Dubai IT Monitor Gitex
Dubai based IT companies shifting operation to Kochi Infopark:
K.G.Girish Kumar CEO Kochi Infopark.
By V.M.Sathish
DUBAI - A number of software companies from the Dubai Internet City are relocating their operations to Kochi Infopark, which is becoming a much sought after IT destination after the competition of the global fiber optic network link. Banglore, the Silicon Valley of India, is already crowded and companies are expanding to tier two cities like Coimbatore. Now Kochi and Japur are the most preferred destinations for IT investors, said K.G.Suresh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, Infotech Park Kochi. The CEO is in Dubai luring more IT companies to Kochi.
Speaking to Keralamonitor.com during the ongoing Gitex 2004 IT exhibition, he said some leading IT companies from the Dubai Internet City are relocating their software operations to Kochi IT Park. A leading real estate software development company from the DIC is already relocating its work to Kochi and will retain only the senior staff at the DIC office, he said.
Kochi has become a preferred IT destination for International IT giants including Wipro, the number one Indian company, because of the direct link to the fiber optic link to the international network. "Quality data connecting is a major advantage for Kochi because the fiber optic link is directly coming to the city. Only Bombay and Kochi have this unique advantage," he added. "The quality of data connectivity is one of the best in the country. Only Kochi can connect companies to the fiber optic links in Atlantic and Pacific Oceans towards the US.
Kochi is linked to the international submarine fiber optic communication cable network making Karalla one of the most important digital connectivity hubs in India. The Corporation of Cochin and the Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) have signed contract to lay fibre optic cables through 10 divisions in the corporation from the landing point at Cherai, 27km from Kochi. Kochi and Mumbai are the only two landing points in India of the South East Asia- Middle East -Western Europe (SEA-ME-WE-3) fibre optic cable network. SEA-ME-WE-3 is a 39,000km submarine cable network linking 39 landing points in 33 countries and four continents. Kochi is the most important digital connectivity hub in the country as SEA-ME-WE-3 (South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe), the international submarine fibre-optic communications cable network that has a landing point in Kochi, is upgraded to greatly enhance its capacity. Mumbai is the only other Indian landing point for this network. Kochi has two state-of-the art cable networks, SEA-ME-WE-3 and the SAFE (South Africa-Far East) network. The upgraded SEA-ME-WE-3 will increase Kochi international gateway's capacity and enhance bandwidth, thus making possible faster Internet and other IT services as well as international telecom services.
"Due to this, the reliability and quality of data transfer is good," he said. "For every stream of 2 Mega byte data transfer the cost is Rs.13 lakhs less in Kochi than other places like Banglore. In addition the VSNL data hub of a 48 pair optical fair is connected to the international gigabites routing point. Outsourcing is a major international phenomenon and software companies are relocating their operations to cheaper destinations. KM understands that Amalaki, a DIC based software development company, is relocating to Kochi. Manpower cost is much less than Dubai or other international IT hubs. The office lease rate is also attractive and the buildings are fitted out with full plug and play facilities. Four European companies have already decided to start operations from Kochi, he said. Even though many NRI groups have promised to invest in the IT sector, nothing concrete has happened, he added.
The Kochi IT Park is coming up in a 240 acres plot with 1.7 million square feet building up area. Wipro is setting up a campus for 5,000 students, he added. Infopark is a project of Kerala State IT mission executed by an implementation board chaired by the Secretary - IT, Govt of Kerala. M/s. CB Richard Ellis, globally renowned property management consultants have the over all responsibility of developing and implementing the master plan. M/s. Thomas Associates, Bangalore is the architect. Land scaping is planned by M/s. Earthline, Bangalore. (KM Bureau Dubai)
Kuwait Airways and Carlson Marketing Group Sign Agreement on Oasis Club Management
KUWAIT CITY, KUWAIT (October 02, 2004) -- Sheikh Talal Mubarak Al Ahmed Al-Sabah, chairman and managing director of Kuwait Airways, and Gerry Pereira, president of Asia Pacific and Middle East, Carlson Marketing Group, today signed an agreement that transfers management of Kuwait Airways' Oasis Club to Carlson Marketing Group. The five-year deal, signed at the Kuwait Airways office in Kuwait City, puts all aspects of the frequent flyer program in the hands of one of the world's leading Relationship Marketing companies. "Carlson Marketing Group has more than 65 years of success developing and managing consumer loyalty programs like our Oasis Club," said Sheikh Talal. "They've worked with major Fortune 500 companies and other international airlines on similar projects and those companies are thriving. We want the best for Kuwait Airways and for our passengers and that means we have to keep improving almost every aspect of the airline. Hiring Carlson Marketing Group, the best in the business, is just one of many moves we are making in that direction." Under the terms of the agreement, Carlson Marketing Group will be responsible for all aspects of Oasis Club management and development. This will include technology solutions, marketing communications, contact centre, partner management, and measurement strategy consulting and program development."Kuwait Airways has built its business by building relationships with consumers in Kuwait and throughout the region," said Pereira. "We, at Carlson Marketing Group, understand how personal connections, reinforced by positive experiences, can create a powerful and sustainable bond. In today's world, companies either succeed or fail based on the strength of relationships. Our objective is to expand on the good work and accomplishments of Kuwait Airways and make the airline's Oasis Club, the most desirable frequent flyer program in the region." Pereira continued, saying "Leading companies are focusing more than ever on building relationships that drive business results. They are refusing to settle for the status quo or second best. Today's leading companies want world-class strategy, flawless execution and measurable results-that's what Carlson Marketing Group delivers for its clients. Sheikh Talal is committed improving Kuwait Airway's business. Carlson Marketing Group is just as committed to supporting his effort by creating customer relationships that yield positive results for Kuwait Airways."
