LG OPTIMUS Black Creates Art With Keith Haring: ProPakistani

LG OPTIMUS Black Creates Art With Keith Haring
Financial Services: the New Frontier for Pakistani Cellcos
wi-tribe Offers Anti-Virus for Safe Surfing
Microsoft Rekindles Hope at Fountain House
Uth Music TV Show Going On-air Tomorrow!
IT Industry in 2011
Mobilink Jazz ‘Kitna Hai Jazba’ Contest
Ufone to Give Cash Prizes to the High Performers in the Pakistan Cricket Team

LG OPTIMUS Black Creates Art With Keith Haring

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 05:57 AM PST

LG OPTIMUS Black Creates Art With Keith Haring is a post from: ProPakistani

LG Electronics (LG) is making a statement in Smartphone design with collaboration with the Keith Haring Foundation.

The partnership will see artwork from the legendary American pop artist featured on LG's Optimus Black, which at just 6 mm (at its thinnest point) and 109 grams, takes the crown as the world's slimmest and lightest Android-powered Smartphone.

"Keith Haring inspired the art world with his energetic, colorful images which are recognized by millions of people around the world," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "We hope to capture some of that 'joie de vivre' through this partnership as it's perfectly consistent with our 'Life's Good' philosophy."

LG and the Keith Haring Foundation have selected two of the artist's works to create iconic back covers for the LG Optimus Black. This is the second time LG has worked with the foundation — in 2008 LG and the foundation collaborated on the LG KF600 and LG KF700 with the goal of bringing more art into people's lives.

"The Keith Haring Foundation is pleased to be working with LG again," said Julia Gruen, Executive Director of the Keith Haring Foundation. "The partnership with LG is an extension of Keith's goal of extending his work to different audiences in an effort to break down the barriers that exist between the art community and everyday people."

Making a bold visual statement, the LG Optimus Black offers sleek and smooth lines that are both stylish and functional. No matter how it's held, the LG Optimus Black delivers high-quality sound as a result of an antenna designed to be completely free from physical interference.

Featuring the NOVA display, the Optimus Black provides optimal brightness and readability under any lighting conditions. The NOVA screen delivers a more natural web browsing experience by displaying truer whites while also cutting energy use by 50 percent compared to conventional LCDs. The Optimus Black also offers a more intuitive user environment where frequently used functions can be accessed directly from the locked screen with a tap, tilt or shake command. Other features include the world's first 2 megapixel front-facing camera and Android 2.3 upgrade capability.

Financial Services: the New Frontier for Pakistani Cellcos

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 11:44 PM PST

Financial Services: the New Frontier for Pakistani Cellcos is a post from: ProPakistani

image16 Financial Services: the New Frontier for Pakistani Cellcos

With the economic boom witnessed during the Musharraf era, two sectors reported the strongest growth rates among all: banking and telecom.

The introduction of consumerism within the local community was one way to release the strong grasp of the frugal middle-class from their savings of decades, and invite them to indulge in various offerings of luxury and investment.

Plastic money had not been a successful center-piece of Pakistan's commercial economy, with the checking system holding a dominant hold and cash considered king. Even though the ATM and credit networks existed in the 90s through international banks in Pakistan, the uptake of such tools was minuscule. The entire banking system was location-centric, with each branch being a completely independent entity due to the lack of a computerized network across the nation.

The emergence of financing solutions and online banking in recent years have pushed the community to see banks as more than just money vaults. Even though there is still some rigidity in the system, privatization of institutions and increased competition has resulted in more options for the average consumer.

The biggest winner in the overall revamp is the ease of money transfers, whether intra-bank, inter-city or international. Using the word 'ease' is done relatively, with the knowledge that the red tape still remains in some way or form. However, most would agree that the transfer system is now a step forward than what it was in the 90s and early 00s.

Mobile communication in Pakistan is still growing out of its infancy; analysts often attribute the market as a pre-mature baby that has had to make jumps instead of gradual growth like other countries.

