Ufone Launches HTC Incredible S: ProPakistani

Ufone Launches HTC Incredible S
wi-tribe Partners with SOFTEC 2011
Deputy Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik Bags ‘People Award’
Mobilink Indigo Launches the Samsung Nexus S!
Vfone Introduces Smart Package
WiMAX Industry Gets Foggy For Further Investments
Pakistan a Lucrative Market for Cloud Services: Oracle
India Wins Urdu Language Domain Name Extension

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 01:52 PM PDT

Ufone Launches HTC Incredible S is a post from: ProPakistani

Ufone HTC Incredible S Ufone Launches HTC Incredible S

As we had anticipated, year 2011 is going to be year of smartphones from cellular companies, and here we go with another official launch of an HTC smartphone, this time from Ufone.

The news is that Ufone has launched HTC Incredible S in Pakistan, in an effort to strengthen its smartphone portfolio. This has happened exactly after the launch of Samsung's Nexus S by Mobilink Indigo.

Ufone has announced the price tag of HTC Incredible S in Pakistan at Rs. 45,999.

Though we are not sure if Ufone is subsidizing HTC Incredible S or not, but we know, for a fact, that this price of Rs. 45,999 for HTC Incredible S is around 20 % lesser than what other online retailers are offering.

Launch of HTC Incredible S is followed by three other android handsets launched by Ufone just few weeks ago.

Free GPRS Bucket for 12 Months:

Ufone has said that a free GPRS bucket of 30 MB will be given away for 12 months for those who will buy HTC Incredible S from Ufone.

Here is a glimpse of what HTC Incredible S is:

CPU speed: 1 GHz
Platform Android™ with HTC Sense™
Internal phone storage: 1.1 GB (Before applications)
RAM: 768 MB
Display: 4-inch touch screen with 480 x 800 resolution
Weight: 135.5 grams with battery
Camera:
- 8 megapixel color camera with auto focus and dual LED flash
- 720p HD video recording
- 1.3 megapixel front camera
Expansion Slot: microSD™ memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
Connectors:
- 3.5 mm stereo audio jack
- Standard micro-USB (5-pin micro-USB 2.0)
Talk time: GSM: Up to 580 minutes (on GSM network)
Bluetooth:
- Bluetooth® 2.1 with FTP/OPP for file transfer
- A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
- PBAP for phonebook access from the car kit
GPS:
- Internal GPS antenna
Sensors:
- G-Sensor
- Digital compass
- Proximity sensor
- Ambient light sensor

wi-tribe Partners with SOFTEC 2011

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 01:00 PM PDT

wi-tribe Partners with SOFTEC 2011 is a post from: ProPakistani

With an aim to promote innovation in the local I.T. industry, wi-tribe has extended its full support towards this year's SOFTEC '11 by sponsoring the two-day I.T. event held at FAST National University (FAST-NU), Lahore.

This year marks the 15^th National and 6^th International SOFTEC Event.

SOFTEC has earned the reputation of becoming one of Pakistan's largest annual I.T. extravaganza. Since its advent with a single competition in 1995, SOFTEC has grown yearly, now boasting of nearly a dozen different competitions and exhibitions.

The event will comprise mainly of various competitions under the categories of software, gaming, Interface, etc., along with software and engineering project exhibits. The event would also include a sponsor's enclosure, kids' corner, along with a food court.

Commenting on wi-tribe's collaboration with SOFTEC '11, VP Sales & Marketing, wi-tribe Pakistan, Wahib Aslam said,

"wi-tribe is proud to sponsor SOFTEC '11. I really admire how so many capable students of FAST-NU have managed to create a national icon out of this event, exploring the potential of I.T. in Pakistan, while bringing innovation to the industry.

It is wonderful to see that this has become an international event attracting the countries best-in-class I.T. developers and promoters alike. SOFTEC has established ground-breaking technologies for the promotion of the local I.T. industry and wi-tribe is eager to take it to the next level of evolution."

For more information on this event, visit http://www.softecnu.org/

Deputy Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik Bags ‘People Award’

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:01 PM PDT

Deputy Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik Bags ‘People Award’ is a post from: ProPakistani

Deputy Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik was awarded prestigious ID 'People Award' by ID technologists in an international gala of auto ID held in Abu Dhabi.

This was an award given in appreciation of swift documentation of largest data base of 1.409 million Afghan refugees.

