- Maxtor ships first 40GB external Storage Solution Technology to TO Mid -East
- Jordanian Software Company becomes Premier business partner in the Middle East
- Initiative helps more companies to become smoke-free zones
- Novartis Initiative helps more companies to become smoke-free zones
- Belgium to mount big 5 Pavallion
- Intel, Symbian Combine to Expand Wireless Communications Devices
- Intel, Compaq Join To Develop Devices And Applications For The Wireless Internet
THE CENTRAL BANK OF UAE AND COMTRUST SIGN AGREEMENT TO LINK UAE SWITCH
Central Bank of UAE and Comtrust have signed an agreement to jointly offer a solution for electronic payment transactions. Seen at the signing ceremony are: (Seated left to right) Omran Sultan Al Owais - General Manager Comtrust; Rashid Mohammed Al Fandi, Executive Director, Banking Operations of Central Bank, UAE and Saif Hadef Al Shamsi, Executive Director, Treasury Department of Central Bank, UAE. (Standing Left to right) : Hassan Ibrahim Al Rabooy - Manager e-payment system; Amir Rashid - Product Manager Comtrust and Khalifa Salim Al Dhaheri - UAE SWITCH Division Manager
Online payments from one UAE bank to another and on-line purchases using direct debit will be possible soon
keralamonitor.com
Dubai,27 August 2001: Central Bank of the UAE and Comtrust, the e-business unit of Etisalat, announced today to link Comtrust e-commerce system with the UAE Switch network. Through this link Comtrust will be able to offer new service that will facilitate payments for purchase of goods and services through direct debit request to be securely captured and transmitted over the Internet. Comtrust will pass the request to the Central Bank, and inter-bank payment will be made through the UAE Switch network. The development represents a major step towards online payments in the country for all kind of transactions, be it Business to Government, Citizens to Government, Business to Business, Business to Consumers or Consumers to Business.
In addition to providing a link for Comtrust, e-commerce system to the UAE switch network, the UAE Central Bank will also formulate and implement the necessary rules and regulations for online direct payment by bank's customers in the UAE.
The Direct Debit E-payment Service that re-emphasises the UAE's standing as one of the world's leaders in the 'New Economy', will make it possible for a customer of one bank to make payments to customer of another bank through direct debit of account.
Online payments through credit cards have been the only solution available in the country until recently which were pioneered in the Middle East region by Comtrust more than a year ago. While online credit card payment solution offers benefits to merchants in the form of immediate capturing of money, it is limited to small value transactions. Now that country is embarking upon major e-government and business-to-business e-commerce initiatives, the need for a robust e-payment solution has become critical.
E-Business provides major benefits to organizations in the form of cost savings, reducing cycle times, and increasing productivity. Although, certain e-marketplace initiatives have progressed significantly in the country but the payment mechanism to complete the payment cycle electronically was missing. The Direct Debit Electronic Payments service will enable completion of e-business loop by facilitating online payments. It will further facilitate E-Government initiatives to accept online payments from individuals as well as businesses, thereby providing great amount of convenience and speed to all participants.
"On consumer front, ability to make online payments has been limited by the fact that not everybody in the country has credit card. As such the popularity of online payments could not be increased beyond certain limits. This has been a limiting factor towards the growth of e-commerce and e-government payment transactions, " says Comtrust's General Manager, Omran Al Owais. "This will all change with the introduction of the on-line Direct Debit Electronic Payments service, which will bring the world of virtual shopping within the reach of hundreds of thousands of more people who possess an account with a local bank."
Security and speed are the key features in online transactions and Comtrust is the only service provider in the Middle East region to cover these areas. As an added form of protection for users of the e-payments service, the Central Bank and Comtrust will jointly issue digital certificates to authenticate individuals and organisations. Digital Certificates, will authenticate the identity of a person or a business in the course of electronic payment transactions over the Internet.