Whether this is due to a strong uptake in telecom-banking or the delay in technology roll-out, the boom in the segment caught many operators unprepared at the start. The companies have been quick to stabilize their service provisions, allowing for innovation to return to the sector and new streams to be investigated. Out of all the options, linkages with financial institutions to grab a share of the mobile banking and money transfer market have become the new playground.

Convenience and accessibility is what mobile banking is all about. A recent article in the 'The Time' showcased the banking revolution of Kenya, where Safaricom has transformed from being a communication provider to one of the strongest entities in the financial services segment. The model adopted by the company has been one of simplicity; providing access to functions that were once considered out of reach for the unbanked majority. Other operators across Africa and the world have jumped on the bandwagon and are in the process of rolling out similar services in order to share a piece of this untapped market.

In Pakistan, Telenor took the first plunge by launching Easypaisa and the results have been encouraging. With competing operators scrambling to get their services aligned and operational at the earliest, analysts are expecting the next phase of battles to be for more than call rates.

The market for transfer services in the country is not confined to the rural locations of the country, as the urban centers also hold potential for many aspects of the financial services. With regulatory requirements coming into play for such services, the microfinance institutions have become the target for the mobile players and others, as each entity pushes to capture some share of the segment.

And there are other non-cellular entities who have analyzed deeper layers of the mobile banking model that can be applied to the national market.

For the cellcos of the country, the normalcy in revenue growth from voice and data services has pushed the need to diversify. It is hoped that the financial services adoption may be better though out, and an understanding of the market needs to be incorporated when jumping into these waters.

Maybe, this time around, the consumer should push for their voice to be heard, rather than just sing along to the jingles of the cellcos.

wi-tribe Offers Anti-Virus for Safe Surfing

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 11:05 PM PST

wi-tribe Offers Anti-Virus for Safe Surfing is a post from: ProPakistani

12 wi tribe Offers Anti Virus for Safe Surfing wi-tribe is offering you to get its premium anti-virus solution, designed specifically to filter and block all viruses and malwares for all the traffic going through your internet connection.

wi-tribe says it will offer you this Symantic’s product called "Symantic Endpoint Protection".

Features:

The toughest protection from today's deadly online viruses, malware and spyware
Enhanced protection with frequent automatic online updates
Complete peace of mind to browse, chat, email and share files with loved ones

Price:

For the current month, wi-tribe says, Symantic Endpoint Protection for free to download and test.

From March onwards, a monthly fee of Rs. 149 will be applicable in return of safe browsing.

By the way, with wi-tribe you can save plenty as Symantic Endpoint Protection is available for around 55 US dollars for one year. That's some Rs. 4,600 per year.

Download:

Point your browsers to this url to download the anti-virus.

Note: Virus updates can only be downloaded from the wi-tribe network. You will be required to login to my wi-tribe

Microsoft Rekindles Hope at Fountain House

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 11:03 PM PST

Microsoft Rekindles Hope at Fountain House is a post from: ProPakistani

In order to contribute its support to the mental health sector of our society, employees of Microsoft Pakistan volunteered their services at Fountain House Lahore – a unique institution in Asia in the field of mental health.

The employees spent their day interacting with the members of Fountain House who are undergoing rehabilitation treatment.

According to Peps Foundation's survey of 2008, the estimated number of psychologically disturbed people in Pakistan is more than 14 million. The survey also reveals that there is only four major psychiatric hospitals and 20 such units attached to teaching hospitals, barely enough to serve a growing population.

As part of Microsoft's global initiative – Employee Volunteer Day in which employees are given a day off with pay to adopt a socially responsible cause- this year a team of 36 employees spent their day with the members of Fountain House. The activities of the day included recreational activities like painting competition, music and sports. Microsoft also upgraded software and hardware for the computer lab at Fountain House.

