DTK steps up IT proliferation efforts in bid to boost regional e-governance readiness index

With this in mind, DTK Computer Middle East, leading technology brand and IT developer, has announced a progressive drive to further IT penetration in the Middle East region by launching entry level technology platforms such as its Cruiser 5015 desktop PC which is being sold at a price lower than AED 1000 in the regional Markets. DTK is also supporting the various initiatives launched by the regional authorities aimed at promoting IT penetration in the Middle East.

DTK, in partnership with AMD, is working towards a 5015 initiative wherein 50 percent of the global population will be afforded IT connectivity through flexible IT solutions by the year 2015. DTK's Cruiser 5015 desktop PC uses AMD technology to combine technological robustness with affordability in a bid to bring technology and connectivity to more people. In addition, DTK is also active in promoting inclusive e-government in the Arab world and sponsored the recently held 12th GCC e-government forum organized by Datamatix.

Nimer Al Attal, Managing Director, DTK Computers ME,

"E-governance readiness is determined not just by government initiatives aimed at making information and bureaucratic functions available online to citizens, but also broad-based IT penetration that allows citizens to leverage these services to full value. A lack of hardware proliferation can prove a potential bottleneck in moving from e-governance to full e-inclusion, and it is this stumbling block that DTK is looking to address with initiatives such as the Cruiser 5015".

E-governance readiness in the Middle East region has been ranked at approximately 50 percent by a recent index compiled by the UN, compared to 91 percent for index leading United States. The UN report calls for connectivity and access to technology with a focus enabling all population groups to leverage the benefits of IT.

"The Cruiser 5015 is expected to increase IT usage in the region by providing a younger generation comprising up to 70 percent of the regional population a viable option to take advantage of enabling technology. Increased connectivity and heightened IT awareness will improve the region's e-governance readiness by allowing more citizens to access services online," added Nimer.

The recently released UN report on global e-governance placed the UAE at number 42nd in the world in terms of e-government readiness, but number one in the GCC region. The report indicated that the UAE had moved up 18 places from 2004, where it was ranked 60th in the world. Similarly, most other Arab countries in the region also showed positive movement in the e-government readiness rankings, with Kuwait moving up to 75 from number 100 in 2004, and Qatar moving to 62 from 80th place. Saudi Arabia also moved up from 90th global position in 2004 to 80th in 2005.

"In order to accelerate the process of e-government readiness, the region is intent on raising awareness of the importance of IT in developing career skills, job worth and societal inclusion. By laying a comprehensive infrastructure of IT, the region can catalyze greater penetration of e-government services.

DTK is aiming to further regional IT proliferations initiatives by providing platforms such as the Cruiser 5015 for those who would otherwise find the cost of IT prohibitive," Nimer concluded.