keralamonitor.com July 15, 2002

IBM's First Mini-Desktop Launches in the Middle East

Dubai, UAE, July 15, 2002 - IBM announced today the launch of several new desktop computers, reinforcing its commitment to bringing cutting-edge, affordable technology to businesses in the Middle East. The powerful, new value-priced NetVista systems offer companies the standard features and functions of traditional IBM PCs, while providing customers with significant savings and the opportunity for increased return on investment. The launch also unveiled IBM's first high-powered Mini Desktop with its unique chassis design and small footprint, which enables it to be placed horizontally or vertically on the desk.

"The new IBM NetVista models have features and technology advantages that make them an ideal solution for businesses and discerning consumers in the Middle East. These new models are packed with a number of IBM's innovations that allow companies to take advantage of more easily managed wireless networking, advanced security and application management," said Sameh Farid, IBM's Middle East Regional Manager, Personal Systems Division.

For small businesses, IBM announced the new NetVista A30 and A30p models with the Intel Pentium 4 processor, at affordable prices. These new systems feature integrated Intel Extreme Graphics, DDR memory and a wide range of optical drives to suit the needs of businesses of all sizes.

To increase the desktop's flexibility, the new models offer six USB 2.0 ports. A portable USB hard drive for backup of data and critical files is available as a new option. NetVista A30p models also offer a choice of graphics cards from NVIDIA and ATI, including a 128MB card.IBM also unveiled the NetVista M42 with the fastest technology available in a desktop from IBM, featuring DDR memory and Intel's Pentium 4 processor. The M42 offers four different chassis designs, including IBM's first Mini Desktop.

Select M42 models also feature one of the industry's only desktops with integrated Gigabit Ethernet -- suited for users connected to high-speed networks. Additionally, the M42 comes with six USB 2.0 ports, two with front access and four at the back, enabling easy connections to external devices, and making download speeds up to 40 times faster than USB 1.0. "We recognize the crucial need of small businesses to get as much return on their IT investment while having the most flexibility and platform stability. IBM now offers SMB and education customers cutting-edge technology that they need, but wouldn't expect to find in an entry-level PC," added Farid.

IBM continues to provide customers with best-of-breed technology, as well as value beyond the box:
· Security: Select NetVista models announced today include the IBM Embedded Security Subsystem, the first and only TCPA-compliant integrated security subsystem in a desktop PC, which helps protect information, and which integrates with security features on both wireless and wired networks.
· Migration/Uptime: IBM Rapid Restore PC, a one-button image recovery solution, is downloadable for use with any ThinkPad or NetVista system. Rapid Restore PC enables desktop and mobile users to locally manage image and data backup and recovery. With the click of a single button, Rapid Restore PC provides users with full system backup to help minimize downtime if a crash occurs due to a virus or errant application.

A full system recovery can occur in as little as 15-20 minutes, helping save IT managers' time and resources and increase productivity for end users. The new NetVista systems announced today support ImageUltra, IBM's signature image management software, which helps companies save money on maintenance of the large number of master software images on every PC. Additionally, the PCs announced today were designed for simpler software image management.

· Wireless: NetVistas can be set up to work in a wireless environment with an optional Wi-Fi wireless add-on card or USB hub. In addition, IBM Access Connections software enables users to easily manage connectivity options, allowing them to save preferred settings and switch between various communications capabilities.

IBM also announced today several new options that enhance the usability of its PCs:
· Portable Hard Drive: Weighing in at only eight ounces and small enough to fit into a shirt pocket, the portable hard drive stores up to 20GB of data, or 30GB of compressed data. Compatible with USB 2.0, the drive comes equipped with Rapid Restore PC software, making it ideal for image backups.
· 128MB Memory Key: IBM's largest memory key yet stores up to 88 diskettes worth of information in a thumb-sized key. It can be protected via password, and allows the user to swap files between home and office or between multiple PCs, and to create a partition to secure certain files.
· Flat-panel speaker bezel: These sleek new speakers add enhanced sound to the workspace without adding size. The zero-footprint speakers slide over the bezel of IBM T541 and T560 monitors, and are available with four USB 2.0 ports for easy expansion.

US $1M Tech Access Solutions Centre opens at Dubai Internet City

July 15th, 2002

The US $1 million Tech Access Solutions Centre was opened today by Dubai Internet City's CEO, Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman. The new facility, the first CDP-run Authorised iForce [SM] Ready Centre in the Middle East and Africa, is a collaborative effort between global IT player, Sun Microsystems Inc., and its regional Data Centre Channel Development Provider (CDP) Tech Access FZ LLC.

"The centre will play a key role in regional customer engagement and provides a focal point for Sun's iForce initiative - 'collaborating for customer success' - across the greater Middle East," said Ellie Warner, Channels & Marketing Manager Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East & Africa, Sun Microsystems.

"It will provide Sun and its partners a base for the creation of 'sets' of pre-defined, pre-integrated solutions utilising 'best of breed' architectures, targeted at the region's horizontal and vertical market sector growth." "The key to the global success of iForce, and one we expect to emulate here, is its ethos of 'proof of concept'. We use a 'test before you invest' customer approach," said Warner.Tech Access/Sun anticipate a return on initial investment by 2003. "We estimate the centre will leverage around US $500,000 worth of business per quarter by the close of 2003. We anticipate this increasing to US $1.4 million by 2004," said Sardar M. Ghalib, Chairman of the Board, Tech Access.

The new DIC-based, 130 square metre centre is staffed by 12 people, a mixture of sales and dedicated technical engineers, and will be integrated into its standard regional pre-sales activity. Aside from its state-of-the-art technology infrastructure, the centre comprises a presentation area and project briefing rooms, allowing solution emulation and customer interaction.

"The Tech Access Solutions Centre can add considerable value to the technology expertise in the Dubai Internet City community," said Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Chief Executive Office of Dubai Internet City. "Basing itself in Dubai Internet City can help the Tech Access Solutions Centre easily reach its customers as well as operate with maximum efficiency and minimum hassle. Dubai Internet City also provides a rich community environment that can help the centre quickly form productive partnerships and collaborations."