Seven men held in Dubai for running EU visa counterfeiting racket
Gang arrested after DNRD foils a group member's attempt to travel to France
on fake visa
October 2, 2004 Seven men, including five Pakistani nationals, a naturalised Spanish citizen and a person whose nationality is yet to be determined are being held by Dubai law enforcement agencies for allegedly running a racket counterfeiting EU visas to travel to Europe, after Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) officials foiled the attempt by a member of the group to travel to France via Dubai International Airport (DIA) on a fake visa. The gang members were netted following a series of raids conducted by law enforcement authorities in Dubai on apartments in Al Baraha and several other locations in Deira used by these men, based on the information gathered from two men who were detained at DIA.The raids also revealed a cache of incriminating evidence including six blank counterfeit EU visas and implements used to make the counterfeits. The investigation also revealed that a Hungarian national who operates from outside the UAE is supplying the gang with fake visas. Brigadier Saeed bin Belailah, Director, DNRD, said: "DNRD has always been at the forefront in stemming any unlawful activity relating to falsification and abuse of travel permits. Our diligence is highlighted by the fact that DNRD has leveraged human capital as well as technological expertise in making the passport and immigration control at every entry and exit point in Dubai, fraud proof. All our staff members are trained in latest fraud detecting and preventing technologies. In addition, DNRD has extensive information sharing and co-ordination programs with immigration departments from different countries in the world precisely aimed at preventing fraudulent activities."
On the morning of September 15, 2004, a group member, a Pakistani national and the first to be arrested, was booked to fly to Paris on an international airline via DIA. The individual was detained by immigration officials at DIA after it was determined that the visa stamped on his passport was a fake. Another member of the gang whose nationality is yet to be determined, was also arrested at the Airport terminal based on information supplied by the former. It is alleged that the former obtained the visa from the latter at a cost of AED 20,000. Subsequent raids, authorised by the Public Prosecutor, conducted in locations around Al Baraha on September 16, 2004 netted four more individuals, including three Pakistani nationals and a
naturalised Spanish citizen, who is the alleged kingpin of the racket. All the seven men are now under custody pending detailed investigation by the DNRD and other law enforcement agencies in Dubai.Lt. Col. Rashid Bahkit Al Jumairi, Assistant Director, Investigation and Control Section, DNRD said: "DNRD has access to an extensive anti forgery database containing passport details of several hundreds of thousand of individuals from most of the countries in the world, the status and number of entries on each one of those passports. We were successful in detecting and preventing the said individual from travelling using falsified documents precisely because we scrutinised his documents, cross checking it with the information contained in the database, and came to the conclusion that the travel document in his possession was a fake. In addition, there are many security features that are inbuilt in the visas issued by authorities in Europe, all of which are detectable by the DNRD."
Captain Talal Ahmad Al Shengiti, Investigating officer, DNRD, said: "The unprecedented level of co-ordination between several law enforcement authorities and the airline officials themselves led to the successful conclusion of this operation. With this operation, we would like to send out a clear message to individuals or groups who are involved in counterfeiting activities, that DNRD and law enforcement official will not tolerate such abuses and will spare no expense to punish the perpetrators."
Dubai Municipality Collects 724,788 tonnes of waste from Deira
Dubai, 2 October 2004 The Waste Services Section of Dubai Municipality has collected around 724,788 tonnes of waste during August from Deira, Bur Dubai and the rural areas. Engineer Hassan Makki, Assistant Director of the Environment Department and Head of Waste Services Section, said the waste collected during August included general waste, construction and demolition waste, and horticultural waste. Makki said the section has started implementing the study done on issuing technical guidelines for the private companies in the activities of collecting, transporting and recycling waste. Conditions and specifications have been issued for these activities that go in line with the developments in the services offered according to the new Local Order in this regard.