The Deputy Chairman proudly received the award and highlighted Pakistan's name among his contemporary technologists belonging to 40 countries as he was selected in the category of global migration.

Tariq Malik proved his efficiency by getting 1.409 million of Afghan Refugees registered for Secure Card and 769,542 Afghan Children (under18) have been issued with Birth Certificates in a record shortest span of time by using multi-biometric technology and delivered successful results to the UNHCR sponsored project.

Ms. Sophie B. de la Giroday, President Wise Media SPA, presented the award in the fourth annual EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) summit on security documents, global mobility and traceability.

Interior Minister Mr. Rehman Malik, also present on the occasion, congratulated Tariq Malik on winning the award and said that he has made the country and citizens proud. He thanked ID World and the technologists all over the world who voted for Tariq Malik.

Speaking on the occasion Tariq Malik said NADRA is playing a role of a catalyst in transforming e-government agenda in Pakistan and houses world's largest multi bio-metric database and has effectively used it to bring transparency in e-government centric initiatives like Benazir income support programme, Machine readable passport issuance, ID card verification through SMS and various others.

He said these programs have added public convenience, improved service delivery and transparency.

Tariq Malik was also invited in conference in 2009 as keynote speaker and had won ID World outstanding achievement award in ID world International Congress in Milan, Italy. Malik was short listed from 250 candidates of Fortune 500 companies of 75 countries for using ICT to provide innovative citizen centric services.

ID world Abu Dhabi 2011 is a key stone conference to share knowledge and learn about innovations and new developments in auto ID industry with its global and regional focus on the markets for automatic identification.

Over 400 leaders and technology experts gathered to discuss the tested strategies, innovations and best practices in evaluating new trends in this niche.

Sheikh Saif Bin Zahyed Al Nahyan inaugurated the conference with his welcome address. Chairman NADRA Ali Arshad Hakeem also attended the conference.

Among the dignitaries, who attended the conference, were Ronal Nobel, Interpol Chief, Rehman Malik, Interior Minister of Pakistan, Ali Arshad Hakeem, Chairman NADRA, Dr. Ali Khouri, Chairman Emirates Identity Authority, UAE, Chief of UAE Police, Dr. Pandey, Deputy Chief of Unique Identity Authority of India, UN and EU officials.

ID World Abu Dhabi 2011 with its global and regional focus on the markets for automatic identification was the keystone conference to share knowledge and learn about innovations and new developments in auto ID industry. More than 400 leaders and technology experts gathered to discuss tested strategies, best practices and innovations in evaluating new trends in this niche market.

Mobilink Indigo Launches the Samsung Nexus S!

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 01:29 AM PDT

Mobilink Indigo Launches the Samsung Nexus S! is a post from: ProPakistani

For all the android lovers and especially those who were keenly waiting on the latest Gingerbread android 2.3 edition, the wait is finally over!

Mobilink indigo has exclusively launched the much awaited and the most talked about Samsung Nexus S powered by Google's latest and fastest Gingerbread software.

The Samsung Nexus S has the latest and fastest Gingerbread software(Android 2.3) and Samsung's superior curve design rolled into one smooth gadget. It also has a remarkable 4 –inch Super Clear LCD display, a fast 1 GHz processor, 5 MP camera and comes pre-installed with all your favorite Google apps.

To further enhance the experience, all Mobilink indigo customers who buy the Samsung Nexus S now will enjoy 3 months of unlimited GPRS for free along with a premium leather case and car charger for their Nexus S!

Price:

Mobilink indigo is offering Samsung Nexus S at Rs. 43,999/-

Terms and Conditions:

You can buy Samsung Nexus S from Mobilink Service Centers
Limited time offer
This offer is valid for both indigo and JAZZ customers
Handsets will exclusively be available through selected Mobilink Sales & Service centers only for a period of 30 days from launch
Free GPRS offer will remain valid for all handsets sold in the first 30 days only. All purchases during this period will be eligible for 3 months free GPRS (Free GPRS offer valid only in Pakistan)
Subscribers with BlackBerry services are not eligible for 3 months free GPRS

Vfone Introduces Smart Package

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:50 AM PDT

Vfone Introduces Smart Package is a post from: ProPakistani

Vfone has launched another prepaid package with the call rates of Rs 1.30/min to all local networks for 24 hours.