Kamal Ahmed, Country General Manager, Microsoft Pakistan, who led the team, while expressing his views said,

"We believe that if given the right support and opportunities, these members of our society will bring about a positive change. I hope that our global initiative, undertaken both on a corporate as well as on employee level, will help improve the lives of fellow Pakistanis and specially those who need more care and attention from us."

While appreciating the support of Microsoft employees, Dr. Syed Imran Murtaza, Medical Superintendent, Fountain House said,

"I am thankful to Microsoft for this initiative. I request Microsoft to help us in building our computer lab. This will be a noble gesture and is going to benefit all our members."

Microsoft, on its part, agreed to build Fountain House's computer lab.

Since its inception in 1971, Fountain House has rehabilitated over 6500 psychiatric patients. The most laudable part of this institution is its self reliance for funds without any support from the Government or international donor agencies.

Considering the inadequate resources available for the mental health care in Pakistan, it is imperative for both the government and the private sector to contribute their support to establish and sustain similar mental health care centres all over Pakistan and at the same time provide a platform for preparing qualified neuroscientists in Pakistan.

Microsoft executed the novel idea of Employee Volunteer Day for the first time in Pakistan last year when a group of employees decided to spend their time and talent with the children of Gehwara – an orphanage on the outskirts of Rawalpindi. The company has multiple citizenship and corporate social responsibility initiatives running across the country. The company is also a key partner in setting up computer labs in the government schools of Punjab. It has also contributed over US $ 5.0 million for the flood relief efforts in Pakistan – a fact that has been recognized the US Chamber of Commerce recently.

Uth Music TV Show Going On-air Tomorrow!

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 11:02 PM PST

Uth Music TV Show Going On-air Tomorrow! is a post from: ProPakistani

Ufone's televised youth music platform, Uth Records, is all set to go on air nationwide starting 18th February 2011, debuting with their first Uth music selection, Karachi based rock band Jumbo Jutt.

Indeed as introduced in late January 2011 Uth Records is based on the acknowledgment that our country has an abundance of musical talent, but due to a dearth of avenues, such talent usually receives little recognition or opportunity to break into the industry, thereby stifling the potential a new generation of music can bring.

Through this televised platform and as illustrated by the first chosen artists Jumbo Jutt, Uth Records endeavors to show how talented young musicians can thrive in a professional music environment where one of their original compositions is refined through Uth Records' in a specialized recording studio with some of Pakistan's most gifted musicians guiding younger talent.

Jumbo Jutt itself is an underground band comprising of vocalist Mohammad Ali Suhail, bassist Syed Saad Shams, drummer Adeel Hussain and guitarist Omar Kapadia. In addition to Uth Records' resident producers Gumby and Omran Shafique, this first session will also feature top Pakistani guitarist Faraz Anwar as a guest musician on the bands self titled song, ‘Jumbo Jutt’. Expect rock and metal built on distorted and chorused guitars from the band along with a visual insight into the process of how all the musical elements merge together to complete one song.

Speaking about their work with Jumbo Jutt, producers of the project, Gumby and Omran Shafique of LJP Studios have said

"The band’s performance was a lot of fun, especially since this genre of music is what Omran and I both started out with ourselves. They [Jumbo Jutt] walked in quite confident with the right attitude and approach. We really appreciated the arrangements and lyrical content for the song. Their performance was high energy and we think that both the song and performance will speak for itself."

Mohammad Omer, Head of Marketing Operations & Brand Activation Ufone has said

"The enthusiasm and response so far from Pakistan's aspiring Uth talent has been heartening. We are exciting to now be on air and to introduce Jumbo Jutt as our debut artists as their journey and story is a manifestation of what Uth Records stands for, bringing talent out of the shadows and into the limelight. We look forward to airing a new episode weekly."

Directed by Zeeshan Parwez, Uth Records will be airing on ARY Digital, HUM TV, Oxygen, TV One, PTV, Dawn, ATV and G Kaboom starting 18th February. The Uth Records show will air a new session every week culminating on the 11th of March 2011.

