do has an effect on other people. It is the same for businesses, large and small, public or private, that their actions affect a large number of stakeholders.

27-34 MONTH IN FOCUS 35-41 LATEST IN TECH 42 MOBILE PHONES 45 GADGETS 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 2106737 Email: info@apnatime.com Editor-in-Chief Mudassar Jehangir Mufti | Group Editor Sumaira Mudassar | Editor Halima Qureshi | Advertising Manager Qayyum Ahmed (Lahore), Mehdi Shah (Lahore) Designer Assaad Chughtai | Marketing Executive Syed Faisal Ahmed, Zain Zahid | International Correspondent Ireland: Alina Amir Registration No. PCPB 286 |US: Ovais Qureshi | 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.

Mudassar J. Mufti

We are witnessing the third ad

of “Kamoshi Ka Boycott” series in

extent where she should shout.

when hundreds and thousands of our

These rare cases I am talking about

women go out daily to work in schools,

which a girl is being abused by some

happen all over the world and most of

universities, banks, private and govern-

vagabonds and later by a rather aged

the time social forces come forward to

ment organizations.

guy who represents a character that

deal with it. It doesn’t happen this fre-

take pleasure in pinching girls.

quently in open the way Telenor Pak-

company was asked to comment on

istan is portraying.

this ad, she said, “This ad is not for me,

We know that gender abuse and discrimination prevails not only in Pak-

The TVC assumes that this extreme

A female manager of a private

what cause this particular ad would

istan but all over the world but we also

state of negativity in our society has

serve by showing this pessimism in

know that it doesn’t happen this fre-

made it impossible for our sisters and

our society. Yes there are incidents

quently. I have personally found it very

daughters to leave their homes for

which are very rare but that doesn’t re-

rare that few aimless young people are

jobs and education purposes. Contrary

quire to be filmed in a massive way.

following and abusing a girl to such an

to this we see a very healthy picture

For instance, if we believe in this situa-

6 / MORE March 2011

tion, how a SHOUT and sending SMS

paign, has Telenor Pakistan made sure

the society, Telenor Pakistan is looking

will help somebody fix the situation?”

that there is no existence of "Parchi"

to help realize possibilities for every-

Similarly, first two ads of this se-

culture within the company?

one. The insight behind the two cam-

quence are also defaming a certain

•

paigns is the same; to enable change

segment of our society, Teachers and

Boycott", how Telenor Pakistan will

by believing in oneself, be it through

Employers.

streamline the huge anger of youth

speaking out or realizing a dream. The

that this campaign will produce or

goal behind the campaigns is to create

vertiser intended to show positive as-

generate against the society and the

a better future for Pakistan.

pect of Pakistanis. The only thing it

system, can you share it with us. Will

Nowhere in these ads has the ad-

After the success of "Khamoshi Ka

On the topic of Parchi, Mr. Aamir

focuses on is the level of FRUSTRA-

Telenor provide a platform for this?

Atta has already written a detailed

TION, which every political and even

•

story on his blog where he published

the anti-Pakistani elements today

"Khamoshi Ka Boycott" are two oppo-

the version of Telenor’s spokesperson.

wants to make use of by exploiting it

site campaigns, one is highlighting

Aamir writes, she denied the existence

for their vested interest. Is Telenor be-

and supporting the creativity of Pak-

of favoritism and Safarish in her com-

coming a part of it?

istanis and other is showing an entire

pany but confirmed that there are con-

negative face of our society? Why Te-

tinued requests and pressures from

If Telenor desires to see this nation

Do you believe "Karo Mumkin" and

“ The TVC assumes that this extreme state of nega-

tivity in our society has made it impossible for our sisters and daughters to leave their homes for jobs and education purposes ”

the government entities including PTA for hiring people which Telenor Pakistan does not entertain. Whereas, sources within the company revealed that there are numbers of people working at Telenor Pakistan

rising and growing which apparently

lenor had to change its course from

who have been hired on the basis of

the slogan is then we may expect

optimism to pessimism, is it all about

favoritism.

more ads showing the voice against

generating sales only?

fake degree holders sitting in the par-

A day later, Telenor’s spokesperson was

raising various questions that need to

liament, Hajj Corruption, Match fixing

asked to send the following reply;

be answered. As Telenor says,

and dozen other things which are of

•

concern to a common man. And later,

monly faced issues in the youth, is a

management should turn these agitat-

serious concern for all responsible em-

will evolve through a number of phases

ing voices into a revolutionary move-

ployers. While Telenor Pakistan has

and these will be rolled out over the

ment which probably could ultimately

been declared the most preferred em-

next few months”, if someone could

change our destination. But so far it is

ployer and the Best place to Work – a

gauge and calculate the impact of digi-

all ambiguous.

testament of the values that have

tal media keeping in the view the cur-

We tried to know what “Khamoshi

‘Parchi’ being one of the most com-

Lack of clarity in Telenor’s versions is

“Khamoshi Ka Boycott is a platform for the youth to speak out. The campaign

been established in the company, it is

rent state of disturbance in Arab

Ka Boycott” campaign will do to Pak-

always striving for further improve-

countries, it is easier to guess the mag-

istanis in next few months so people

ment to sustain transparency in its

nitude of any such thing that could pos-

could have a better idea that when

processes and practices.

sibly hit Pakistan when, especially,

they are sending paid SMSes to Te-

•

budget season is just around, govern-

Khamoshi Ka Boycott is a platform

lenor, it is not for the sack of giving

for the youth to speak out. The cam-

ment is entirely busy in saving itself,

them revenue only. For this we sent

paign will evolve through a number of

people are furious over issues like price

following questions to Mr. Aamir

phases and these will be rolled out

hike, corruption and terrorism.

Ibrahim, CMO, Telenor.

over the next few months.

•

"Parchi" is a part of almost every

Khamoshi Ka Boycott and Karo

Timing of this campaign and the way negativity in our society is being shown

organization in Pakistan, before going

Mumkin are different faces of the

is raising serious questions about the

ahead with this revolutionary cam-

same idea. By acting as an enabler in

creator of Khamoshi Ka Boycott. MORE / 7 March 2011

India and Pakistan share lots of common things even the presence of Telenor. Both the countries have similar issues. Contrary to Telenor Pakistan, one of Indian companies, TATA Tea has made use of creative TVCs to pinpoint those issues which are eating India. At the same time, it provides a way out to deal with worsening situation hence educating the entire nation in a very soft and patriotic manner. Not only TATA but there are dozens of companies doing the same. I am sure that most of the readers have seen these ads on various channels but we would really like Telenor to see and learn from them because nowhere in these ads companies have asked the public

Disabled comments on Khamoshi Ka Boycott video can be seen in the picture

to scream and stand against the system but they do serve the cause. In its response Telenor has claimed that “the goal behind the campaigns is

been disabled – what does Khamoshi Ka Boycott means to Telenor? It’s not the Pakistani media which

Arguments about young people's vulnerability tend to be used as a justification for denying them access to

to create a better future for Pakistan”,

is talking about the negativity and its

knowledge and power. There is consid-

it is easier said than done. Being a

impact on youth. There is a report

erable room for debate

commercial organization when you are

compiled by United Nations few years

putting lots of funds into something

back named as World youth report

“harmful” or “unsuitable”. A more pro-

you can’t rule out a decent revenue

2005: young people today and in 2015

tectionist approach might well deny

out of it and this is what Mr. Aamir

that provides a clear guideline for air-

young people access to much of what

Ibrahim talks about in his presenta-

ing anything related to youth. Under

they are exposed to

tion. The crux of his speech is,

the Protection of young people's

in everyday life, whether through

media rights, according to report,

various media or within their own envi-

“We are creating excitement through TV ads now it is upto sales

Certainly the most familiar asser-

about what should be regarded as

ronment. New distribution technologies

team who will make this campaign a

tion in the present context is that

significantly undermine the possibility

success”.

young people need to be protected

of regulation either by the Government

If selling SIMs through creating ex-

from harm. Young people, like adults,

or within the home. On both philosoph-

citement among the youth is the rea-

should not be exposed to material

ical and pragmatic grounds, it may be

son behind this eye opening campaign

they have not knowingly chosen to be

necessary to work towards the develop-

then Telenor must review its policy be-

exposed to, or that might prove “inju-

ment of a system that supports self-reg-

fore it’s too late.

rious to [their] well-being”. In many

ulation by young people themselves.

Another area where Telenor is not

countries there are laws against child

There is ample time for Telenor Pak-

acting in line with its own campaign is

pornography, indecent displays, and

istan to review its stance. Earlier, they

its Youtube movie-- making of

incitement to racial hatred, as well as

have always given respect to the online

Khamoshi Ka Boycott. Company

strict codes of practice concerning

and print media and this time we also

doesn’t want to give its viewers a sim-

false claims in advertising, the inva-

expect same level of commitment from

ple right to comment on this video,

sion of privacy, and depictions of sex

them. Also, we would like them to cor-

therefore, the right to comment has

and violence.

rect us where we are wrong. g

8 / MORE March 2011

Mudassar J. Mufti

MORE / 9 March 2011

MORE Team

10 / MORE March 2011

Intel is a leading organization in the world of Information Technology. Recently, Naveed Siraj has been given the task to lead Intel in Pakistan as its country head. We got a chance to discuss IT related matter with him. Following is what we talked about; Tell us about yourself and how Intel sees IT in Pakistan? I am Naveed Siraj and working with

positive impact has been observed it has been found that investment and infra-

industry as well as home segment. Home segment is basically untapped

structure by the governments are essen-

in Pakistan. We have the lowest PC pen-

tial prerequisites. Therefore, in order to

etration rate in the world and steps such

very new to Intel but not new to indus-

obtain the advantages of a higher

as GST exemption for the IT product will

try. I have about 18 years of association

broadband penetration the government

further increase adoptability. This indus-

with the industry so I understand the is-

has to invest in the infrastructure.

try is still in its nascent phase that is why

Intel Pakistan as Country Manager. I am

sues and opportunities in Pakistani IT industry quite well. From a very high level perspective Intel is a leader in innovation and tech-

Yes, government of Pakistan has invested in the IT sector. They have created

I want IT to be supervised by the government in a true manner.

favorable IT policies in the past where it encouraged industry to adopt the IT in a

nology which is essential in running

faster fashion, not only that, internally

todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enterprise business, we have a

within the ministries, there was a faster

very solid footprint in retail as well as

adoption of latest technology in terms

What is the current status of New Vs Used computers in Pakistan? It is a matter of concern for us on

small and medium level enterprise. We

of being able to provide better services

multiple levels. From investment point

want to focus on userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience, why,

to the communities at large.

of view, when investors look at Pakistan

because, from an enterprise perspective

Today, as far as infrastructure and

and see that there is a huge problem of

we want to make sure that businesses

policy is concerned; more needs to be

used and refurbished PCs, it raises

are enabled with the latest technology

done which could ensure that IT is af-

alarms.

based on our enterprise platform such

fordable for the man on the street.

a retail perspective we continue to invest in technology which enhances the experience of user with the devices.