The section has also completed the annual waste characterization study for 2004 in co-operation with the Waste Treatment Section. The study lasted for 40 days. The result of the study, conducted according to international standards, paper waste was 26.1 %, plastic 19.3 %, glass 6.3 %, metals 5.3 % and organic materials 28.1 %. The contracts for emptying waste containers in Umm Suqeim, and Satwa areas were given to 20 companies.
In the meanwhile, the Municipality is continuing its efforts to control the use of “pan” and with the co-operation of Dubai Police, 25 kilograms of pan was confiscated during the month of August. The monthly report of the Section further notes that as part of the Target 555 programme, the section, in coordination with private companies and establishments, has recycled 4,005 tonnes waste, which include paper waste and cartons, plastic, aluminium and 267 barrels of oil residues. The Section has also attended to 400 complaints from the public with regard to the waste services. It also attended accidents occurred in different areas of the emirate and cleared the waste at the site.
Meanwhile, the Waste Treatment Section undertook many control measures in disposing off the hazardous waste generated from different industrial and commercial establishments. The measures were part of the continuing system of procedure applying the rules and guidelines approved for the management of hazardous waste in Dubai.
A total of 156,315 tonnes of domestic waste, 11,487 tonnes of agricultural waste, 557,365 tonnes of construction and demolition waste and 58 tonnes of medical waste were collected during the period under review.
Big win for DSO at GITEX Dubai 2004 as H.H. Sheikh Ahmed announces deal with Synopsys
"Deal establishes Dubai's position as a global technology hotspot ": Sheikh Ahmed
October 4, 2004 Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) was in the spotlight at GITEX 2004 as it signed a deal with Synopsys Inc, the world leader in semiconductor design software, by which Synopsys will open a dedicated facility for electronic design
and innovation in the Emirate. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DSO met with
Synopsys Chairman and CEO, Dr. Aart de Geus to conclude the deal."We are developing DSO as a leading center for advanced electronic innovation, design and development, and are committed to creating the most integrated technology park that excels in providing end-to-end shared turnkey facilities for the semiconductor industry," said H.H. Sheikh Ahmed, Chairman of DSO. "We are pleased to announce our partnership with Synopsys."
The agreement covers the volume purchase of electronic design automation (EDA) tools and IP Libraries for DSO users and will provide DSO partners and tenants easy access to world-class design and verification tools. Dr. de Geus remarked: "Synopsys welcomes the opportunity to encourage growth of the semiconductor design companies in the UAE. It is always exciting
to see new markets emerge and we see Dubai Silicon Oasis' vision as a way to reach new customers and bring infrastructure together to serve their needs."According to IC Insights the global electronic systems market is projected to see steady growth over the next few years, and should cross US$ 1.1 trillion by 2007. UAE and its regional market is expected to invest over US$ 7.9 billion in 2005 according to International Data Corporation with, UAE amongst others leading the spending.DSO with its value proposition based on three core value disciplines; cost-effective electronic design infrastructure; efficient business services; and an integrated technical design community is advantageously positioned to capitalize on regional and global market trends.
Ramadan Rahmath: A visual tour of Malabar to be telecast through Kairali Channel
eSys Technologies to market Intel-approved chassis for Pentium 4 Processors in the Middle East and Africa
The Thermally Advantaged Aopen Chassis for Processors with LGA775 socket optimises system performance through enhanced cooling features
October 4, 2004 eSys Technologies FZE, the wholly owned Middle East subsidiary of the Singapore based eSys Technologies, has announced that it will market the Thermally Advantaged Aopen Chassis recommended by Intel for use in its Pentium 4 boxed processors supporting Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology and its new Intel 925x/915 chipset family. The chassis will be the only one of its kind available in the Middle East and Africa markets to offer the enhanced cooling features required to optimise system performance of Pentium 4 processors. The chassis has been made immediately available to support resellers' transition to the new platforms.
With applications ranging from Digital Photography, Digital Music, Digital Video, Gaming, Digital Home Applications and the all important Business Productivity Solutions, Intel's Pentium 4 Processors that support Hyper-Threading Technology have generated significant user interest. With the recent induction (in Q3 of 2004) of Socket LGA775 in the system architecture, the performance of the processor has been further enhanced. The new LGA775 pin configuration is compatible with Intel 925x/915 Express chipset-equipped motherboards featuring an LGA775 socket. The LGA775 processor package enables power efficiencies necessary for 3.60GHz and higher processor frequencies that run data intensive business, multimedia, and gaming applications.
