By: Mathew Thomas

Introduction

Women’s rights, as a term, typically refers to the freedoms inherently possessed by
women and girls of all ages, which may be institutionalized, ignored or illegitimately
suppressed by law, custom, and behavior in a particular society. These liberties are
grouped together and differentiated from broader notions of human rights because they
often differ from the freedoms inherently possessed by or recognized for men and boys,
and because activism surrounding this issue claims an inherent historical and traditional
bias against the exercise of rights by women.

Issues commonly associated with notions of women’s rights include, though are not
limited to, the right: to bodily integrity and autonomy; to vote (universal suffrage); to
hold public office; to work; to fair wages or equal pay; to own property; to education; to
serve in the military; to enter into legal contracts; and to have marital, parental and
religious rights. Today, women in most nations can vote, own property, work in many
different professions, and hold public office. These are some of the rights of the modern
woman. But women have not always been allowed to do these things, similar to the
experiences of the majority of men throughout history. Women and their supporters have
waged and in some places continue to wage long campaigns to win the same rights as
modern men and be viewed as equals in society.

Evolution of women’s rights in India

Position of women in ancient India

The position of women since long has been pitiable in all aspects of life and her
subjection by males has been throughout a matter of history. She could not feel
independent, and act as so, barring a few exceptions.

The women in Vedic period enjoyed equal status with men and independence in action.
Not only they had the place of honour, but were entitled to participate freely in social
activities. They were allowed to pursue the academic attainments and shared the family
life with full vigour. They were free to select their conjugal partner and exercised free
will in entering into the matrimonial bondage.

The privileges that women enjoyed in the Vedic period were short lived and the position
of women began to decline from the latter Vedic period onwards. Post Vedic period saw
the emergence of Manusmrithi. The injunctions of Manu merged the wife’s individuality
with that of her husband and recommended strict seclusions for women and rigorous
discipline for widows. While glorifying motherhood and allowing women all freedom in
the management of the household, he permitted child marriage and polygamy. In the
Dharma-shastra women are unambiguously equated with the sudras. Even the Gita
places women, vaisyas and sudras in the same category and describes them as being of
sinful birth. Moreover women lead a life in abject misery. The women were denied the
right of equal opportunity in the field of education as well as in employment. The
inhuman system of .Sati. was prevalent as a compulsory custom. Widows were not only
precluded from remarrying, but they were also not allowed to live after the death of their
husband. There also existed the system of Purda, were the women had to cover her face
and body with a robe when she was to be seen in public. These were not only deprivation
of the rights of women but were also social evils which plagued the ancient Indian
society. The other evils which affected the women in ancient India were child marriage,
female infanticide, Dowry system etc.

During the British rule, many new rules were being legislated to abolish certain social
evils which have direct impact on the rights of the women. Many social reformers during
this period including Raja Ram Mohan Roy worked hard for the abolition of the system
of sati and reinstated in its place the right of widows to remarry. More emphasis was
given to provide opportunities for improving the plight of women like improving
opportunities for female education etc.

After Independence, most of the social evils like Sati system, child marriage, female
infanticide etc which affected the rights of women adversely were abolished. More laws
were enacted to provide women equal status with man in the field of education and
employment opportunities, laws were also enacted for preventing discrimination against
women on the basis of gender. Constitution of India also provides for provisions in order
to protect the rights of women. Reservations were made in the public sector to increase
the ratio of women population and to bring it in par with the male population. The Indian
penal code has also adopted stringent measures to deal with crimes against women. Penal
punishments were incorporated for dealing with the crimes of rape, marital violence
against women, prostitution etc. The Dowry Prohibition act also provides for punishment
in giving and accepting of Dowry. Recently a bill was enacted to prevent harassment of
women in their work places.

International conventions for the protection and promotion of women rights

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

(CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an
international bill of rights for women. Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, it defines
what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action
to end such discrimination.

The Convention defines discrimination against women as “…any distinction, exclusion
or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or
nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital
status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental
freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field.”

By accepting the Convention, States commit themselves to undertake a series of
measures to end discrimination against women in all forms, including:
To incorporate the principle of equality of men and women in their legal system, abolish
all discriminatory laws and adopt appropriate ones prohibiting discrimination against
women; Establish tribunals and other public institutions to ensure the effective protection
of women against discrimination; and to ensure elimination of all acts of discrimination
against women by persons, organizations or enterprises.

The Convention provides the basis for realizing equality between women and men
through ensuring women’s equal access to, and equal opportunities in, political and public
life — including the right to vote and to stand for election — as well as education, health
and employment. States parties agree to take all appropriate measures, including
legislation and temporary special measures, so that women can enjoy all their human
rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Convention is the only human rights treaty which affirms the reproductive rights of
women and targets culture and tradition as influential forces shaping gender roles and
family relations. It affirms women’s rights to acquire, change or retain their nationality
and the nationality of their children. States parties also agree to take appropriate measures
against all forms of traffic in women and exploitation of women.

Countries that have ratified or acceded to the Convention are legally bound to put its
provisions into practice. They are also committed to submit national reports, at least
every four years, on measures they have taken to comply with their treaty obligations.

United Nations Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict

Bearing in mind the need to provide special protection to women and children belonging
to the civilian population, solemnly proclaims this Declaration on the Protection of
Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict and calls for the strict
observance of the Declaration by all Member States:

1. Attacks and bombings on the civilian population, inflicting incalculable suffering,
especially on women and children, who are the most vulnerable members of the
population, shall be prohibited, and such acts shall be condemned.

2. The use of chemical and bacteriological weapons in the course of military operations
constitutes one of the most flagrant violations of the Geneva Protocol of 1925, the
Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the principles of international humanitarian law and
inflicts heavy losses on civilian populations, including defenceless women and children,
and shall be severely condemned.

3. All States shall abide fully by their obligations under the Geneva Protocol of 1925 and
the Geneva Conventions of 1949, as well as other instruments of international law
relative to respect for human rights in armed conflicts, which offer important guarantees
for the protection of women and children.

4. All efforts shall be made by States involved in armed conflicts, military operations in
foreign territories or military operations in territories still under colonial domination to
spare women and children from the ravages of war. All the necessary steps shall be taken
to ensure the prohibition of measures such as persecution, torture, punitive measures,
degrading treatment and violence, particularly against that part of the civilian population
that consists of women and children.

5. All forms of repression and cruel and inhuman treatment of women and children,
including imprisonment, torture, shooting, mass arrests, collective punishment,
destruction of dwellings and forcible eviction, committed by belligerents in the course of
military operations or in occupied territories shall be considered criminal.

6. Women and children belonging to the civilian population and finding themselves in
circumstances of emergency and armed conflict in the struggle for peace, selfdetermination,

national liberation and independence, or who live in occupied territories,
shall not be deprived of shelter, food, medical aid or other inalienable rights, in
accordance with the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child or other
instruments of international law.

United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women

The declaration mainly aims at protecting women from torture. For the purposes of this
Declaration, the term “violence against women” means any act of gender-based violence
that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering
to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty,
whether occurring in public or in private life.

Article 2

Violence against women shall be understood to encompass, but not be limited to, the
following:

( a ) Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the family, including
battering, sexual abuse of female children in the household, dowry-related violence,
marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to women,
non-spousal violence and violence related to exploitation;

( b ) Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring within the general
community, including rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and intimidation at work, in
educational institutions and elsewhere, trafficking in women and forced prostitution;

( c ) Physical, sexual and psychological violence perpetrated or condoned by the State,
wherever it occurs.

The Declaration aims at making the world a safer destination for women and to enjoy
their rights without any encumbrances.

ACLU Women’s Rights Project

Since 1972, the ACLU Women’s Rights Project has worked to empower women and
advance equality. Many people, before and since, have contributed to our effort.
The Women’s Rights Project focuses on four core areas:

Employment

WRP advocates on behalf of low-wage immigrant women workers, works to eliminate
welfare disparities, and seeks to end workplace discrimination.

Violence Against Women
WRP is committed to advancing battered women’s civil rights, assisting women in their
efforts to keep themselves and their children safe, and challenging the housing and
employment discrimination experienced by so many battered women, especially low income and women of color.

Criminal Justice
WRP addresses the harms to women and girls caught up in the criminal and juvenile
justice systems, including their conditions of confinement, and the impact of sentencing
and incarceration policies on women and their children.
Education

WRP is dedicated to ensuring that public schools do not become sex-segregated and that
girls and boys receive equal educational opportunities.

Legislations in India for the Protection of Women
The major women specific legislations in India are the following:

The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956- The Immoral Traffic act aimed at
preventing immoral activities using women. It provides punishment for women
trafficking, carrying on the business of prostitution, keeping a brothel etc.

Role of Media in the protection of women’s rights

Media plays a very important role in creating awareness among the women community
about their inherent rights, which they were deprived of for many centuries. Media plays
the role of a saviour in whom the power to protect and enhance the rights of the women is
arrogated. Media through its visual broadcasting should project the abject and miserable
lives and living conditions of women in rural India. More documentaries and screen plays
projecting women.s rights should be aired through visual media. Media plays an
important role in coordinating the activities of social workers who play an important role
in striving to establish women.s rights. Print media through various journals meant
exclusively for women entails a place in this men dominated world. Media has certain
forums specifically for the promotion and advancement of the interest of women folk.
Media through its various agencies helps to agitate and voice against any intrusion into
the rights of the women. In the modern age crimes against women have also became very
rampant, media was an active tool in voicing against such acts and bringing such illegal
acts to the eyes of the concerned authorities and thus keeping the issue as a hot spot
which requires urgent attention. Media also acts as an effective tool in educating people
against the commission of such atrocious acts against the women community and thus
preserving their purity and sacredness. Media also through various debates and
discussions help the legislators in identifying new areas for legislating laws for the
protection of women.

Negative effects of media on the rights of women

Media has both positive as well as negative effects on the rights of women. Media has
been a cause for the increase in infringement of the right to privacy of a woman. Media
through obscene publication and visual presentations have demeaned the dignity of
women in the modern society. Modern films tend to glorify violence and as a result
infuse such ideas in the minds of the youth. Media has played a significant role in the
promotion and circulation of pornographic materials which in turn will result in
trafficking of women, flesh trade etc. Media is a corner stone in shaping the lives of the
new generation, as majority of the modern generation are glued to them. Media through
films and publications tend to drastically revolutionise the minds of the people without
their knowledge and awareness. Hence there has to be a strict check and control on the
contents that are aired and published through the media. It was this concept which paved
the way for the development of media laws.

Media laws and its Evolution in India

In India the Press is free but subject to certain reasonable restrictions imposed by the
Constitution of India, 1950, as amended (“Constitution”). Before the impact of
globalisation was felt, the mass media was wholly controlled by the government, which
let the media project only what the government wanted the public to see and in a way in
which it wanted the public to see it. However, with the onset of globalisation and
privatisation, the situation has undergone a humongous change.

Before the invention of communication satellites, communication was mainly in the
form of national media, both public and private, in India and abroad. Then came the
‘transnational media’ with the progress of communication technologies like Satellite
delivery and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), the outcome: local TV, global
films and global information systems.

In such an era of media upsurge, it becomes an absolute necessity to impose certain legal
checks and bounds on transmission and communication. In the due course of this article,
we would discuss the various aspects of media and the relevant legal checks and bounds
governing them.

Historical Perspective of Mass Media Laws

Mass Media laws in India have a long history and are deeply rooted in the country.s
colonial experience under British rule. The earliest regulatory measures can be traced
back to 1799 when Lord Wellesley promulgated the Press Regulations, which had the
effect of imposing pre-censorship on an infant newspaper publishing industry. The onset
of 1835 saw the promulgation of the Press Act, which undid most of, the repressive
features of earlier legislations on the subject.

Thereafter on 18th June 1857, the government passed the .Gagging Act., which among
various other things, introduced compulsory licensing for the owning or running of
printing presses; empowered the government to prohibit the publication or circulation of
any newspaper, book or other printed material and banned the publication or
dissemination of statements or news stories which had a tendency to cause a furore
against the government, thereby weakening its authority.

Then followed the .Press and Registration of Books Act. in 1867 and which continues to
remain in force till date. Governor General Lord Lytton promulgated the .Vernacular
Press Act. of 1878 allowing the government to clamp down on the publication of
writings deemed seditious and to impose punitive sanctions on printers and publishers
who failed to fall in line. In 1908, Lord Minto promulgated the .Newspapers (Incitement
to Offences) Act, 1908 which authorized local authorities to take action against the editor
of any newspaper that published matter deemed to constitute an incitement to rebellion.
However, the most significant day in the history of Media Regulations was the 26th of
January 1950 . the day on which the Constitution was brought into force. The colonial
experience of the Indians made them realise the crucial significance of the .Freedom of
Press.. Such freedom was therefore incorporated in the Constitution; to empower the
Press to disseminate knowledge to the masses and the Constituent Assembly thus,
decided to safeguard this .Freedom of Press. as a fundamental right. Although, the Indian
Constitution does not expressly mention the liberty of the press, it is evident that the
liberty of the press is included in the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19
(1)(a). It is however pertinent to mention that, such freedom is not absolute but is
qualified by certain clearly defined limitations under Article 19(2) in the interests of the
public.

It is necessary to mention here that, this freedom under Article 19(1)(a) is not only
cribbed, cabined and confined to newspapers and periodicals but also includes pamphlets,
leaflets, handbills, circulars and every sort of publication which affords a vehicle of
information and opinion:

Thus, although the freedom of the press is guaranteed as a fundamental right, it is
necessary for us to deal with the various laws governing the different areas of media so as
to appreciate the vast expanse of media laws.

Regulations in print media
The Freedom Of Press and the Freedom Of Expression can be regarded as the very basis
of a democratic form of government. Every business enterprise is involved in the laws of
the nation, the state and the community in which it operates. Newspaper publishers find
themselves more .hemmed in. by legal restrictions than many other businesses do .
despite the fact that the freedom of press is protected by the Indian constitution. The
various Acts, which have to be taken into consideration when dealing with the
regulations imposed upon the Print Media, are:

_ The Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 . This Act regulates printing presses
and newspapers and makes registration with an appointed Authority compulsory for all
printing presses.

_ _The Press (Objectionable Matters) Act, 1951 . This enactment provides against the
printing and publication of incitement to crime and other objectionable matters.

_ _The Newspaper (Prices and Pages) Act, 1956 . This statute empowers the Central
Government to regulate the price of newspapers in relation to the number of pages and
size and also to regulate the allocation of space to be allowed for advertising matter.