For further information on the platform, show, musicians and artists stay logged into:

IT Industry in 2011

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 11:00 PM PST

IT Industry in 2011 is a post from: ProPakistani

This is a Guest Post by Salim Ghauri, Chairman & CEO NetSol Technologies Ltd. He is also former Chairman of Federal Government Task Force on Information & Technology (ICT). Mr. Ghauri is also Honourary Consul for Australia in the province of Punjab, Pakistan

By Salim Ghauri

IT Industry IT Industry in 2011

A robust growth in Information Technology (IT) industry of Pakistan is expected during 2011. Both the internal and external factors will play role in shaping the growth-oriented 2011 for the IT industry.

The IT industry has already emerged successfully through 2010 after fighting the unprecedented recession started in 2008. Revival of business activity has kick-started with the funds pumped in by the investors' world over. The up-gradation of systems and software has started world over, which remained rare during 2009.

The international customers have started investing in balancing, maturing and replacing their systems and software. It will help Pakistan IT industry to attain stability in order to grow further in the years to come. Especially, the IT companies like NetSol, working in the areas of finance and leasing would grow at a faster pace during 2001.

Pakistan's IT and telecom sector has been growing fast and it looks set to expand further in coming years. Majority of citizens consist of young people and personal income levels are on the rise in rural areas. Majority of young graduates prefer to excel in the field of IT, a trend proving a pushing factor for the growth of IT and telecom companies in Pakistan.

State Bank of Pakistan's annual report suggests that the IT sector also posted rapid growth on the back of growing demand for automation in domestic businesses, in the last fiscal year, as seen in previous years. In addition, growing demand for business outsourcing in developing countries led the way for rapid growth of IT exports, such as call center services and software development, the report adds. It points out that Pakistan's lower cost of labor, land and tariff exemption on IT exports gives the sector an advantage over other competitors. Very recently, a Pakistani software house has developed anti-virus software. Once marketed on large scale and at right prices, it would help in curbing the use of pirated, and thus sub-standard, anti-virus software from other countries.

There is an impression that lack of adequate skilled workforce and brain drain are two major constraints to future growth. Further, another problem projected by industry experts is that the small size of local market for call centers and software houses does not allow economies of scale,. On the other hand, in case of exports, first movers like India and the Philippines have a strong brand image abroad which helps them get more orders despite having higher service costs than that of Pakistan. It is very difficult for the sector to get loans as ICT businesses have no tangible collaterals to offer. Although the industry has little dependence on banks for meeting running costs, scale expansions need bank financing.

Despite all such odds, the IT industry today boasts of the presence of about 1,000 local and more than 50 foreign IT companies. However, majority of these companies are operating in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The fear of financial meltdown in 2008 is over and stability has started gaining strength in the markets. Domestically, there was no remarkable opportunity in 2008. But a stable Pakistan in terms of war against terrorism, strong Judiciary and strong media has changed the business scene altogether. This atmosphere will build up investors' confidence sooner than later. More IT companies were registered during 2010 and more jobs are likely to be created in the country. This trend is likely to continue ahead. NetSol Technologies is growing and hiring more people to fulfill customers' day to day demands both internationally and domestically. A large number of small companies are operating outside major cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Faisalabad. All these companies are doing local work. The IT entrepreneurs are quite confident that the industry in smaller cities would grow further. It is also worth noting that a good number of IT resources are hired from smaller cities like Gujranwala, Multan and Sukkur etc.

So far as the public sector is concerned, the 2010 floods hit the IT growth badly, as funds allocated for public sector automation were shifted to the rehabilitation of flood affected people. Now a change is in the offing, resulting into the birth of more IT companies, particularly due to increase in world IT demand.

Similarly, absence of IT Minister has also hindered the IT industry growth. This situation was not suitable to the growth of industry since there was no representative of industry at the highest level. An absence of a particular representative of IT industry in the Cabinet has also put the fate of Task Force on Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) into doldrums. All the recommendations are awaiting formal approvals from the concerned authorities.