"Comtrust is committed to expanding its services locally and regionally. The direct debit electronic payment service is the first of a suite of services that Comtrust will provide to customers, with the sole aim of enhancing value for them. This is the key to the growth and success of e-commerce and online business," said Al-Owais. Comtrust, the e-commerce business unit of Etisalat - Emirates Telecommunications Corp., was launched in January 2000 to fill the gap in the market for a secure e-commerce infrastructure provider.
Jordanian Software Company becomes Premier business partner in the Middle East27 August 2001
Orlando, ACCPAC International, a division of Computer Associates and a worldwide leader in end-to-end business solutions, today awarded Computer Applications and Technical Services (CATS), a key partner for ACCPAC in Jordan and a leading Jordanian software developer, as both "Business Partner of the year" and "Premier Business Partner" in the Middle East.
"The Middle East region carries a great pool of IT talent and business opportunities," commented Bill Copeland, Vice President of International Sales of ACCPAC International. "We believe in a flourishing future for our Middle-East partners and we extend our 100% commitment to give them the competitive advantage they seek. We congratulate CATS on their accomplishments this year and look forward to many such partnerships in the region"
The 2001 partner awards were announced at ACCPAC's annual meeting, which was held in Orlando, USA. The award recognizes CATS' outstanding efforts in developing, selling and supporting ACCPAC solutions in the fast-expanding Jordanian market. "We appreciate ACCPAC's focus on the mid-market, their products are just what our customers need, and they have extended their full support to us. Jordan is a regional leader in the software industry, which is another factor in the success of our partnership with ACCPAC," commented CATS general manager, Yahia Beasha.
Since the launch of ACCPAC International's office in the Middle East in February of this year, the company has been developing and enhancing its business partnership strategy, using the international models that it applies worldwide, as well as especially designed strategies to suit the culture and demands of the region. The company establishes partnerships with third party software developers and resellers worldwide, it supports them with award winning technologies and provides them with customizable tools to address the specific needs of their markets.CATS' partnership with ACCPAC goes back to 1996, since when the company has defined and deployed solutions for a number of leading Jordanian customers. The company's primary aim in working with the ACCPAC platform in Jordan has been to provide its customers with end-to-end solutions built on world class technologies that enable them to achieve optimum productivity and the highest return on investments. "As an open platform , the ACCPAC range means that CATS can deploy solutions for our customers here that reflect the customers' specific business needs: we can change the technology to suit the customer, rather than making them change their business to suit the technology," said Beasha.
"We congratulate CATS for their outstanding performance and wish them the best in their effort in contributing to the development of the IT industry in both Jordan and the region," commented regional manager of ACCPAC in the Middle East, Marc Van der Ven.
26 August 2001
ICS BRINGS BEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO MID-EAST
Dubai, : International Coffee Systems (ICS), revealed plans to launch the World's intelligent and smallest fully automatic beverage maker into the regional market.
ICS say they are bringing beverage technology into the Internet age with the introduction of their "Aromatique-Arabia" high-tech beverage machine. The Aromatique-Arabia beverage maker is smaller than a PC and yet makes both hot and cold beverages while utilizing state-of-the-art telecom and Internet technology integrated within its design for after-sales customer service, ordering ingredients and machine maintenance.
This technology also enables the Arabia machine to have a number of payment systems installed. The user can purchase a drink by using a credit card, personal I.D. Code (users who have credit arrangements with the customer), and by mobile telephone via the GSM network. In the latter case, the purchase will be included on the user's telephone bill and credited to the customer (i.e. the owner/lessee of the machine).
"Our studies showed that there were few suppliers of fully automatic coffee machines were aimed at the lower segment of the SMC market (i.e. companies with between 5 and 20 employees), despite the fact that between 70 and 80% of companies in most countries are found in this group. After 11 years in the business, we could clearly see the massive and uncovered demand from both hotels and the cruise industry for compact, user-friendly machines with intelligent debiting solutions, that could be installed in individual cabins and rooms," stated Frederic Liens, CEO of ICS.