We have estimated that used PCs end up costing the customer more than a

as Intel Xeon and Intel Itanium and from

How satisfy are you with the Tax regime?

ment of the old equipment which is four

In terms of policies, I think IT is the

or five generation older technology. Sup-

new pc because of the power require-

growth engine of our economy. Up till

pose today we have processors consum-

sive shift to the mobility, more cus-

2005-06 government supervised the IT

ing just 65 watts as compared to some of

tomers today prefer mobile products

industry. There was exemption of Gen-

the old PCs wasting 300 or more watts. In

such as notebooks, netbooks, tablets

eral Sales Tax (GST). Due to this exemp-

the long run it increases your power con-

and it shows that there is a tremendous

tion, it resulted in massive growth in

sumption manifold so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a misnomer to

potential in Pakistan as far as growth of

adoption of IT in Pakistan as GST exemp-

say that a used PC is cheap, instead, it is

Information Technology is concerned.

tion enabled affordability at all levels.

very expensive because the cost of main-

But that affordability has decreased dur-

taining and owning it is very high.

Today, you are observing an all perva-

We realize that more than 60 % of population is under the age of 25 this shows tremendous opportunity to work in the education sector.

What is the role of government to support IT in Pakistan?

ing the last 5 years.

From the policy perspective I think

If you look back, IT spending was nur-

import of used PC is a violation of multi-

tured at the highest level of government

ple international regulations. One is the

that needs to come back into policy making.

US Basel Convention which restricts the

Currently, we are encouraged by the

import of hazardous material into third

steps taken by the government to pro-

world countries. It is unfair that Pakistan

mote IT but In my opinion, if desktop

becomes the destination of the IT scrap

which says that increase in broadband

computers, notebooks and your tablets

in the world. Ministry of Environment,

penetration in a country positively con-

start enjoying exemption from the GST

Government of Pakistan has demon-

tributes to the growth in the economy.

we will see proliferation of IT once again

strated leadership by being signatory to

Having said that, in countries where this

which will have a direct impact on the

the UN convention but I think more

According to a World Bank study

MORE / 11 March 2011

needs to be done in implementing and

closely with our reseller channel.

monitoring this menace.

Why West allow used PC to be exported from there? The convention requires importers to obtain an NOC from the ministry of en-

vices including desktops, notebooks, tablets or smarpthones. This fact pro-

Do you believe that rising competition at the entry level products disturbs Intel now? I think we will continue to invest in the latest, smartest and coolest proces-

vironment but you can imagine this im-

sor technology. I can only speak for our

port is happening without obtaining

own organization, the Intel atom proces-

NOC. I can’t really answer why exporting

sor provides a perfect fit for affordable

countries have not been able to police

segment of the population and we will

this activity.

continue to work with our reseller chan-

vides added advantage to organizations such as Intel which have leadership in silicon technology. We have plans for smartphones and we will have the product coming in next 8 to 12 months.

What Intel is doing to support education and talent in Pakistan? We have a very long history of Intel

In my opinion, we need to continue

nels in order to ensure that we have the

education initiatives in Pakistan. Intel

to promote new technology as a major

reach in the country so that we are able

Pakistan Corporation was established in

business objective to ensure prolifera-

to cater to the segment of population

1997 and immediately after our estab-

tion of IT at a larger level. We need to

where there is limited budget available

lishment we ran a teacher training pilot

continue to work with the government

at the disposal of first time buyer of a PC.

project in which we trained 300 teach-

Intel monopolizes the PC market, why it isn’t the case in mobile domain?

Information Technology, building their

ers. It meant to make them familiar with

by emphasizing that used PC is counterproductive, it inhibits the capability of a student. How useful it would be for students of today if their exposure is limited to older technology which is being

I would take you back to 1997; we

skills in a class room environment because we feel that there is a generational gap between teachers and

imported into the country without any

were the first IT organization which es-

students in Pakistan. Through Intel

monitoring.

tablished its office in Pakistan. At that

Teach Program we enable them to inte-

time, there were very few IT companies

grate IT in their curriculum. By Decem-

with the registered offices in Pakistan.

ber 2010 we had successfully trained

Pakistan is a price conscious market, are there any plans for affordable new computers on installments with the help of banks and insurance companies? What we have been trying to do is that we work with resellers and show that we promote the latest technology.

I would sort of disagree with the word monopoly. We were one of the first to establish an extensive network of

over 280,000 teachers in Pakistan. Other initiatives include Intel Science and Engineering Fair where we have sci-

genuine Intel dealers. We educated

ence competition in the subjects of Math

them and shared with them the tech-

and Science. We start this program at

nology roadmap and gave them a view

district level and children are able to ac-

to larger IT landscape. Mobile market is a very interesting

tually articulate, collaborate with the sense of team work present in their

As far as affordability of technology is

market in itself because there is greater

ideas. The winners of district level go on

concerned we work with the channel.

usage of mobile phone and according to

and participate at provincial level and

The financing market by far has been a

PTA’s estimation nearly 60 % of our pop-

then we have a National Science Fair in

risk for us from the perspective of leas-

ulation owns a mobile phone which

which winners from the provincial levels

ing. However in the days to come you

ranks Pakistan very high as far as tele-

participate. We take five national win-

will see that there will be greater inter-

density ratio is concerned. Intel does

ners to the US to participate into interna-

ests from financial institutions to pro-

have a product coming out later this

tional Intel Science and Engineering Fair.

vide IT products at subsidized rates or

year for the smartphones and we aspire

on leased basis. But, at the moment we

to be one of the major players by the

track record of success in some of the

don’t see any major move in this direc-

year 2015.

international events. Our students

tion. In order to ensure that we continue to promote IT, we work very 12 / MORE March 2011

We recognize the importance of accessing internet through different de-

Pakistan has had a tremendous

won second prize in the year 2006 and 2007 as well.

Mudassar J. Mufti

MORE / 13 March 2011

Joshua Topolsky

It can be difficult to review a

ingly aimed less at the mainstream

major evolution of the Android OS,

phone like Google's Nexus S in a world

and more towards developers. Unlike

namely, Gingerbread (or version 2.3).

already populated by so many out-

the failed experiment of the Nexus

The update comes with a slew of new

standing Android devices. Not only

One, Google appears to be taking a

features alongside some UI improve-

does the manufacturer of this phone

more realistic approach to the S.

ments that show Google isn't slowing

make a series of handsets that are all

And what a device it is -- the Nexus

essentially the same (the Galaxy S

S boasts a 1GHz Hummingbird CPU,

line), but countless other OEMs are

512MB of RAM, a 4-inch, 800 x 480

down when it comes to pushing its mobile operating system forward.

Internal

cranking away on hardware for the

curved Super AMOLED display (dubbed

platform. Of course, the Nexus S is a

the Contour Display), 16GB of storage,

As we mentioned, the Nexus S

decidedly different phone altogether.

a 5 megapixel rear and VGA front-fac-

packs in a formidable amount of tech

Picking up where the company's Nexus

ing camera, and near field communi-

into its small frame (2.48 inches by

One left off, the S continues Google's

cation capabilities. But hardware is

4.87 inches, and 0.42 inches thick, in

legacy of creating standalone, "pure

only half the story here -- the big news

case you were wondering). Any device

Android" phone experiences, seem-

is that the Nexus S showcases the next

loaded up with a 1GHz Hummingbird

14 / MORE March 2011

CPU is sure to get our attention, and

Nexus S pumped out audio that was

how you slice it, 640 x 480 is tough to

the performance we've been seeing

crystalline to our ears.

take. We really wish Google would in-

with the S is nothing short of awesome. On a Neocore benchmark, we

clude a native video chat feature with

Camera We're impressed by the shooter on

its phones -- we're all for third-party apps, but a dedicated, codified piece of

scored a terrific 55.6fps, and general

the Nexus S, but there is something in

software from the mothership would

use of the OS is lightning fast with

the quality of its photos that still feel

go a long way to making the presence

nary a hiccup in sight. We also haven't

very phone-like to us. In particular, we

of this camera more useful.

run into any memory issues, and

felt that images looked washed out

Software

though having 16GB of storage on-

The big story with the Nexus S isn't

board is nice, we would have liked to see a microSD option here as well. Still,

really about the hardware. While there

the method which Gingerbread uti-

are some notable upgrades and

lizes the installed flash memory is ex-

changes on the front, what the phone

cellent, and for those of you who can

really represents is a gateway to the

live with a finite amount of space, this

next stage of Android, version 2.3 --

won't be an issue.

otherwise known as Gingerbread. For those expecting a sea change in the

Besides the storage and CPU, the

OS, we'll tell you up front that you'll be

device sports a Super AMOLED display at 800 x 480 (235 ppi) which looks gor-

disappointed. When we say evolution,

geous (if slightly yellowish) to our

we mean it. This is kind of the Snow

eyes. The device also has its fair share

Leopard of Android updates -- a lot of

of wireless radios, including tri-band

and grainy low lit situations. It could

motion behind the scenes, but not a

HSPA (900, 2100, and 1700MHz), and

be a fault of the auto white balance or

load of cosmetic and navigational

quad-band GSM / EDGE (850, 900,

ISO settings, but we certainly were

changes. There isn't a ton here that's

1800, 1900MHz), WiFi 802.11b/g/n,

able to produce better results with

dramatically different than Froyo, but

Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, A-GPS, and that

other phones in this class.

