Zenith Bank has donated the sum of N10 million towards the actualization and transfer of .ng, Nigeria's Top Level Domain name (TLD), Local administration to the country. The donation was presented to the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), a non-governmental organization, on behalf of the bank by Jim Ovia, managing director, who is also the first and current president of NIG.
The donation, according to a source close to NIG, is a major step towards the realization of the mandate given to NIG by the federal government to "remove all the constraints and obstacles in Internet service provision and development in Nigeria." NIG estimated the local hosting and administration of the .ng domain name, including capacity building in the training of local administrators to cost about N40 million.
A source disclosed that this informed the decision by Ovia, on behalf of the group, to write letters of appeal to "his friends" in the industry to donate towards the local hosting of the domain name. The TLD was recently transferred to the United States from Italy after the organization that is hosting it on behalf of Nigeria in Italy called on the country to remove the domain name. The US has also, however, given Nigeria up till May to bring the TLD to the country. According to the letter signed by Ovia, It is of tremendous national interest that Nigeria takes custody of .ng hosting and administration, given its security and political implications, and as practiced internationally. For example, .uk and .za TLD names are hosted in United Kingdom and South Africa respectively."
Ovia also said that the group has initiated various projects, in accordance with the objectives of NIG, to fast-forward Internet access in Nigeria as well as promote a low-cost but efficient system for access to the Internet. "We particularly need funds to enable us to achieve this laudable national project and would greatly appreciate your donation. The donations and contributions will be publicly acknowledged during the launch of the project."
The source also disclosed that NIG has also appealed to Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State for a landed property in Lekki where the national secretariat of the group is intended to be located. The source said the group plans to establish a cybercity in the secretariat, which will compete with Silicon Valley of India.
In the mean time, a five-men committee has been set up by NIG to resolve all technical matters relating to the transfer of the TLD to the country. The committee, headed by Chima Onyekwere, managing director of Linkserve, has up till the end of this month to submit its reports. Present at the recent NEC meeting in Lagos were members of the board of trustees and Dr. Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke, director-general of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), Dr. Emmanuel Ekwumen, VICE-President, Nigerian Internet Group and Chima Onyekwere. Others were Mr Ray Ekpu, Mrs Jonnah Maduka, and Mr. Toyin Ogunseinde of Aitec.

The United States agreed on Thursday to free Russian software programmer Dmitry Sklyarov in exchange for testimony against his company about alleged violations of U.S. copyright law. Read the details on:
http://www.cnn.com/2001/TECH/industry/12/14/russian.programmer.ap/index.html

ChinaNet, a subsidiary of China Telecom and China's largest Internet access provider, has announced that it has increased the capacity of its backbone network to speeds of 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) using Cisco's STM-64/OC-192C line cards with its existing Cisco12000 Series Internet Routers. Click below for details:
http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/prod_121001b.html

IMPERIAL Telecoms recently announced that all calls originating from its network to any other part of the world would be charged at N90 per minute. The company will also be installing its switches in Abuja and Port Harcourt in order to save more costs for its customers. Chairman of the company, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo said that the purpose of the price slash was to make telecom service very affordable to Nigerians. According to him, Imperial Telecoms, established in 1998, to offer a value added telecom service in the country and interconnected with the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) March 2001 has always been driving down prices of international service in Nigeria. "Since we began operations, we have always been the cheapest even cheaper than NITEL. When other were charges N200 per minute we were charging N160 and we have again reduced our prices," he said.
The reason the company could afford to do this is because "Imperial remains the only pre-paid card company that has its own switch in Nigeria. While others pay for routing calls through other operators' exchanges. Imperial does not use any third party platform.
Ade-Ojo disclosed that the company has concluded plans to install another two switches in Abuja and Port Harcourt and it's only waiting for NITEL to allocate it more lines so that the projects could be completed. The Chairman also disclosed that the company is also expanding its network in Lagos and that the materials and equipment needed to achieve this are on the way and it would expand its capabilities within the next few months. Even the new switches in Abuja and Port Harcourt will save customers in these areas on the cost of calling Lagos before making their international calls, the chairman said.
He disclosed that the company has expended over N300 million in all the projects "but it is good investment." He said that Imperial is already discussing with the Nigeria Communications Limited to have a joint service and both companies are to sign an interconnectivity agreement any moment while discussions with Econet will commence soon. In announcing the reduction in prices, Ade-Ojo expressed hope that there would be a lot of talking by Nigerians during Yuletide. Imperial Telecoms also announced that on a monthly basis, it terminates a minimum of 8,000 calls per hour through its network and has been losing some of those to congestion but as soon as the expansions are done, it would further increase its call termination capability by 500 per cent.

