Business ICT

‘Box Office’- Integrated Communication Solution from Dialog

Dialog Broadband Networks recently introduced an integrated communication solution to local enterprises through the launch of ‘Box Office’. This is the first time that such an integrated solution has been launched in Sri Lanka. ‘Box Office’ is an all in one

communication solution which integrates Broadband Internet, Voice, Email and Private Branch Exchange (PBX) communication facility. This is designed to connect phone systems, fax, PBX services and Local Area Network (LAN) to the internet using WiMAX technology. “Box Office” will offer four, six or eight telephone connections as per the requirements of the customer.

Dialog ‘Box Office’ offers a more cost effective communication solution for local enterprises by delivering multiple communication services at economical rates. ‘Box Office’ also offers the lowest voice tariffs in the market which can amount up to a 40 per cent reduction in voice call costs.

The convergence of communication channels will also result in cost reductions in terms of monthly rentals with the convenience of one single bill for all the services. Furthermore all voice communication will come enabled with the IDD facility.

With Dialog ‘Box Office’ businesses will be able to enjoy a higher level of flexibility and convenience as all communication services will be provided by the same service provider as opposed to multiple providers for various business communication needs.

In terms of resource management, this all in one communication solution is designed to maximise resource utilisation within organisations thereby eliminating costly hardware and maintenance expenses and other capital investments.

Speaking about their flagship product, Chief Executive Officer, Dialog Fixed Telephony and Broadband Services Kavan Ratnayaka said, “‘Box Office’ is a new concept to Sri Lanka.

Such integration in communication will not only provide added flexibility and cost-effectiveness but also drive towards increasing the efficiency and productivity within our local enterprises, especially among the small and medium enterprises which will now have a cost-effective, simple communication system through Broadband Internet and Voice convergence.”

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Export Coaching Programme for IT outsourcing companies

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) calls for an Export Coaching Programme for IT outsourcing companies in order to help them to find steady customers from international markets aiming at the European Union countries such as UK, Germany Benelux countries and Scandinavia. European ICT market is one of the fastest growing software markets in the world.

SLEDB is presently working with CBI-Netherlands(Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries) to launch an export coaching programme for the local IT outsourcing companies by mid 2008.

IT companies with 25-500 employees are invited to enroll for this programme. The objectives of this programme are to assist ICT service providers in Sri Lanka to build marketable capabilities, to provide knowledge transfer and business information on offshore outsourcing (training, information on markets, marketing, technology trends, processes, project management, competition etc.) ,to identify and benchmark strong service providers in Sri Lanka and introduce them on the European market, to provide matchmaking and promotion opportunities and to assist European service buyers in their offshore outsourcing buying decision and guide them through the whole outsourcing process from strategy formulation to finalize a deal.

There is a steady growth in the local ICT export sector during last several years. According to Central Bank statistics, exports of ICT sector in 2007 have grown up to US$182 million.

This growth of the ICT sector has also been reflected in the increase of ICT export companies during the last several years. There are more than 250 ICT export companies operating in the country.

Most of these companies are in the small and medium scale. It is expected that the proposed export coaching programme would be beneficial for the Sri Lankan SMEs in their efforts to capture the international markets.

The total market for software products in the EU amounted to Euro.78 billion in 2006, increase of 2.9 per cent compared to 2004. There was a 6.6 per cent growth in last year. The market consists of system software and application software.

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Measat launches new satellite

The new satellite Measat 3 launched recently by Measat, a subsidiary of Usaha Tegas and Maxis ,the major stakeholder of Sri Lanka Telecom will benefit the South Asian region as well, a senior official of Astro Asia Networks ,another company of the Usaha Tegas Group said yesterday.

Finance Controller of Astro Asia Networks ,Mazairul Jamaludin said with the launch of this satellite, their pay tv viewers across the Asian region will have access to the variety of entertainment that the company has to offer in terms of programme content.

“This will benefit our plans of also entering the Sri Lankan market as well in the future with the presence of our sister company Maxis in the country” the official said.

Astro Asia is the largest radio,tv and satellite tv operator in Malaysia with a strong presence in Indonesia,Brunei,China,Mauritius and even India. (PM)

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Low power consumption:

SALA launches Prolink LCD Monitors

Sala Enterprises recently introduced a range of LCD monitors designed and manufactured by Prolink. Sole agents for Prolink, Sala Enterprises can now offer 15”, 17”, 19” and 22” wide-screen LCD Monitors. These slim, sleek, stylish products are equally suitable for working, gaming or watching movies.

Managing Director of Sala Enterprises Chinthaka Wijewickrama said “This range of LCD Monitors delivers a range of functions and features in a lightweight, stylish package. For starters, these monitors have an extremely small footprint, thereby saving valuable space on the worktable.”

The special feature of the Prolink range of LCD monitors is the low power consumption. As the consumers are burdened with increase electricity prices, this monitor will be a low cost solution saving a considerable amount on electricity bills.

He said Prolink 22 widescreen LCD Monitor is also a full featured TV. Its advanced electronics enables it to be switched from TV to Work mode and vice versa with a mere push of a button.

The entire range offers unmatchable clarity, definition and ease of operation due to contrast ratios of up to 700: 1, a response time of just five milliseconds and viewing angles of up to 160 degrees. With a pixel pitch of 0.28mm, users will be presented with clear precise screen quality supporting a high resolution.

