Ins and Outs of CEOs, What are Telecom Companies Up to?: ProPakistani

Ins and Outs of CEOs, What are Telecom Companies Up to?
‘Rise of Jazba’ Song by Mobilink is Just What We Need Right Now! [L.T.E]
Acer TravelMate TimelineX [Laptop Preview]

Ins and Outs of CEOs, What are Telecom Companies Up to?

Posted: 04 Feb 2011 02:25 AM PST

Ins and Outs of CEOs, What are Telecom Companies Up to? is a post from: ProPakistani

corporate Ins and Outs of CEOs, What are Telecom Companies Up to?

The local business market has for years worked on a top-down approach. What it signifies is that the initiatives and operations tend to come into play within organizations from the senior management, with little to low incorporation from the general staff. In fact, the old-age software development principle would also share this trait; create the application without taking into account the needs of the end-user.

2011 has awoken with news of moving and shaking in the management of cellular companies across the industry. While some remain still to be confirmed, analysts have begun to look at implications that the changes could have over the operations of each change, as it has been rare for new management to continue with the vision of their predecessors.

The first wind of change is with Telenor, which has announced its new CEO, CTO and other reshuffle at VP level management. Prior to the announcement, a lot of chatter pointed towards a local company loyalist finally assuming the role of the head honcho at the telecom giant, but it seems that the Norwegian owners still feel the need to have an expat in charge.

One of the reasons for this could be keeping a synergy within the group over the operations and strategy; Telenor has strived to incorporate a different culture within the corporate fabric of Pakistan, and it is unlikely to be replicated with the same ease by other personalities.

After all, a strong understanding of the tried-and-tested system of the company is essential to growing the portfolio.

At this stage, analysts are little reluctant to comment, but are surely thinking of this massive reshuffle at Telenor's F-7 office as a sign for possible change in policy, strategy and probably the investment plan of Telenor in the country.

Only time will tell what Telenor is up to, but it would be a different company than the one we have been witnessing for last 6 years. Let's not rule out the influence and impact of Uninor's experience in India, which has made Telenor lot more careful now.

Warid's dilemma remains the talk of the town. Rumored to have been at the brink of acquisition, something denied again recently by the top management, it seems to be pushing away all conflictions by bringing back their old CTO and retaining all current staff.

However, analysts have not been able to identify a particular market strategy from the company or its management. In the cut-throat price war among all operators, Warid has taken a subdued approach by stepping away from the main fight and letting the three big guns go all out.

Its share of subscribers has taken a hit across 2010, and the probability of merger cannot be ruled out in terms of the overall market condition. A 15% salary rise announced recently could end up being the last sweetener for 60% of the management and staff, should some M&A activity transpire.

Local cellular leader Mobilink seems to be holding steady on all corporate levels. There has been little to no change in management over the last year, and the company has managed to stay at the top of the revenue and subscriber numbers.

However, with Orascom Holding looking to hand over to Vimpelcom as soon as it clears regulatory and legal hurdles, analysts are expecting a slow transition to appear, if it ever happens.

For one, the number game is unlikely to be the only factor in play as the market gets saturated. Mobilink will need to push back on innovation; something the company has become devoid of in the recent few years, prompting a 'follower' approach. One of the reasons often stated is the cost-cutting exercise undertaken by the company after the years of boom. But its management must realize that in today's competitive world, research and development must continue unhindered in order to keep a strong footing when the market rises again.

Ufone's CEO is reportedly continuing on, despite reports of a proposed move to the parent giant, Etisalat. The company has remained at the forefront of the price war, with regular promotions and offerings.

Ufone's innovative abilities have been applauded by industry analysts, with a steady format followed for the last three years. With budding leaders existing among the Ufone management fray, it seems to be in an ideal position to ensure some long-term stability to the processes and strategies currently in place.

At the end of the cellular operator lineup is Zong. With a CEO transition expected in March 2011, the company is unlikely to see a step-up by one from local management, as parent China Mobile hopes to retain its strong control on the operations of its first foreign venture.

2010 proved to be a good year for the company, with alignment to a vision and understanding of its target market. However, one is keen to wonder the long-term approach that Zong is likely to take as subscribers start to dry up.

There is also talk of a possible sale by the Chinese telecom giant, with the possibility that another Middle Eastern owner could soon be in the telecom market after Etisalat.

2011 is likely to offer its share of complications for the cellular companies. With PTA sounding the bell on 3G implementation and subscriber market at stagnation, the need for innovation and diversification is now evermore necessary, despite the signs being present for many years.

Direction for each company resides with its leadership, and among the current crop, there is not much speculation needed to assess the change that could transpire.

Along with political and economic turmoil, disaster recovery and consumer demands have made the Pakistan market a challenge for the leadership of any corporation, let alone the cellcos. However, one hopes that a rise in proactive understanding might produce a better environment for all.

‘Rise of Jazba’ Song by Mobilink is Just What We Need Right Now! [L.T.E]

Posted: 04 Feb 2011 02:10 AM PST

‘Rise of Jazba’ Song by Mobilink is Just What We Need Right Now! [L.T.E] is a post from: ProPakistani

So many people in our country have hopes high and passion on full tide with the onset of world cup season. We are all praying that our cricket team comes back victorious and so far our team looks good.