NFC chip you've been hearing all

The Nexus S camera seems to excel

about. There's also a gyroscope, ac-

at low-light images, pulling impressive

celerometer, and digital compass in-

detail in situations where we expected

side. We were a little disappointed to

much less. In fact, we can't say that

discover that Samsung didn't include a

we've seen a smartphone recently with

notification light on the device -- we

better low light performance. We're

like the reassuring blip telling us we've

not sure what this is attributable to,

got an email waiting.

but we're certainly happy about it. Unfortunately for video, the Nexus

Sound Quality The sound quality on the Nexus S is

S is still a slouch -- we're guessing this doesn't have to be the case, but there's

right up there with some of the best

no true HD option here. The highest

phones we've tested. Speakerphone

quality video you can shoot is 720 x

calls and music came through loud

480.

and clear over the external speaker,

As far as the front-facing camera

and we were downright wowed with

goes, it's pretty standard VGA fare,

how loud and clear the earpiece

which mean low-res, grainy, and arti-

sounded. Even when we were having a

facted. Maybe we're spoiled by all these

conversation in a crowded room, the

high resolution shooters, but no matter

A view of Android Market. MORE / 15 March 2011

there are some notable additions that are worth taking a deeper look at.

User interface Coming from Froyo, you won't see

while shooting. Other little updates include a new

in part to new threading that the company has added. Those changes allow

orange burst of color which happens

you to do things like tap the punctua-

when you reach the end of a long list,

tion key and then slide your finger to

and added transparency in menus, giv-

the character you want. Also, there are

massive changes to the look and feel

ing the OS a glassy feel. Additionally,

big improvements in word suggestion

of Gingerbread, but there are nice

the battery use and task manager

and selection, including new markers

have new views to graphically depict

which you can use to grab selections

usage on the phone. Speaking of task

of text.

managers, Google has now seen fit to add a proper menu option to the task manager right from the home screen

Under the hood Besides all the front-end stuff you

menu. We're guessing the popularity

can see, there's a lot that's less obvious

of third-party killers was enough to

happening in Gingerbread. Firstly,

convince the company that con-

Google has added integrated support

fronting the issue head on wasn't such

for VoIP / SIP calling, which means you

a bad thing after all. It's a welcome ad-

can plug in your favorite service and

dition here, and we found ourselves

access it through the native menus in

reaching for it fairly often (not due to

the OS. This won't appeal to everyone,

performance issues... just because

but there's definitely a certain seg-

we're fastidious when it comes to ap-

ment of users that will be stoked to

plication management).

see this feature.

The biggest change you'll notice,

What really gets our juices flowing,

however, comes in the form of the new

however, is the fact that Google seems

keyboard. Not only has the company

to be going full tilt on making Android

cleaned up and refined the look of the

a gaming platform. The company has

onscreen QWERTY, but it's added new

enriched the OS with a handful of new

tweaks and some cleanup that shows

functionality for word suggestions,

APIs and dev tools which improve na-

Google is moving in the right direction.

copy, paste, and selection. Addition-

tive code support and set the stage for

For starters, the status bar icons, win-

ally, the keyboard finally exhibits more

faster, better looking games (and other

dow shade, dialer, and some applica-

expected multitouch behavior, thanks

graphics-heavy applications as well). It

tions (and their icons) have gotten a

will be exciting to finally see develop-

fresh coat of paint. By the looks of

ers taking advantage of the formidable

things, Google is moving away from

hardware inside a lot of these devices.

the colorful, almost cartoonish look of

We don't know if the Nexus S is al-

previous OSs, and dipping into a more

ready utilizing some of these new

somber a sophisticated palette, mostly

tools, but as we said before, the OS

featuring shaded grays and blacks

seems blazingly fast and silky smooth

with green highlights. The company

when it comes to animations and tran-

has made some thoughtful choices in

sitions.

terms of user experience as well -- if

There's no shortage of great

you're synced with a Google account,

phones available right now, and

your status bar icons go from white to

there's no question that 2011 will

green, and instead of obscuring menus

usher in a flood of devices that make

on the camera app, there's now a row

2010's offerings seem forgettable.

of contextual items at your disposal

Courtesy: www.engadget.com

16 / MORE March 2011

Mudassar J. Mufti

MORE / 17 March 2011

ApnaTime.com

Mobilink will become a part of

decision which is in favor of the

Diana ben-Aaron writes on busi-

world’s sixth largest telecom operator

merger is slated to change the global

as a result of Vimpelcom-Orascom deal

telecommunication scenario. As a key

to issue new stock to Wind investors,

approved by Vimpelcom’s shareholders

subsidiary of Orascom Telecom Hold-

diluting current shareholders’ stakes,

recently. After the execution of deal by

ing, Mobilink welcomes this win and

was approved in a meeting today in

June 2011, Vimpelcom, based in Ams-

looks forward to becoming a part of

Amsterdam, VimpelCom said in a

terdam, will acquire Orascom owned

one of the biggest telecom players in

statement. Shareholders representing

nessweek.com that Vimpelcom’s plan

Wind Telecom, a large wireless operator with 117 million customers spread across Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Pakistan, North Korea and Canada, by the end of June after VimpelCom's shareholders approved the transaction. “Larger VimpelCom will have more than 173 million subscriber base with

“ Vimpelcom will acquire Orascom owned Wind Telecom, a large wireless operator with 117 million customers spread across Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Pakistan, North Korea and Canada, by the end of June ”

with pro forma net operating revenues of US$21.3 billion and pro

the world.” Rashid Khan, CEO Mo-

39.8 percent of the free floating

forma EBITDA of US$9.4 billion for the

bilink said while commenting on the

shares supported the resolution and it

year ended 31 December, 2009. The

decision.

passed with 53.3 percent of partici-

18 / MORE March 2011

pating votes, VimpelCom said in the statement. VimpelCom’s purchase of assets

will be reduced to 31 percent. “Now the decision is made, Telenor

voted against the proposed resolutions, leading to a narrow overall

will work constructively with Vimpel-

margin of victory for the supporters

from Egyptian billionaire Naguib

Com to make the acquisition work,” Te-

of the deal,” Melgaard said in a state-

Sawiris was opposed by Telenor ASA,

lenor spokesman Dag Melgaard said in

ment from Telenor.

one of its two main shareholders. The

an interview. The company will try to

$6.5 billion deal will double Vimpel-

maintain its stake through the arbitra-

Com’s mobile customer base to about

tion process it has started, he said.

173 million, adding subscribers in Italy, Canada, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Algeria to its clients in Russia, Ukraine

44.7 percent of votes in VimpelCom to Telenor’s 36 percent. Each has three seats on the board, which approved

Arbitration Procedure Telenor, the Nordic region’s largest

and other countries. VimpelCom an-

phone company, initiated an arbitra-

nounced the plan Oct. 4.

tion procedure on Jan. 28 to determine

“It’s a massive step, propelling the

Altimo supports the merger. It has

whether the merger is classified as a

the deal in January, with Altimo and independent directors in favor and Telenor opposed.

Telenor’s Proposal Izosimov urged shareholders to ap-

company into such a fast geographic

related party transaction, enabling

expansion from essentially being a re-

VimpelCom to issue the shares with-

prove the Wind acquisition in a March

gional player,” VimpelCom Chief Exec-

out offering them to Telenor and Al-

7 letter. He argued that the transac-

utive Officer Alexander Izosimov said in an interview. “We’re going into a completely different modus operandi and that is a big change.” The company expects to complete the transaction before June, he added. Under the terms of the deal, VimpelCom will own Sawiris’s Wind Telecom’s 51.7 percent stake in Egypt’s Orascom Telecom Holding SAE and all of Italian mobile operator Wind Telecomunicazioni SpA.

Diluted Stakes “The combined group will have a significantly diversified revenue base and potential synergies estimated to be $2.5 billion on a net present value basis,” Izosimov said in the statement. The new stock will give Wind Tele-

“ The new stock will give Wind Telecom’s investors 20 percent of VimpelCom’s shares outstanding and about 31 percent of voting rights. That will lower Telenor’s stake to 31.7 percent from 39.6 percent and decrease its voting proportion to 25 percent ”

tion would position Amsterdam-based VimpelCom in the top tier of wireless operators and increase potential for growth. Diversifying it away from the Russian ruble would also help, he said. Telenor suggested the company should strengthen its existing operations in the next one to two years before designing an acquisition strategy and pursuing new assets, Torbjoern Wist, the head of mergers and acquisitions at Fornebu, Norway-based Telenor, said March 10. “I think we will rebuild the relationship with Telenor and have them as a dynamic and helpful shareholder going forward,” VimpelCom Chairman Jo Lunder said in an interview. VimpelCom Ltd. was formed after Telenor and Alfa Group agreed in October 2009 to merge their stakes in Rus-

com’s investors 20 percent of VimpelCom’s shares outstanding and about

timo first. Doing so would violate the

sia’s OAO VimpelCom and Ukraine’s

31 percent of voting rights. That will

share agreement between Telenor,

ZAT Kyivstar, ending years of legal dis-

lower Telenor’s stake to 31.7 percent

VimpelCom and Altimo, which gives it

putes over those holdings. The com-

from 39.6 percent and decrease its vot-

the right to keep its proportional stake

pany, which also has assets in

ing proportion to 25 percent. Altimo,

in VimpelCom in case of an acquisi-

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and

the other main shareholder, will have

tion, Telenor said.

sub-Saharan Africa, established trad-

its stake diluted to 31.4 percent from 39.2 percent. Altimo’s voting rights

“We note that almost 60 percent of the unaffiliated shareholders

ing in American depositary receipts and a headquarters in Amsterdam.