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Suntel ties with MAS Intimates eco plant Thurulie

Suntel has been selected to collaborate with MAS Intimates Thurulie as the preferred telecommunications partner to the eco factory.

On April 25, MAS Intimates (Pvt) Ltd had the official opening of its first eco-plant: MAS Intimates Thurulie. The eco factory - which produces bras for Marks & Spencer - is thought to be the world’s first carbon neutral apparel manufacturing facility. The factory’s innovative design focuses on curtailing energy consumption and minimising waste while remaining environmental and user friendly.

Suntel provided a total integrated communication solution to the eco-facility, including voice, Data and Internet services. The challenge Suntel faced was to offer this state-of-the-art package whilst adhering to the Thurulie creed.

Thus, usage of power and visual pollution had to be minimised; concurrently, efficiency levels had to be sustained and increased.

A large amount of time was devoted to ensuring a solution based on IP technology to minimise wastage, safeguard natural resources and maintain trade ethics. Employee satisfaction was also accounted for by the provision of user friendly telecom equipment, mobility and a single number concept.

Speaking at the contract signing Managing Director of Suntel, Jeremy Huxtable commented on the longstanding partnership of MAS Holdings with Suntel:

“We are extremely pleased to partner this significant eco friendly venture with our novel communications system. Suntel is also committed to a green future, and we are delighted to collaborate with one of Sri Lanka’s first eco-manufacturing facilities.” Dian Gomes, CEO of MAS Intimates also remarked on the occasion.

“Thurulie demonstrates MAS Holdings’ dedication to environmentally sustainable apparel and textile manufacturing, and I am honoured by Suntel’s pledge to join us in this initiative.”

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Dhiraagu - Maldives partnership with Microsoft Sri Lanka

Dhiraagu - Dhivehi Raajjeyge Gulhun Private Limited, the leading telecommunications service provider in the Maldives, has entered into a strategic partnership with Microsoft by opting for the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, which is Microsoft’s most preferred offering to its corporate customers. By forging this significant alliance, Microsoft Sri Lanka further consolidates its growing business influence in the Maldives.

A globally respected national telecommunication company, Dhiraagu owns and operates a fully digital communications network reaching every island and tourist resort in the Maldives. Dhiraagu is a major owner of infrastructure in the Maldives and invests heavily in developing and enhancing the telecommunications of the country.

One of the prime motivating factors for Dhiraagu to enter into the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement was to achieve enhanced internal effectiveness via a strong massaging and directory services platform, resulting in strengthened relationships with its customers based on the versatility of Microsoft solutions.

Chief Executive of Dhiraagu, Ismail Rasheed, said “Collaborating among different business entities and customers spanning across multiple islands in the Maldives has not only been a major challenge for us, but also a critical success factor for our business.

The stability of our massaging and collaboration infrastructure is key to the success of our business. We trust the Microsoft Exchange will provide us with a massaging platform that is reliable, scalable secure, and provides us with a high level of collaboration.

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Oracle wins two awards at OSS World Conference

Oracle Communications Billing and Revenue Management wins Billing and OSS World Excellence Award at the Billing and OSS World Conference and Expo in Chicago, Oracle was honoured as the winner of two Billing and OSS World 2008 Excellence Awards, recognising Oracle Communications Billing and Revenue Management as the Best Revenue Management Solution and Oracle Communication and Mobility Server as the Best New Product.

The annual awards recognise the leaders - vendors, service providers and integrators - in the development and deployment of billing and operations support systems (OSS) technologies and solutions.

“Oracle is honoured to receive the Billing and OSS World Excellence Awards for Oracle Communications Billing and Revenue Management and Oracle Communication and Mobility Server.

“These awards are a testament to Oracle’s commitment to developing the industry’s most compelling and fully featured communications application suite, enabling global service providers to rapidly deliver and profit from next-generation IP services,” said, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Oracle Communications Bhaskar Gorti. “Our panel of experts judged Oracle’s achievements as exemplary among its peers. Billing and OSS World congratulates Oracle and is pleased to acknowledge its products as examples of excellence in billing and OSS for the communications industry,” said group publisher, Billing and OSS World, Mike Saxby.

Oracle Communications Billing and Revenue Management provides a single platform to manage revenue in real time across any customer type, network service, payment method, business model or geography - helping to rapidly convert transactions into revenue.

The multi-service, real-time nature of the platform enables communications service providers (CSPs) to quickly roll out cutting-edge next-generation services to the market, and to reduce revenue leakage by helping ensure all usage and charges are rated and recorded properly.

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Airtel ties up with Apple to launch iPhone

India’s largest mobile operator Bharti Airtel yesterday announced a tie-up with US-based Apple Inc to bring the popular GSM-based iPhone in the country.

“Bharti Airtel has signed a deal with Apple to bring the iPhone to India later this year,” the telco said in a statement.

Sources, however, said that Airtel may start offering iPhones around Diwali festival to its over 65 million GSM-based subscribers.

Asked about the prices, they declined to give any details about the agreement, the company entered into with Apple Inc. But in the grey market the devices are available in the range of 500 to 600 dollars (about Rs 25,000), sources said, adding that these handsets procured from the grey market need to be unlocked.

Airtel’s announcement comes on the heels of world’s largest mobile phone operator Vodafone announcing last week to distribute iPhones worldwide including India. PTI