ICT

Informatics provides AVID Video Editing

Informatics successfully secured a contract recently with the Ministry of Culture and the Arts to provide an AVID Video Editing Solution.

This was one of the milestones reached by Informatics in terms of AVID business, where this solution will be used by the Media Unit of the Ministry of Culture & the Arts, to create in-house Audio Visual Programmes that includes documentaries, fillers /trailers on the events that takes place in the Ministry, and thereafter presented to the television channels for broadcasting.

This AVID solution consists with the Media Composer Video Editing Software (the fastest Non-Linear Editing (NLE) film and video editing system available in the market), Mojo I/O Capture Card and Hardware Devices.

The Avid Media Composer is faster and easier to work with either on feature films, independent movies or documentaries. It gives the ability to quickly shape clips, sounds bites and music into a compelling short story, and opens the door to more opportunities. With Media Composer, it gives the speed, flexibility, and dependability that needed to deliver broadcast-quality content fast.

The AVID Media Composer is more open and interactive than any other video editing systems in the market. It works with practically any media format and expands the capabilities with options from Avid and third-party manufacturers. Media Composer goes where other video editing systems leave off. It helps to edit the way we want-in real time-using full-featured, ACE-certified editorial and creative tools. It gives us experience the fastest file-based workflows on Earth and it collaborates easily with video and audio editors.

Avid is the world leader in professional video and audio creation technology. Avid provides end-to-end video and audio creation solutions, including Digital Non-linear Editing (NLE) Systems, Central Storage, Newsroom, Asset Management, Play-out and Distribution Services.

Avid's innovative digital audio and video solutions continue to revolutionize the art of creative story telling, and have earned hundreds of awards, including 2 Oscar statues, a Grammy, and 14 Emmys.

SL positioned as total service provider in IT

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

Sri Lanka would be positioned total service provider in the field of Information Technology with the action taken by the private sector.

In keeping with the government's efforts to increase the use of Information Technology, the private sector would be actively partnered in international conferences this year. We will showcase Sri Lanka as a country which is a total solution provider, considering the aspects of software, hardware and training in a holistic manner, Federation of IT Industry Sri Lanka Hardware Sector Vice President Chinthaka Wijewickrama told Daily News Business.

"Our labour market is cost effective. However, the quality of the labour force is on par with international standards, he said. The government has taken many initiatives to popularize the use of IT, especially targeting the student population. We will focus on producing professionals to meet the industry demand and we will work towards this goal, he said.

There is a need to have a quality IT product market in Sri Lanka and the country's technological enthusiasm is shown when new products are being launched, Wijewickrama who is also the Managing Director of Sala Entreprise said.

The latest product to be launched in the market is the Bluetooth car kit with a human detector censor. The device would work for 60 days when fully charged. Among the benefits of the intelligent and smart bluetooth hands free car kit is a clear voice and minimal disturbance. It comes with a one year warranty. The Bluetooth compliance supported bluetooth profiles and electric specifications include a receiver, talk time, standby time, battery type, charging voltage and storage temperature. Among the functions are proximity audio pairing, multi point, MIC mute, dual colour led indictor, answer and end calls, reject calls, voice dialing, last number re-dialing, call waiting and call on hold.

"The company will introduce new products to the local market to facilitate the government's measures and also to support the IT sector development drive. We simply have to cater to the demand at present, as social networking has become a vital component in today's purchasing patterns, he said.

Serendib Ventures FZC launches new mobile phone Zigp

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

A new brand of mobile phone Zigo was launched to the local market recently by Serendib Ventures FZC of the United Arab Emirates.

While Sri Lanka is already a mature market in terms of high level mobile phone penetration as well as the presence of leading international brands, Zigo has mapped out a well thought out strategy for making significant inroads in to the market.

Sri Lanka is the first step in the onward march of Zigo, which is set to make great strides in the mobile phone market across the SAARC region. We will be looking at Sri Lanka as a potential market to grow on volumes, Serendib Ventures FZC ICT and Mobile Technologies Chief Executive Officer Thusha Weerasooriya, told Daily News Business.

The new mobile phone device will capture the market as it appeals to different strata of society. We will make the product available islandwide shortly, he said.

Zigo mobile phones are incorporated with state-of-the-art features and a wide range of models. It stand out among competitive offerings by virtue of their superior technology, user friendliness, stylish appearance and several ultra modern features, including easy access to email and surfing the new through a choice of browsers as well as social utilities, such as facebook and twitter.

Zigo offers a portfolio of products catering to all customers demographic segments and offers 'value for money' with devices that look and feel great. These devices are introduced with state-of-the-art technology and Zigo will add more devices that cater to customer demand, assuring quality, durability and reliability.

