AME Info | Technology

Epson launches new sheetfeed scanners

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:04:00 GMT

Epson has expanded its range of business scanners with the recent Middle East launch of its first ever sheetfed series, the GT-S50 and GT-S80 A4 scanners. The two new series are network enabled and equipped with a high-speed USB 2.0 interface. The GT-S80 has a scanning speed of 40 pages per minute and a conversion rate of 80 images per minute, while the GT-S50 can dish out 25 pages per minute and 50 images per minute.

Cisco launches new connections programme

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:54:19 GMT

Cisco has launched the Cisco Device Connections Program (Cisco DCP), a programme which enables manufacturers to use the Home Network Administration Protocol (HNAP) in variety of network connected devices, the company said. HNAP enables a simple, secure and open approach for devices to be set up and configured with other HNAP enabled devices on a home network. Cisco is leading the effort to make connected home products easier to use and set-up through open licensing of its HNAP technology.

Apple unveils new MacBook Pro

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:16:28 GMT

Apple has unveiled the new 17-inch MacBook Pro featuring a new built-in battery that delivers up to eight hours of use and up to 1,000 recharges for more than three times the lifespan of conventional notebook batteries, the company said. The new 17-inch MacBook Pro has a high resolution LED-backlit display and the same large glass Multi-Touch trackpad introduced with the new MacBook family in October.

Al Wathba adopts Unified Communications

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:36:51 GMT

UAE-based Al Wathba National Insurance Company has acquired Nortel and Microsoft's Unified Communications. The technology enables employees to improve their productivity and customer service even when working outside the office premises. They can answer calls, send/ receive fax messages, directly from Microsoft Outlook Contacts, Excel and Word. The installation is being carried out by systems integrator Alpha Data.

Intel predicts dynamic changes in mobile market

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:14:52 GMT

Intel predicts that the mobility market will become a key influencer across the consumer and enterprise segment in 2009. Developments in the mobile internet space will help fuel this trend through the implementation of mobile workstations, thinner and lighter notebooks and netbooks, in addition to the deployment of mobile internet devices, wireless networking components, and services. 2009 will also see a greater focus on mobile internet expansion due to the increasingly pervasive nature of the internet and the trends accelerating its growth such as social networking. An increase in online participation will result in an increased demand for products such as Notebook PC's, Netbooks and MID's, the company said.

Westcon inks distribution deal with SonicWall

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:53:04 GMT

Value-added distributor WestconME has signed a distribution agreement with data protection and security vendor SonicWall. Under the agreement, WestconME will distribute and promote SonicWall's portfolio of network security products - including Network Security Appliances, SSL VPNs and email security offerings across MEA. WestconME will work closely with SonicWall's sales, technical support and partner development teams to provide pre- and post-sales support, as well as technical support delivered by certified professionals.

Internet returns to normal in Middle East

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:25:40 GMT

Repairs to the internet in the Middle East have been completed and connections across the region should return to normal today following outages that began on the morning of Dec 19. Etisalat said yesterday all of its cables have been fully repaired. Qtel also issued a statement saying that services in Qatar had returned to 100% of regular capacity. No official explanation has been given for the outages, but experts speculate that a possible undersea earthquake was the cause.

Jordan IT firms target GCC expansion

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:04:01 GMT

Jordanian information and communication technology firms expect to see 15% to 20% growth in demand for technology products and services from the GCC markets. A group of nine member companies from the Information Technology Association of Jordan (Int@j) have set expansion plans in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait for 2009.

Ultra-slim TV demand to hit 14m

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:23:50 GMT

Global demand for ultra-slim television will hit 14 million by 2012 according to research by display consulting firm DisplaySearch. The figures represent a 219% annual increase between 2008 and 2012.

Netbooks to 'replace' smart phones

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 06:17:49 GMT

According to Santhosh Varghese, regional general manager for Toshiba's Computer Systems Division, the new 3G netbook will take over a significant portion of the smart phone market segment. With a keyboard and 3G, the device can be used as a secondary notebook or as a mainstream phone. Toshiba is set to launch its first 3G netbook by February this year.

GCC outsourcing to cost 21% higher

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 07:17:28 GMT

Outsourcing costs in the Gulf countries is expected to hit 21% higher in 2009, touching $503m compared to $413m in 2008, Gulf News has reported. The industry is faced with big challenges like shortage of qualified staff, inflation, cost per unit, and the telecom costs. While Oman is seen as a potential place for outsourcing in the long run, Eypt poses the strongest position with a well-educated workforce and strong multilingual capabilities.

Epson unveils new CD/DVD production system

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:39:20 GMT

Epson has announced the Middle East launch of the Discproducer PP-100, a new CD/DVD production system that produces reliable data burning and realistic photo printing in one single fully automated process. The new production system also introduces a separate ink cartridge system that makes for low cost maintenance and ink efficiency, promising 1,000 print jobs and more without the need to change the ink.