Microsoft has started telling customers it will no longer support its 5-year-old Windows NT Server 4.0 operating system as from Jan. 1, 2003. For more on this and its implications for existing NT Server users, click on the links below:
http://microsoft.com/ntserver/ProductInfo/Availability/Retiring.asp
http://microsoft.com/ntserver/ProductInfo/Pricing/discon.asp

Pragmatic Technologies has introduced a new scheme, which makes it more convenient for Nigerians to acquire computer notebooks in the country. The scheme is called Flexibility.
According to Mr. Biodun Marquis, chief executive officer of the company, "with this scheme and with a down payment of N66,000, a buyer can collect a notebook and pay the balance conveniently within a period ranging from three to twelve months.
He said the scheme was introduced the enable Nigerians who could not afford to pay at once to join the information technology train in the country.
"Basically, the user gains on all fronts," he said, According to him, "the flexibility programme, first of its kind to be offered directly by a local manufacturer of notebooks, underscores our pioneering role in the development of IT in Nigeria".
He said similarly, the flexibility programme will commence for the ARRISES network server this week. "Our other products will follow suit in the near future. The current products and services of the company include MICR Encoders, MICR cheque printers, and MICR consumables. Others are rapid staplers, voyager long range cordless phones, lasercard and other general IT products.
He said the notebook, aside from its unique design and high quality, combines reliability with flexibility. "The latest in our series of notebooks, Pragmatic 241S1, offers you current technology at the best price".
Meanwhile, Marquis has advised financial institutions and other service provider companies in the country to acquire the direct debit note systems for the purpose of enhancing their business performance in the country. The System, which consists of both hard and software solutions, according to him, is useful for effective cheque printing, as well as payments of dividend, salaries and bills at due dates.
The system has the capacity to turn around 60,000 leafs of cheques per day.
Marquis said the system is particularly good for the insurance companies in Nigeria since the major area of specialization is in sale of policies which their customers would have to be paying for on regular basis.
For service-oriented companies, he said the system will enable them to collect their payment as at when due and save them the problem of having to chase customers before their payments are effected. "For customers, they don't have to worry about the services they enjoy being cut off due to lack of payment."
He said the process is facilitated by customers who give their service providers an authorization to debit his or her account for the services rendered. "Once this is done, the service provider will send the debit note to the customer's bank, who now makes the payment on behalf of the customers".
Marquis disclosed that his company has successfully installed and implement the system in Fountain Trust Bank and New Insurance. "We can implement this turnkey solution for any organization in the country within a day", he said.
Pragmatic started out in 1995 by providing banking technology products and services to the financial industry with specialization on MICR technology.
This technology accounts for 60 per cent of the company's revenue. "Two years ago, we made our foray into the IT sector with the introduction of cardscan, a product that enables individuals capture, organize and manage business card information into their personal computers and handhelds.
Pragmatic's real landmark breakthrough into the IT arena was the introduction of Nigeria's first branded notebook under its brand name.

The CIW Security Analyst Specialization certificate is a new designation that's available through the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) program. The CIW Security Analyst Specialization certificate recognizes the achievements of those who have already attained a level of proficiency in networking administration and now want to validate and prove their competencies in security. For details of this program and its requirements, click on:
http://www.ciwcertified.com/csa/default.asp?comm=&llm=3