Regulations in broadcasting
The broadcast media was under complete monopoly of the Government of India. Private
organizations were involved only in commercial advertising and sponsorships of
programmes. However, in Secretary, Ministry of I&B v. CAB1, the Supreme Court clearly
differed from the aforementioned monopolistic approach and emphasized that, every
citizen has a right to telecast and broadcast to the viewers/listeners any important event
through electronic media, television or radio and also provided that the Government had
no monopoly over such electronic media as such monopolistic power of the Government
was not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution or in any other law prevailing in the
country.
This judgment, thus, brought about a great change in the position prevailing in the
broadcast media, and such sector became open to the citizens.
1 (1995) 2 SCC 161

Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 basically regulates the operation of
Cable Television in the territory of India and regulates the subscription rates and the total
number of total subscribers receiving programmes transmitted in the basic tier. In
pursuance of the Cable Television Network (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2002, the
Central Government may make it obligatory for every cable operator to transmit or
retransmit programme of any pay channel through an addressable system as and when the
Central Government so notifies. Such notification may also specify the number of free to
air channels to be included in the package of channels forming the basic service tier
film . India is one of the largest producers of motion pictures in the world.
Encompassing three major spheres of activity . production, distribution and exhibition,
the industry has an all-India spread, employing thousands of people and entertaining
millions each year. The various laws in force regulating the making and screening of
films are: -

The Cinematograph Act, 1952 . The Cinematograph Act of 1952 has been passed to
make provisions for a certification of cinematographed films for exhibitions by means of
Cinematograph. Under this Act, a Board of Film Censors (now renamed Central Board
of Film Certification) with advisory panels at regional centres is empowered to examine
every film and sanction it whether for unrestricted exhibition or for exhibition restricted
to adults. The Board is also empowered to refuse to sanction a film for public exhibition.
In K. A. Abbas v. Union of India, the petitioner for the first time challenged the validity of
censorship as violative of his fundamental right of speech and expression. The Supreme
Court however observed that, pre-censorship of films under the Cinematograph Act was
justified under Article 19(2) on the ground that films have to be treated separately from
other forms of art and expression because a motion picture was able to stir up emotion
more deeply and thus, classification of films between two categories .A. (for adults only)
and .U. (for all) was brought about2.
2 AIR 1971 SC 481

Advertising
Advertising communication is a mix of arts and facts subservient to ethical principles. In
order to be consumer-oriented, advertisement will have to be truthful and ethical. It
should not mislead the consumer. If it so happens, the credibility is lost.

In order to enforce an ethical regulating code, the Advertising Standards Council of India
was set up. Inspired by a similar code of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) UK,
ASCI follows the following basic guidelines in order to achieve the acceptance of fair
advertising practices in the interest of the consumer: -

· To ensure the truthfulness and honesty of representations and claims made by
advertisements and to safe guard against misleading advertising;

· To ensure that advertisement are not offensive to generally accepted standards of public
decency;

· To safeguard against indiscriminate use of advertising for promotion of products which
are regarded as hazardous to society or to individuals to a degree or of a type which is
unacceptable to society at large; and

· To ensure that advertisements observe fairness in competition so that the consumers
need to be informed on choices in the market places and canons of generally accepted
competitive behaviour in business are both served.

Media laws and its relation to the Rights of the Women

Media Law has its applicability in ensuring and preserving the rights of the women.
Media has been regulated with regard to its right in publishing and broadcasting by
enacting the media laws. These laws have a direct impetus to the protection of women.s
rights. Media Laws through its enactments regulating the print media takes away from the
press the absolute power vested in them previously. Media laws protect the women.s
right by preventing the print media from publishing articles and journals that goes
detrimental to the interest of the women folk and intrude their privacy.

No related posts.

Microsoft SharePoint enables important documents and business processes to be stored in a central information hub. It can also be a powerful communication and collaboration tool. However, a SharePoint implementation can also have a disruptive and resource intensive impact on an organization if it is not managed effectively. During times of recession, it is all the more important to find ways to work smarter with less resource.

Follows these tips to maximize the value gained from your SharePoint implementation:

Think of SharePoint as a development platform…not a product

It is a common mistake for people to assume that SharePoint will give them what they want without customization. As a sophisticated software application, SharePoint has many different features and plug-ins which can be confusing. Deployments easily can go wrong if IT teams just turn on additional modules without considering the business case, requirements, and training needed to make them part of an ongoing business process.

The more comprehensive functionality available from SharePoint has to be built by an IT team (or a third party vendor) using SharePoint’s.NET development tools. Hence it is more appropriate to view SharePoint as a ‘development platform’ rather than an ‘out of the box’ product. Representatives from various parts of the business will need to work together with the IT team from the very start of the project. The project team needs to clarify the business requirements and all technical and functiona

Try these tips:

Use low cost, plug and play discussion forum tools to enable project teams to share and capture ideas as they crop up prior to, and during, a SharePoint implementation. External discussion forum channels can be simple to deploy, secure, low cost and available on a short term license basis.

Utilise company wide surveys to assess what’s working and what’s not with the existing Intranet and to gather information regarding the tools and resources people would like to see included on the new SharePoint Intranet. Consider using survey tools that can be pushed directly onto employee computer screens so do not get buried in email in boxes. Built in survey reminders can help drive participation which can ensure that all views are represented in the research…including the important but often ‘silent majority’ who perhaps do not have extreme views or agendas and would ordinarily be less motivated to participate.

Target staff surveys to specific groups of employees, for example, managers and heads of departments. Such individuals can be asked questions such as “what specific business value does / could your department derive from an effective Intranet?”, “How might this be quantified?” For example, a sales manager may say it is the number of accurate proposals that sales people are able to produce. This research will provide an important perspective to help you make the SharePoint implementation effective and also help you quantify its value at a later stage.

Start simply and take an iterative approach

Companies that get the SharePoint implementation right, often start simply, with many of the features disabled. Break a SharePoint implementation up into stages and leave the ‘bells-and-whistles’ until last.

For example:

1. Start by simply replacing the existing Intranet. 2. Add document management 3. Add forms management. 4. Add business process and workflow management 5. Start sharing business intelligence dashboards and enterprise reports 6. And so on.

Keep in mind your short term and long term objectives and work with IT while they download SharePoint. Clarify what is required of SharePoint now, what possible extras might be useful and what may be required in the future.

Try these tips

One of the keys to the successful implementation a new technology is to drive user adoption and regularly gather feedback to evaluate progress.

• Staff Polls, surveys and discussion forums provide effective ways to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback from staff. Communicating the successive stages of an iterative SharePoint implementation needs to stay interesting for staff, so adopting an engaging and innovative communications campaign is essential.
• Promote your evolving SharePoint implementation through multiple channels and monitor readership to make sure you’re hitting the mark
• Short ‘news’ articles in Staff E-Mags can inform readers of new information and the availability of new tools, as well as allowing readers to click directly through to specific SharePoint pages.
• For project ‘wins’ that you want to profile with more impact, try using digital signage on screensavers. An image is worth a thousand words. For example, an image of a deck chair on the beach with relevant text and a click through link is a powerful and engaging way to notify staff that leave forms are now available via SharePoint.
• For messages that need high cut through, consider using Desktop Alerts or Scrolling News feeds on staff computer screens

Fill gaps in functionality

By taking what comes bundled in SharePoint, companies can end up compromising on critical functions compared with best-of-breed tools. Light-weight web 2.0 tools such as wikis and blogs appear to be late addition ‘throw-ins’ with functionality that appears to be considerably less than you might expect.

SharePoint does not provide any ‘push communications’ channels. The closest it gets is ‘e-mail alerts’, that are auto generated and can be easily become buried in inboxes, and RSS feeds, that require staff to opt in. Often due to high work loads or a lack of interest, emails have low cut through and staff fail to subscribe to RSS feeds meaning that important updates may never reach them.

Push Communications channels form an important part of an internal communications strategy. This is particularly the case for urgent or important messages that need high cut through.

Try these tips

Augment SharePoint with other functionality:

• Use plug and play’ social media channels specifically built for secure employee communications. Select channels that are low cost, easy to use and require very little IT resource to deploy, customize and implement. Some web 2.0 channels can send automated desktop alerts to moderators which will achieve significantly higher cut through (and faster response) than SharePoint’s email alerts.
• Use RSS tools that allows administrators to push out existing RSS feed sources, via an on screen news ticker (or news aggregator), to targeted staff groups. Hence for important RSS feeds you can remove the step within SharePoint requiring users to opt in.
  o Snap Desktop Alert provides a means to push out urgent or important communications to targeted staff groups. This desktop alert format bypasses email and pushes content directly onto employee’s computer screens with configurable persistence and recurrence options and helpful reporting features.

Clarify Governance

It is important to clarify the roles and responsibilities for managing a SharePoint site. For example; what are the respective roles of Corporate Communications and IT? Who should ‘own’ the site? Who should be empowered to manage the site? A content management strategy should be developed by a team of representatives from key business areas and cover areas such as:

• The metrics for content creation
• Policies regarding when to use, and when not to use, SharePoint
• The balance be between user generated content, and general ‘corporate’ content
• Who will manage what content? How?
• Levels of moderation for different parts of the site
• How will cross-functional content be managed and monitored?
• How much time should staff spend surfing and posting SharePoint content?

Try these tips

Use hosted discussion forums as a quick and easy way to discuss and evolve the governance of SharePoint.

Manage Content

For a successful SharePoint implementation, good site administration and content management are essential. A site administrator needs to manage content, carry out periodic evaluations and act as a facilitator in sustaining participation. An administrator will also need to decommission parts of the site that are no longer required.

SharePoint has relatively light-weight content management capability, additionally, collaboration tools within SharePoint can add user generated content to the chaos. A proliferation of ‘team spaces’ can also serve to create too many silos. The search interface of SharePoint is also considered by some to be weak.

Try these tips

Not all content needs to be delivered by SharePoint. This is particularly the case for content that may have a short ‘shelf life’ due, for example, to it being associated with a specific campaign or project. Prioritize content and think about its ‘shelf life’ and purpose. Does it really need to be on SharePoint or will it simply add to the chaos?

By eliminating non essential content or content with a short shelf life, the search results from SharePoint are more likely to return useful information.

• Emags are an excellent way to distribute short shelf life content (e.g. news and admin updates). Chose a format that allows users cato submit their own articles
• Desktop Alerts and News Tickers can provide message cut through for urgent business updates.

Provide good training and support

Some internal communicators describe SharePoint as ‘clunky and not intuitive’. To ensure you maximize the value derived from SharePoint, it is important to provide adequate training and support to staff. Training for the IT team and administrators can be expensive and time consuming (probably at least a one week ‘boot camp’). Selected ‘power user’ staff will also require 2 to 3 days of training. Even at the departmental level it is useful to get a few people trained in how to use web parts. Once SharePoint becomes available to the wider staff population, they will also need training on how to use the various features that have been enabled on SharePoint. Think twice about launching a site if you can’t provide this sort of effort and resource in terms of training and support.

Try these tips

Implement a discussion forum as quick and easy means for people to ask questions in an appropriate online ‘helpdesk’. If the format allows it, nominate moderators for each ‘helpdesk’ and set them up to receive desktop alert notifications when new questions are posted (note that SharePoint content alerts are email based which can have low cut through rates and associated response times). Moderators can answer questions directly or point the person to information sources where an answer can be found. Each specific question should be tagged and searchable, meaning that past questions and answers can be easily located in an evolving repository of knowledge.

Use Staff Quizzes as a means to run a SharePoint education program. Business and product focused quizzes can contain links to the Intranet allowing users to research each question before they answer.

Drive adoption and usage

Employees don’t typically seem to like using SharePoint. It’s not intuitive and not particularly exciting. SharePoint pages are often dull and boring. There are some options for making pages more exciting, but pages tend to end up looking similar regardless of customization. In addition, due to SharePoint’s sheer complexity, an implementation can seem to go on forever and users can start to believe that glitches will never be ironed out.

Effective communication is key to acceptance, adoption and effective usage of SharePoint’s features by staff. Changing how people work takes effort. Employees need to be engaged in order for them to use SharePoint effectively.

Try these tips

Liven up the perception of SharePoint by using a range of dynamic ways to promote the site and drive participation:

• Digital sigage on screensavers can raise awareness of new information on SharePoint by turning employee screensavers into dynamic interactive bill boards. An image is worth a thousand words. For example, an image of a graduation cap with some relevant text and a click through link is a powerful and engaging way to notify staff that online, self-paced training programs are now available on the Intranet.
• Staff E-Mags can deliver news updates in a readable and engaging format which include hyperlinks back to SharePoint content (or other information rsources)
• Ensure any electronic communications channels contain click-through hyperlinks links and therefore act as promotional tools to stimulate interest and drive the usage and value of SharePoint. News feeds, desktop alerts, interactive staff quizzes and surveys can be engaging ways to drive traffic to SharePoint content.

Allocate sufficient budget…and watch the hidden costs

Costs can easily expand with a SharePoint implementation so beware of what you are getting into. There are three levels of SharePoint:

1. Basic version of SharePoint which comes free with Windows server, allowing organizations ‘try before they buy’ 2. Paid version (License fees vary depending on the type and size of an organization) 3. Premium version designed to deliver features such as search.

You may end up paying more than you initially anticipate due to confusion about what features reside within the different SharePoint versions and license fee bands. Additionally you may need to buy SharePoint add-ons which were not previously considered or budgeted for. Other things that can blow out overall project pricing include:

• Implementation costs
• Customization costs
• Systems integration costs

Try these tips

You can augment SharePoint with inexpensive tools that do not require IT resource for them to be set up and managed. This allows you to try concepts out, test uptake and evolve the approach without the need for ‘big project’ budget, resource or timeframes.

Article by Sarah Perry. Questions and comments to info@snapcomms.com. Visit http://www.SnapComms.com for innovative internal communications channels, tips and tools.

No related posts.

NIGER DELTA MILITIA PSYCHOLOGY THE ART OF WAR

In most of the militant camps, there is an ideology of warfare that is preached and accepted by a handful of militant of less than 21% not synonymous with criminality or any form of Negative acts other than for the emancipation of all the communities within the Niger-Delta region. The occidental philosophy is, in life one must be a warrior, and war (either by conspiracy or in collaboration) requires stamina achievable in its entire ramification by all means necessary. As strong as this 21% are, while others (the 52% militant criminal, bunkerers, and collaborators in high places) may find beauty in endless dreams, the latter finds it in all its shapes, figures and colours in reality and persistent struggle for survival and liberation of the several communities being sabotaged by those with Presidential and Federal government immunity.