MORE / 19 March 2011

Nokia has announced a new

necting people in new and better ways’

milestone in our commitment to con-

messaging handset – the Nokia X2-01

are paying off as its strategy to offer

nect the next billion to the web. We

for Pakistan. The Nokia X2-01 is a de-

something for everyone from every

understand that an increasing number

vice for social networking and fast

walk of life can be seen materializing

of Pakistani youth loves music and

communications. It comes with a full

with its promising new line of devices.

being social, they want to have more

QWERTY keypad and is aimed at those

X2-01 is the latest addition to this.

variety of capabilities in their mobile

who can’t get enough of text messag-

As the lifestyle of people changes

phone that support this need. Nokia

ing and status updates with is bol-

with time, they are becoming more de-

X2-01 is the most affordable QWERTY

stered by the new Communities app

manding not only in terms of their ex-

phone to date which has in store not

which integrates Facebook into the de-

pectation from life but are also looking

just the ultimate messaging experi-

vice. You can see friends’ updates di-

for accessories that support such a

ence but also the ease of staying con-

rectly from the homescreen and easily

lifestyle.

nected with your social circle.”

post your own updates and photos.

Haseeb Ihtisham, Head of Market-

As befits an X series device, there’s

With one click, you can dive into the

ing, Nokia Pakistan & Afghanistan

also a healthy emphasis on music.

application for a deeper view.

said, “Today Nokia is proud to present

There’s one click access to music, the

its X2-01 device in Pakistan and is a

media player and FM. There’s also Ovi

Nokia’s continuous efforts of ‘con20 / MORE March 2011

Store, of course, for fresh apps. Ovi Life

tially targeted towards business users

in terms of devices and solutions. The

Tools will also be available in some terri-

but realizing consumer demand we

Nokia X2-01 will enhance the youth

tories. It comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA

have changed that,” said Imran Khalid

lifestyle and let them stay connected

screen and a VGA camera on the back.

Mehmood, Country General Manager,

all the time with chat, Facebook and IM at the most affordable price.”

The Nokia X2-01 measures 119.4 x 59.8

Nokia Pakistan & Afghanistan. “People

x 14.3mm and weighs 107.5g. It sup-

want the best messaging and social

ports memory cards up to 8GB. There’s

networking experiences on an afford-

mum functionality for the lowest price

no WiFi and only GPRS/EDGE data, but

able device. Translating our vision in to

possible, but with a different emphasis

that’s compensated for by the low price.

actions Nokia is constantly striving to

to provide a fit for the needs of as

bring the best for its consumers both

many people as possible.

“Our messaging devices were ini-

Nokia X2-01 aims to offer maxi-

Third party Mobile banking regulation this year – Chairman PTA g

Chairman Pakistan Telecommu-

nication Authority (PTA) Dr. Mohammed Yaseen has been selected as best Telecom leader for the year 2010. He received award as “Visionary Telecom Leader 2010” at 4th International Mobile Commerce Conference-2011 held at local hotel. The conference was attended by CEOs of banking and telecom companies. Addressing to the conference as Chief Guest, Dr. Mohammad Yaseen said that PTA has been working with State Bank on third party regulations and we would be able to come up with these regulation this

Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Dr. Mohammed Yaseen addressing to 4th International Mobile Commerce Conference as Chief Guest at a Local Hotel

year. He said that mobile money is still

matures – an approach that seeks to

He said that World Bank study re-

in its emerging phases, there is con-

respond to risks in the mobile money

veals that only 12% of the adult popu-

sensus that regulations must be im-

space as they emerge. Our Regulatory

lation of Pakistan has access to formal banking services. Only 24 Million peo-

“ World Bank study reveals that only 12% of the adult population of Pakistan has access to formal banking services. Only 24 Million people in Pakistan have bank accounts. Today only technology in Pakistan can bridge the digital divide ”

ple in Pakistan have bank accounts. Today only technology in Pakistan can bridge the digital divide. Considering the scope, he added that PTA would like to introduce third party payment system with help of

plemented gradually and designed to

responses should then be proportional

State Bank. The introduction of third

evolve as the industry expands and

to the risks.

party payment networks also known MORE / 21 March 2011

as MPSP (Mobile Payment Service Providers) would be of immense advantage since these third-party payment handing agents can work with many providers, rather than the closed networks. We could foresee opportunities for service providers (both from Banks and Mobile Sector) who move quickly to create new products, especially if they can establish shared networks of third party agents. Chairman PTA said that another critical concern will be consumer trust. Consumer protection is critically important in the mobile money space. The need will become even more pressing as the industry expands into

while enabling true mobile commerce

unbanked segments (We would for

system for the people of Pakistan.

sure address this critical factor as well

At the end of session Dr. Mohammed

Yaseen distributed mementos and awards. He also received “Visionary Telecom Leader 2010” on the occasion.

Illega exchanges raided in Lahore and Peshawar g

Pakistan Telecommunication Au-

on the information obtained through il-

It may be noted that PTA has been

thority (PTA) and Federal Investigation

legal traffic monitoring facility of PTA. It

able to bust 43 illegal call termination

Agency (FIA) jointly conducted two

resulted in confiscation of illegal

gateways throughout Pakistan in last

successful raids at Peshawar and La-

switches alongwith other accessories.

two years, which included small and

hore and confiscated illegal gateway

The seized illegal setups were running in

big gateway setups.

exchanges while three persons were

the areas of Peshawar and Lahore. One

apprehended.

individual at Peshawar and two at La-

interrogated by FIA and legal proceed-

hore were arrested from the premises.

ings are underway.

These raids were conducted based

PTCL President and CEO, Mr Waleed Irshaid inaugurating the pilot project of Public Cash/Card Payment Machines (PCPM) – bill payment points for PTCL services – at Metro Islamabad. SEVP Commercial, Naveed Saeed and other officials are also present on the occasion.

22 / MORE March 2011

The apprehended culprits are being g

EVO Wifi Cloud, another feather in PTCL's cap PTCL alone has more than half a

abled devices to Evo 3G Wireless

keep it connected to power source like

million broadband customers under its

Broadband– at the touch of a button!

any Wifi router.

belt grabbing more than 49 percent of

Connect at 3G speeds; universal Wi-Fi

market share. EVO Wifi Cloud, a new

compatibility The sleek design is easy

Availability PTCL hasn't provided this device to

and attractive device for the broad-

to carry and looks good anywhere,

band lovers is expected to increase

from the board room to the coffee

its distributors yet and it is currently

pace of broadband sales.

shop, small enough to fit your pocket

available at PTCL OSS in Lahore, Islam-

Secure Password protected connection

abad, Rawalpindi and Karachi. The de-

istan as not only it gives Wifi connec-

that lets you choose the people and

vice will be able to provide high speed

tivity to the device available within the

the devices who access your wifi zone.

data signals in 106 cities of Pakistan

The device is first of its kind in Pak-

creating the largest wireless broad-

“ Forget about cords and cables; just push a button Make your own mobile Wi-Fi hotspot and share your internet connection with friends, family, co-workers Wi-FiConnect up to 5 Wi-Fi enabled devices to Evo 3G Wireless Broadband– at the touch of a button! ”

band network in Pakistan. PTCL hasn't announced any policy for the owners of EVO USBs as if they will be able to exchange their devices with the new one. It is still not sure whether PTCL will continue to sell USB devices but a PTCL official told that company may create a policy to take care of EVO USB owners.

range but also provides Wifi internet

Wifi devices in the range of 30-40 feet

connectivity to 4 other devices thus

from the Wifi Cloud can be connected

creating Wifi Cloud at your home or of-

to 3G speeds via the EVO Wifi cloud.

Battery Life Forget about cords and cables; just

Device Price: Rs. 6,999 Monthly Billing: Rs. 2,000 For billing EVO Wi-Fi

fice unlike conventional EVO USB.

Benefits of this device are;

Tariff

If a single device either laptop,

cloud PSTN billing and Advance Line Rental Billing option are available

desktop or mobilephone is connected,

Since 3G has not launched in Pakistan,

push a button Make your own mobile

the battery will last for almost 4 hours

personally speaking, the device has all

Wi-Fi hotspot and share your internet

but 5 devices connected simultane-

the quality to attract large number of

connection with friends, family, co-

ously will reduce the battery life to one

data lovers to connect their notebooks,

workers Wi-FiConnect up to 5 Wi-Fi en-

hour time. In that case, you need to

smartphones, tablet computer etc.

MORE / 23 March 2011

We all have a personal responsi-

www.mobilinkgsm.com/csr, the report

on CSR activities. We are committed to

bility to each other and the world

summarizes all the efforts that Mo-

supporting this country, giving its peo-

around us. Everything we do has an ef-

bilink has been making in Pakistan to

ple a voice and assisting them wher-

fect on other people. It is the same for

pay back the society.

ever possible. It is through dynamic

businesses, large and small, public or

While unfolding the efforts, Chair-

initiatives undertaken by Mobilink and

private, that their actions affect a large

man Orascom Telecom, Mr. Nauguib

OTH that we contribute to projects in

number of stakeholders.

Sawiris says,

education, environment, health and disaster management”.

“Pakistan is a country whose people, culture and hospitality has always welcomed me and it has become my second home. It is the one place where OTH will continue to invest, both in terms of business with special focus on CSR activities, Nauguib Sawiris ”

The report says that Mobilink has maintained the following as its CSR strategy •

Support local communities in which customers, employees, investors and suppliers live

•

Support programs to increase accessibility and use of mobile

CSR is no longer a choice but has

“Pakistan is a country whose peo-

technology in education,

become a necessity and companies

ple, culture and hospitality has always

like Mobilink are doing well in Pak-

welcomed me and it has become my

istan. Mobilink has just released its

second home. It is the one place where

second CSR report which covers the

OTH will continue to invest, both in

promote sustainable practices in

period 2008-09. Available online at

terms of business with special focus

business value chain

24 / MORE March 2011

community health and employability •

Protect the environment and

â&#x20AC;˘

Promote diversity and remove barriers that prevent people from

â&#x20AC;˘

Recycling Office Paper Mobilink recycles office waste

order to ensure toxic chemicals found in mobile phones do not pollute the air

participating fully in society

paper on a regular basis including

or leak into groundwater. Recycle drop

Support personal development of

scrap paper, boxes, wires and wooden

boxes are placed at Mobilink Customer

employees and their involvement

boxes. Substantial amount of paper is

Care centers across the country mak-

in local communities

sold each month to be recycled. Pro-

ing it accessible for everyone.