"It also became apparent that the trend in the private home market was increasingly towards the desire for a compact and user-friendly coffee and espresso-/cappuccino machine of ultra modern without the time-consuming preparations required by the traditional machines currently on the market," added Liens.ICS' strategy for the Middle East is to launch the Arabia beverage technology to the market based on "free on loan", dependant on the various segments consumption i.e. The machines will be offered free of charge to customers. According to ICS this strategy will result in high-speed penetration of the market.
The company has already had promising talks with leading regional firms as prospective partners in the region vis-à-vis region wide distribution of the machines and supply of contents. The firm is continuing its talks with such companies with a view to building a network of partners for this project.
MAXTOR SHIPS FIRST 40GB EXTERNAL STORAGESOLUTION
WITH NEXT GENERATION USB 2.0 INTERFACEAffordable personal storage solution provides speedy access to digital photos, video, electronic games and MP3 audio files
Dubai Maxtor Corporation (NYSE: MXO), a leading supplier of information storage solutions, today announced a more convenient upgrade path for adding storage to existing PC and Macintosh computers: the new Maxtor Personal StorageÔ 3000LE, the world's first 40GB external hard drive with high speed USB 2.0 interface. This value-priced solution quickly and easily expands computer storage without opening up the computer. Ideal for digital photos and video, MP3 songs, electronic games and other large files, the 3000LE with USB 2.0 also delivers up to 40 times faster performance than current generation USB 1.1 hard drives.
The 3000LE, provides users with a convenient and speedy alternative to the complexity of installing internal hard disk drives. Operating at 5400RPM and providing 40GB of capacity, the 3000LE meets the demanding needs of today's computer users by storing up to:
· 10,000 4-minute MP3 tunes
· 40,000 high-resolution digital photos (JPEG compressed)
· 40 hours of digital video (MPEG compressed)
· 1,000 video games
· or any combination of files"The popular USB interface is used to connect a variety of external devices such as digital cameras, printers, scanners, and MP3 players, to computers with plug and play simplicity," said Tex Schenkkan, senior vice president, consumer electronics and business development at Maxtor. "Now that the same easy connectivity is available to hard drive users at an affordable price, each family member can own a 3000LE to store their data and applications, thereby personalizing their content library and extending the value of the household PC or Mac computer."
The 3000LE's high speed USB 2.0 interface enables easy and instant connectivity with virtually all existing USB ports - including backward compatibility with USB 1.1.
"USB 2.0 makes data transfers easier when upgrading from older PCs, and also protects a consumer's investment when purchasing new computers with the new USB port," said Jason Ziller, Intel technology initiatives manager and USB Implementers Forum chairman. "From the user's perspective, USB 2.0 has the same benefits and ease of use as USB 1.1 but with considerably higher bandwidth which greatly benefits the performance of devices such as Maxtor's personal storage solution."
EMPLOYEES HELPED TO STUB-OUT HABIT
Initiative helps more companies to become smoke-free zones
Dubai: As more companies respond to the encouragement from the government to ban smoking in the workplace, a unique initiative, supported by Novartis Consumer Health (NCH), has been developed to help companies go 'smoke-free'. Now organisations in the UAE that are committed to becoming smoke-free zones and helping their employees to quit smoking permanently, can host a special, free Nicotinell Smoking Cessation lecture, detailing the health dangers associated with smoking, the benefits of quitting, as well as professional advice on giving up successfully.
"Research shows that smoking is harmful to the health of both the smoker and non-smokers sharing a workspace," said Dr Zarqa Taimur of the Jebel Ali Medical Centre, which has worked with NCH to offer a number of lectures. "Adult passive smokers have a 10-30% higher risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers not regularly exposed to smoke, and suffer a range of life threatening health effects including heart disease. Designating working environments as non-smoking areas can have an important impact on health, so I am delighted to be involved in this initiative," Dr Taimur added.
The Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, recently took advantage of the initiative and held a Nicotinell Smoking Cessation lecture for staff wanting to quit the habit. "We are delighted to be the first hotel to take advantage of this programme for the benefit of our employees," said Hani Farid, the Human Resources Director of the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Mr John Lagos, the General Manager of the hotel is also very supportive of this important issue. "Dr Taimur offered expert advice and support, which we hope will help many of our employees who are committed to quitting, to reach their goal. Over 60 staff participated in the lecture and feedback shows that although we know quitting smoking isn't easy, it is possible with the right help," added Hani Farid.
"We are pleased to offer help and encouragement to companies wishing to become smoke-free by providing professional advice and motivation through this initiative," said Dr Lina Al Kouatly, General Manager of Novartis Consumer Health. "If needed, we can also provide full support in helping a company implement a smoking cessation programme for their staff."
The recent lecture at the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Hotel was the eighth Nicotinell Smoking Cessation lecture to be held in the UAE since the beginning of 2001. In addition to finding out more about the dangers of smoking and how to quit smoking successfully, participants also took advantage of a free 'Smokerlyzer' test, which measured their carbon monoxide and bloodstream carboxyhaemoglobin levels to gauge the level of these harmful substances in the body as a result of smoking.
Additional benefits to companies who implement a smoke-free environment include substantial cost savings from cleaning, insurance and days lost due to smoking related sickness. Companies interested in finding out more about the Nicotinell Smoking Cessation lectures should contact NCH on tel: 04 - 3390087 or e-mail: novconhe@emirates.net.ae
The Nicotinell Smoking Cessation lectures have been developed by Novartis Consumer Health to help participants understand more about the effects of smoking, the benefits of quitting and how to quit effectively.
Nicotinell TTS patches offer medical assistance for people committed to quitting smoking by preventing them from experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which makes giving up difficult. Nicotinell patches break the cycle of nicotine addiction, by delivering a steady low dose of nicotine to the system. This maintains relatively constant blood levels above the craving threshold, so that the smoker does not feel the urge to light up, and has less likelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Nicotinell helps to overcome the physiological dependence upon nicotine and allows the smoker to deal with the smoking habit - i.e. to break physiological dependence. By weaning from a strong to a weak patch over a course of 12 weeks, the physiological dependence on nicotine is diminished gradually, and the smoker will be freed from further craving for nicotine.
The only Private Medical establishment of its kind in the entire area, the Jebel Ali Medical Centre is yet another milestone in the rapid development of the Jebel Ali Free Zone. The Centre is housed in a luxurious and comfortable structure especially designed with an eye on the future. Services, equipment and diagnostic facilities have been designed to meet all the medical eventualities that may arise in this remote and industrial area. Catering to the various yet specific needs of the area, the Jebel Ali Medical Centre is driven with the spirit to impart Compassionate and Competent Care.
Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, Consultant Physician MBBS (PG) FCPS (PK) MRCP (UK) Dr Zarqa S Taimur, a member of the Royal College of Physicians, has been working at the Jebel Ali Medical Centre since February 2000. She brings with her experience gained at the Guys and St Thomas' Hospital in London, Prince Abdul Aziz Hospital in Saudi Arabia and major teaching hospitals in Pakistan.
BELGIUM TO MOUNT OFFICIAL BIG 5 PAVILION
PROMO TO HELP SUSTAIN RISING BELGIAN-UAE TRADEDubai: Belgium is to mount its largest ever official pavilion at the Big 5 construction and contracting show, which will be held in Dubai this October.Twenty Belgian companies will be housed in the pavilion, which is being organised by the Belgian Foreign Trade Board. The move comes as Belgian export trade with the UAE is on the increase with the country recording a 40% rise in sales to the Emirates last year compared to 1999.
"Last year Belgian exports to the Emirates topped US $549.4 million," explained Jaak Bilien, Head of Exhibitions at the Belgian Foreign Trade Board. "Exports cut across a wide range of products and the varying activities of the Belgian Big 5 delegation will reflect this."