The truth is underpinning in a relationship between the 52% of the criminals and the conspirators, they have forgotten that their limits can set up predicated ethnic cleansing, set the stage for another civil war. The master strategists have seen the Nigerian problematic economic schematic from mountaintop of several debates, and critical observation of whole government. It is clear, that both side will lose, yet more success is to certain groups, which I may somewhat classify in this book; yet in war, there is no victor. The jigsaw puzzle can be unraveled like the cat; they are aware and looking for the perfect economy of motion and gesture in the way to give the

Although the Amnesty package was a welcome development on the negotiation and conflict resolution process of the federal government and all restive groups in the area; only if the right words are used, and from a standpoint, it is not clear if the government understands the common grounds for reconciliation. For the Amnesty truce to work, the both party must shoulder certain blames, and must take responsibility for atrocity perpetuate on the innocent and to the communities over time. Reasons why Asari Dokubo went haywire on the lukewarmness of the federal government to accept fault, and declare state of emergency on the region for immediate development as compensation for the age-long deprivation, genocide, environmental degradation and injustice; government should call up a genuine sovereign national conference in order to deliberate and reconcile all ethnic, economic and socio-politico bitterness. If this presidency is sincere enough, the gaps between the people of the region, the federal and proposal for development of the area can be closed. Both parties must sue for Peace and tranquility.

In militant camps today, agenda have been compromised things have fallen apart, reasons why the centres could not hold for this long. With Ateke tom, Soboma George, Soboma Johnson and co on my end; with Tom Polo, Henry Okah on the other end, while Asari Dokubo and others yet on another end could grieve the bitter horse wipe. While I may have had first hand information on situation as regard current activities in these camps with my very limited intelligent network, I have concurrently loss the motion and gesture for the actual master plan with the main zones of the intelligent reports. However subtle, it is necessitated by the available and limited resource and manpower. With the right finding, results are as ripe as a drop fruit from the tree top.

In my report, I am aware that these militants (more than 21%) have been exhausted in terms of resources, but not in manpower; still the 52% indulge in all known atrocity in the area, such as kidnapping and vandal have in all ramification both resources and manpower, with their major supports from multinationals corporations who are themselves cronies in this widespread international conspiracy, haven be cut temporary because of fervent observation and monitory of non-governmental agencies. While the 21% recognizes and appreciated their limits, there are things they can never do, talents they will never have, loft goals they will never reach; that hardly bothers them. As ferocious warriors they focus on what they have the strength that they do possess and that which they must use creatively; knowing when to slow down, to renew, to retrench and retreat, they outlaw their opponents. They play for the long-term, because by their establishment and oath, they respect the wishes and aspiration of the people which they represent and fight to death for.

There ware time when their calculation and strategies misfire; what had seem to them during the early years of Kaiama Declaration of 1999, the Ogoni Crisis genocide of 1992, the Ijaw/Itsekeri ethnic crisis of late 1990s, and IYC agitation of 2000 – 07, and other numerous campaign has ignite the beast of conflict across the Niger Delta region in relation fair share of resource control and development, a farce brokered between the region, the multinationals and the government. The Militant groups are aware that not everything can be foreseen, the master-strategist amongst them have known how to pick their battles carefully, along with their ability to know when and how to quit. This honor has preserved them till this day in their engagement militarily of the Federal government. Although there have been clamour of criminality perpetuated by them in the name of militancy and somewhat thwarted emancipation, their funding has been genuine even though Limited and Transparency International attested to this facts with regard to the UNO’s fireman policy.

The 21% may have agreed and concurred with this advocacy of warfare, they have controlled their pride and anger, despite the death toll in several communities within the region by the insensitive action of the joint task force (JTF), and the inhuman Arial bombing that have claimed more than 1,162 lives, displaced more than 2430 people and destroyed properties worth Millions of naira in the just concluded Gbaramatu saga. As servants and puppets of the conspirators both the federal, State/Local government and the JTF have done the dirty work of these blood-thirsty clowns called the bigwigs, or the “Blue Blood”. More to our surprises, almost 80% of the 52% criminals in the Niger-Delta have been infested with the “Share the National Cake syndrome” due to greed and selfish gains, 90% of the 21% have stick to their aims and objectives. They have not allowed anger and pride to overtake their powers of reason and limitedness; they have not fallen into bogus offers and irreparable traps because they certainly knew when to stop.

So far, fighting economically on both sides have built an angle of momentum. The Federal Government, Amnesty group, Transparency International and stakeholders should think of finding common ground for possible negotiation, thereby creating a perfect balance between what both groups are capable of and the task of economic development of the region. Since it is an internal insurgency network, the military should diverse a way of peaceful negotiation between the militants. Best of all, the perpetuators of this conflict, of which focal point is the multinationals and pillars of oil hegemony, should not shy away from the problem which they out of technical problems caused. Instead, they should establish a proper community relations and conflict management units. Expatriate should be trained in conflict management and community relation so as to equip them with ready knowledge of averting problems developed in communities by virtue of their explorative activities on the one hand, while the powers that be who have established their stronghold on the blood and sweat of innocent Niger Deltans should not be left out. Though the Stick may smoke, yet it will never be burnt. As urgent as possible, the FGN and stakeholders through their various Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) networks and departments should provide a better and lasting solution other than the Amnesty package to avert further distress in the region.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF TRUCE

In our contemporary Nigerian society, we live in a culture that promotes democratic value of being fair to one and all, the importance of fitting to a group, and knowing how to cooperate with other people, and being able to resolve any types of conflict that may arise peacefully without war within or without is what guarantees peace. Let none at this mourning moment be over confidence, the losses at both side is immeasurable, and the federal government and every actor of this drama are incapacitated with economic resources. The innocent citizens, the militants and federal government through its blood-thirsty servants of doom (JTF) cannot be too overconfidence of victory.

By virtue of our national ethos, the actors were necessitate with ignorance and excesses, all the groups have involved in murder and any civilized society, these groups should be sued and tried for war crime. There is no such action as protecting internal and external security can make for the lives of the innocent who have died for the unconstitutional excesses of the government and militant. Whatever the prime motives and agitation, the death toll has ruled out any genuine index of success; neither will it make anyone go far. We should be aware that the pull of emotion is inevitable, to notice it when it is happening, and to compensate for it when there is time.

The result toward peace and conflict management is that, in all its primordial process, which in turn is galvanized in stages, it requires prospective dichotomy of interest that may arose the resource control discourse, the heart of which pervades our Federal uniqueness. Peace is a process, and if we must end conflict and crisis, both religiously motivated and ethnically or socio-politically initiated, negotiation, intervention and identification paradigm should be put into play in our contemporary Nigeria especially in the Niger Delta region, North Central and Middle Belt of Nigeria; the causes of conflicts are deep rooted. Ideally the only solution to averting future reoccurrence and predominant crisis is through rigorous applications of the peace process paradigm (PPP – P3).

Although scholars of non-violence and clinical mediation have stipulates in their peace process model, that the only stages of identifying the causes of conflict is through Community’s Negotiation and Resolution Engagement (CNRE). Even though it was used before Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Many others, in my several papers and publication, it is evident that P3 and CNRE when appropriately applied will produce far yielding results in conflict management. The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is pious with several proposals by scholars on peace and conflict management, yet in addition to this, it can make use of numerous academic yet empirical landmarks. While it is impossible to avail ourselves with general situation of a conflict, we end up losing our hold on reality and reflecting on solution. This is certainly because we have not reflected back ward on the root cause of the conflicts or Schism; we have only dwell in daydream of short-term solution.

In other online articles and papers on the P3 and CNRE it was made clear that Africa union (AU) is only playing the gimmick, and consequent on the fact that the initial goals of the AU in its outlined articles is on two major agenda:-
o Promoting Africa’s peace/unity and
o Economic development in its entire ramification.

It is imperative to note that the AU is yet to fulfill its pristine objectives; and it has also failed to copy the progress made by ECOWAS in reaching an Africancentric Peace Process (APP). I therefore wonder if the AU has brokered any peace process so far, since its inception.

RECONSTITUTING VIABLE SUSTANABLE DEVELOPMENT

In the just concluded economic summit in calabar, organized by the south-south governors and the federal government in lieu of looking into some major MDG plans. From the scheme of things, in a paper delivered to the Institute of Conflict resolution and community development; a theme formulate as an approach to curb the rhetoric family with sabotage, by engaging the youths and the economically challenge. It is in this conception that The “Nigerian Youth Initiative forum” was born. Although still in its sketch-board, yet with proper implementations in line with the sustainable development target; any government can sue for peace and development in host communities, both in the Niger-Delta oil and gas sabotaged zones, and the religiously aggrieved people. In my theories as articulated, it will go a long way in answering questions of utmost economic viability. With regard to the master plan, the application of the theory will only see the light of the day if its mission statement is respected.

However, as I advanced in the NYIF mission statement towards corporate implementation and the preliminary interpretation of the 7+2 point Agenda, it is imperative that the Nigerian youth initiative forum (NYIF) if properly galvanized by the right power politics will not only nearly 76% youth converted and motivated crisis, but the sum-total of peace in the region. The NYIF has designed a model for the proper execution of the 7+2 point agenda of the Yar ‘Adua/Jonathan administration in the rural levels. As a non-profit establishment, its goal therefore should be, to collaborate with other donors, such as the NDDC, NAPEEP & state/local government in reaching its maximum goals as entertained in this administration’s mission statement.

This organization is a major citadel in my master plan and efforts to address some of the seven point Agenda which hinders the youth and the general capacity to major players in the economic development of the marginalized Niger-Delta and the religiously troubled Northern Nigeria.

In the NYIF mission statement, I have laid out in clear and concrete terms the NYIF vision of providing opportunities for the youths of Niger-Delta to access economic fortunes through micro-finance, cooperative ventures, business and commercial activities. The mission of the NYIF will be to create the enabling environment and provide the necessary support to a large percentage of the Niger-Delta of our population, especially the youths and women groups, to be engaged in productive economic activities for the good of all. This is in line with stake holder’s drive towards addressing the marginalization and economic, socio-political and psychological disparity over time; both in the insurgent and economically deprived oil rich Niger-Delta.

The following are some of the objectives of the NYIF is properly implemented and given the necessary attention, which is needed in any developing society of today. And these objectives and visions as I have articulated towards the successes of NYIF, and they includes but not limited to:

- The economic emancipation and the empowerment of our youth, women (especially the widow) and the economically challenged groups through skill acquisition for various trades and ventures.

- The establishment of an ICT (information technology centre) to improve the ICT knowledge of rural and urban dwellers, towards accessory opportunities locally and internationally.

- The creation of a business environment and economic culture which will address the absence of entrepreneurial know-how among the youths

- To stimulate the creative imaginations, talent and curiosity of our youth in the pursuit for development and excellence.

- To promote self-reliance, particularly among our youth and women, thereby eliminating idleness with its attendant vices.

- To enhance the socio-economic status of our local people.

Recently, from my intelligent report Niger-Delta states, urban centres, and local governments have been engendered by the resource which has been lavishly kept in the dark for too long, with explosive mobilization of NYIF peace process and the proliferation of sustainable development paradigm. The group or any other groups for that matter must have to come up with articulate models; which should be of economic and political values, and the network coverage area cannot be undermined – it is part of the success stories that state governments and the FGN may adopt in their political card’s scoring techniques. It is based primarily on the premise that the already processed model will for the first time be experimented in line with the rational behind the statistical work ability of the model.

In the pursuit of the above objectives, the NYIF has established a ‘Targeted Economic empowerment and Sustainability framework,’ under which the overall objectives will be realizable. This was created in view of streamlining all activities designed for implementation under the programmer. The targeted economic empowerment and sustainability framework (TEESF) is structured into three operational branch of the NYIF, namely,

Bureau for skills acquisition, Bureau on business development, Bureau for Small and Medium scale; and they have been so named “Bureau” for convenient usage.

BUREAU FOR SKILLS ACQUISITION

The framework for the realization and implementation of the proposed bureau in the social term will be dialogued in the context of the overall NYIF communities’ sustainable development agenda. However this bureau shall be responsible for the training of various categories of unskilled and semi-skilled youths and women for self-employment, as well as retooling and educating them for specific needs of the manpower market.

Studies carried out in this model indicated that business often located or expanded wear cluster (similar business, input supplies, customer base, etc) vertically increase economic growth, this is impossible without overall empowerment process. From previous studies it has shown that a targeted economic development often lead to more effective use of scarce local and community resources. These facts present a targeted approach to local economic growth index, leading to efforts of several potential data/information sources. An economy is composed of all the households and businesses within the community space and their numerous functions, interactions, and change through time, as expressed in the holistic psyche of any existing society, Niger-Delta state inclusive.

In view of this bureau, the group will be able to work/partner with other NGOs to implement the proper sensitization of the frame work within the ambit of the group master plan. There is already a cooked prerequisite model above board, while there is need to also work with government’s existing models is already in place, as group must concurs with the philosophy of the seven point Agenda of the present administration.

BUREAU ON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

If sustainable development truly evolved from a specific planning of today and tomorrow in order to meet the required challenges, goals and the benefit of social economic and political awareness. Then with the concretization agenda of the bureau, a balance will be reached between people with various economic states and in all level of the society in the utilization of the amenities and scarce resources. From previous studies it was discovered that such dimension centers on the ecological and cultural trends of the people. For any development to be called sustainable it must contain the perspective transformation of the general solution of Ecology, culture and local natures; this is incomplete without the participation of all stakeholders in the process.

In practice, the bureau will sever as the storehouse for business ideas. It will offer guidance and consultancy services for business development. In essence, this bureau will teach our women and youths the arts of starting and succeeding in business.

BUREAU ON SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

The Niger-Delta labour market is at the moment undergoing a shift towards a pattern that reflects a more contingent employment economy. Vocational rehabilitation service providers are gradually reconsidering their current practices and strategies which are in tune with emerging trends. Consequently, most global economies of today are marked by an interrelated environmental and developmental crisis in their overall economic trends, as such; Niger-Delta states government, philanthropist and stakeholders should articulate models to deal with community issues. Some of these crises are rooted in the structural dynamics of an economic model which is centered on profit rather than the promotion of the welfare of communities.

In line with the above enumerated discourse, the bureau will provide a platform for accessing capital to promising business and commercial initiatives to establish small and medium scale ventures. It is envisaged however that micro finance banks, committees on loans (philanthropy), corporate civic responsibility by multi-national companies and private/corporate/NGO bodies shall play a crucial role in the realization of the objectives of the NYIF as they shall be confronted for partnership. Various models of developments are particularly manifested in local content to considerably alleviate poverty; this is also a condition for the NYIF’S community development paradigms.

POVERTY STRICKEN DYNAMICS

Due to the long periods of marginalization in the derivation formula, the states of Niger Delta are comprises of civil servants, and medium scale enterprises in scarce levels and location of business. The situation has developed over time without solution to community ills, such as community people oriented policies and programs. The better part of the work of the various bureaus that has been structured by the Executive of the NYIF in line with the Niger Delta Agenda (NDA) is to curb poverty, illiteracy and social ignorance. In the past, the above is resultant and often led to destructive consequences, poverty, diseases, and deforestation. Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, and Cross-River states are a reflection of the aforesaid consequences, as seen in the use of citizens are house boys and girls and other forms of economic deprivation of its citizens.