A special aspect of Zigo mobile phones and tablet PCs will be their competitiveness pricing, while boasting features which are comparable with or even better than similar offerings from other international brands. This makes Zigo mobile phones highly desirable among wider segments of the market that could access the latest advances in technology.

PC House takes IT solutions closer to SL consumers

PC House PLC, reaffirmed its dedication to quality service by providing customers access to a wide range of solutions through their islandwide branch outlets. PC House boasts of a branch network of over 25 outlets making IT solutions more accessible to the Sri Lankan consumer across the island.

Commenting on this move, Thufail Musadeen, Head of Retail and Regional Operations said, "The average Sri Lankan business now looks beyond hardware purchases and demands complete solutions from their IT partners. As a leading provider of ICT products and solutions, we recognized this need and leveraged our outlet network to make IT solutions a service that has traditionally been offered out of Colombo more accessible to consumers. We are confident that the IT solutions, business will soon account for close to 50% of revenues from these outlets."

With this move, PCH customers island-wide would now have convenient access to a extensive range of solutions including physical infrastructure such as structured cabling, attendance, access control, CCTV security and public address systems; systems integration in the form of unified communications, virtualization, storage and IT security solutions; high-end business applications such as ERP and EHRM solutions; customized IT solution development and BPO and KPO services.

PC House has deployed dedicated teams with experienced senior managers at each of its regional outlets. Working closely with customers, especially government organizations, educational institutions and small and medium businesses, these teams will help identify needs and opportunities, analyze available options and deploy personalized IT solutions. The regional teams will also be geared to provide service assistance, further boosting productivity through reduced system down times.

"Our association, with a wide range of hardware and software partners including Dell, Microsoft, IBM, SAP, Symantec, Sage ACC PAC, Adobe and Corel, helps us provide end to end solutions that are best suited to a customer's specific need. This also helps us ensure compatibility between the different components of a solution - an issue that often arises with solutions developed by multiple parties," added Mr. Musadeen.

PCH is the new corporate brand identity for PC House PLC which is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. The new brand identity reflects the change from a family owned business to a public company with a vision to be the benchmark for ICT in Sri Lanka. PCH is recognized as the 48th most valuable brand in Sri Lanka for 2012, in the Brand Finance with an A+ brand rating. Its Board of Directors comprises, Messrs S.H.M. Rishan, Mangala Boyagoda, Sarath Wikramanayake, Modarage Thilakasiri, Shanti Kumar Nadarajah, Kuvera de Zoysa and Mrs. Sharmila Rishan.

Shaw Wallace Ceylon Ltd being transformed through Innovation and technology

Shaw Wallace Ceylon Ltd, one of Sri Lanka's oldest and leading distribution firms is on an ambitious and progressive path towards transforming into an organization built on innovation and technology backed by the parent company Renuka Holdings PLC-Agribusiness and food specialists,.

Since the acquisition by Renuka Holdings PLC in March 2011, the group has heavily invested in terms of infrastructure and technology.

"Our commitment in transforming Shaw Wallace into a manufacturing and distribution company is of utmost priority. We believe this will help the company leverage on some of our popular brands such as Captain, Plaza, Sun Gold, Rainer's and launch more innovative products that provide a wider choice for our consumers" said Chief Operating Officer Shilanth Boteju.

"With over a quarter century of experience in manufacturing and exporting value added agro based products to over 61 countries worldwide, Renuka Holdings PLC's expertise in the value addition of export quality food products will certainly add more benefit and choice for the Sri Lankan market," he further added.

Transformation of Shaw Wallace operations through technology is currently being implemented. This integrated distribution process will be fully automated to enhance its sales efficiency and cater to the growing demands of the industry. "Our company and brands enjoy a lifetime of trust amongst our consumers and stakeholders and believe we are now well positioned to seize opportunities and take the company to another level," said Shamindra Rajiyah, Managing Director of Shaw Wallace Ceylon Ltd." Also, our acquisition of Richlife Dairies Ltd in 2012 further enhances our portfolio as a complete food specialist and we are indeed proud that we are able to contribute back to the Sri Lankan economy through our global operations as well as through the local industries," he further stated.

Furthermore McShaw Limited, Shaw Wallace Ceylon Ltd, a joint venture with Mclaren's Holdings caters solely to the automotive sector and currently enjoys the distribution of some of automotive industries trusted brands such as Delphi Lockheed, Mobil, Avon and Pioneer tiresto name a few.

Having a turnover of over Rs 5 billion, 1240 employees and operating in 23 locations in the country, Renuka Holdings PLC is responsible for the strategic direction of the group and where appropriate, has entered into strategic alliances and made far sighted acquisitions that will add value to its long term interests.

As an organization focused on results, the emphasis has been towards the creation of long term shareholder value in all its businesses, while being a socially responsible corporate citizen.