Biz Tech

Purposeful use of mobile trend, need of the hour - Dewapura

The need of the hour is the know-how of purposeful use of the mobile phone phenomenon, says ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) CEO Reshan Dewapura.

Dewapura said so while addressing the South Asian Mobile Conference 2012 held in Colombo recently (Wednesday 30, May).

Underlining the key role of the mobile phone now and in the future Dewapura said: “It is obvious that the mobile revolution as we call it, will play a key role now and in our futures. It is something that we simply cannot ignore, something that we need to factor into our day-to-day businesses, day-to-day activities and simply in our day-to-day lives.

Know-how of use of mobile phenomenon - need of the hour

Emphasising the need of the hour and the aim of the conference and the agenda tailor-made for it, ICTA CEO said “ The need of the hour is the knowledge and intelligence on how to use this mobile phone phenomenon / trend /revolution - whatever we may call it, for the purposes that we want to. To figure out what applications and content are needed, to leverage the capabilities of this powerful tool, and be innovative and pioneering in the creation of these. This is what this conference, the South Asian Mobile conference is all about.”

Conference, outcome of progress and mobile revolution Explaining how progress and the impact of the mobile phone led to Sri Lanka hosting the conference for the third time consecutively Dewapura said:“From the progression that we have witnessed from the past to the present, this is one event that has for sure gone from success to success. Part of that is due to the achievements in the past years and the other part is the ever growing influence of the mobile phone. The substantial and continuous development in our ICT journey, as well as the phenomenal impact of the mobile sphere on the ICT sector are now well accepted facts.

“The mobile revolution is a great phenomenon that we all can leverage on, to ensure that the benefits of our development activity flows to the ordinary citizens of our countries. The mobile is a tool that is now in the hands of almost every person in the country.

“Be it a basic phone or a smart phone this is something everyone needs to take into consideration, not only for development activities, but also for service delivery.”

“Whether it be in the Government or the private sector the pivotal role of the mobile phone is widely pervasive.”

ESOFT launches an International Diploma

ESOFT, the leading high quality education provider in ICT, Business and English, recently launches the conversion of the Diploma in Information Technology (DITEC) to an internationally recognized one with an accreditation coming from UK’s largest awarding body, Edexcel.

With the Government identifying IT as a sector that needs immediate development along with English, the new internationally recognized degree will support the country’s plan of developing a knowledge economy to support the targeted future growth.

ESOFT International COO Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy stated that with DITEC is the most popular diploma programme under ESOFT which runs into a higher national diploma and a degree.

With approximately 12,000 students enrolling for the course every year, DITEC has been a trusted choice among school leavers after completing O/L and A/L examination.

“Edexcel accreditation adds the necessary international flavor to our programme which I believe will make DITEC even more popular among students,” Sembacuttiaratchy said.

“We have now gone beyond tea, rubber and coconut economy to a knowledge economy. With the growth of the economy it is important to produce more graduates with proper IT literacy to compete not only locally but on an international scale as well.”

With the accreditation by Edexcel, students who complete the DITEC diploma will obtain dual certification consisting of ESOFT’s Certificate along with Edexcel’s International Certification.

Additionally students who have already completed the DITEC diploma can apply for the international certification.

Along with Edexcel, the Chartered Institute for IT UK, BCS has also provided an accreditation to the DITEC diploma programme whereby two of the three subjects of the Higher Education Qualification (HEQ) Exam’s Certificate Level have been exempted.

As part of the accreditation, an annual audit will take place assessing the quality of studies, centre having required processes, faculty being regularly updated and necessary earning support for students among others.

“This promotes affordability in education as they can complete the studies from Sri Lanka itself. As the largest market share holder in the category, we provide the essential IT knowledge for school leavers,” ESOFT Group Chairman Dr. Dayan Rajapakse said.

The programme includes theoretical and practical knowledge in operating systems, specific applications including world processing, spreadsheets, database, presentations, graphic designing and animation, web designing, software engineering and programming among other things.

Edexcel International Director Patrick Casey expressed delight over the partnership and confirmed their future support in promoting similar high quality programmes.

IT Galaxy store opens at Unity Plaza

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Displaying the latest innovations in technology, the IT Galaxy store under a brand new concept was opened at the Unity Plaza recently.

The store will feature the latest HP Notebooks and accessories and will be similar to international HP standards where there will be spacious display counters to experience the modern technology on offer.

“This is a one of the kind experience at a one of the kind IT store where it will be styled according to PH stores globally. As Sri Lanka’s IT market is growing steadily and advanced products are well accepted, the IT Galaxy store is expected to create hype among IT enthusiasts, HP Personal Systems Group Asian Emerging Countries Country Business Manager Lackshamindra Fernando told Daily News Business.

With the new store in place we could anticipate more business volumes. As HP brand is well recognized in the local market more locations for purchases will benefit the customers, he said.

The location of the store at Unity Plaza is considered as an IT station where there are a large number of IT stores under one roof. The customers are benefited from such a facility and this will adds to the bottom line, he said.

Sri Lanka when compared to other developed countries could be considered as a country of early adaptors and we could offer them the latest products in keeping with the government initiative to promote IT countrywide.

The technological development will resulted in an economic growth and the end results could be shared by the public, Fernando said.

Customers can explore the latest innovations in technology while browsing around the plush one-of-a-kind IT store. Products are displayed where customers ‘can touch and feel’ and this enables them to make the right decision when purchasing an HP notebook.

Several designs of HP Notebooks are on display including the HP G-Series, HP ENVY Ultra book series, ENVY series with beat audio, Pavilion DV series , All- In–One Desktop Pcs With Tocuch mart technology and HP Folio.

“When they purchase from IT Galaxy customers are assured of an Original HP Notebook featuring the latest technology supported by HP’s warranty” said Managing Director Fahmy Ismail “IT Galaxy”. “When visiting IT Galaxy customers can get a one-of-kind experience at a one-of-a-kind IT store” Fahmy. said.

The IT Galaxy was visited by Sue san Ang, Country General Manager Asian Emerging Countries. “IT Galaxy allows HP customers in Sri Lanka to easily access the latest HP Notebook Technology”. “As it's situated in Sri Lanka’s premier IT Hub Unity Plaza, people from all parts of Sri Lanka will be able to experience firsthand HP Computer Products”, she said.

IT Galaxy is dedicated to providing customers the perfect shopping experience when looking for HP notebooks and accessories.

HP plans expansion in the outstation with latest products and services in the near future with similar stores to enable more accessibility for customers islandwide.