2006
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Arab internet users to reach 50m
The number of Arab internet users will double to around 50m in three years, according to Google chief Eric Schmidt quoted by Gulf News. He said there will be more online content available for non-English speakers in the near future. Schmidt will be addressing delegates at the upcoming Arab Strategy Forum in Dubai.
Nawras, business offer
Nawras has introduced a new service specifically designed for business customers, entitled Closed User Group. The service permits free calls within a designated company, with no time restriction on the length of calls. There are no peak or off-peak tariffs and the Closed User Group service provides a set monthly bill for those companies with an above-average volume of internal communication.
BankMuscat, Temenos deal
BankMuscat has signed an agreement with Temenos to introduce a new core banking system. The bank is to implement the Temenos T24 integrated banking system, which will cover retail banking, corporate banking, finance, operations, branch automation and administration. BankMuscat had contracted technology consultancy firm, Gartner Consulting, to assist in its search for a new system.
MobIS, SoukTel tie-up
MobIS, the Palestinian mobile information services and content company, has teamed up with SoukTel, a provider of SMS solutions, to develop the functional and technical platform for SoukTel's humanitarian aid SMS matching service in Palestine. SoukTel's new service will help communities get emergency food and medical aid more efficiently by pairing them directly with NGOs that meet their specific needs. SoukTel aims to pilot the SMS service in early 2007.
Etisalat, OEC partnership
Etisalat has formed a partnership with Omania e-Commerce to produce integrated, market specific ICT solutions to Omani customers, reported Emirates Today. The areas of e-government, e-business, e-security and e-consultancy will be focused upon. Etisalat and the OEC will place an emphasis on infrastructure outsourcing and managed services.
Sony, Gitex sales boost
Sony Gulf has seen a 35% increase in its Gitex Shopper sales via its UAE distributor Jumbo Electronics, when compared to last year's figures. Cyber shot digital still cameras saw sales jump by 60%, while data projectors also increased by 25%. Jumbo also shifted more than twice the number of Sony's Vaio laptops than last year.
Telco sector opening up
The opening up of the telco sector in Qatar and the offering of a third mobile licence in Saudi Arabia will drive the next phase of telecom liberalisation in the region, according to Gulf News. But changes that will see the introduction of VoIP, local loop unbundling and the involvement of mobile virtual network operators in regional markets will take some time even in more open markets like the UAE.
Umniah Jordan, chatting service
Umniah Jordan has launched an Arabic mobile chatting service in the kingdom via MixChat, Kastana's chatting and community platform. Umniah's 700,000 subscribers can now use the mobile chatting service via SMS, WAP and the Web. MixChat provides both an English and Arabic interface for users.
Symantec Phish Report
Symantec has introduced its Phish Report to the Middle East, allowing companies to share information about fake websites to help in the fight against cyber fraud. The US-based National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance is the newest member of the network, increasing interaction with law enforcement agencies. Individual internet users can also submit fraudulent websites to Symantec's Phish Report Website.
WiMax in UAE next year
UAE telcos Etisalat and Du are both trialing WiMax systems, which could bring long-distance wireless broadband access to users by early 2007, Gulf News reported. Du has been trialing a set up with Motorola, while Etisalat has been running a pilot programme in Abu Dhabi with Samsung.
Gitex gets record numbers
Organisers of Dubai's Gitex say visitor numbers were up by about 3,000 on last year, with more than 130,000 converging on the information technology event over the last five days. There were around 1,200 exhibitors, representing 2,274 companies from 61 countries. First time exhibitors included mobile phone giant Nokia.
Thuraya to looks to Asia
Thuraya Satellite Communications is hoping to sign up 30,000 new subscribers within a year of the launch of its third satellite, Gulf News reported. Thuraya 3, which is due to lift off in March or April 2007, will cover much of the Asia-Pacific region. The company's two operating satellites serve 240,000 users in 100 countries.
Tejari links Jafza companies
Tejari has linked Jebel Ali Free Zone to its system, giving more than 5,500 companies access to its online marketplace. Tejari says the Jafza link will allow companies to connect with new customers and new markets
Etisalat, Telkom Kenya cable plan
Etisalat has agreed to construct and operate a high capacity fibre optic submarine cable with Telkom Kenya. The jointly-owned cable system, to be known as The East African Marine System, will link Mombassa with Fujairah, Etisalat said. A construction and supply contract will be awarded early 2007.
Synopsis in DSO chip deal
Synopsys has agreed to help set up an integrated circuit design centre at Dubai Silicon Oasis, Gulf News reported. Under the terms of the agreement, the US-based chip designer will provide electronic design automation tools and training to the project.
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