2004
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Microsoft launches Arabic software
Microsoft launched Arabic language versions of four popular software packages at Gitex 2004. The company said the move demonstrated its commitment to the Middle East and North Africa. The products are Infopath 2003, Windows CE 5.0, Microsoft Business Solutions CRM and Class Server 3.0.
Crown Prince visits Gitex
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Industry and Chairman of Dubai World Trade Centre, and His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister of Defence and Crown Prince of Dubai, visited Gitex 2004 on Monday. Their highnesses visited the stand of Etisalat, the UAE telecoms monopoly.
Samsung unveils its PDA phone
Samsung Electronics has announced plans to launch its Personal Digital Assistant phone, SGH-i700, in Middle East by the end of 2004. The phone is showcased along with a range of advanced mobile handsets and state-of-the-art digital products at the company's digital convergence inspired pavilion at the Gitex 2004 computer show in Dubai this week.
Mid-East virus activity up sharply
Virus activity in the Middle East has risen sharply in 2004, according to figures published by Trend Micro, the anti-virus firm. A total of 1,485 new malwares were discovered in the Middle East in September 2004, up from just 250 in September 2003. The nature of viruses is also changing, with more Zombies aiming to extract valuable financial passwords from PCs.
Ex Microsoft MD opens consultancy
Mohammed Kateeb, former Middle East managing director of Microsoft, launched a regional IT consultancy at GITEX 2004. InnoKAT will focus on managing information, system and network security, storage architecture, accessibility and manageability of data, reliability and robustness, scalability, as well as back-up and recovery.
Etisalat launches streaming TV
Etisalat, the UAE telecoms monopoly, has announced plans to launch real time streaming television as part of its 3G mobile phone service. Subscribers will also be able to view real time images from security cameras as part of the service.
Service Pack 2 launched in Arabic
Microsoft has launched the Arabic version of Windows XP Service Pack 2. It is available to download and order online. This free service pack delivers the latest security updates and innovations from Microsoft, establishes strong default security settings, and adds new proactive protection features that will help better safeguard computers against viruses.
HP, Oracle, Wataniya Telecom CRM
Hewlett-Packard,in partnership with Oracle, has completed a complex Oracle Customer Relationship Management implementation for Kuwait's Wataniya Telecom. The technology will provide the operator's call centre agents with the tools that will effectively enhance the one-to-one customer experience for over 820,000 customers in Kuwait.
STC aims to stop defections
Saudi Telecom Company is offering staff incentives of up to three months salary in the form of a bonus in a bid to stop them defecting to Etisalat, the new consortium that has won the licence to set up the Kingdom's second GSM network.
UAE approves telecom regulator
The deregulation of the UAE's telecoms sector moved a step closer after the country's Supreme Committee endorsed the board resolutions and budget of the Telecom Regulatory Authority. The TRA will oversee the introduction of competition into the UAE's telecoms sector, which is currently dominated by monopoly provider Etisalat.
Dubai eCitizen programme
Dubai eGovernment launches eCitizen tomorrow, an instructor-led cost effective certification programme, designed to increase the level of e-literacy among Dubai public. Under the e4all umbrella, the 16-hour programme aims at increasing the level of awareness and usage of Dubai government's online services apart from teaching basic e-mail and Internet fundamentals to the nationals and expatriates living in Dubai.
Gitex Computer Shopper opens
The Gitex Computer Shopper event in Dubai opens today at the Airport Expo. There are 140 exhibitors representing more than 500 companies. This is the parallel retail show to the Gitex computer trade show that starts tomorrow.
Chip maker AMD wows Gitex
Giant US chip maker AMD is out to woo the Middle East at the Gitex computer show in Dubai next week. Regional Director Pierre Brunswick told journalists that AMD would present its latest 64 bit chip and showcase its link with the Ferarri team's Acer equipment. We are linking up with a broad range of partners to demonstrate our value for money technology, he said.
Record Gitex attendence forecast
This will be a record year for visitors to the Gitex computer show, the five-day marathon trade event that runs 3-7 October, said organisers. The parallel Gitex Computer Shopper retail event at the Airport Expo Exhibition complex is also expected to draw record crowds.
Etihad buys Amadeus stake
Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways is to buy the stake in Amadeus owned by the Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company by the end of the year. The announcement came as the travel industry technology company revealed plans to enter Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq.
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