The daily line rent of this package is Rs 3.50

Package Details:

Vfone to Vfone: Rs. 1.30 per min
Vfone to PTCL Landline: Rs. 1.30 per min
Vfone to Mobile & other LLOs: Rs. 1.30 per min
Vfone Internet: Rs. 2.00 per 15 min
SMS to all networks: Rs. 0.30 per SMS

Note:

Daily line rent of this package is Rs 3.50
All rates are exclusive of taxes

Terms & Conditions:

From now onwards, Vfone Smart package will be default package for all new activations
Existing customers can dial 1015 to change their package
First package change is free for all customers
This is a limited time offer and end date will be communicated accordingly
All rates are exclusive of taxes

WiMAX Industry Gets Foggy For Further Investments

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 10:15 PM PDT

WiMAX Industry Gets Foggy For Further Investments is a post from: ProPakistani

Ever since the WiMAX industry saw its first commercial roll-out courtesy of Wateen, which was arguably the biggest commercial WiMAX network in the world, it has not enjoyed the glory the investors may had anticipated. Situation is not different for other WiMAX operators too, though they are making some money but balance sheets are not that catchy.

Reason is: We, as Pakistanis, are not used to pay for data services – probably because paying for data services is a secondary stage that comes after the primary understanding of what data services actually are.

When Mobilink launched its WiMAX services under the marquee 'Mobilink Infinity', it was termed as the 10^th best launch by the WiMAX Forum. Quite an achievement, right? To me, on the other hand, it appeared like a cart about to sail down a steep unobstructed path straight into the slums because:

Common users did not have a hint of what WiMAX is; they did not care and they should not have cared too!
To a good educated majority it seemed to be as just another internet connection able enough to take them to their Yahoo inboxes
Our marketing was as un-educating as anything you might think of

This argument is valid for Qubee too. Along with WiMAX providers other broadband operators kept venturing in, for instance PTCL released its EVO connections, and the market grew tougher. It became gruesome for the operators to strive for their share of customers and survive the brutality.

Mobilink perhaps did not try getting serious with the situation; it did not look ready to give Infinity a refresher. Things worsen so much that the sales and operations staff had to rely on door-to-door sales services to register few bits on the work sheets.

Those working in Infinity's teams are worried for their future; for the future of WiMAX; for the return of time and energy they have put in thus far. We have heard that WiMAX arm of Mobilink is certainly not doing well financially, and it is evident from its long awaited spread out in Lahore and Islamabad – which is yet to happen. The parents (Orascom) are a little offhanded about their child and are reluctant to float in some cash for obvious reasons.

Industry, as a whole, has started to show some sort of a shape:

Wi-tribe rising above all as the most rigorous – if not efficient – service provider in terms of its customer support and problem resolution services. Though limited data packages remain their biggest constraint when compared to Wateen.
PTCL cashing its status of a blind king and utilized its deployed network, established lines and age old customers to grasp a decent figure of subscribers
Abundance of managerial issues, financial mishaps and having more than one core product, Wateen never managed to shine the way it could have
Qubee trying to expand
Mobilink Infinity…waiting for the right time

Broadband industry is perhaps waiting for that alleged data boom in the country and all shareholders are saving their money for that time.

One may argue that regulatory bodies as well as service operators should have been more pragmatic on their marketing, educational and sales fronts rather than deducing their bits of satisfaction by registering the country as the first good-for-nothing WiMAX hub.

Pakistan a Lucrative Market for Cloud Services: Oracle

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 10:13 PM PDT

Pakistan a Lucrative Market for Cloud Services: Oracle is a post from: ProPakistani

Mr. Kaleem Chaudhry is Regional Director, Enterprise Technology for Oracle Asia Pacific, where he leads a team of enterprise architects focused on providing architecture advisory to IT and business executives.

He supports strategic customer and partner/alliance engagements and is a frequent speaker at industry events on IT trends, Grid computing and infrastructure optimization techniques.

Recently Mr. Chaudhry was here in Pakistan for 'Enterprise Cloud Summit', when ProPakistani got a chance to get his views on Oracle's Cloud Computing solutions – here is what he says:

Defined as the delivery of software and hardware as a service over the Internet, cloud computing is convenient, easy to access and low-cost platform for enterprisers and high-end professionals of different sectors.

Kaleem Chaudhry said that Oracle is enhancing its sophistication to the end users and cloud is the latest innovation for that journey.