I saw the new Ali Zafar's song "Rise of Jazba" which I believe is Mobilink's new youth brand, 'Jazba' World Cup 2011 cricket song.

In my opinion, the song is so patriotic and so full hope and glory and that it truly invokes the passion within each and every Pakistani to overcome hopelessness and despair, have faith in oneself, our heroes and our motherland and strive for a better tomorrow.

I have heard this song about a hundred times by now, watched it on TV and searched it on YouTube and honestly every time I have watched this song, it has shaken me from inside. The video is so nicely done with green color and 'Pakistan ki mitti ki value' and our cricket team and the young people full of patriotism and Jazba that it is simply awe-inspiring.

Remember the good old days when we had legendary patriotic songs like 'Jazba Junoon Tou Himmat Na Har' by Junoon and 'Hum Hain Pakistani' by Vital Signs. This song 'Yeh Mera Jazba Hai Yeh Such Jazba' sung by Ali Zafar is going to be Inshallah our victory song.

One thing that is noticeable is that in this song Mobilink is not merely preaching victory but is trying to rekindle the passion in our nation for a game that most of us have given up on and also promoting love of the motherland which lent heroes of the past the courage to achieve the unachievable. It doesn't look like other 'typical sponsored' videos that are only bragging about themselves, it doesn't come across as a parade for company publicity but conveys a true message of passion and patriotism very effectively.

To me, the song video has a deeper, greater, more substantial message of self believe faith in the people and pride in one's motherland. It encourages us to dream; dream for a purpose, for new heights of success.

There is this quote by Nelson Mandela that I particularly like and I quote, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall". This applies especially to our cricket team in present circumstances. It's high time they put their personal interests on the back burner (at least for now) and play for the millions of fans and for their nation who believe in them and more importantly for the Glory of Pakistan.

Hats off to Mobilink for this great endeavor and a lot of good luck and prayers for our cricket team. Pakistan Zindabad!

Khaula Muzammi

Via Email

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Acer TravelMate TimelineX [Laptop Preview]

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 08:30 PM PST

Acer TravelMate TimelineX [Laptop Preview] is a post from: ProPakistani

clip image002 thumb Acer TravelMate TimelineX [Laptop Preview]

Manufacturers: Acer

Class: TravelMate TimelineX

Model: TM8172T

Price: Rs.63,000 approx

Specs Overview:

Operating System: Win 7 Professional 32-bit
Processor: Intel Core i3-380UM 1.33 GHz 64-bit capable
RAM: 2 GB DDR3
Hard Drive: 250 GB @ 5400 RPM
Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics card
Battery: 6 cell Lithium-Ion (8 hours max)
Display: 11.6" LED Display
DVD-ROM: DVD R/W with Double layer Support
Webcam: Integrated Webcam with MIC
Wireless: Wireless Network Card 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth
Finger Print Reader: Yes
Card Reader: 5 in 1

"TravelMate:"

The first positive feature about the system is that it actually is a "Travel Mate". It has special anti-shock features due to which it is less prone to damage by bumpy rides.

By personal experience, I know that laptops can start to make weird noises if you are on a long journey by road or if you some times keep the system on tilted surfaces.

One of my laptops had some sounds coming from its hard disk after I took it with me for a good 600km on the road. The sounds disappear now when I tilt it a bit and put it back on but it does indicate a slow but steady hardware damage.

Battery:

Battery time is one of the most important features that users demand. Acer TravelMate TimelineX has an impressive battery timing as compared to other competitors in the market.

Since Acer TravelMate TimelineX is specifically meant for travelling, its battery is better suited to run for longer periods of time.

Hopefully the 8 hour claim of the company would provide at least 6 to 7 hours of battery time since HP and Dell laptops fail to get anywhere near what the brands claim.

Security:

The security features of the laptop are a little more than usual. Apart from having usual security settings that are software dependent, Acer TravelMate TimelineX also provides several hardware locks as well.

Acer TravelMate TimelineX provides a Kensington Lock slot that is actually usable and a hard drive lock as well. Acer TravelMate TimelineX also lets you control several locking and password remembering features with the built in finger print reader.

Hardware under-utilized:

A negative of the machine is that its hardware is somewhat under utilized. The system can support a 64 bit OS but still the company installed OS is actually 32 bit.

Some of the more advanced users would know that 64 bit machines are usually faster than 32 bit machines because they employ better techniques for handling data processing. A 64 bit OS would have made the system much faster than what it is now.

clip image004 Acer TravelMate TimelineX [Laptop Preview]

Windows 7:

Another thing that the system lacks is a Premium edition of Win 7. The system has the Professional version of the windows 7. It is just $20 (Rs. 2,000) cheaper than the premium edition but lacks some important features.

It has no language option for different software and also lacks the bitlocker software. This defect might not be a problem at all for normal home users but can bother the professionals.

Official Rating: 4.2/5

Underline: A nice, compact and powerful system from Acer.