Share benefits of developments in

ceeds collected are used to fund com-

mobile communications

munity welfare activities.

technology as widely as possible Going through the report, it proves

Handset Recycling

Reuse and Disposal of Network Equipment Mobilink recycles network equip-

that above stated strategy is not lim-

Mobilink initiated a handset recy-

ited to the words only. Among others,

cling project to collect mobile phones

vant items with support from our

following are the major initiatives

and accessories no longer in use, refur-

vendors. Equipment is dismantled and

which Mobilink has taken to support

bish repairable items and donate them

used on new sites in other areas an in-

the community.

to the Pakistan Association of the

ventory of returned equipment main-

Dead and Disabled Welfare Associa-

tained in our warehouses. One

Environmental Responsibility

tion. All donations benefit the hearing

example is Huawei swap; where we

Mobilink is the first and so far the

ment when required by swapping rele-

impaired and the disabled individuals

swap Motorola equipment with

only corporate organization in Pak-

by connecting them with the people

Huawei equipment in some specific

istan to implement a recycling pro-

around them and providing an essen-

area. Dismantled equipment of Mo-

gram, which uses outdated billboard

tial source of communication. Items

torola is being used on new sites in

skins to manufacture school bags for

beyond repair are disposed of in an en-

other areas. Inventory of the returned

underprivileged children.

vironmentally-friendly manner in

equipment is being maintained in the

MORE / 25 March 2011

warehouse. This equipment is being

reflects the commitment of Orascom

Hygiene and Health â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (Preventing Polio)

used on expansion or new sites. Obso-

and Mobilink. This is in addition to the

lete equipment is being disposed of

delivery of relief items by Mobilink to

environmentally or handed over to rel-

families residing in hujras, schools and

Polio Eradication Fraternity along with

evant vendors for recycling of parts,

dispensaries of Mardan and Swabi in-

UNICEF and Ministry of Health, to help

such as extraction of copper from

cluding far-flung villages bordering

create awareness of this disease.

wires and other parts.

Buner. Mobilinkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Security Team per-

Throughout 2009 SMS broadcast cam-

sonally delivered weekly ration packs

paign was launched targeting over 8

utilizing the Rs 3.5 million raised via

million Mobilink users in high-risk zones

Support of IDPs The mass-scale displacement of over

Mobilink has partnered with the

employee donations and aid collection

across the country to inform them

4 million persons from Swat in 2009 is

points. Close to 2,500 families were

about upcoming immunization drives.

one of the largest humanitarian crisis in

reached through this initiative.

Mobilink was the first telecom operator

recent years. In support of these Internally Displaced Persons, Mobilink committed approx. Rs.81 million towards

to extend support for the drive.

Balochistan Earthquake 2008 Following the earthquake which

Mobilink Kisan (Farmer) Helpline

the establishment of Mobilink Camp in

struck Balochistan in October 2008,

Kund (near Nowshera) for 1,000 families

Mobilink took immediate action to

for a period of 2 months.

step forward and donate food rations

is an agriculture-based economy, but

and blankets to 2,500 earthquake af-

when it comes to development, this

tion with the ERU (Emergency Re-

fected families. Aid was distributed by a

most important contributor to econ-

sponse Unit), UN agencies and

volunteer team of Mobilink employees.

omy is often ignored. To help farmers

The camp has set up in collabora-

realize a good yield and to put an end

implementing partners. Mobilink employees were also personally involved in various areas of camp management, procurement of items and other requirements. To date, this is the largest private sector contribution for IDPs relief and 26 / MORE March 2011

It is a concrete reality that Pakistan

Other investments in Disaster and Crisis relief:

to their exploitation at the hands of

Support for reconstruction of 172

Kisan Helpline, a voice-based service

the middlemen, Mobilink launched a

homes in Chaman Kotli Nawab Khan

that includes services such as Price of

Village, Azad Kashmir in collaboration

the Day, Advice on Harvest, and

with The Citizens Foundation.

Weather Forecasts.

Nokia Siemens Networks launches Liquid Radio “Liquids are unconstrained,

tive antenna technology that com-

ing allows capacity to be directed ex-

streaming to fill any gap or space,” said

bines antenna and radio part in one

actly where the user requires it, delivering up to 65% capacity gain.

Thorsten Robrecht, head of Network

functional enclosure, built with dedi-

Systems product management, Nokia

cated power amplifiers for each an-

Siemens Networks. “In the same way,

tenna element. The active antenna

tionary step in miniaturization. It will

our Liquid Radio architecture removes

allows beamforming – focusing a par-

be the basic element to build next

the constraints of traditional mobile

ticular radio connection and directing

generation active antennas and future

The Flexi Race is the next evolu-

broadband networks to address the

it to a specific user – as well as han-

products to build micro and pico cells.

‘ebb and flow’ of traffic created by

dling of multiple technologies in one

Due to its compact size, the Flexi Race

users’ movements across the network.”

unit. Together with other layers of cov-

is equipped with additional intelli-

erage provided by macro, pico and

gence and scaling options required for

micro site configurations, beam form-

this type of deployments.

Nokia Siemens Networks Flexi Multiradio Antenna System is based on ac-

ZONG launches ‘Cricket ki Jeet’ activity purely based of cricketing

pecially is very close to everyone’s

knowledge and prediction.

heart, ZONG focused on offering a spe-

Lots of people have already won prizes since the launch of Cricket Ki Jeet, with winners taking away every

ZONG’s ‘Cricket Ki Jeet’ – a pro-

largest sporting events for Pakistan.” ZONG’s special cricket transmission

day a range of prizes that include

on a TV channel asks 10 questions in

Handsets, DVD players, MP3 Players,

each match and customers can partici-

Xbox, Ipads and even LCD TVs! There is

pate in this game using SMS 7711 and

also a bumper prize of a VIGO car. In

respond to the questions. Each ques-

addition, there are daily cash prizes of

tion has a specific prize associated

Rs 100,000 during the group stage

with it.

which progresses to Rs 1,000,000 for

cial activity timed with one of the

Another way to participate in this

the final of the 2011 World Cup! In

exciting offer is by just dialing 7711 and

total Cricket ke Jeet offers prizes worth

subscribing to an additional game.

Rs. 2 crore during this campaign.

These customers will compete by an-

Speaking about the campaign,

swering a multitude of questions via

motional campaign for cricket enthusi-

Salman Wassay, Head of Marketing,

IVR to get maximum points per day –

asts – has received an overwhelming

ZONG said, “Cricket in Pakistan has a

one (or more) customer with the most

response on its launch, even in the ini-

passionate following. At ZONG we

points for that day will receive a prize.

tial stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup

bring offerings which can enhance our

In addition, the customer with the max-

2011. It is for the first time that any

life experiences.

imum points at the end of the World

cellular operator has come up with an

As sports in general and cricket es-

Cup will receive a bumper prize. g MORE / 27 March 2011

Ufone the first to launch a diverse range of Android handsets in Pakistan at Unbelievable Prices

Ufone one of the leading

with the strong tradition of market

downloaded from the free-to-sub-

telecommunication companies in Pak-

leadership in the handset arena,

scribe Android Market.

istan has set yet another standard

Ufone is proud to present three state

with the launch of three amazingly

of the art Android OS based handsets

Officer Ufone said that Ufone has

packed android phones.

the Image, Verve & IDEOS for its val-

once again taken a giant leap to

ued customers.

bring a smile to our valued cus-

The biggest success lies with the launch of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imageâ&#x20AC;?, Ufone is the

These remarkable devices have ar-

Mr. Akbar Khan Chief Marketing

tomers. The launch of these handsets

first company in Asia to launch this

rived in great fashion at the lowest

is sure to start a new trend and allow

handset which will allow the people of

and most competitive prices and have

Ufone customers to enjoy the latest in technology.

Pakistan to get wowed with the device

further been strengthened with

experience before anyone else on the

amazing 30 MB GPRS/EDGE bonus

continent.

buckets every month for 6 to

the Android OS is sure to get an amaz-

Android OS phones are the new

The amazing prices and features of

18months for customers to make the

ing response. The Android OS is a

big thing in the handset arena and

most of their Android Experience with

global success and we wish to share

have created a storm in the global

hundreds of thousands of free Appli-

the same success and pleasure of this

telecom community. Keeping in line

cations, Games & Utilities that can be

OS with the people of Pakistan.