According to SBP statistics, Pakistan's annual export of software and IT-enabled services is worth over $200 million. But software developers say actual export earnings are far higher – close to a billion dollars. They say the reason for this massive difference is that Pakistan uses a more restricted definition of export earnings of software and IT-enable services than India and other countries.

Similarly agricultural extension departments and commodity procurement agencies need to digitalize their operations to contain crop diseases, improve soil fertility and increase per-acre yields of food staples. Part of the foreign investment that has been lined up for agricultural sector could be used in these areas. But we actually need to develop some models of public-private partnerships. The era of digital divide is over. Smart phones are low priced and there is no reason that Pakistan should excel in promoting IT usage in growth of agriculture of the country. Huge benefits are being accrued world over and Pakistani farmers have never thought of having those benefits to prosper.

The year 2011 will be more positive for the IT industry. The industry hopes that the government would appoint an IT Minister in second phase. The IT industry is facing enormous challenges including political instability, terrorism, floods and much more. The IT has failed to attract government attraction despite contributing impressing to job creation and export earning for the country. It is fastest growing industry in the country and would be leading from the front in future.

The Indian IT industry, on the other hand, has reached to a saturation point and growth there is now in small percentage against Pakistan IT industry, growing in double digit.

Mobilink Jazz ‘Kitna Hai Jazba’ Contest

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 10:00 PM PST

Mobilink Jazz ‘Kitna Hai Jazba’ Contest is a post from: ProPakistani

Marking the beginning of the cricket mania that is set to engulf fans all over the country today onwards, Mobilink Jazz is geared to revive faith and winning spirit we all need – a little faith can go a long way in motivating Pakistan's cricket team. To kick start the revolution and have some youthful fun, Jazz brings the thrilling contest titled Kitna Hai Jazba?

Express your cricket fervor and show our team that you believe in them by simply joining the 'Jazz Jazba' fan-page on Facebook, count the number of times 'Such Jazba' appears in the inspirational Official "Jazba" Song launched by Mobilink Jazz (video also available on Jazz Jazba website and the Simply Mobilink channel on YouTube)

Answer the simple question – How many times, 'Such Jazba' is sung in the official Jazba song? and enter a chance to Win fabulous prizes including

A return ticket to Sri Lanka;
Posters autographed by Shahid Afridi
Your very own Official "Jazba" T-Shirt

Log on to Facebook and "Like" the "Jazz Jazba" page for more details and batado kay "Kitna Hai Jazba?"

Ufone to Give Cash Prizes to the High Performers in the Pakistan Cricket Team

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 09:58 PM PST

Ufone to Give Cash Prizes to the High Performers in the Pakistan Cricket Team is a post from: ProPakistani

Ufone will be offering cash prizes at the end of the Cricket World Cup 2011 to the player who hits the most fours and sixes put together, to the bowler who takes the maximum wickets and to the bowler who takes the maximum hat tricks. Each winner will get a cash prize of Rs. 1 million for their outstanding performances. This was announced at an event held in Lahore which was attended by the team and management of the Pakistan Cricket Team.

Cricket is the pulse of life for Pakistanis all over the world. With the World Cup right around the corner the country is abuzz the much awaited tournament. The passion is running high with every individual eagerly awaiting the success of the national team.

Ufone one of the leading telecom companies in the country which has always been at the forefront to motivate the younger generation has taken yet another exciting step to help motivate Pakistan's young & talented Cricket Team. It is pertinent to mention that Ufone has consistently supported domestic teams off late.

Mr. Akbar Khan Chief Marketing Officer Ufone speaking at the occasion said,

"We stand by our nation and our highly talented cricket team and are sure that this gesture from Ufone is sure to build greater motivation and confidence within each of the players alongside increase the spirit of the team throughout the tournament".

"We wish our team and the nation the very best", he added