He elaborated that there are two types of clouds – private and public. A private cloud runs within the firewall of an enterprise and is for the exclusive use of that enterprise. The system helps multiple users to share same working environment within organization and among multiple organizations.

While on other hands, he said, Public Cloud offers a platform under supervision of third party vendors, where multiple enterprises can use the shared infrastructure. For instance, different apparel makers connect with a private cloud having applications of their requirement. In the Public Cloud, the equipment is managed by service providers for multiple users.

He told us that Oracle offers solution not only for private and public clouds but also for hybrid cloud. Oracle platform offers various technologies in the data center in a way that multiple users of enterprises can access and share the application mutually. In addition, Oracle also offers an arrangement where a third party vendor buys infrastructure and helps other firms to work with it.

Both private and public cloud computing provide great computing efficiency, elasticity, scalability and the availability, thanks to an underlying Grid Computing architecture. Public clouds are typically faster and cheaper to get started and simpler to manage, while private clouds provide greater control over security, compliance and quality of service, are easier to integrate with in-house IT, and are potentially lower cost over the long term.

He explained that an enterprise can save its expenses significantly with 35 percent deduction in operation expenses, 44 percent cost reduction in electricity charges and 85 percent saving in physical cost with the accessibility to Oracle clouds.

The popularity of ready on demand access to IT environment is vital for entrepreneurs that comes without procuring expensive equipment and deployment of physical network.

Commenting on the the potential of Cloud Computing in Pakistan he said that it is growing tremendously with prevailing trend of using cutting-edge technology in the business model of medium and large enterprises.

Public cloud allows them to have access to highly advance technological and sophisticated environment without any upfront cost.

He told us that Oracle has handsome customer base in Pakistan, which always welcome our new technology because of reliability and quality of service.

Telecom, media and banking sectors possess exceptional potential to utilize cutting-edge technologies in their businesses. Oracle is at forefront to provide them high class services in accordance with the need of these sectors at most affordable charges.

There are well-known banks, cellular phone companies, government entities and manufacturing units in the country, majority of them including Pakistan Mobile Communications (Pvt.) Ltd. (Ufone), Pakistan Telecom Mobile Ltd. (Mobilink), Pakistan Telecommunications Ltd., Telenor Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., Warid Telecom (Pvt.) Ltd., Wateen Telecom (Pvt.) Ltd., Wi-Tribe Pakistan Ltd., are already using Oracle's cloud infrastructure for database and business applications.

Mr. Chaudhry said that Oracle recently organized a 'Data Centre Summit' where a key level participation of officials from multinationals, banking and telecom sectors and manufacturers were seen, which showed the level of interest of the Pakistan firms towards the emerging technologies and application trends.

He emphasized that in today's world, Cloud Computing is very essential technology. Pakistan is a growing economy with a lot of opportunities in its dense markets, in connection to which Oracle also finds a lucrative opportunity in the country because technology is a core foundation of every business in Pakistan.

Talking about IT Human Resources in Pakistan, Kaleem said that from his interaction with people at various local events he feels that Pakistan has been producing highly skilled IT professionals, which is evident from the advanced IT infrastructure in Pakistani firms. Pakistani professionals perform their task tremendously at world class organizations and they are playing a key role at Oracle also.

There is lot of potential in the educational institutions of Pakistan and it can produce brilliant IT professionals. The growing population depicts the growth of human resource also and more skilled workers will be the part of different organizations in the future.

India Wins Urdu Language Domain Name Extension

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 10:12 PM PDT

India Wins Urdu Language Domain Name Extension is a post from: ProPakistani

India has been delegated the International Domain Name extension for Urdu Language, which will allow Indian authorities to sell domain names with Urdu fonts, reported DNA India.

In addition to Urdu, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the body that governs website addresses, has allotted a total of seven international domain names (IDN) to India. Other languages for International Domain Names delegated to India include: Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil and Telugu.

Subject to last stage ICANN approval, this will make India the first and only country to have Urdu domain name extension.

Pakistan has also applied for Urdu domain name extension (a little late though), for which the string evaluation (URL in asci-code for local language) has been passed, however, ICANN is yet to delegate Urdu language ccTLD to Pakistan, which may take at least 6 months.

Saudi Arabia, Russia, UAE and Egypt are only countries with their local language domain names.

With this delegation of Urdu IDN to India, the domain names will be sold by the National Internet Exchange of India – the agency which has been allocating '.in' domain names.