28 / MORE March 2011

Samsung Launches PL20 and ES80 Compact cameras joyed by everyone. These products add value for users, regardless of their level of expertise or their budget.” Both cameras include Samsung’s innovative Smart Auto feature automatically adjusts the mode to match with the surroundings in which you’re shooting. Day or night, portrait or landscape. Silver, Tomato Red, Pink and Black – there’s a model to suit every taste. The PL20 has the ability to record 720p HD quality movies at 24 frames per second. It also includes Samsung’s Smart Filter technology – artistic filters in modes such as ‘fish-eye’, ‘miniature’ and ‘sketch’ – add special effects in an instant. g

The ES80 provides another

smart option for consumers who seek affordability and value in their camera technology. The camera brings together easy-to-use feature such as an internal charging system to ensure power isn’t lost at that crucial photo moment. The ES80 also boasts 12-megapixel resolution and a 5X optical zoom to make top quality photography effortless & simple. It has a number of additional features like; Face Detection, Beauty Shot, Smile and Blink detection and Self Portrait. The Managing Director of Samsung Pakistan, Mr. Hee Chang Yee, commented: “The PL20 and ES80 are fantastic point-and-shoot cameras, designed to create a fun and easy photography experience which can be en-

Telenor Pakistan has opened a new Sales & Service Center in Korangi Industrial Area, Karachi. Picture shows Aamir Ibrahim, Chief Marketing Officer Telenor Pakistan cutting the ribbon at the inauguration. (L to R): Abdul Qadir Kharadi (Regional Manager, Sales & Service Center – South), Malik Faisal Qayyum (Director S&D), Aamir Ibrahim, Ali Nawaz (Asst. Manager, Korangi S&SC), Ahmed Nadeem Pasha (Regional Director – South-1) and Adnan Hassan (Director Sales & Service Center) MORE / 29 March 2011

PIFFA concluded the training program g

As the economic cycle continues

to spin toward its next step in the process, many organizations are weighing the importance of training in lieu of other seemingly pressing concerns. The doubts are probably tied to an inability to measure the true impact of the training experience, and, consequently, its true worth. When all else fails, perhaps some reflective thought on the next quote and its corporate interpretation might shed some light. “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” In the business setting, that quote is taken to mean,

Celebrities at the event

“If you think training is expensive, try incompetence.”

business community. The ceremony was attended by

Capt. Irfan Naqvi (CEO Merneez Inter-

chamber of commerce and industry,

national Pvt Ltd), Tahir Malik (CEO

Railway, PIA, NLC, FIATA, United Na-

Trafco Group of Companies) Mueen

tions as well as representatives of

Ahmed Malik (Chairman PIFA), Khalid

major airlines from across the world.

Mir and Tauqeer Lodhi remain high-

Among the attendees present on

Pakistan International Freight For-

Bidaat(Founder Chairman of PIFFA)

people from ministry of commerce,

the occasion were Mr. Sohail Yaqoob

Chairman Trafco Group of Companies, Tahir Malik, addressing at the event

Saeed (Senior Technical Advisor), Baber

lighted on the occasion. Mr. Tauqeer Lodhi said, “I congratu-

(GM Cargo, PIA), Javed Mansoor (Exec-

late you all on completing a successful

utive Secretary, NTTFC), Hasan A Zaidi

training program. We will Inshallah

(World Bank), Irtaqa Zaidi (Project Di-

start the diploma program very soon

rector TTFU, Abbas Baber Ali (A.D Col-

to further expand our network of

lector, Customs), Abid Warsi (Saudia

training the professionals”.

Airlines), Suhair Ahmed (Emirates Air-

Participants took keen interest

lines), Haseeb Akram (Itehad Airlines),

while listening to Mr. Tahir Malik who

Ahsen Farooq (Qatar Airways), Ch.

shared his thoughts as, “I praise the ef-

Salamat Ali (PHMA), Syed Amir

forts of Mr. Markus Scheni, Dr. Saeed,

warder Association (PIFFA) recently or-

Mehboob (CAA), Mehmood Hussain

Mr. jan Hoffmann and Mr. Mueen

ganized the concluding ceremony of

(PIA), Nauman Muneer (PIA), Imtiaz

Ahmed who are working very hard to

Training of Trainers (TOT) program. In

Hussain Rizvi (Railway), Lt. Col. Ch.

strengthen their community. I would

support with UNCATAD and FIATA

Iftekhar Ali (ANF), Mohsin Masood

like to thank Capt. Irfan Naqvi who has

training programs are conducted regu-

(Thai Airways) Mr. Jan Hoffmann and

always guided me on every front. It is

larly to provide valuable training to the

Mr. Markus Schpvn. Whereas, Dr. M.

for the first time in Pakistan that a lo-

30 / MORE March 2011

gistic based training program was conducted and now it is the responsibility of trained professional to implement all those techniques they have learnt during the course of this training program and share their skills with those who could not attend the programs so it could have a wider impact on our business community as well as the entire economy. In the future, we need to start such programs in other cities in order to produce skilled businessmen”. “Though Railway is seeing the worst ever crisis and there are problems that needs to be dealt with strong

Mr. Tahir Malik and his fellow business friends are seen in the picture

hands but people like Imtiaz Rizvi are The launch was a prestigious event

performing well to build the image of

successful staff members were

the Pakistan Railway”, added Mr. Malik.

awarded with the certificates to recog-

attended by PGBF members, high pro-

nize their achievements.

file corporate personalities, and office

Mr. Markus Scheni shared his

bearer of Chamber of Commerce and In-

thoughts as, “I have never seen an active organization like FIATA. It is really encouraging to see these kinds of training programs happening in Pakistan and this show how energetic and

Pakistan German Business Forum launches Northern Chapter With the aim to support the goal

dustries and Association in the North. Honorary Consul of Germany, Mr. Anees-ur-Rehman was guest of honor at the event. Mr. Masud Akhtar, Direc-

vibrant this business community is to

of promoting bilateral business and

tor PGBF and CEO KSB Pumps Com-

explore new ways of prosperity. I

friendly relations between Pakistan

pany Limited delivered the iaugural

would like to congratulate Dr. Saeed,

and Germany, Pakistan German Busi-

address which was followed by other

Tahir Malik and Mr. Mueen whose ef-

ness Forum (PGBF) recently launched

eminent speeches by Mr. Saifuddin N.

forts are extraordinary”.

its Northern Chapter in Lahore in a for-

Zoomkawala, President/CEO PGFB and

mal ceremony held at a local hotel.

Mr. Shahid Hassan Sheikh, CEO Lahore

At the end of the ceremony 250

Carpets Manufacturing Co and Member PGBF. PGBF is one of the strongest platform promoting bilateral business, mutual understanding and friendly relation between the industrial and services business communities of Pakistan and Germany. PGBF has more than 160 members including various prominent business chambers and companies. With a ground swell of positive trade opportunities, energies and goodwill that exists, the launch of PGBF-Northern Chapter will further promote profitable business and transfer of A group photo of celebrities at Pakistan German Buiness Forum's Northern Chapter launch

technology and information between both the countries.

MORE / 31 March 2011

IT industry in 2011 A robust growth in Information

the way for rapid growth of IT exports,

foreign IT companies. However, major-

Technology (IT) industry of Pakistan is

such as call centre services and soft-

ity of these companies are operating in

expected during 2011. Both the inter-

ware development, the report adds. It

major cities including Karachi, Lahore,

nal and external factors will play role

points out that Pakistan’s lower cost of

Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

in shaping the growth-oriented 2011

labour, land and tariff exemption on IT

The fear of financial meltdown in

for the IT industry.

exports gives the sector an advantage

2008 is over and stability has started

over other competitors. Very recently, a

gaining strength in the markets. Do-

Pakistani software house has devel-

mestically, there was no remarkable

The IT industry has already emerged successfully through 2010 after fighting the unprecedented recession started in 2008. Revival of business activity has kick-started with the funds pumped in by the investors’ world over. The up-gradation of systems and software has started world

“ The international customers have started investing in balancing, maturing and replacing their systems and software. It will help Pakistan IT industry to attain stability in order to grow further in the years to come”

over, which remained rare during 2009. The international customers have

oped anti-virus software. Once mar-

opportunity in 2008. But a stable Pak-

started investing in balancing, maturing

keted on large scale and at right prices,

istan in terms of war against terror-

and replacing their systems and soft-

it would help in curbing the use of pi-

ism, strong Judiciary and strong media

ware. It will help Pakistan IT industry to

rated, and thus sub-standard, anti-

has changed the business scene alto-

attain stability in order to grow further

virus software from other countries.

gether. This atmosphere will build up

in the years to come. Especially, the IT

There is an impression that lack of

companies like NetSol, working in the

adequate skilled workforce and brain

later. More IT companies were regis-

areas of finance and leasing would

drain are two major constraints to fu-

tered during 2010 and more jobs are

grow at a faster pace during 2001.

ture growth. Further, another problem

likely to be created in the country. This

projected by industry experts is that

trend is likely to continue ahead. Net-

has been growing fast and it looks set

the small size of local market for call

Sol Technologies is growing and hiring

to expand further in coming years.

centres and software houses does not

more people to fulfill customers’ day

Majority of citizens consist of young

allow economies of scale,. On the other

to day demands both internationally

people and personal income levels are

hand, in case of exports, first movers

and domestically. A large number of

on the rise in rural areas. Majority of

like India and the Philippines have a

small companies are operating outside

young graduates prefer to excel in the

strong brand image abroad which helps

major cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islam-

field of IT, a trend proving a pushing

them get more orders despite having

abad and Faisalabad. All these compa-

factor for the growth of IT and telecom

higher service costs than that of Pak-

nies are doing local work. The IT

Pakistan’s IT and telecom sector

companies in Pakistan.

investors’ confidence sooner than

istan. It is very difficult for the sector to

entrepreneurs are quite confident that

get loans as ICT businesses have no

the industry in smaller cities would

port suggests that the IT sector also

tangible collaterals to offer. Although

grow further. It is also worth noting

posted rapid growth on the back of

the industry has little dependence on

that a good number of IT resources are

growing demand for automation in do-

banks for meeting running costs, scale

hired from smaller cities like Gujran-

mestic businesses, in the last fiscal

expansions need bank financing.

wala, Multan and Sukkur etc.