At the moment, there is a great disparity in wealth, which must be balanced at all cost through sustainable development in various local governments and communities across the states of the country, of which emergency situation on the Niger-Delta region, the core western and eastern (Erosion driven) and the north central of Nigeria, should urgently be put into consideration. So far, the social, cultural, political and economic injustice as a result of corruption of public offices office holders, politically elected representatives, is eating deep into the viable sustainable development pattern especially in the deprived and aggrieved Niger-Delta State, which has indeed forced her youth to idleness and militancy.

By comparison, more than 62% of the funds allocated to the state are consumed by 38% of the population, vis-à-vis while 62% of local environmental degradation is created by the same 38%, at which point the power and resources is also increasing the concentration of wealth within richest 38%, which amounts to a handful of civil servants and public offer holders. The recurrent imbalances also give rise to the Niger-Delta communities. Two communities in Akwa-Ibom was used by the group, is a case study for the realization of the models already developed so far.

On partnership with both states, local governments, etc in private individuals, NGOs, multi-national/indigenous companies etc in carryout these land able model. We intend to commence by introduce by establishing an economic empowerment programme immediately, which shall flag-off a series of skills sensitization workshops, semi-skilled and economically challenge youths across the approval by donor bodies and agencies, mainly of artisans, primary and secondary school leavers and the physically challenged, whose creativity and productive potentials to be harnessed and upgraded. Likewise, the refugees from Somali etc. that litters the streets of major towns across the regions will not be left out.

DEVELOPMENT CYCLE

The NYIF on sustainable development has with in the time frame developed a characterized effect of emergency procedural effect of developing the Niger-Delta region and timed youths and women respectively, the specialized process can delay the creation of a community economic development plan.

With the evolving of the NYIF into the scheme of things, a structured analysis is necessary for communities to realize their useful economic potentials. Such analysis is useful for examining the economic make up of area and how those areas respond to internal and extends trends. Community development is reliant on competent internal leaders in the accomplishment of set objectives and how it can minimize obstacles poised by external bureaucratic agencies. The NYIF is ready to engage community leaders, heads and chiefs in the overall actualization of our set goals. We are also aware of the facts that effective and articulate leadership structure will encourage community members to identify with recurrent local sustainable development agenda, and hence take necessary steps in ameliorating their situation. NYIF through its bureau help in training youth in certain leadership courses bodies, NGOs, multinational companies etc in community leadership structure.

Therefore through this orientation and leadership training exercise, an economic analysis of Niger-Delta communities, coupled with strategies development plants providing the framework to combat common local issues such as are enshrined in the orbit of the community development framework (CDF).

DEVELOPMENTS STAGES

As a bid to answer some of the militating economic issues, the group in future partnership with NGOs, government bodies have, with clear hopes underscore some of the vital steps to be followed in solving the ills of sustainable development.

SUSTAINABLE CONTINUTY

With the urgency to transform the youth of the Niger-delta communities under the aegis of The National Youth Initiative Forum (NYIF) – a youth enterprenurerial organization, through it ideologies has suggested the need for groups to make initial decision in revamping our national federal pledges, so as to secure the nation’s hero’s past. Among the agenda is to build a community strategy and help to galvanize the awareness necessary for youth centered sustainable growth. At this point, the communities will have to decide if benefits of such process are worth the effort before implementation. NGOs, as well as NAPEP could be contracted to partner in their advisory and technical capacity of the project.

ENGAGEMENT RULE MODEL

Plans are not if a handful of individuals are involved. Broad community support is critical, and wider the range of participation, the greater the talent pool available. Such may, plus or minus involve the public sector group- civil society, private sector representation, volunteer organization etc, should be encouraged to participate. Such models, was first introduced in macrocosm by the group through the sharing of eye-glasses area of Akwa-Ibom, an LGA in the Niger Delta region.

PROVISION OF INCENTIVE TO PARTICIPATING YOUTH AND WOMEN

Participation in any event either for personal or collective development is of consideration, people tends to participate in event that more rewarding, both in principal and in practice than those of little significant which are usually long-term Kurt lumen (1980). In support of this view, the government and NYIF through a committee should also approve the payment of stipends to all participations during the training exercise.

This will cause ten major trends which includes.

- Create increased participation in the exercise by youths and women across the region thereby reducing to it’s barest minimum, idleness, youth militancy, prostitution and empowerment initiatives.
- Help launder the success stories across the nation and globally, thereby increasing investment and economic development of the regions by indigenous and non-indigenous investors.
- It enhances peace and unity in the region.
- It will enhance rural-urban transformation and lead, to successive urban decoration.
- It creates and generates even distribution of wealth and the use of scarce resources.
- It boosts the entrepreneurial viability of the youths and women towards self-reliance and independence.
- It helps in the building up of new cultural and ecological development, as perception of participants towards marginalization, conflicts, militancy, deprivation would have be reduce to the lowest degeneration of the word. Youth and women beneficiary at the end of the day, haven successfully graduated from the institute, will be equipped with vast entrepreneurial skills, sent-off grants and the use of micro-finance loans will enable them engage in meaning employment.
- It reduces government work load and enhances the number of fax payers, hence a booming economy as everybody will be a co-participant in the government of the day.
- It reduces poverty as well as creates wealth and self-reliance.
- It boosts the overall standard of living.
- On successful completion of the training programme, participants will be assisted with take -off grants and would be encouraged to access loans form selected state micro-finances.

No related posts.

HTML has progressed significantly since it was first formalized in 1992.After the initial surge of interest in HTML and the SEO London web design, a need arose for a standards organization to set recommended practices to guarantee the open nature of the web. The word wide web Consortium W3C was funded in 1994 at the

Massachusetts Institute of technology to meet this need. The W3C, led by Tim Berners,sets standards for HTML and proprietary forum for industry and academic representatives to add to the evolution of this new medium. The unenviable goal of the W3C is stay ahead of the development curve in a fast-moving industry. Since item founding, the W3Chas set standards for a markup language that is being changed by the evolution of browsers from competing companies, each trying to claim its share of web users.

Browser Chaos

As different browsers tried to attach market share, a set of proprietary HTML elements evolved that centered around the use of each particular browser. Some examples of these elements are and , which were developed specifically for the Netscape browser. eventually became part of the HTML 3.2 specification, but it has been designated as a deprecated element in HTML 4.0. Deprecated elements are those that the W3C has identified as obsolete and will not be included in future releases of HTML. It is likely, however, that these elements and others like them will be supported browsers for some time. The browser developers would be doing users a disservice and possibly time. The browser developers world be doing use

George Webrepro specialist in London website design, web development, branding, E-marketing, E-commerce, and multimedia, web applications. and SEO London Webrepro operates in Blooms bury, London, Cape Town South Africa and Melbourne Australia.

No related posts.

In this modern era new technologies has become the part and parcel of the day. New developments are occurring at a rapid velocity all around the world. The internet has become a very powerful source in attaining and disseminating information. These days lots of international companies are providing web and cloud hosting services to the clients in return of a particular amount of money.

Cloud server hosting services are a part of the internet hosting by which various companies and individuals can create their own websites that can be easily accessed through the World Wide Web. There are numerous companies that are engaged in providing the cloud server hosting services to the consumers. If you also need to create your website on the internet then you can easily consult them.

Server hosting companies own servers on which they rent out space to their customers as per their requirement. Apart from this hosting companies also offer internet connectivity and data center space to the clients. You must know that servers are just like very powerful computer which have extremely large hard drives.

It is very much necessary for you to rent a space on these powerful servers, in order to get the much needed internet presence. Your website will only work if you opt for a hosting option. Web hosting gives you the much needed power of owning a small space in the cyber world. Once you have opted for that cyberspace you can easily create your own blogs, websites, bulletins and discussion forums on it.

Ther

iCloudHosting is a new breed of hosting company, offering Cloud Server and Cloud Hosting. Cloud Hosting is a branch of Cloud Computing Hosting, which is changing the way that we think about computing resources.

No related posts.

n model has increased the “national policy” high, sustainable low-carbon, green economy has become a world trend, no doubt for the LED lighting and other energy-saving environmental protection industry unprecedented opportunities. April 16, 2010, low-carbon development in LED Forum International Forum held in Shenzhen, some experts predict, China LED output value will exceed 100 billion this year, the size, more than doubled in 2008, the market very attractive.

However, the rapid development of the industry is faced with human resources, technology, patents and standards, and other bottlenecks. Accounted for 70% of the chip industry profits upstream industries, almost all monopolies by foreign giants. Can, LED OEM production only “Made in China” is another area of it?

Policies to promote the LED industry, big

At present, only foreign enterprises and domestic enterprises in almost all began to set foot LED lighting industry. Meanwhile, energy conservation policy, promotion, LED industry “cake” is rapidly being bigger. By the end of 2008, the implementation of a MOST and the Ministry of Finance, “10 City, 10000″ pilot project is planned to the end of this year, in 10-20 cities to promote more than 300,000 municipal LED lighting. In addition, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, this year’s Expo, the Asian Games and Universiade next year, bringing the total to the LED industry hundreds of billions of business opportunities.

Philips CEO Bi Bo Ling Chinese companies have said, R

I am China Crafts Suppliers writer, reports some information about industrial pressure cooker , enzyme laundry detergent.

No related posts.

page { margin: 2cm } P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm } –>

In Its most recent foray, Netmagic Solutions – A managed IT services company – has launched cloud computing services for the Indian enterprises.

In its most recent foray, Netmagic solutions – a managed it services company – has launched cloud computing services for the Indian enterprises. Sharad Sanghi, CEO and MD, Netmagic solutions shares the issues concerning the cloud with the CTO forum. here are the excerpts:

Q:Netmagic Solutions has introduced cloud computing services in the Indian market, but there are a number of concerns attached to it. What are the key concerns that your clients come back with?

A: In the hosting or managed services space, cloud is the latest buzzword we get to hear. According to the recent IDC report, spending on IT cloud services will grow almost threefold, reaching $42 billion by 2012. More importantly,spending on cloud computing will accelerate throughout the forecast period, capturing 25 percent of IT spending growth in 2012 and nearly a third of growth the following year.

Q:So what is this legal issue in cloud computing all about?

A: In fact, a lot of things! A key legal challenge facing the service is misuse of the cloud resources. Maintaining control is the key to ensuring legal compliance. From a vendors’ perspective, the licensing models haven’t fully evolved yet, and there are challenges with regards to controls on measuring the

Q:Suppose a security breach happens in the cloud, who should be held responsible?

A: There are two aspects of it. If a breach happens due to the negligence of the cloud service provider, then yes, we own the full responsibility. There can be a breach due to leaks in the client’s internal network, in which case the responsibility is not on us. We clearly define the service-level agreement (SLA) with the user enterprises and adhere to it –even in case of a breach.

Q:Apparently, cloud computing isn’t cutting much ice with the SMBs?

A: Contrary to your observation, any company, irrespective of its size, can benefit from cloud computing. This technology solution makes sense for large enterprises, midsized companies, and SMBs. Based on the nature of their operations and size, companies will have different cloud computing requirements. We have successfully engaged customers across various verticals through services that are tailored to meet their requirements. Most of these services are vertical agnostic and can be deployed for various applications and platforms.

Based on our past experience, there is absolutely no substance in believing that cloud is an expensive proposition.

Q:Have there been issues around interoperability while using cloud infrastructure?

A: When we offer our cloud services, interoperability becomes a non-issue, and the users have a seamless experience. However, given that this technology is still evolving, interoperability concerns could be there.

Q:A recent McKinsey report states that cloud computing is over-hyped and expensive. How do you defend this stand?

A: This may not be entirely true. Though I do not have the numbers, but through the right adoption of cloud computing, the key challenges of IT departments can be addressed easily.

It offers zero capex (thus favoring start-ups), and also provides ready-to-use IT infrastructure. Also, a key advantage is reduction in opex. Since it is a managed platform, it helps in saving power costs. Immediate scalability, no long-term contracts, resources provisioned in real-time, various technical and operational advantages and pay-per-use model are some of  the other key advantages of cloud infrastructure.

Q:The security aspect of cloud computing is still suspect. What are vendors such as Amazon, Microsoft and IBM doing to address these concerns?

A: While a few cases may be genuine, security concerns around the cloud are largely perceptions. But we believe in taking all security measures possible for the cloud services we offer.

For more information visit http://www.thectoforum.com/content/security-concerns-around-cloud-are-largely-perceptions

CTOForum Caters to Chief Information Officers, and is one of 9.9 Media’s most successful communities. With a fortnightly publication of CTO Forum, as well as a CIO peer network, CIO Institute, it focuses on promoting the exchange of informed perspectives, management techniques, and new IT business strategies between CIOs and other stakeholders. The idea here is to help members of this community transform from being the head of technology, to being the head of a management team.

No related posts.

Pocket Porn on the Iphone

The big screen fast internet connection combined with its user friendliness, makes lots of users attracted to the iPhone.

Men en stor skjerm, rask internett-tilkobling og brukervennlighet er det ikke bare mobilbrukere verden over som blir tiltrukket av iPhone.

The leading content providers for porn has according to Time Magazine embraced the iPhone to be the dream come through for pocket pornography. They are just looking forward to the iPhone firmware 2.0 that with 3G will have more speed than its predecessor.

iPhone is the most user-friendly telephone in the market and suited best of all phones to receive porn related stuff.

Apple does not comment on this issue at all so far, but has spoken out now;

”We do not tolerate the pornographic content is distributed via the iPhone, and we will ban adult content in our official applications in the same way we have limited the access to such content in our podcast section on the Apple Store”.

It is not (just) a Telephone – and We Talk About the Iphone 3G

Lots of people spend energy discussing what iPhone can and can not do, compared to its competitors like HTC, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Blackberry and many more. Some are of the opinion that iPhone is the largest invention since the wheel was discovered, and others think it is a hoax. What is the real strategy behind Apples’ work on this product?

iPhone is not foremost a telephone. iPhone is a small com

Apple has made the first handheld computer platform that is so user friendly that you and me actually want to explore its potential it can offer you. Everybody that has dealt with the smart phones, PDAs’ and pocket PCs’ in the mobile and computer industry, knows that it is not something to be taken for granted. You will not be in love with a smart phone that is all other than smart.

On the iPhone you can read e-books, call for free on SKYPE, play electric guitar, drive car games, or play poker, check the TV programs, measure if my shelf is leveled right,. I can check my Twitter account, as I can check my e-mail, surf on the web and all the other things the phone is meant to do. I an also make my own programs on the gadget with the Apple SDK.

Several free or paid ad-on software like video recording and such, makes it possible to create some personality to my iPhone, which is not always something that can easily be done with the average cell phone.