While the new processor package has been quick to make inroads into the European and US markets, in the Middle East the adoption of this revolutionary technology has been slower due to a lack of availability of chassis with compatible architectural design. The currently available chassis induce system crashes resulting from inadequate cooling. The new Aopen chassis, introduced by eSys Technologies to the Middle East market, will fill this gap. "Besides innovative and sophisticated technologies, high-end computing is mostly dependant on the right selection of components that go into the system architecture. As a distributor, eSys Technologies is conscious of its responsibility towards the end-user. The company has set of tradition of bringing in cutting-edge IT components, keeping in view their relevance to the advanced technologies entering the Middle East and Africa markets," says Pavan Gupta, General Manager, eSys Technologies. "Our company is proud to partner with Intel in introducing this ground-breaking technology to the regional markets."
Cellucom launches lifetime warranty on Nokia mobiles at GITEX Computer Shopper 2004
Company announces attractive promotional offers on Nokia, Sony Ericsson and Pantech phones at the show
October 1, 2004
Cellucom, one of the premier distributors of mobile communication devices and accessories in the Middle East, has announced a special lifetime warranty on all models of Nokia mobile phones. The offer, the first of its kind in the mobile phone industry, is valid for all Nokia models purchased from Cellucom's showrooms, Val-U-Shop outlets and its authorised dealers.
The announcement of the offer coincides with the beginning of GITEX Computer Shopper at the Airport Expo, Dubai on October 2, 2004, the largest retail IT event in the Middle East with approximately 140 exhibitors representing over 500 companies.
Arun Nagar, CEO, Cellucom stated, "We are extremely proud to announce a lifetime warranty on Nokia mobile phones. This is a unique first in the industry, an exceptional value-add for all Cellucom customers. The warranty, when taken into account with our 30 minute repair service for Nokia phone and coverage in eight countries across the Middle East, makes it one of the strongest value propositions in the region's mobile phone industry. We hope that our customers will fully utilize the benefits from this offer."
"GITEX Computer Shopper is the Middle East's largest IT retail extravaganza. With more than 80,000 visitors participating in the weeklong event, it holds significant market value for the whole region. Our participation in the exhibition is aimed at promoting our wide range of mobile products at Cellucom to the retail community and individual users," added Nagar.
Cellucom is also offering several other attractive promotional offers at GITEX Shopper. These include free Cellucom gift vouchers valued between AED 50-150 on purchase of 12 select models of Nokia mobile phones, attractive discounts on most models of Sony Ericsson and a free Westar wrist watch against the purchase of a Pantech mobile phone. Guninder Singh, Marketing Manager, Cellucom added, "Computer Shopper 2004 has traditionally been a place where visitors expect good value in terms of attractive offers, as well as exposure to the latest technology from leading global technology companies. We have therefore designed our offers to appeal to a large number of discerning buyers. We will be making available these offers from our own stand as well as from the stands of our participating Val-u-Shop partners. We are confident that the lifetime warranty and our other promotional offers will receive a positive response from buyers at Shopper 2004."
WORLD LEADER IN MP3 PLAYERS MAKES GITEX DEBUT
MPIO products to hit Middle East market in November 2004
GITEX-DUBAI- 3rd ,October 2004:
MPIO (www.mpio.com), the world-leading brand of portable digital audio devices based in Korea, is appearing at GITEX Dubai for the first time this year, through its local distributor Delta Business Products FZCO (F1-1 Hall Number1), and displaying its range of stylish MP3 players: The new products including MPIO FL300, MPIO FG100, MPIO FY400, MPIO HS200, MPIO HD200 and MPIO HD300 will be displayed. These new products will start being available in stores in the UAE next month.
Mr. JK Woo, President & CEO of MPIO, said “MPIO has made worldwide success with its former products like DMK, FL100 and FY200. MPIO has positioned itself as the world’s best company in portable digital audio devices, beating traditional portable audio giants such as Sony and Panasonic. Superior and reliable function is a standard for MPIO – and now our MP3 player is becoming a fashion item, not just simple electronics. MPIO’s products combine technology and fashion, which will eventually satisfy the fashion leaders as a digital accessory. We’re excited about coming to the Middle East market, and we expect to gain very positive feedback from consumers here.”
In 2003, MPIO represented up to 7.5% of the global market share; accounted for 10.63% of the U.S. market and 8.50% of the EU market, defeating traditional big-guys like Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung. By the end of this year, the company’s expected global market share is 10.62%. “The Internet and ‘music download’ industry in Middle East region is growing fast, and subsequently the MP3 player market potential is huge,” continues Mr. Woo. “As we roll out our products, we will also work on developing our channel in order to extend our product reach to all the GCC, and potentially the Levant as well.”