State Bank of Pakistan’s annual re-

year, as seen in previous years. In addi-

Despite all such odds, the IT indus-

So far as the public sector is con-

tion, growing demand for business

try today boasts of the presence of

cerned, the 2010 floods hit the IT

outsourcing in developing countries led

about 1,000 local and more than 50

growth badly, as funds allocated for

32 / MORE March 2011

“ According to SBP statistics, Pakistan’s annual export of software and IT-enabled services is worth over $200 million. But software developers say actual export earnings are far higher—close to a billion dollars ”

of having those benefits to prosper. The year 2011 will be more positive for the IT industry. The industry hopes that the government would appoint an IT Minister in second phase. The IT industry is facing enormous challenges including political instability, terror-

public sector automation were shifted

ware and IT-enable services than India

ism, floods and much more. The IT has

to the rehabilitation of flood affected

and other countries.

failed to attract government attraction

people. Now a change is in the offing,

Similarly agricultural extension de-

despite contributing impressing to job

resulting into the birth of more IT com-

partments and commodity procure-

creation and export earnings for the

panies, particularly due to increase in

ment agencies need to digitalise their

country. It is fastest growing industry

operations to contain crop diseases, im-

in the country and would be leading

prove soil fertility and increase per-acre

from the front in future.

world IT demand. Similarly, absence of IT Minister has also hindered the IT industry

yields of food staples. Part of the for-

growth. This situation was not suit-

eign investment that has been lined up

hand, has reached to a saturation

able to the growth of industry since

for agricultural sector could be used in

point and growth there is now in small

there was no representative of indus-

these areas. But we actually need to de-

percentage against Pakistan IT indus-

try at the highest level. An absence of

velop some models of public-private

try, growing in double digit.

The Indian IT industry, on the other

a particular representative of IT indus-

partnerships. The era of digital divide is

try in the Cabinet has also put the fate

over. Smart phones are low priced and

Sol Technologies Ltd. He is also former

of Task Force on Information & Com-

there is no reason that Pakistan should

Chairman of Federal Government Task

munication Technologies (ICT) into

excel in promoting IT usage in growth

Force on Information & Technology

doldrums. All the recommendations

of agriculture of the country. Huge ben-

(ICT). Mr. Ghauri is also Honourary

are awaiting formal approvals from

efits are being accrued world over and

Consul for Australia in the province of

the concerned authorities.

Pakistani farmers have never thought

Punjab, Pakistan)

(The writer is Chairman & CEO Net-

It is also worth mentioning that NetSol Technologies has successfully completed 15 years in January 2011. NetSol today is the largest IT Company in the country with highest export earnings, highest quality standards including CMMI Level5. NetSol has captured 90 percent of leasing and financial market in China and its management is foreseeing lot of achievements in next five years ahead worldwide. According to SBP statistics, Pakistan’s annual export of software and IT-enabled services is worth over $200 million. But software developers say actual export earnings are far higher— close to a billion dollars. They say the reason for this massive difference is that Pakistan uses a more restricted definition of export earnings of soft-

Etihad Airways, the national airline of United Arab Emirates, in conjunction with Butlers Chocolate, has recently announced the winner of “Valentine’s Offer” promotion in Karachi. Picture shows Mr. Amer Khan, Country Manager, Etihad Airways presenting a return ticket to Abu Dhabi for couple to Ms. Beenish Iqbal. Michelle McBride, Retail Director, Butlers Chocolate along with other team members are also seen in the photo. MORE / 33 March 2011

Computer beats human

IBM’s Watson – a super computer, with ability to un-

derstand Natural Language, played with two other contestants on an American game show Jeopardy! And won!! Over the past four years, a team of IBM scientists have

zens with specific information regarding cities, prompt customer support via phone, and much more. On Thursday, Feb. 17, IBM and influential technology conference outfit TED Conferences LLC hosted a webcast

set out to accomplish a grand challenge – build a comput-

on the Future of Watson after Jeopardy! The virtual

ing system that rivals a human’s ability to answer questions

event will feature IBM and technology experts exploring

posed in natural language with speed, accuracy and confi-

future uses for Watson technology and how it will affect

dence. The computing system named Watson competed on

businesses, industries, government and society. The invi-

Jeopardy! against the show’s two most successful and cele-

tation is here:

brated contestants — Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter — on February 14, 15 and 16 and won. Jeopardy! Provides the ultimate challenge because the game’s clues involve analyzing subtle meaning, irony, riddles, and other complexities in which humans excel and computers traditionally do not. Watson’s ability to understand the meaning and context of human language, and rapidly process information to find precise answers to complex questions, holds enormous potential to transform how computers help people accomplish tasks in business and their personal lives. Watson will enable people to rapidly find specific answers to complex questions. The technology could be applied in areas such as healthcare, for accurately diagnosing patients, to improve online self-service help desks, to provide tourists and citi34 / MORE March 2011

BrainDriver: A Mind Controlled Car g

Imagine you could drive your car

using only your thoughts. German researchers have just made that possible. To record brain activity, the researchers use an Emotiv "neuroheadset," an electroencephalography, or EEG, sensor by San Francisco-based company Emotiv, which design it for gaming. After a few rounds of "mental training," the driver learns to move virtual objects only by thinking. Each action corresponds to a different brain activity pattern, and the BrainDriver software associates the patterns to specific commands -- turn left, turn right, accelerate etc. The researchers then feed these commands to the drive-by-wire system of the vehicle, a modified Volkswagen Passat Variant 3c. Now the driver's thoughts can control the engine, brakes, and steering.

Daniel Goehring of the AutoNOMOS research team of the Artificial Intelligence Group at the Freie Universitaet (Free University) demonstrates a hands-free driving of the research car named 'MadeInGermany'. The car, a modified Volkswagen Passat, is controlled by 'BrainDriver' software with a neuroheadset device which interprets electroencephalography signals with additional support from latest radar sensing technology and cameras.

The researchers caution that the BrainDriver application is still a

machine interfaces like this have huge

hicles. As an example, they mention an

demonstration and is not ready for the

potential to improve driving, especially

autonomous cab ride, where the pas-

road. But they say that future human-

in combination with autonomous ve-

senger could decide, only by thinking, which route to take when more than one possibility exist. This type of non-invasive brain interface could also allow disabled and paralyzed people to gain more mobility in the future, similarly to what is already happening in applications such as robotic exoskeletons and advanced prosthetics.

spectrum.ieee.org

MORE / 35 March 2011

Tiny Cell Towers help quickly plug holes in coverage, they'll still need to be wired to a cellular base station, the cabinet-sized rack of gear usually housed in a basement or shed at the bottom of a cell tower. (Base stations convert mobile, analog signals into digital ones and send them across a carrier's underground broadband cables.) By 2014, AlcatelLucent hopes to integrate all of the bulky base-station technology into lightRadio units as well. Carriers are scrambling to cope with a steep rise in mobile traffic, which is increasing by 26 percent a year, according to Cisco Systems (CSCO), the world's largest networking gear supplier. The economics of the Internet g

Almost everything electronic—

an end to the bigger-is-better ap-

make keeping up difficult. Though

modems, PCs, cellphones—becomes

proach. Most of today's cell towers are

consumers are downloading more

dramatically smaller and more power-

200-foot monsters topped with an un-

movies and apps on their phones,

ful each year. Not cell towers. They're

sightly gangle of antennae.

wireless carriers don't generally make

still big, ugly, and expensive. Most

Each lightRadio unit measures 2.5

were designed with the simple goal of

inches across and weighs just 10.5 oz.

extra revenue from these "data hogs," as some call them.

transmitting plain old phone calls, so

That compact package contains radios

towers are easily overwhelmed by

and antennae for each of the major

says Sweldens. LightRadio devices, he

smartphone users who now want to

cellular technologies—2G, 3G, and LTE.

claims, could lower the cost of new

not only call grandma but also upload

Carriers can plop them wherever they

cellular investments by as much as 50

photos and stream TV shows.

need more coverage, so long as an

percent. One big expense that lightRa-

The current solution to network

"The economics are getting worse,"

electrical source is available—on tele-

dio minimizes: the price of winning

congestion is "building bigger and big-

phone poles, building rooftops, and

approval from the not-in-my-backyard

ger cell towers in more places," says

bus stop shelters. "This will dramati-

types who fight proposed cell towers

the president of Alcatel-Lucent's wire-

cally change the way mobile networks

less division, Wim Sweldens. That's

are built," says Sweldens.

cost-prohibitive in vast rural expanses

Smartphone users won't be able to

LightRadio is the first major attempt to rethink the cell tower itself, says Michael Howard, co-founder of

and pretty much impossible in dense

download Top Chef via these modules

research firm Infonetics Research.

urban areas. "It's no longer sustain-

just yet. While carriers say they are

Asked if any other networking com-

very interested in the technology, none

pany is working on something like

have committed to testing it yet, let

lightRadio, Howard says "If they

able," he says. On Feb. 7, Alcatel-Lucent (ALU) introduced a Rubik's cube-sized device

alone buying it. And while the first ver-

weren't, they are now."

called lightRadio that could help bring

sions of the lightRadio devices could

businessweek.com

36 / MORE March 2011

BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is around g

With the BlackBerry PlayBook

expected to be released in April, more of the tablet’s features have been confirmed by the company. Unlike the iPad, the PlayBook utilizes HTML 5 and Flash 10.1. The full range of website programming techniques will work on the PlayBook. Like BlackBerry’s smart phones and other products, the tablet has been designed with corporate security in mind. The first version of the PlayBook will come with a 7-inch screen and 1 GB of RAM. Front and rear cameras will be set on the tablet so that users can have a video conference call. The phys-

and HSPA+ PlayBooks will be released

ical specifications for the PlayBook are

in the summer or fall of 2011.

7.6 inches high by 5.1 inches wide.

The pricing for the PlayBook is ex-

The BlackBerry PlayBook was originally announced in September of 2010. The company has not published

pected to be similar to the iPad. A Play-

a release date yet, but analysts specu-

Fi, but there are plans for LTE and

Book with 16 GB of memory will sell

late that the tablet will be shipped in

HSPA+ versions of the tablet. The LTE

for about $500.

mid-April.

The PlayBook will run on only Wi-

ecanadanow.com

HP shows off ‘Metal Watch’ g

HP’s CTO Phil McKin-

ney was speaking recently at HP’s Future of Innovation event and revealed a concept watch called ‘Metal Watch’ that integrates all info from sorts of devices into this watch, Printers, notebooks, desktops and mobile devices. How are all these devices going to work together are still to be revealed by HP.