The selection of free or shareware type of software is tremendous already, but is nothing to what will be available partly for free, and partly towards payment when Apple launches their shop for iPhone software in their AppStore.

Lots of the hacked iPhone software available now can be characterized as hobby projects, but after Apple opened up their platform for developers through their Software Development Kit for iPhone. Lots of serious software developers has entered the race to be the first and best iPhone developers in the market.

This is where the iPhone strategy differs. People are used to pay for music, movies and tv-series to their iPod or iPhone in iTunes Stores already. Then the road to shop software for a few bucks is short. All evidence points into the direction that user friendliness and shopping selection in AppStore will be in its own class, and differ dramatically from what the other cell phone producers can offer. How many times did you shop for software to your Nokia or SonyEricsson?

Just like with the iPod, Apple is building a closed eco system around the product. iPhone software will only be purchased through the AppStore, not very user friendly but it works. This is how the iPhone will become a money machine, that will tap into your account every time you just have to have that application you need.

With the 2.0 version of the iPhone release on July 11th Apple targets the business segment of the market as well. Integration towards Microsoft Exchange, high level of security and support for the push technology enables new email to automatically come into iPhone. At the same time the changes you make in your contact list or calendar at work will be updated on the iPhone.

Eleven Things You Will Hate About the Iphone 3G

The iPhone 1.0 and 2.0 has been in the market now for a short while and has won the attraction of many users. However, one would expect some features to follow this high-tech gadget as it comes into the market in July. There are several features that Steve Jobs do not talk about when he launches this latest version of iPhone, identical to 2.0 version only with 3G and GPS on it. So what am I complaining about? Why do I just not get excited and tell everybody how great this new Apple gadget is?

Well, first of all, this is a cellphone, and should compete with other cellphones’ and their features and capabilities. It is just fair to let people know that there are cell phones in the market that can offer things that Apple iPhone can not. I am not saying that iPhone 3G is bad, oh no, I would say the opposite, it is a great all in one gadget, improved with its 3G and GPS ability, which maybe put it in the front line when it comes to smart cell phones. However, there are still some features I would like to see in this phone, in order to at least “talk” to my other gadgets I have at home or work.

1. No MMS. There were no words mentioned about MMS during the presentation at all, and there are no net pages that mention whether it will be available in version 2.0 of iPhone. Several blog sites have announced that they will integrate their services direct on the cell phone with the option to load pictures and text. We think that the telecom industry will miss this feature most, as they will loose their chance to offer more expensive animated picture services on their network. The opening for third party software on the iPhone makes it possible for the network providers to add this service on if they feel for it.

2. No video recording. The camera on the iPhone is more than capable to record videos, and with up to 16 GB storage it should be enough storage to record more than most of us need. But there is no video function, and this is a petty since Apple makes superior video editing software for their computers. If any programmers wants to, he can make a video recorder through the camera available. So for those who wants to make a software for video recording, it is just to start right away.

3. No docking station. The tiny plastic stand that comes together with version 1.0 of the iPhone is now extra add on. This is the same development as happened with the iPod, where Apple went from full package with charger and docking station to a package where you hardly got a power cable included.

4. No video conference. This is maybe the least missed features in the iPhone as this is a very little used feature in the network provider’s product portfolio.

5. Still only 2 Megapixles in the camera. It is a myth that more megapixles makes better pictures, but as long as all other factors are the same, it would be better with more mega pixles on the camera. iPhone makes very good pictures with the small camera available, so it is really a shame that Apple does not provide more megapixles on the camera than they do.

6. No wirless iTunes syncronization. You still have to connect through the cable to transfer music. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G the cable should have been history for the small updates one have to perform daily, like music f.inst. The first synchronization of the iPhone has to be performed by cable, as 16 GB will take a while on the Wi-Fi, but the rest of the time should have been able to be performed through wireless connection.

7. No Adobe Flash. iPhone has a very good internet browser. It is so good that it is used for most mobile traffic to Google, this despite that iPhone is nowhere close to dominate the market on the cell phone side. It is therefore disappointing that Flash is not supported on the iPhone, and even more disappointing when you want to browse a web page that you need to see a flash movie before you can go further into the page.

8. No Java. This means that you still can not use several net banks used around the world on iPhone net browser.

9. No extra Bluetooth functions. Bluetooth on the existing version 1.0 of iPhone is limited in use. You can not send files between iPhone and other cell phones. Nor can it transfer between the iPhones or other iPhones..There is no option for using bluetooth head phones and there is no chance to connect to a PC.

10. No special price for you, my friend!  This marks the end where you can take your stronger currency and buy a iPhone in US shops and then hack it home. Sure, the hackers will find ways to avoid the blockings made on the iPhone, but you will need to pay anyway. The reason people could buy the first version of iPhone cheap, was because the consumer could sign the subscription at home. The consumer did not commit to anything in the shop, and this opened for using local SIM-cards. In the next version of the iPhone, the consumer will demand you sign a subscription in the shop before you can take the iPhone with you home.

11. Language selection. It is almost not understandable how Apple leaves the Arabic language out of its language selection. Arabic language is the 5th largest language in the world, and has a high potential user group with a great purchase power. So I still not get it Steve Jobs, why did you not include this in your new gadget?

Ten Things You Will Hate About the Iphone 2.0

1. No MMS. There were no words mentioned about MMS during the presentation at all, and there are no net pages that mention whether it will be available in version 2.0 of iPhone. Several blog sites have announced that they will integrate their services direct on the cell phone with the option to load pictures and text. We think that the telecom industry will miss this feature most, as they will loose their chance to offer more expensive animated picture services on their network. The opening for third party software on the iPhone makes it possible for the network providers to add this service on if they feel for it.

2. No video recording. The camera on the iPhone is more than capable to record videos, and with up to 16 GB storage it should be enough storage to record more than most of us need. But there is no video function, and this is a petty since Apple makes superior video editing software for their computers. If any programmers want to, he can make a video recorder through the camera available. So for those who wants to make a software for video recording, it is just to start right away.

3. No docking station. The tiny plastic stand that comes together with version 1.0 of the iPhone is now extra add on. This is the same development as happened with the iPod, where Apple went from full package with charger and docking station to a package where you hardly got a power cable included.

4. No video conference. This is maybe the least missed features in the iPhone as this is a very little used feature in the network providers product portfolio.

5. Still only 2 Megapixles in the camera. It is a myth that more megapixles makes better pictures, but as long as all other factors are the same, it would be better with more mega pixles on the camera. iPhone makes very good pictures with the small camera available, so it is really a shame that Apple does not provide more megapixles on the camera than they do.

6. No wirless iTunes syncronization. You still have to connect through the cable to transfer music. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G the cable should have been history for the small updates one have to perform daily, like music f.inst. The first synchronization of the iPhone has to be performed by cable, as 16 GB will take a while on the Wi-Fi, but the rest of the time should have been able to be performed through wireless connection.

7. No Adobe Flash. iPhone has a very good internet browser. It is so good that it is used for most mobile traffic to Google, this despite that iPhone is nowhere close to dominate the market on the cell phone side. It is therefore disappointing that Flash is not supported on the iPhone, and even more disappointing when you want to browse a web page that you need to see a flash movie before you can go further into the page.

8. No Java. This means that you still can not use several net banks used around the world on iPhone net browser.

9. No extra Bluetooth functions. Bluetooth on the existing version 1.0 of iPhone is limited in use. You can not send files between iPhone and other cell phones. Nor can it transfer between the iPhones or other iPhones..There is no option for using bluetooth head phones and there is no chance to connect to a PC.

10. No special price for you, my friend!  This marks the end where you can take your stronger currency and buy a iPhone in US shops and then hack it home. Sure, the hackers will find ways to avoid the blockings made on the iPhone, but you will need to pay anyway. The reason people could buy the first version of iPhone cheap, was because the consumer could sign the subscription at home. The consumer did not commit to anything in the shop, and this opened for using local SIM-cards. In the next version of the iPhone, the consumer will demand you sign a subscription in the shop before you can take the iPhone with you home.

Watch Out When Buying the New Version of Iphone 3G

The old version that has been available around the world as a hacked version, because it otherwise would not work in other countries than SIM cards bought in the USA.

Up til now it has been possible to go into an Apple store in the USA and take with you an iPhone without any subscription for a network provider.

The next version of iPhone with 3G net and assisted GPS will not be sold with this opportunity. Subscription will have to be signed in the store, and will last for 18 months in the USA. There might be a chance to open the new iPhone for other SIM cards, but the network operator will regardless get his money for the subscription.

A lot of auctions has appeared on the eBay internet site after the launch of iPhone 3G last Tuesday, despite the fact that the cell phone is not for sale yet. 11th of July the iPhone 3G will be launched for sale in around 70 countries around the world.

If you buy a iPhone 3G from an eBay auction now, it is not easy to tell what you will get in the mail. In the best case you will pay for another person to stand in line to purchase a cell phone locked to a network in the USA.

Future Apple Devices Looking to Solar Power

Apple ha filed a patent for integrating solar cells into portable devices by placing them underneath the layers of a touch-sensitive display, according to the delivered patent application.

Solar power could help make devices truly portable, freeing from the need for wires to connect them to a power supply.

The larger the solar cell panel is the better it is for generating electricity, but as the patent “Solar cells on portable devices” warns, after allowing space for buttons, screens and a way to hold the device, only a small area is left on most devices for solar cells.

One of the ways around this dilemma is suggested in the patent as to stack a touch-sensitive layer, a display and solar panel on top of one another. That could make Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch good candidates for such a power supply, as the display occupies almost the entire face of those devices.

The use of solar powered charging in portable devices is starting to get more attention, for more immediate consumer use as well.

When Vodafone announced its plan in April 2008, to reduce its emissions of the greenhouse gas CO2 by 50 percent by 2020, it also announced plans for solar-powered phone chargers and universal phone chargers for Vodafone-branded handsets.

At the recent ITU Telecom Africa 2008 conference, Ugandan Minister for Communications and Information and Communication Technologies Ham-Mukasa Mulira talked about trials of solar-powered charging conducted there, which had showed promising results.

Create, Design & Launch Your Iphone Application

The Apple iPhone is an amazing device that invites  creativity. You’ve probably said to yourself: ‘I wish I  could do that on my iPhone.’

With the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK), programmers can make your ideas reality – even if you yourself don’t know the difference between a C-pointer  and a SQLite database.

More than 200 iPhone application projects have already  been posted on Elance.com. Check out these tips in this article to get  your project kick-started.

We focus on the development of applications for the Apple iPhone, and we asked Nick Dalton, iPhone SDK specialist, to give Elance buyers a few tips on how to scope and post an iPhone Application project. Here’s what he had to say:

The iPhone is an amazing device that invites creativity. If you’re an iPhone owner I’m sure you’ve said to yourself: ‘I wish I could do that on my iPhone, or I have a great idea for an iPhone application’.

With the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK), programmers can make your ideas reality – even if you yourself don’t know the difference between a C-pointer and a SQLite database. But before you go ahead and post your application idea to the buzzing iPhone project area on www.Elance,com. here are some pointers to get your project kick-started:

Study the Masters

Apple has already spent a lot of time thinking about how to present information and build interactive applications on the iPhone. The applications that come with the iPhone are the results of this research. Study them in great detail and try to apply as many of the user interface metaphors as possible to your application.

Not only will Apple be flattered if you imitate the user interface in their applications, but they actually mandate it to a great level of detail as described in their Human Interface Guidelines.

Dream in Color Screens

Most applications for the iPhone will be very visual. Therefore it makes sense to provide your requirements as screen images or sketches. You don’t have to be a graphics artist to do this effectively. An iPhone programmer is looking for the following information:

- The type of layout each screen should have

- The buttons on the screens

- The actions associated with each button

The exact shape and format of your screen sketches is secondary. As long as they are readable, it’s a great way to communicate your application design to a programmer.

Be Realistic About Your Budget

Look at other iPhone projects posted on Elance to get a sense for the bid amounts on these projects. Read the descriptions of these projects to see if they seem to be larger or smaller projects than what you have in mind. If you set your budget to under $500 for something that is realistically going to take a programmer two months to implement, you are not likely to attract many bidders.

From a programming perspective, some things are easy to do on the iPhone, while other seemingly simple things are very time consuming. For example the beautiful cover-flow animation used in the music application on the iPhone should be simple to use in other applications. Unfortunately you can’t. If you want this animation within your application it will have to be written from scratch, probably costing a one month of work.

If you talk to an approved iPhone developer early in your application design process you can learn how to get most out of your budget by avoiding the things that are really difficult to do on the iPhone.

Don’t Be Too Original

iPhone users already know how to do certain tasks on their phones by convention. For example, if you tap an item in a list that has a > icon next to it, you expect to be taken to another screen with more information about that item. If your application needs similar functionality, don’t be creative and come up with a new way to solve the same problem. Use the conventions already established by Apple.

New conventions are difficult to establish especially with the touch interface because there is no way to discover how your application works on the iPhone. Unlike a website where you can hover with the mouse pointer over areas that look like you can interact with them and a tool tip or the status bar will reveal some clues to you.

Know Your Limitations

The current version of the iPhone SDK, which is used to write applications for the iPhone, has many restrictions and limitations. Some of them are common sense, e.g. you can’t send text messages from an application. Imagine an application that sends out thousands of text messages without your knowledge, who is going to pay the phone bill for that?

Other restrictions are maddening: applications cannot access the log of phone calls, or interact in any way with the calendar or the music stored on the iPhone.

To Apple’s credit, the iPhone SDK is an amazing piece of software especially given that it was publicly released as a Beta just three months ago. Some of the shortcomings listed above will likely be addressed in future releases of the SDK.

As a buyer with an idea for an iPhone application, you should educate yourself about these limitations before you spend too much time designing an application that is impossible to implement. Talk to a developer or company that specializes in iPhone development (and there are many available on Elance) and they can help you get on the right track from the start.

About

Nick Dalton (username: 360mind) is an experienced iPhone SDK specialist and Elance.com service provider. He has 15+ years of background in programming, and currently focuses his business, 360mind, 100% on the development of iPhone applications. For more information on Nick, check out his book, 101 iPhone Tips and Tricks.

A New Business Model Has Forced Its Way Forward for the New 3G Apple Iphone

A new business model has forced its way forward for the new 3G Apple iPhone

Why could we say this? There are two statements from Apple and AT&T that confirms this new trend is coming.

 Apple alerted the SEC that although it had signed deals with 70 countries…

“…Under the vast majority of these agreements, Apple will not receive follow-on revenue generating payments from carriers”

AT&T, for its part, warned investors of…

“…potential dilution to earnings per share (EPS) from this initiative in the $0.10 to $0.12 range this year and next.”