Belgian exhibitors at Big 5 represent the air-conditioning, flooring, tensile fabric, water treatment, security, refrigeration, cleaning systems, processing engineering, insulation and decorative sectors.
Belgium is one of 17 countries mounting national pavilions at the Big 5, which will run at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 27-31. To date, exhibitors from 37 countries have registered for the show, which is one of only three annual events to fill all seven existing halls at the DWTC.
"The show this year will grow by around 20% in occupied floor space and extended national pavilions are one factor behind the expansion," said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director, dmg Index Exhibitions Limited, which organises Big 5.
Intel, Symbian Combine Efforts To Expand Capabilities
Of Wireless Communications Devices
DUBAI, Aug. 25, 2001 - Intel Corporation and Symbian have announced that the two companies will work together to accelerate software application development for wireless devices based on the Intel Personal Internet Client Architecture (Intel PCA) and Symbian OS, Symbian's operating system for data-enabled mobile phones.
Symbian also announced its support for Intel PCA, Intel's open design for building wireless handheld communications devices and software applications that combine voice communications and Internet access. The two companies are working together to port Symbian OS to the application processing engines for Intel PCA - extending Symbian's support for the Intel StrongARM processor to future processors based on Intel XScale microarchitecture.
To support third party developers, the two companies will develop design guides for working with Symbian OS and Intel PCA, offer Symbian's operating system tools with Intel PCA software developer kits and host education and technical sessions at each other's technical development conferences: the Intel Developer Forum and the Symbian Developer Expo.
"Symbian is working closely with leading industry players like Intel to create a mass market for data-enabled mobile phones," said Mark Edwards, executive vice president, Symbian. "The key to success in this market is the provision of applications and services that give additional value to mobile phone users. Our initiative with Intel PCA allows us to extend Symbian's offerings to a wide developer base, bringing a focus to their efforts in building solutions for wireless devices."
"Adding Symbian to the growing roster of companies supporting Intel PCA is a key milestone for us, as we work with the industry to help bring true data applications capability to mobile devices," said Gilbert Lacroix, Intel general manager, Middle East and North Africa. "Intel is pleased to work with Symbian to provide developers leading-edge development platforms for innovative wireless solutions."Intel, Compaq Join To Develop Devices And Applications For The Wireless Internet
DUBAI, Aug. 25, 2001 - Intel Corporation and Compaq Computer Corporation have announced they will collaborate to help speed the development of wireless handheld communications devices and applications used to access and transmit data over the Internet. Compaq also announced its support for the Intel Personal Internet Client Architecture (Intel PCA) initiative. Intel PCA is a development blueprint for building wireless handheld communications devices that combine voice communications and Internet access capabilities.
As part of the joint effort, the two companies will work together to enable complex multimedia applications to run on Intel PCA-based devices for current and next-generation wireless networks. Additionally, Compaq will support Intel in its efforts to incorporate Compaq iPAQ Pocket PCs - based on the Intel StrongARM processor - as reference platforms in Intel PCA developer kits.
Compaq's iPAQ is one of the industry's leading Pocket PC offerings. The company recently shipped its one-millionth iPAQ Pocket PC, and according the Gartner Dataquest, became the fastest-growing handheld computer maker in the second quarter."Compaq applauds Intel's efforts to speed the development of applications and services for wireless networks with initiatives like the Intel Personal Internet Client Architecture," said Sean Burke, Compaq's vice president and general manager, iPAQ Products and Connected Devices Division. "Compaq will continue to support Intel's efforts to provide developers with information and tools to create high-performance, multimedia-rich personal Internet devices that run software and services with the help of next-generation networks."
"As a leader in the handheld computer market segment, Compaq understands the benefits of separating computing and communications functions in a handheld computing device so that both functions are maximized," said Gilbert Lacroix, Intel general manager, Middle East and North Africa. "This is the idea behind Intel PCA, so we're especially pleased to work with Compaq to develop devices and applications that will help achieve the full potential of advanced data networks through Intel PCA."
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