HP faces scrutiny for printer sales in Iran

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:40:12 GMT

Hewlett-Packard is under scrutiny because of press report which claims that one of its Middle Eastern distributors sells HP printers in Iran. The Boston Globe report traced the relationship between HP and a distributor in Dubai called Redington Gulf, which started doing business in 1997, selling HP supplies in Iran. According to the report, HP printers have become the top sellers in Iran despite a comprehensive trade embargo put in place by former President Bill Clinton in 1995 and enforced with renewed vigor by the Bush administration.

Internet cable repairs delayed

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:28:42 GMT

The slowdown in internet services in Qatar are to continue as repair work on the damaged undersea cables in the Mediterranean Sea has been delayed. The repairs are now expected to be completed by January 5. According to agency reports, an important undersea cable broke for a second time, this time at a much greater depth.

Sony to be official partner of football tourney

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 06:49:03 GMT

Sony Gulf is to be the official partner of the 19th Arabian Gulf Cup of Nations. The Gulf's most popular football event is set to take place in Oman next month. This is the first major Middle East football tournament Sony is partnering with and is an extension of the Sony's global 8-year FIFA partnership from 2007-2014 that covers the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.

Comstor rolls out Cisco Handbook

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 08:30:19 GMT

Comstor Middle East, distributors of Cisco-focused advanced technology solutions has released the fifth global edition of the Cisco Solutions Handbook to the Middle East market. The Cisco Solutions Handbook is a comprehensive desk reference book that contains detailed product and positioning information for all the Cisco-oriented products Comstor carries on a multi-national basis.

Intel's fastest CPU launches in Egypt

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:08:49 GMT

Intel launched its fastest desktop processor, the Core i7 CPU, into the Egyptian market today. The processor is an eight core CPU that doubles the memory bandwidth of previous Intel 'Extreme' processors. The Core i7 processors and Intel X58 Express Chipset-based Desktop Board DX58SO Extreme Series are for sale immediately, both through retail stores and channel partners.

Westcon expands Legrand Group partnership

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 06:33:29 GMT

Value added distributor Westcon ME, which specialises in security, convergence and mobility products and solutions for technology vendors, has announced that its Network Infrastructure Business Unit will be managing the new line of Estap enclosure products. The move is in line with Westcon's plans to expand its partnership with Legrand Group, which manufactures Electrical and Low Voltage products and systems.

Microsoft signs agreement with Bahrain Ministry

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:06:56 GMT

Microsoft has signed a Partners in Learning agreement with the Education Ministry in Bahrain. Under the initiative, the Education Ministry will receive technology training, tailored curriculum development, access to the latest technology and help raising the levels of ICT literacy in schools.

Axis releases new surveillance camera

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:15:37 GMT

Axis Communications is bringing out an addition to its H.264 video camera surveillance system. The Axis P1311 is aimed at organisations with demanding storage and bandwidth requirements, such as schools, shops, banks and office buildings. Features include progressive scan and a wide dynamic range for clearer images, support for MPEG-4 Part 2, optional support for SD/SDHC memory cards for local video recordings and video motion detection, audio detection and detection of camera tampering attempts like blocking or spray-painting.

ictQatar to digitise Arabic books

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:03:48 GMT

In a recent interview to the New York Times, Dr Hessa Al Jaber, ictQatar General Secretary, stated the communications regulatory authority is starting a project to digitise approximately 18,000 books in Arabic. This is part of an initiative to give Arabic-speaking people more access to the Internet. It was revealed that 65% of Arabs who explore the Internet do not read or write English.

UAE Internet problems to be resolved

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:48:02 GMT

The current Internet and voice traffic disruption in the UAE is expected to be resolved by December 27, according to an etisalat spokesperson. Telecom operator du also issued a statement saying that majority of its capacity for voice and Internet usage has been restored. The three cables that were severed in the Mediterranean Sea, connecting the Gulf and Asia to Europe and United States, will soon be repaired by France Telecom operator's marine ship.

Dubai Silicon Oasis joins DQG

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 10:20:05 GMT

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, the regulatory body of the Dubai Silicon Oasis, has joined Dubai Quality Group as its newest partner. According to officials the partnership enables DQG's network to expand across key sectors in the UAE, while securing an important ally in the group's continued pursuit of excellence within the local business community.

BenQ brings Lite book to UAE, KSA

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 05:53:42 GMT

BenQ has shipped in 2,000 units of Joybook Lite U101 for the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Taiwanese firm is the only one in the market to launch 10.1-inch wide format netbook. BenQ hopes to attain a 6% to 6.5% market share in the laptop market next year from the current market share of close to 5%.

Google holds Dubai webmaster event

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 07:11:47 GMT

Dubai Internet City hosted the first Google webmaster event in Dubai on Thursday. The event is held to promote greater understanding of search engine technology and highlighted ways for web publishers to maximize their visibility on the internet.