Biz-Tech

Intel inspired Ultrabook coming soon to Sri Lanka

Intel Sri Lanka ushered in a new category of portable computers, with the announcement of the Ultrabook in the local market. Based on the second generation Intel Core processors, Ultrabooks are set to bridge the gap between processing power and portability, promising to be a game changer in the ever-evolving technology market.

Ultrabooks offer secure computing in sleek portable form factors, with longer battery lives and uncompromising performance. Intel expects that the Ultrabook will be an iconic transformation to mobile computing, just as the introduction of Intel Centrino was a revolution in mobile technology more than eight years ago.

Indika De Zoysa, country business manager at Intel Sri Lanka said, "The Ultrabook is an emerging new breed of no-compromise computers that will increasingly combine best-in-class performance, improved responsiveness and security in thin, elegant, must-have mobile designs."

Currently, there are over 75 designs of Ultrabooks in development worldwide, which is indicative of the kind of popularity and initial demand there is for this category.

The technical specifications that set an Ultrabook apart from other categories include a design of under 0.8 inches slimness. The Intel Rapid Start Technology gets the system up and running faster from even the deepest sleep, saving time and battery life. Ultrabook devices will offer up to 5 hours of battery life even in the sleekest form factors with some systems delivering up to 8 hours or more for all-day usage. Additionally, the Ultrabook systems are enabled with security features like Intel Anti-Theft Technology and Intel Identity Protection Technology.

3M introduces Privacy Filter to local market

3M, the creator of the highly successful brands Post-it and Scotchbrite, introduced the Company's latest offering, 3M Privacy Filters and Films to the local market, marking yet another breakthrough in the world of portable computing technology.

The Laptop, Notebook, Netbook Filters and Films have a reversible glossy or matte screen finish which helps reduce glare, protect fragile LCD screens from scratches and fingerprints, is easy to attach and remove, usable with stylus on resistive touch screens, provides full surface adhesion, and allows for private viewing inside a 60-degree angle, among a whole host of other benefits. "This unique and innovative product uses screen darkening technology to protect your screen from casual onlookers, allowing users to work in privacy and ensuring that they can check email and access personal files no matter where they are.

Companies have also recognised the need to adopt the use of privacy filters in offices and institutions to provide effective privacy in order to safeguard important data" said Suren Rajanathan, Vice President - 3M Lanka.

"3M Privacy Filter is a great way to keep confidential and private information private" said Hasitha Lanka, Division Manager - Display and Graphics Division at 3M Lanka. "Furthermore, it stays in place when the computer is closed, and provides full surface adhesion and residue-free removal," he said. The filter comes with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase and is available at Micro PC Systems (Pvt) Ltd.

3M Sri Lanka, a fully owned subsidiary of 3M USA began its operations in 1994 and has established a firm footing in diverse industries such as Health Care, Electro Communication, Infrastructure, Construction, Apparel, Woodworking, Automotive aftermarkets, Occupational Health, Safety and Security and Consumer and Office.

FCCISL, Google seminar, executive forum a success

The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) in cooperation with Google successfully organized a seminar and executive forum on "Innovative Google technologies to boost your business" under the theme of "Work without boundaries" on Wednesday at Hotel Galadari, Colombo.

The resource panel of the seminar

A distinguished resource panel comprised Jana Levene, Emerging Market Development Consultant, South East Asia, Aileen Apolo, Head of Outreach, Southeast Asia, Ola Krainski, Programme Manager, Emerging Markets, Rohan Jayaweera, Country Consultant, Google Sri Lanka, Rajitha Dahanayake, CEO, e-Marketing Eye and Clehan Pulle, Director / CEO Finetech, Enterprise Partner and Authorized Reseller. The objectives of the seminar and executive forum are to provide extensive education on Google products, demonstrate how these products can help to launch, run and optimize business as well as increase productivity and inspire the captains of businesses to explore innovative business trends.

The speakers discussed about Google products, including Search and Display advertising, Mobile advertising, YouTube, Google+, Chrome, Google Maps and Google Apps, how to improve ROI, increase reach and awareness and drive more traffic to website as well as the impact of the internet on emerging South and South East Asian markets.

The knowledge distributed is very much helpful for CEOs and strategic decision makers of organizations to come out with integrated online marketing strategies that support rendering product or service successful, boosting productivity and streamlining IT management. This event is a platform to evaluate these opportunities that one can explore.

Addressing the gathering Kumar Mallimaratchi said that this valuable initiative by FCCISL in cooperation with Google is a timely effort and though most of businessmen are traditionalists and work on offline, now they are keen to follow such advanced and innovative IT business solutions. Rohan Jayaweera expressed how delighted he his to be a partner of such successful affair, between Google, FCCISL and Sri Lankan business community.

A repeat programme was held in Kandy yesterday. Associate Implementation Partners of this programme include Finetech Solutions Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Central Province.

Fusion Education Awards Ceremony:

Success of rural students in ICT

Fusion Education Awards Ceremony (FEAC) will be held today at the Maharagama Youth Centre successfully for the third consecutive year. About 1200 students together with parents from 18 districts of the country including the North and the East, will take part to celebrate the hard work and success. Sriyan De Silva Wijeyaratne, Country Manager of Microsoft Sri Lanka will attend the occasion with the founder of Sarvodaya movement Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne and many other government officials, public administration practitioners and business leaders. Special prizes and medals will be given for the best students.

Sarvodaya-Fusion is a leading ICT4D (non-profit) social enterprise in Sri Lanka, with a mission seeking 'e-Empowerment of rural communities' - a specialized programme of Sarvodaya, the 52-year-old national charity. Sarvodaya Fusion focuses on ICT Education as one of its main themes. It designs and implements ICT education products targeting marginalized youth groups in rural areas of the country. Diploma in Computer Application (DICA) is one of the products which was introduced by Fusion Education with the support of a resource pool from University of Moratuwa. Course curriculum is based on the guidelines of Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) of Sri Lanka. The Fusion Education network of Telecenres includes Nenasala (ICTA), Sarvodaya, Gamidiriya and local private operators. Sarvodaya-Fusion accelerates telecentre economic sustainability by introducing new business models and increasing entrepreneurial capacity of the operators.

The award ceremony will create a platform to bring key players of the ICT sector together. Moreover this occasion will be a great opportunity for invited participants to share information, experiences, on their programmes and to explore potential collaboration.