When the Apple IPhone was first introduced, Apple made some rather unusual terms connected to its launch. Customers had to pay full retail price for it  and carriers had to share a sizable cut of their monthly revenue with the manufacturer.

Now, the carriers will be subsidizing the cost of the phone, making up for it in monthly charges, and they are no longer funneling a share of that monthly revenue to Apple. Apple is now beginning to play by the rules that all other cell phone hardware manufacturers play by in the growing cell phone market.

This will also put some stress on the new market segment that made its way during the launch of the 1st generation IPhones, namely the unlocking business. The incentives for unlocking will disappear and that may make lots of unlockers around the world out of a job for the new generation IPhones under the new business model proposed now.

However, one major incentive for unlocking remains, especially for Europeans. Those who travel to other countries with unlocked phones can use local prepaid service plans rather than paying exorbitant international roaming fees to their home carriers.

The New Generation Iphone With 3G and GPS – an End to the Unlocking Business?

Twice as fast and half the price, and it is coming July 11th, it is a Phone, iPod, and Internet in one fast 3G device. 

The new iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone with 3G networking, built-in GPS, and iPhone 2.0 software that supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs hundreds of third party applications built with the iPhone SDK. Available in 22 countries on July 11, iPhone 3G comes in two models: an 8GB model priced at $199 (US) and a 16GB model priced at $299 (US). 

The iPhone will have fast 3G wireless technologies, GPS mapping, support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange, and the new App Store, iPhone 3G puts even more features at your fingertips. And like the original iPhone, it combines three products in one — a revolutionary phone, a widescreen iPod, and a breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email and a desktop-class web browser. iPhone 3G. 

The phone will be sold in more countries. Apple added five countries beyond the U.S. for the first phone, but the second one will go on sale in 22 countries on July 11. Apple has said it will add more countries at a rapid clip and reach 70 by the end of the year. That takes away one of main incentives for unlocking the phone. 

Apple is abandoning the unusual arrangement under which the iPhone was being sold. Customers could buy them from a carrier or from Apple without activating them on a service plan, and that meant customers could go home and unlock the phones — and never sign up with AT&T.

The new phone will be subsidized by carriers, which accounts for its lower price: $199 for the 8-gigabyte model, down from $399. This brings the phone’s marketing in line with standard industry practices.

The carriers plan to make back what they spend on the subsidy through service fees, which means they likely will require two-year service contracts from everyone who buys the phone. AT&T said buyers will have to activate service before leaving the store with an iPhone. 

This may put an end to the unlocking business that has been expanding on the internet and in various countries around the world. We just have to wait and see.

Video Recording With the Iphone is Possible and We Tell You How

DreamCatcher offers video recording for your iPhone

iPhone users would like to have the ability to perform video recordings. DreamCatcher tries to bring some advanced features to their product. They want you to choose them obviously, and are going to offer the capabilities to make that happen.

The DreamCatcher video recorder application uses the mpeg4 encoding method. Encoding with mpeg4 provides optimum quality vs size, with the ability to compress an hour of video taken from the iPhone to just 60MB. The application can record at up to 15 frames per second, allowing high quality video recording. The application realizes the stress put on the iPhone CPU when encoding the video during recording. DreamCatcher has devised a way to make this less of a limitation by letting the video be saved to the iPhone’s memory, and encoded at a later time. Alternatively, you can set the application to automatically begin encoding after the video has been recorded. If on the fly encoding is your thing though, you have that option too.

The DreamCatcher application is not for free. There is a free trial version if you would like to see the application in action before you buy. The application will cost you 20 USD.

http://www.iphonevideorecorder.com/index.html

There is another iPhone Video Recording which is Working and it is called  Drunknbass.

Monster and Friends have created an iPhone application which can record video up to 45 frames per second and working on the final version. Drunknbass beta allows you to record 5 seconds of video at 10 fps with a resolution of 2 megapixels. It doesn’t have any interface, so you just download it, put it in your iPhone’s Applications folder, click on the button and it will start recording. When Drunknbass is finished with the five seconds recording, it will replay the clip once. The final application will be able to record unlimited-sized clips (only constrained by your available space) with up to 30 frames per second and it will have an interface to save your clips (they are looking for developers to help with the graphical side of the software)

http://monsterandfriends.com/iphonevideo

Edge – Wifi Use on Your Iphone – How and Why?

So the iPhone works on EDGE networks. But what does this mean and is it good enough?

The iPhone has been designed to work on GPRS, EDGE and Wi-Fi networks but doesn’t include 3G support. Apple has stated this has to do with the power requirements of the 3G chip.

EDGE provides higher download speeds than the 2G network and GPRS (2.5G) but less than what can be achieved with Wi-Fi and 3G. and it has been labeled 2.75G.

The coverage of the EDGE networks around the world is very sparse, some places only 10s of percent actually. And that is disappointing numbers and not good news for the users of iPhone.

Trying to talk up the iPhone’s Wi-Fi compatibility and its deals for free hotspot are not doing the trick either.

EDGE is the existing standard for GSM data networks. GSM is a direct rival to CDMA. In the US, Cingular is the largest GSM provider.

EDGE offers service rated at about quarter Mb/sec. That’s about twice the speed of ISDN (.128 MB/sec), but significantly slower than even the slowest offerings of DSL (.3 to 1.5 Mb/sec), and a fraction of the throughput of 802.11b WiFi (typical: 6.5 Mb/sec).

EDGE is far faster than GPRS or old dialup networks however (both are about .03 Mb/sec), so while EDGE not capable of supporting iChat style video conferencing, it is useful enough to browse web pages, receive HTML emails, and support the other web service features demonstrated on the iPhone such as Google Maps.

EDGE is also widely deployed in the US. Newer generation technologies, including HSUPA and EVDO, are not. If the iPhone supported newer networks at launch, it would offer users less data service coverage at higher service fees. HSUPA does promise a future path for faster data, and will no doubt unlock new applications for future phones.

Along with the confusing acronym soup of HSDPA and HSOPA, HPUPA competes against other mobile 3G standards. Wikipedia says the next set of standards are edging out existing CDMA2000 and EVDO rollouts in some markets.

In addition to the factors of availability and cost, another reason for Apple going with EDGE rather than a faster network is that the iPhone won’t have to rely solely on mobile phone networks for data. It’s designed to use WiFi wherever it’s available.

WiFi is far faster than any mobile networks now in place, including EVDO and HSUPA (2.5 – 5.76 Mb/sec). Typical 802.11b and g offer 6.5 Mb/sec and 20 Mb/sec transfers. WiFi is so much faster because it is designed to serve a much smaller range of local service.

For iPhone users in a school, home, or office with existing WiFi service, automatic use of WiFi for data service will not only be far faster, but far cheaper: free in many cases.

Getting EDGE to work on your iPhone is simple, but require some knowledge about application set up in your iPhone.

You will need iBrickr to browse the file system of your iPhone (www.ibrikr.com)

There is a video turorial available for iBrickr if you want to learn how to use this system (www.i4u.com/article11028.html)

Once you have downloaded the iBrickr and the PXL files installed on your iPHone, you can launch iBrickr.exe. You will be able to see the main interface and click on files to browse your phone file system.

Locate your /private/var/root

Launch notepad and paste this code;

Function FindProxyForURL(url, host)

{

If (isInNet (myIpAddress(), “10.0.0.0”,

“255.0.0.0”))

Return “PROXY 216.155.165.50:808”;

Else

Return “DIRECT”

}

Save the file as proxy.pac and upload it to /private/var/root

Right click this file and select “save link as”, you need to save the file as

Preference.plist, you will then upload preference.plist into the following iPhone directory:

/private/var/root/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist

NOTE! If you are on firmware 1.1.3, upload the preferences.plist to this directory;

/private/var/preferences/SystemConfiguration

This will overwrite the current file that is already in that directory.

Now grab your iPhone and tap settings – General – Network – EDGE. The APN you will use is wap.voicestream.com, username and password will be guest. Reboot your iPhone and there you are, you should be able to browsw online using EDGE.

NB! After performing this hack you will notice that EDGE will interfere with your WIFI connections whenever it sees it. IF this happens to you, there is a solution for this as well.

Click on the Browse Application button, this will launch a list of 3rd party applications you can install at your will. For our purpose we will install an application called Services. Basically what this does is allow you to turn off the WiFi, Bluetooth and EDGE according to your needs.

Once you are done with the installation, iPhone will reboot and on your Springboard you should see a Services icon, tap on the icon and here you can toggle between EDGE and WiFi connection.

GPS on the Iphone – Navigation is Now Possible on the Iphone – However You Can Wait for Firmware 2.0 as Well to Get an Apple Solution

Apple has promised a real GPS solution to the iPhone during 2008 in the iPhone 2.0 version firmware release.

This is supposedly a solution provided together with globalmap and googlemap.

In the meantime there will pop up so many various solutions, it will be up to you to decide what solution you want.

Here is a hardware solution to come during 2008

http://www.gomite.com/

Mexens Technology, with its virtual Navizon GPS system has finally arrived for the iPhone. The program still utilizes “WiFi and cellular tower triangulation techniques,” but according to the firm’s CEO, “this is just as if the iPhone were equipped with a GPS chip.”

Of course, I am still doubtful that this peer-to-peer location approach works just as good as a bonafide GPS receiver, but considering that you won’t be forced to pay the $24.99 purchase price until after 15 days are up, why not give it a go and find out?

And in addition it will take only seconds to find location, as for more robust solutions it will take maybe minutes to locate on the iPhone.

However, if it is long distance between towers, the accuracy will be less of course. So do not plan to use it for geotracking or something like this.

http://www.navizon.com

The navizon has come back with good reviews, it has a free one, and a paid version. The paid version is more accurate and has more features (of course).

Another solution is this hardware solution to put on end of the iPhone.

http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/17/gps-dongle-coming-for-iphone/

Best of luck with your navigation, and hopefully you will find yourself in the right spot at the right time. And PS! Maybe you will be able to remember where you were some time ago, equally good as your authorities has the ability to find out were you were.

Sdk for Iphone and Itouch Platforms – Will This Create a Boom in Free and Commercial Applications for Apple Gadget?

Apple has released the iPhone Developer Program which provides a complete and integrated process for developing, debugging, and distributing applications for iPhones and iPod touch platoform.The SDK comes complete with development resources, real-world testing on iPhone, and distribution on the App Store, you will have everything you need to go from code to the customer.

Go to http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program to find more details around this SDK program.

You can either download the Free iPhone SDK which include the Xcode IDE, Instruments, iPhone simulator, frameworks and samples, compilers, Shark analysis tool, and more. Or you can choose to enroll into the iPhone developers program at standard of enterprise program levels which will cost you from USD 99 to USD 299 in order to enroll.

However, you will need a Apple ID to do so, if you do not have that, you will have to go through the application registration to get enrolled. When done this, select the program you want to enroll into, and wait for Apple to approve you for this entry.

So now you can develop any type of application for the iPhone. Well, we have to wait and test the SDK to see how open it is, and what it gives developers in respect to tools to twist the most out of this gadget.

So, whether you are a games developer or you want to make business applications, you have the chance now to get on the train to do so.

Iphone Hacks and Applications That Will Transform Your Iphone to Something Truly Different

In this article I will give some insight into the hackers environment of iPhone and give you some reference to some interesting sites that will provide you with resources if you ever want to wander down this road yourself. However, we take no responsibility for any third party links, nor the content found therein either. If you want to jailbrake your iPhone, then you have to be aware of one thing, you will depend much on your own knowledge about how to maneuver with your new modified iPhone.

However, it is fun, it opens a totally new world for use of the iPhone. You will be able to take part of some very innovative use of the Mac operating system as well as its user interface. It is a world with almost no limitations.

If you want to, you can wait for Apple’s release of its SDK and wait for some developers coming up with some official applications for your iPhone. However there are thoughts in the market that Apple will not reveal all of iPhone’s potential through its SDK and therefore it will be utilized for development of applications Apple themselves find convenient for iPhone and especially for the business related side of iPhone.

We will start our search for resources and you are more than welcome to take a peek behind some of the links and begin to learn the true potential of your iPhone.

http://iphone.dashbuster.com/

Manage Your Blockbuster Queue From Your iPhone

You can view your shipped and queued movies, as well as drag and drop Queue reorganizing. You will also be able to search for and add movies as well as add movies from Blockbusters RSS feeds.

http://www.modmyifone.com/forums/

Here you can get tips as well as apps and downloads for your iPhone, such as Firmware, iPhone Software, Modded files, Stock files, templates, themes and Widgets for the iPhone.

http://www.iphonehacks.com/

Here you will find iPhone Hacks. It is your source for the latest Apple iPhone Hacks JailBreak Unlocking News Applications Tips & Tricks Reviews Rumors Blog on the Apple iPhone … Fix for iPhone’s

http://www.iphone-hacks.com/

iPhone Hacks, Cracks, Homebrew, and Modifications. All your iPhone underground needs! … Hack your Apple iPhone Welcome to the source for all your iPhone Hacks . iPhone hackers . This is another source for all iPhone Hacks. iPhone hackers, developers, and researchers around the globe have been working hard to open the device in hopes to achieve what Apple never intended. iphone-hacks.com aims to share all the hacking, mods, cracks, and discoveries with you — in one central location.

http://www.iphonestalk.com/

On this site you will find the latest iPhone Accessories, News, Reviews, ringtones and more.

http://forums.iphonehacks.com/

iPhone Hacks Forums :: Forums for the latest Hacks News Applications Tips & Tricks Reviews Rumors on the Apple iPhone.

http://www.iphonefreak.com/iphone_hacks/

News and hacks for your iPhone can be found here. Some tricks and tips are also found here.

http://www.iphonegizmo.com/

If you are looking for downloads for your iphone then you might like this great site we found where you can get heaps of iphone downloads – PLUS PLUS!!! – plus videos, PLUS movies, PLUS music, PLUS TV shows like “The OC”, PLUS games (and a stack of other downloads!).

If you look for the Iphone Guitar application, it is available on installer.

Some interesting tips and reference to pages with this installer can be found at http://code.google.com/p/pocketguitar/

Iphone Hacks Vs Apple Sdk Kit Planned Released in Short Time

iPhone hacks vs Apple SDK kit planned released in short time.

iPhone has a community providing a large range of applications, useless to innovative more useful applications. The Mac operating system and its interface makes it more fun to do development on than the Microsoft handheld PDA’s.

Will this community survive and prosper regardless of Apple’s planned release of iPhone SDK this month?

The iPhone is a perfect example of what a handheld device should have. It has a a nice design, easy-to-use software, and an intuitive interface. Several people found out they needed to make their own software for it, since it lacked some as Apple released it. You will find add-ons made by these people that range from instant access to a Blockbuster Online DVD queue to a pocket guitar that takes advantage of the touch screen technology.People also unlock the iPhone from AT&T or other subscription systems. This will enable the iPhone to work on other operator’s networks.