MORE / 37 March 2011

New products from Kingston Fastest Notebook Memory for New Intel Core Mobile Processor Family Codenamed ‘Huron River’ HyperX 4GB and 8GB 1600MHz SO-DIMM kits. The dual-channel, plug and play CL9 memory kits are the fastest modules on the market specifically designed to support notebooks and mobile platforms using the new 2nd Generation Intel Core Mobile Processor Family, codenamed ‘Huron River’. “Our latest HyperX SO-DIMMs are the best way to

style into their PC build,” said Ann Bai. “These high-capac-

boost the system performance of notebook PCs, as well as

ity kits are ideal for the X58 products on the market, espe-

mini-ITX motherboards and mobile-based systems, by re-

cially the new GIGABYTE G1-Killer gaming motherboards.”

placing standard memory with high-speed, higher capac-

“GIGABYTE is excited about the launch of Kingston’s

ity modules,” said Ann Bai, DRAM Memory Sales Director,

new Black T1 HyperX memory as it comes so soon after

APAC Region, and Kingston. “With the simple plug and

the GIGABYTE G1-Killer gaming motherboard announce-

play feature, system performance is enhanced fast and ef-

ment,” commented Tim Handley, Deputy Director of Moth-

fortlessly as the memory profiles are preset to run auto-

erboard Marketing at GIGABYTE. “With their similar color

matically.”

schemes and target market, we are looking forward to seeing PC gamers pair their new Black T1 memory with GIGABYTE G1-Killer gaming motherboards.” Kingston is shipping three HyperX T1 Black 1600MHz DDR3 triple channel kits in 24GB, 12GB and 6GB configurations.

Premier Memory for Supermicro Server Boards ValueRAM Server Premier Memory solutions have been

The new HyperX SO-DIMMs are available in DDR3 1600MHz as 4GB and 8GB kits. Kingston HyperX memory is backed by a lifetime warranty and free technical support.

New HyperX T1 Black Triple-Channel HyperX T1 Black DDR3 triple-channel memory kits are designed to meet the performance requirements for the new Intel Core i7-990X chipset and X58-based motherboards, and are available in kits of three or six modules and in capacities up to 24GB. “Our new HyperX T1 Black triple-channel kits give enthusiasts the opportunity to combine performance and to 38 / MORE March 2011

independently validated for use with Super Micro Com-

some of the most troubling security events — from

puter, Inc. server boards. The independent certification

Stuxnet to Wikileaks — and consumerization only served

was undertaken by Advanced Validation Labs (AVL), a tech-

to raise further issues of control. However, when deployed

nology services company specializing in testing and vali-

correctly, the portability and simplicity that characterize

dating pre- and post-production memory. AVL fulfills the

USB risk can be its greatest asset, enabling it to serve as a

validation and testing needs of major OEMs and mother-

strategic security tool.

board manufacturers worldwide. “System builders and integrators have long used Supermicro’s high-quality server boards in a multitude of

Currently, enterprise USB options are limited in their ability to offer both flexibility and stringent security. Existing solutions range from expensive and rigid platforms

platforms,” said Ann Bai. “Our Server Premier line offers

built to adhere to the highest government security certifi-

unique features in addition to being fully AVL-validated

cations, to lightweight security offerings that offer little in

and compatible with these builds. To make it easier for our

the way of specific device management and are being

mutual customer base to get more information and find

loosely managed with general purpose endpoint security

the right Kingston memory solutions for Supermicro

software.

boards, we’ve developed a special Web page.”

Kingston’s new offerings draw from the company’s unparalleled expertise with field-proven, government-tested

Secure USB Solutions for the Enterprise The DataTraveler 4000 (DT4000) and DataTraveler Vault-Privacy Managed (DTVPM) — offer enterprises the most flexible, cost-effective USB options that also deliver unmatched security control. A leader in memory solutions since 1987, Kingston de-

and internationally deployed platforms supported with the industry’s best warranty, service and support. The major features include: •

DT4000: brings military-grade encryption to cor-

porations such as finance and healthcare, which require high-level protection for sensitive information. The

livers these new products as part of the industry’s only se-

DT4000 is FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated for the entire cryp-

cure USB family ranging from general purpose business

tographic module – not just the security processor as with some other solutions. The DT4000 will also be available as a centrally-managed drive later this year. •

DTVPM: offers corporate customers centralized

control of all USB activity. Leveraging the world-class SafeConsole server software from BlockMaster, a company with the broadest and most mature management offering on the market, the DTVPM solution offers advanced features including password control, device state management, file audit log and file restrictor options to control what file types may be saved to the drive. “Kingston is known the world over as the memory company of choice among the Fortune 500. Our expertise in high-level encryption standards, worldwide access to controllers and NAND Flash combined with tremendous purchasing power and distribution channels allow us to extend our heritage further into the corporate space with use to flexible, managed enterprise offerings, and to plat-

our secure USB offerings,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory

forms for the most secure and rigid government stan-

Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston.

dards.

“In addition to the DT4000, our relationship with a

While many organizations depend on the portability

software security leader like BlockMaster gives our global

and simplicity of USBs for data management, removable

customer base a back-end, centralized management solu-

media became an unfortunate focal point in 2010 for

tion for portable data peace of mind and protection.” MORE / 39 March 2011

Vodafone LTE router VIA says Eden X2 is world's most power-efficient dual-core processor g

VIA’s new Eden X2 processor is

tems that will not see any compro-

touted to be the lowest power dual-

mise on performance or features.

core processor in the industry, where it

Your peace of mind is further ensured

has been specially optimized for fan-

With a component longevity guaran-

Vodafone LTE high-speed router (L) and

less implementation across a broad

tee of 7 years, now how about that?

modem at the Vodafone stand at the

range of industrial and commercial

This will certainly raise the bar and

CeBIT technology trade fair. LTE is a

embedded systems. Of course, if you

then some for other component

new mobile broadband standard that

want to lay your eyes on the VIA Eden

manufacturers.

promises speeds many times that of

X2, expect to be at the Embedded

current UMTS and HSDPA systems and

World 2011, Nuremberg, Germany as

40nm manufacturing process, VIA

is being introduced foremost in rural

that is where it will debut.

Eden X2 processors will merge a cou-

A hostess presents the new

areas in Germany that have thus far

The range of VIA Eden X2 proces-

Taking advantage of the latest

ple of 64-bit, superscalar VIA Eden

been cut off from broadband Internet

sors will bring together VIA’s signa-

cores on one die, while delivering en-

connectivity.

ture ‘Eden’ fanless design principles,

hanced multi-tasking and superb

and it will come in a highly opti-

multimedia performance without

mized, power-efficient dual-core ar-

sipping up too much juice. After all, it

chitecture. This

is well noted that VIA Eden X2 proces-

translates to

sors are the most power-efficient

rock-solid sta-

processors on the market, and were

bility for mis-

specially designed to offer the ideal

sion critical

solution for fanless system design.

embedded sys-

coolest-gadgets.com

A woman wears an 'intelligent tracksuit' that

records and then transmits her movements to a computer presented by the Fraunhofer Institute.

40 / MORE March 2011

PalmSecure Technology Fujitsu PalmSecure technology

PalmSecure palm vein authentication

bers as we collectively work to solve the

utilizes contactless, non-traceable and

solution, Fujitsu has developed a con-

identity, security and privacy challenges

non-shareable authentication meth-

siderable amount of technology expert-

facing companies across the globe."

ods. The PalmSecure sensor uses a

"Across nearly every industry, the

near-infrared light to capture a user's

need and demand for advanced au-

palm vein pattern, generating a

thentication and access control solu-

unique biometric template that is

tions have never been greater," said

matched against the palm vein pat-

Tovah LaDier, managing director for

terns of pre-registered users.

the IBIA. "We are thrilled to have Fu-

"Having served on the IBIA board for

jitsu on board as an IBIA member and

years, I have seen the significant bene-

look forward to working closely with

fits of bringing leading biometric com-

its biometric solutions group, in collab-

panies and security industry experts

oration with our global network of

together to collaborate on how to most

members, to meet this demand with

effectively promote the use of authen-

innovative technologies. Together, we

tication technology," said Christer

ise, as well as insight into how

have the opportunity to advance the

Bergman, vice president of Biometric

customers are using biometrics within

field of biometrics to meet security,

Solutions, Fujitsu Frontech North Amer-

their organizations. In joining the IBIA,

privacy and productivity needs in ways

ica Inc. "Through the ongoing develop-

we look forward to sharing our experi-

never before thought possible."

ment and commercialization of the

ences and knowledge with other mem-

eeherald.com

Pleo the Dinosaur Pleo is a cute little robotic di-

then, Pleo liked to sleep a lot and if Pleo

Innvo Labs plans to improve the navi-

nosaur that arrives at your doorstep as

was in a really deep slumber then it was

gational system of Pleo, the skin and

a newly-hatched baby Camarasaurus.

hard to wake Pleo up.

paint, and they even plan to give it the

From there, According to Pleoworld you can nurture it and raise it as your

Not too much of that has changed,

ability to self-recharge. I ask you,

but since then, Pleo has gained many

what's better than a pet dinosaur with

own, and your Pleo will take on an un-

additional features, and evolved, so to

an attitude and a USB interface?

predictable life of its own depending

speak. Innvo Labs, the makers of Pleo,

courtesy: pcworld.com

on how you treat it. Pleo can feel, must

gave Pleo an intense upgrade with a va-

be fed, and likes to explore and be cud-

riety of new fea-

dled. And most importantly, it has a

tures not seen

mind and mood of its own.

several years

You might remember when we cov-

ago when we

ered Pleo the dinosaur a few years ago.

first covered the

At the time Pleo was just in its early

robotic dino. Check out the

stages of development. If you held it up

above video (from BotJunkie--now

by the tail it would get mad, and if you

IEEE Spectrum Automation) for an

pet it, Pleo would love you. Pleo also had

interview with Inno Labs CEO

a USB interface for upgrades. According

Derek Dotson.

to Harry McCracken, who looked at Pleo

In the future, says Dotson, MORE / 41 March 2011

42 / MORE March 2011

MORE / 43 March 2011

44 / MORE March 2011

MORE / 45 March 2011

46 / MORE March 2011