Al these add-on software’s, are done without Apple’s interference or their technical support. Apple is expected to release a software development kit (SDK) that will allow programmers to write legitimate software for the phone. This kit will be available during February month and will enable developers to make more robust software, and it will let the iPhone users to download new programs without needing to follow online instructions from various blogs. The SDK will likely spawn a new world of applications, will lead to commercial applications for the business sector, that will extend the use of the iPhone beyond its user base of 4 million, as announced in January by Apple.

Today’s iPhone users use the handheld as Apple intended it to be used, by updating the software and installing media via iTunes. By default, the only way to get anything on the iPhone is by using iTunes,

The developer Jerry Jones has made an iPhone widget that accesses a user’s Blockbuster movie queue, as well as a program that lets people adjust the phone’s shortcuts so that a double click of the home key launches different applications than Apple’s default.

If you want to add these kinds of unwarranted files to your iPhone, you must make some technical workarounds and it is not for the in-experienced users.

One of the most popular programs made for hacked iPhones is a game called Labyrinth that lets a user roll a virtual marble through a maze by tilting the phone. The game accesses the built-in accelerometer in the iPhone.

Shinya Kasatani wrote an application that turns the iPhone into a guitar. The application is easy to use for people familiar with a real guitar. The screen of the iPhone is turned into a virtual guitar board on which a person can press and pluck. It’s basically a software-based synthesizer with a guitar user interface.

The developers need the official SDK and programming documentation to build stable applications. When Apple releases its SDK, more applications like this could become available, just as they are on PCs and Macs today.

There is suspition in the developers circles that it’s not going to be a wide open SDK. Programmers might have access to certain layers of the phone’s underlying software, such as the instructions that allow widgets to access the Internet, but Apple may keep the instructions for accessing the accelerometer, for example, under wraps.

The control is essential to ensuring that the iPhone works well for most of the people most of the time. In addition, Apple’s control is important for ensuring software stability and security, which is two important criteria if the phone is to be used in the business setting. Apple wants to make the iPhone somewhat corporate friendly.

You are going to see a lot of focus on pulling developers in to make form-based applications. The kind of applications used in a sales environment, for example. Apple will treat third-party software the same way that it approves iPod accessories: by requiring vendors to register with Apple to acquire a badge noting Apple’s approval. In this way, Apple could maintain some control over the quality of outside applications, which could help make them more secure.

The hacking community will continue to be innovative with the iPhone, regardless of the access the SDK provides to programmers and the safety precautions available for certified third-party programs.

“Even without the official SDK,” says Kasatani, “it’s much more attractive than Windows Mobile.” The Mac operating system and user interface are more fun to use, he says, and the multi-touch display makes it especially interesting to work with.

Unlock Your Iphone

In some countries the Iphone will not be available, or in some cases it is locked to an operator in order to be fully utilized. If you do not want to wait with the purcase of the Iphone and want to unlock it for use with any SIM card, here is how you will have to do it.

If you want an iPhone then for some of us the choice is simple. In some countries or regions the iPhone is not available before even next year.

If you know someone in countries where the iPhone is for sale, or know someone who are travelling to these regions of the world. Then ask them to purchase the phone and take it with them home. Whe you purchase the phone at an Apple Store or in a store where the phone is available it is probably locked to an operator. If it is bought in the US, then it is locked to the US operator AT&T.

When you have your phone at home, you just connect it to your computer and it will automatically take your through a set up to subscribe for the subscription for the selected operator in that country it is sold or AT&T in the US. But the phone can be unlocked by the assistance of software. In this manner you will avoid subscription to a certain operator. Unlocking process starts at the stage just before you are to subscribe for operator. So the unlocking happens before you make an agreement with the selected operator or AT&T and you are not in breech with any deal when you unlock the phone, unless you have been informed about that the phone is locked to a certain operator at the sale of the phone.

The phone ranges in prices, but in the US it costs 399 dollar for the 8 Gb-version and 499 dollar for the 16 Gb version.

Loose the warranty

It is important to be aware of that you loose any warranty on the phone when you perform the unlocking procedure on it. So if something goes wrong with it afterwards, you can not ask for any refund or free fix of the phone from Apple.

The simplest way of unlocking the phone is with the help of the program called ZiPhone. This piece of software makes the whole process for you, but you have to be careful following the instructions to the point..

If you decide to stop the unlock process before it si finished, or do something else that stops the process before it is finished, involve a large risk for the phone to be destroyed.

Even if the phone turns off during the process, or it comes up a text message on the phone, do not stop the unlocking process before it is complete. We do not take any responsibility for any potential problems you will meet during the unlock process. I have tested the unlock process with Ziphone myself, and it worked smoothly, but this is no guarantee for yourself.

The process is guided by the software in English. Instructions for the software Ziphone is also in English. The program can be used both on Mac and PC.

You can download the Ziphone from this link;

http://www.ziphone.org/

We are not responsible for content of links herein, and it is totally up to the users discresion and responsibility to use this link.

It is a 3 step process

The software ZiPhone will lead you through the process in three steps in order for you to be able to open the iPhone.

1.The activation step of the process is handled first. The lock that usually has to be opened by purchasing a subscription is avoided.

2. The second step is opening the iPhone so it can be modified and alter the software. This is called Jailbreaking.

3. The third step is to modify the software on the iPhone so it will accept any SIM card you decide to use on it later.

The iPhone can now be used by any operator

After the phone has been unlocked you can use any subscription operator or type on the phone. In addition to just unlocking the cell phone, Ziphone puts in the program called installer.app. This software enables you to install a selection of new software created by iPhone-users themselves. If you select to use the software installer, you can put in support for various languages and software to send MMS etc etc.

It requires basic computer knowledge.

All of you who want to use the ZiPhone software to unlock the iPhone should use a computer and know how to install software.

The unlocking software is very simple to use, but requires that you follow the instruction and procedures to the last small detail. You do not need to be an expert using the ZiPhone, but only requires that you follow the installation procedure and in few minutes the phone will be unlocked. It is also important that you have basic computer skills to download software to the iPhone and to find the user value of these.

It is not illegal to unlock the phone, but you violate the warranty rules by unlocking it and alter the system files on the iPhone. It is therefore a risk you have to be willing to take if you want to take the phone into use in your country before it is sold officially there.

Another con by unlocking the phone on your own is the upgrade aspect of the phone at a later stage. It may be more difficult if not impossible to do so when you have done these unlocking and alterations of your phone.

However, the communities offering unlocking of the phones have so far been good providing options to make upgrade of Apple software as well, but there is no warranty this will be the case in the future..

Several shops providing these phones offer to unlock the phones so you can have any provider possible on the phone. Whether this is legal or not, remains to be seen as it has not been tested in any courts yet. Some operators claim it is against the agreement with the phones as they are sold, however on the other side, some courts have already tested other types of agreements, and found that you are able to do whatever you want with the product as long as you have purchased it, and its yours, and since you do these alterations before you enter into any agreements it can not be seen as a conflict with any agreements you have not entered in the first place.

The Battle Goes on – Which One is the Most Favourable Gadget for your Portable Needs – Ipod, Iphone, Ipod Touch or the Psp?

The battle goes on – which one is the most favourable gadget for your portable needs?

First you have to ask yourself as lots of potential buyers of either of the three below products, IPOD, IPOD TOUCH, IPOD Phone or the PSP. We do not talk about the iBook nor do we talk about Nintendos games console in this article, but they could be considered of course. Ibook is very costly but it enable you to use internet and listen to itunes with the same gadget.

What product fit your needs and the potential usage you are going to put it through?

If you look at some main parameters to judge the products more or less objective based on the user profile, you could come closer to the truth.

Look at functionalities like Gaming, Internet, Photo, Video, Music and Storage capacity. You also have to look at the user interface and its design like screen and functionality buttons.

We will try to compile these criteria’s more or less objective so you can evaluate the PSP vs the Ipod/phone products.

Gaming

Only PSP provides serious gaming console capacity and functionality. If you want gaming console capability your choice is clear, you need the Sony PSP and nothing else. There is no other choice.

Internet

Only PSP, Ipod Phone and Touch (latest software release January 2008) provides internet browsing and email capabilities. However the PSP screen is the largest of them all (for userability of web pages). PSP has some issues with some web pages which have to be taken into consideration. Apple products however have not been long enough in market to really test these features yet.

Photo

You get Photo album capabilities in all products more or less, however the PSP needs some upgrade by 3rd party software. What differentiates the products is memory capacity to hold a certain amount of pictures, but also the way you can interface with your photos. Looking at pictures, select, zoom in and out is better in the Ipod touch or the Iphone, utilizing the touch screen and its capabilities.

In all honesty the PSP looks better – the iphone seems to be suffering from a severe white balance problem. Maybe some people prefer that, but as the iphone costs four times as much as the PSP then you have to judge what is more important to meet your requirements. Obviously the PSP has the size advantage but the iPhone is brighter.

Video/Film

All products can hold videos at their internal formats, and several 3rd party software makes it possible to transfer this media between various medias such as PC, Ipod, PSP, cell phones etc. Again the user interface is the main differentiator here, as the touch screen makes it possible to browse the various movies in a fancier and maybe interactive way than in the PSP. However this is a matter of user preference and will be highly subjective to user’s needs and how he/she wants to interact with the gadget. Higher resolution on the PSP versus its competitors is also a point to mention here. So if you want the high resolution and slightly better screen definition, then PSP is definitively your choice.

Music/Audio

You can send your files over and use PSP as you would use an iPod Video, although Apple product has an advantage when it comes to storage. You’ll need to get up to 8Gb MemStick DUO on the PSP to get decent memory, but still much lower than IPOD with its 60Gb capacity. If you want a straight out of the box itunes player, then select the Ipod/touch/phone range, otherwise it will just be a subjective choice as there are lots of 3rd party customization to make the PSP to offer Itunes capability, conversion of audio files etc.

Storage Capacity

You can get up to 8Gb MemStick DUO for the PSP. IPOD leads here with its 60Gb capacity. Utilizing high memory capacity for the PSP will run at a cost as well, which needs to be addressed if compared for this purpose. However the Ipod Touch or Iphone comes with maximum of 8Gb memory and can not be upgraded without consequences for warranty etc. Ipod is superior when it comes to capacity, so if you need to store tens of Gb of music, or video, then your choice is the Ipod machine. If you tend to change content often and want to transfer often, then it is either the PSP or the Iphone/ Ipod Touch choices left. However the Apple product have a slight advantage as their user interface for handling the files are easier.

User interface/Design

Several comparisons of the IPOD screen vs PSP makes PSP the clear choice. When you compare IPOD Touch or IPHONE with PSP there is still a slight advantage to PSP since the screen is larger and it seems to have better color definition and looks crispier in view.

PSP is larger as a console vs either IPOD or Iphone or Ipod Touch, so it is maybe less practical to put in your pocket. However since we talk about different usage of these gadgets, you need to see if this really is a differentiator at all.

The later products from Apple with the touch screen is of course an new technology brought to the table, however you have to judge whether you need it for the purpose you need.

It comes down to touch and feel and what you focus on most. If you focus on screen quality, the Sony PSP is the clear choice. If you focus on the user interface and modern technology, then the Apple series touch or Phone is the selection for you.

I would personally go for the PSP, since my use is internet, movie and games. Since we really talk about a game console here, it gives power to all my favorite games as well as the chance to download some fancy graphics to use as my wall papers, or to manipulate some graphics on my PC or Mac and transfer to my PSP, it makes the choice clear to me. I can read most of my favorites on internet as well as reading my emails pretty effective despite no mouse or keyboard on the PSP, but here it is up to you to select what interface you want or are used to.

However, if you are a music and photo lover, I would maybe lean towards the Ipod touch or Iphone. If you already have an iPod that works well and hold enough music to keep you happy, then go with a new PSP.

So it all depends on what you want the gadget for. If you want to listen to music, get an iPod, if you want to play games, get a PSP.

So it comes down to the question Console or a Phone or a media player?

Iphone is a phone and the PSP is a console, Ipod Touch is a media player simple and easy.

The iPhone is a very pretty and medium to high priced multi-functional handheld device that can be used as a phone. The PSP is a very pretty and low cost multi-functional handheld device that can be used to play games, or fed with some 3rd party software used for a whole lot of things. Sony would prefer you not think of PSP as a handheld, more like a multi-media portable. Several handhelds that acts similar to the iPhone with the touch interface (Treo for instance).

You have to lean towards the price as well as your user profile, there is a large price difference to consider here. But if you want to boost your PSP, the price difference gets less, and can become minimal, especially when you talk about the Ipod Touch from Apple.

The old argument for people saying the PSP was the right choice for you, was that it can play music, watch videos, check email, play games and all in one device. This argument could be used for the Iphone as well, since you have the phone capability into it.

32Gb memory stick is soon to be released, so the PSP will be more costly than the iphone, if not the same price when using this memory. However it will have more than Apple products and more flexibility as you can buy as many memory sticks you want and have one for photos, one for audio and another one for games or email information etc.

In the end, the choice is yours but you need to do the homework first, decide what you need the most in your new gadget and what flexibility you want.

People want the simplest, easist way to get enjoyment. Apple, when designing anything (OS, iPod, Hardware, and now the iPhone) always aims for a high level of ease of use.

With any MP3 player, you don’t have a uniform way of getting music. It might come with applications to rip music, and even tell you where to legally download music. But then you factor in the compatibility. It may also give you a audio converter so everything works with your player, and its own media manager to boot. But with the iPod, you get just iTunes. And it’s that relationship that makes the iPod so dominant in the market. The program will rip your CDs. It has access to the store where every song, regardless of what the RIAA wants, will be 99 cents or 10 USD pr CD. And when you bring in your own music, iTunes will not only add it and organize it, but convert it to AAC if need be. It’s less work on the consumer. That is an appeal. And you have to pay for this convenience. It is the real reason why these products became dominant is for their consumer design.

However the PSP with 3rd party software or as the communities call it “homebrew” has common like music and video playback, image viewing and internet browsing and in those areas I’m sure the PSP will be comparable to the Ipod range products.

The iPhone won’t play any games though, at least they haven’t announced that it will, which is what most people who have a PSP use it for.

Network to support the 2.5G network that the iPhone uses and the network is lacking several places and has to be considered.

He has a background as civil engineer and geoscientist. He has worked mainly within the oil and gas industry from the mid 1980s. He has written a few fictional novels as well as being the author of some professional litterature within oil and gas sector, he is now an editor of some web sites.

www.lulu.com/stig

www.ec-ba.com

No related posts.

LUGANO, SWITZERLAND–(Marketwire – December 2, 2009) – Case IH, a leading brand in agricultural equipment, recently participated in the agribusiness forum and exhibition in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, presenting its advanced products and introducing new agricultural machinery to the Country. Case IH is a brand of CNH which is part of Fiat Group.

The exhibition, which showcases agricultural techniques and modern technologies, took place from November 25th to 27th at the main exhibition center in Turkmenistan’s Capital, together with the forum of agricultural producers of the CIS countries, under the sponsorship of the Turkmen government. CNH actively participated in the forum with a presentation focused on the modernization of agricultural equipment tailored for the soil conditions of Turkmenistan, attended by Mario Gasparri, CNH Vice President Agricultural Operations and other members of CNH’s senior management team.

The increasingly good relations developed by CNH are the base for collaboration programs which recently brought about the delivery of 300 Case IH Magnum 255 tractors in Turkmenistan. Following the request from Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, CNH showcased the most recent technologies in the agribusiness sector specifically developed to answer the country’s agricultural applications. Within this framework, on November 25th, Mr. Franco Fusignani, Head of CNH International, met with Turkmenistan’s President in Rome, Italy, during the meeting for the development of trade rela

At the fair, Case IH, a global provider of solutions in the agribusiness sector, presented the new JX High Clearance range, comprising three models from 80 to 95 horsepower, built in Ankara, Turkey, an ideal solution for specialty row crop applications. The new Maxxum range was also introduced; four models ranging from 110 to 140 horsepower are available for the Turkmen market, Maxxum tractors are manufactured in Basildon, UK and are all-purpose tractors for livestock and crop producers.

The Brand also displayed its Magnum 255 and CPX420 Cotton Express® that, with the largest basket capacities in its class, gives the customers the best picking efficiency on the global market today.

The Magnum 255 is sold specifically in the CIS and was recently awarded in Kazakhstan by the AgroProd Expo as the best product in its class, and it is the clear market leader in Turkmenistan. It benefits from mechanical injection and offers one of the market-leading solutions for farmers who are looking for ultimate productivity in this segment and has prodigious reserves of power on tap for the most demanding applications.

Case IH began supplying the Country with equipment 15 years ago and has continued to strengthen after sales activities and assistance to support the Turkmen farmers. The brand is the leading western marque in Turkmenistan, having supplied nearly 3,000 tractors combines and cotton pickers in coordination with the Government’s development of agricultural mechanization. As part of its continuous commitment to the process of transforming and modernizing agriculture in Turkmenistan, the company is engaged in various training initiatives aimed at developing the agriculture productivity in the Country.

Case IH adds to utility tractor line: JX High Clearance

Case IH has designed the JX High Clearance range specifically to meet the unique needs of row crop growers. Available in either 2-wheel drive (2WD) or mechanical front-wheel drive (MFD) configurations, the front axle ground clearance on the 2WD JX High Clearance is 731.5 mm and 622.3 mm on the MFD. Both the 2WD and MFD have 652.8 mm of clearance under the drawbar, allowing the operator to work without damaging the crop. Tyre track widths can be adjusted depending upon the crop’s row spacing. The tractor uses a Tier II emission-compliant, turbocharged, Case IH engine with four cylinders and an under-hood exhaust muffler that reduces noise levels. For simple service, a single-piece engine hood is gas strut assisted for best-in-class accessibility. For operator comfort, convenience and productivity, the JX High Clearance operator platform has a tilt-adjustable steering column; easy-to-read instrumentation; a wide, comfortable seat that is mechanically suspended; two post-foldable ROPS and an isolation mounted platform or comfortable cab with powerful climate control system.

Case IH Maxxum® Series tractors: flexibility and maneuverability

Case IH Maxxum® Series tractors combine efficient power with operator convenience to handle the large workload and multiple tasks of livestock and crop production operations. Case IH Maxxum tractors have set the standard for flexibility, maneuverability and serviceability. Today Maxxum all-purpose tractors include four models, from 110 to 140 horsepower, just below the Case IH Magnum™ and Puma™ Series tractors in size and horsepower. The Maxxum 110, 115, 125 and 140 have a mechanical two-valve-per-cylinder Case IH engine, open centre hydraulics and mechanical draft control. Operators have a choice of ROPS or standard cab, and 2WD or MFD (mechanical front drive). Transmission choices include 12×12 synchro, 24×24 synchro with high/low power shift, or 16×16 semi-power shift.

Maxxum tractors can be equipped as an option with a new exclusive Case IH Turn Assist system that reduces operator effort and increases productivity during loader work and frequent end-of-row turns.

Case IH — Case IH is the professionals’ choice, drawing on more than 160 years of heritage and experience in the agricultural industry. A powerful range of tractors, combines and balers supported by a global network of highly professional dealers dedicated to providing our customers with the superior support and performance solutions to be productive and effective in the 21st century. More information on Case IH products and services can be found online at www.caseih.com. Case IH is a brand of CNH (NYSE: CNH), a majority-owned subsidiary of Fiat Group (MI: FIA).

CNH

CNH Global N.V. is a world leader in the agricultural and construction equipment businesses. Supported by more than 11,300 dealers in 170 countries, CNH brings together the knowledge and heritage of its Case and New Holland brand families with the strength and resources of its worldwide commercial, industrial, product support and finance organizations. CNH Global N.V., whose stock is listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CNH), is a majority-owned subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A. (MI: FIA). More information about CNH and its Case and New Holland products can be found online at www.cnh.com.

No related posts.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

By

Miss. P. PIRAKATHEESWARI, Lecturer in Commerce,

Sri Sarada College for Women (Autonomous), Salem – 16.

Introduction

           Computerization has changed the way business is conducted the world over. No aspect of business has remained untouched by the information technology (IT) revolution. This is especially true of international business where people located in different parts of the world conduct transactions with each other. The activities of international business include manufacturing, in-land transportation, customs and excise matters, port operation, shipping, clearing and forwarding, etc.  During the course of these transactions, a large number of documents are created and exchanged, many of these documents or the information contained therein is repeated, while creating and mailing these documents before the advent of IT., hundreds of man-hours would be lost in repetitive operation, innovations in IT have revolutionized international business; the use of technology in managing and processing information. Especially in large organizations helps save time, bring down costs, and reduce manpower, manual data input and transfer has now become not only obsolete, but also irrational. 

Areas              

In international business today, IT finds maximum utility in the foll

1. Electronic procurement

2. Electronic marketing

3. Electronic logistics 

             A modern competitive enterprise seeks to hold an edge over the market. IT helps provide this competitive advantage through its various applications tools. By adapting these tools in various areas of business, the organization can gain many advantages in terms of accessibility to a customer or supplier in any part of the world, speed of operations, reduction in man power, etc. due to the reach of the internet it is possible to conduct buying and selling transactions irrespective of geographical location. Internet banking helps in the speedy execution of payments and settlement of accounts. A website can be a virtual showroom, where products can be displayed, demonstrated, and sold. Such a website can also provide various after- sales service tips and suggestions, launch discussions forums, ask for customer feedback, and educate the customer. IT application such as electronic data interchange (EDI) has also enabled logistics operations to be paperless. 

1. Electronic Procurement           

E-procurement essentially comprises a number of inter-related methods for improving the procurement process through the use of electronic systems and processes.  The need for e-procurement stems from the fact that in today’s globalized world, a manufacturer can source inputs such as raw materials, components, machinery and consumables from any part of the world.  The manufacturer is constantly looking for suppliers who can offer quality materials at the most competitive rates.  The internet has become a favourite hunting ground for the best bargains. Small companies can purchase their inputs through various websites, which sell a variety of items. However, for the larger organizations, electronic procurement is a systematically outlined process. Here, enterprises use automated applications to streamline buying both production and non-production goods and services.

            The entire electronic procurement process can be divided into three major components: pre-purchase, purchase, and payment activities. Pre-purchase activity can begin with a Request For Purchase (RFP) generated by the user department and sent to the purchase department. The electronic platform helps to plan pre-purchase activities starting with the vendor pre-qualification process. Vendors are invited to register their interest in a prescribed application form. They are asked to provide information about their organization, availability of resources, such as manpower, machinery, and monetary resources. Reference letters from their bankers help establish their standing in the market. A list of their present customers is also sought to gauge their market base. The short-listed vendors are registered and whenever there is a requirement of their services, a Request For Quote (RFQ) is sent to them. In case of very large purchase orders, venders are invited to bid in a competitive bidding process. Tender evaluations tools help identify the most suitable bid. A number of companies resort to reverse auctions, whereby, they announce the auction process on their website and ask the vendors to make their bids before the deadline. The bids are then opened and evaluated, before the contract is awarded to the selected vendor with the most suitable offer. This process is called a reverse auction because in this case the auction is for procurement instead of a sale.           

Benefits of Electronic Procurement 

Reduction in Manpower Cost Reduction in Purchase Cycle Time Wider Choice of Vendors Better Prices for the Purchased Goods Reduction in Transaction Cost Fewer Human Errors Better Relations with the Vendors Better Compliance with Regulations 

2. Electronic Marketing 

            Internet has changed the way we exchange goods for money.  It has broken geographical barriers between buyers and sellers.  The internet enables a manufacturer in India to sell his/her goods to a customer in any part of the world through the World Wide Web.  It is necessary, however, that the buyer has access to internet and has the necessary know-how and desire to make online purchases.

            The internet has provided a very effective platform for electronic marketing or e-marketing.  E-marketing means using digital technologies to help sell your goods or services.  This is different from a conventional market place, where sellers display their goods and buyers can touch and feel the goods and bargain with sellers.  In case of e-marketing, sellers can display photographs, video films and specifications of their products.  In most cases, the prices are also displayed so that buyers have a clear idea about the product and price.  

Benefits of E – Marketing 

24*7 Connectivity – The buyer can access the seller’s website 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Less Expensive – E-Commerce websites can be launched with a very small budget.  The expenses involved are website development charges, web-space rental, hosting charges and website maintenance charges. Worldwide Reach – The biggest benefit of business over the internet is its global reach. Online Payment Facility – The buyer can make online payments via credit card.  This facility speeds up the transaction, assuring the seller of payment. Measurement of Effectiveness – By putting a counter on the website, the seller can count the number of visitors to the website and the number of buyers who actually made on-line purchase. Ease of Operation – The buyer need not leave the comfort of office or home to purchase goods on the internet.  The payment can be made with a click of the mouse and the goods can be delivered at the buyer’s door step. User-Friendliness – Most e-marketing websites are very easy to use.  The buyer is guided through various procedures to purchase the good on-line.  Many sellers have established call centers to be in direct touch with the buyer. Personalized Service – Visitors to the websites are normally advised to register themselves, so that each time they visit the website they are recognized and provided suitable services. Creation of Consumer Databases – The seller can keep a data base of the name, age, address, sex, contact numbers and important dates, such as birthdays and marriage anniversaries of online buyers. 

3. Electronic Logistics 

            Electronic logistics is use of web –based technologies to support warehousing and transportation management processes. E-logistics enables distribution to couple routing optimization with inventory tracking and tracking information.

            In international trade and distribution, computerization is slowly but surely tacking hold of every aspect of business. From computerized trade leads available through the department of commerce, to electronic letters of credit, to telecommunicated documents, to computerized freight booking, tracing and documentation system, to electronic freight tariffs, automated freight payment systems, computerized loss and damage reporting.

            There is a tremendous scope of the application of IT in logistics.  In fact, modern supply chains are held together by the strength of IT, through its ability to transmit huge amount of data speedily, or make global data available to expedite the decision making process.

            Due to the advantages offered by IT, many logistics providers are planning to handle majority of their commercial transactions electronically.  Also, exporters are already using IT for various activities ranging from e-procurement of goods to availing transportation services on the net. 

Important Electronic Tools 

            Shipping lines are keen to encourage their customers to use the internet and have developed a number of attractive tools.  The biggest benefit of these tools is that both shippers as well as shipping lines gain by using them.  Following are some of the important tools:

Electronic receipt of vessel schedule information Tracking and tracing of cargo Remote bill of lading (B/L) printing Single data entry reporting Exception reporting Online tendering, etc. 

1. Electronic Receipt of Vessel Schedule Information

            Shippers can visit a logistics portal to check the schedule of different shipping lines and choose what suits their supply chains the best.  This saves shippers time and effort.  The shipping lines, too, benefit as they do not have to inform individual shippers about their voyage schedules.  At present, the only limitation to this system is that not every portal maintains information about every shipping line, nor does every shipping line provide updated information on their sites or related portals.

2. Tracking and Tracing of Cargo

            The biggest benefit shippers enjoy as far as e-logistics is concerned, is tracking and tracing the cargo.  With e-connectivity they need to spend less time per enquiry with shipping lines about the status of their cargo and significantly improve their supply chain visibility.  However, different portals offer different services.

3. Remote Bill of Lading Printing

            The main benefits of this facility are reduced production and distribution costs for the carriers.  The shipper’s gain is fast and error-free receipt of documents.  More and more shippers are using this facility and are demanding simplified transmission of transport documents.  One of the reasons for this is error-free transmission of Bill of Lading.  Shipping lines normally dispatch the Bill of Lading within 48 hours of vessel sailing. 

4. Single Data Entry Reporting

            With the aligned system of documentation, the format of various shipping documents is now standardized.  Information once keyed in any document will automatically appear in all aligned documents.  This system saves repetitive data entries and also saves substantial time and cost.

5. Exception Reporting

            Shippers across the world, who work tirelessly towards manufacture of quality products, also want reliable delivery schedules.  Exception reporting by the shipping line helps the shipper to know if there are any deviations from the instructions, which he/she has given to the shipping line.

6. Online Tendering

            To find out the ocean freight rates from various shipping lines, the shipper has to send an enquiry separately to each shipper.  Online tendering helps the shipper to send out rate enquiries to as many shipping lines as desired by merely pressing a button.  Today, in the era of rationalization, mergers and acquisitions, the shipper’s global requirements are getting increasingly complex.  Online tendering helps them get competitive quotations from shipping lines operating on various routes.  These multinationals maintain databases of such quotations in order to choose the most competitive rates on various routes. 

Conclusion

            Technology is changing at a very fast pace.  Various aspects of electronic business such as e-procurement, e-marketing, e-logistics use a number of technology products.  The life cycle of technology products is very short.  We are living in a knowledge-driven era, where everyone has access to information thanks to internet and a variety of other sources of information.  However, the market is dominated by those, who translate information into knowledge and use the knowledge to improve productivity and efficiency of their enterprises.  India is enjoying an enviable position because of its leadership in the area of information technology.  A number of business solutions are developed in India for world wide applications. However, such applications take a long time to be implemented in India itself.

Miss. P. PIRAKATHEESWARI, Lecturer in Commerce,
Sri Sarada College for Women (Autonomous), Salem – 16.

No related posts.