Multilinks Telecommunications Limited, a leading private telecom operator in the country has been given a five-year tax exemption by the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC). This is in recognition of the company's pioneering status in the operation of telecommunications services in the country. "We applied for it and we are happy that the government considered it worthy to give us the recognition," said Chief Ezekiel Fatoye, executive director of Multilinks.
Mutilinks has responded to this good gesture by the NIPC, by bringing down its prices for the Christmas, Sallah and New Year period. Nokia 5125 which formerly sold for N75,000 will now be sold for N35,000 including the connection fees. Nokia 6120 which formerly sold for N81,000 will now sell for N40,000; Nokia 8260 formerly N110,000 is now N50,000; Tellular 4D now sells for N55,000 from N85,000; while Tellular 4E now sells for N65,000 from N95,000. All the airtime charges however remain the same. This offer, according to Multilinks will be from December 10, 2001 to February 15, 2002.
In anticipation of a rush for telephone lines as a result of this special promotion, the company has provided an additional 50,000 lines which can be connected to its existing network of 25,000 subscribers.
Fatoye said in the months ahead, Nigerians are going to witness significant reduction in the prices of telecommunications services in the country as competition becomes stiff.
He said GSM price is currently high in the country because of high prices of its licence and the inability of the federal government to allow regional GSM operators instead of national operators. "But I still believe that with the coming on board of Nitel's GSM services, prices will go down because there will be significant increase in volume of business for the operators."
Multi-Links Telecommunications Limited
E-mail: sales@multi-links.com.
321, Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island. P.O. Box 3453 Marina, Lagos, Nigeria.
Tel: 234-1-774-0000, Fax: 234-1-262-2452
Ikeja Branch: Ground floor, Block C, Motorways Centre, 1, Motorways Avenue, Opp. Old toll gate, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
Tel: 234-1-7730000

Sun Microsystems and PwC Consulting, a business of PricewaterhouseCoopers, recently announced an expansion of their global alliance to jointly deliver end-to-end, cross-industry solutions to address critical business functions. Read more about the implications of this expansion on:
http://www.sun.com/smi/Press/sunflash/2001-12/sunflash.20011212.1.html

Prudent Bank Plc has blazed another trail in electronic banking with the introduction of Prudent GSM Banking. The service is aimed at providing the bank's customers with fast and convenient means of transaction business with the bank. Customers can access their accounts using the Short Messaging System (SMS) on the GSM network.
Prudent GSM Banking, according to Segun Akintemi, assistant general manager, Information Technology, is an enhancement of Prudent e-plus, an existing product of the bank, which allows customers access to their accounts through telephone, fax, or personal computer.
Customers can get up-to-the-minute balance on their account, check their uncleared cheques and also review the last five transactions on their account.
According to Akintemi, Prudent GSM fits into the bank's reputation for adding value and enhancing service quality. The concept of anywhere, anytime banking which the bank is noted for, is a motivating strategy behind the introduction of the new product.
Currently, Prudent Bank has nine products: Prudent Rainbow Savings Account, Prudent Junior Education Fund, Prudent Valucard, Prudent Teen Card, Prudent e+ (Prudent e-plus), Prudent Moneywise Account, Prudent Lifestyle Finance and Prudent GMS Banking.
At N1.5 billion, Prudent Bank is adequately capitalized and positioned to take advantage of market opportunities. Credible individuals and institutional investors such as Nigerian Ports Authority (Super-annuation Fund), Royal Exchange Assurance, Ondo State government, etc., substantially hold the shares of the bank.

Exam 70-240, Windows 2000 Accelerated, will be discontinued after Dec. 31, 2001. Only candidates who have taken all NT 4.0 exams are eligible to take the exam using the free voucher that was available until Nov. 1 on the Microsoft MCP secured Web.
For more info, go to
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcse/faq.asp#B

Ftaps (Fountain Trust automated payment system) is the 1st automated direct debit payment system in Nigeria, with over N120 million of 10,000 notes processed monthly
Ftaps allows one to pay bills automatically on due dates from your account in any bank. Interestingly you don't have to open an account with Fountain Trust Bank
Service Providers using Ftaps include: Multichoice, Cornerstone Insurance, Econet Wireless, A&G Insurance, AIICO Insurance, Leadway Assurance, Capital Express Insurance, Nigerian French Insurance,.and lots more

Fountain Trust BANK PLC
Plot 1611 Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
P.O. Box 70987, Tel: 2625987, 2625990, 2614207,3200117-20.
Fax: 2614211. E-mail:hq@fountaintrustbank.com
http://www.fountaintrustbank.com

AN ATTACKER COULD trick users of Microsoft's IE (Internet Explorer) Web browser into downloading and running a malicious program by disguising it as an innocent file, a Finnish security company has warned. Find out more about this weakness of Microsoft Internet Explorer on:
http://www.solutions.fi/index.cgi/news_2001_12_14?lang=eng

MULTITECH System Inc., the USA leading provider of connectivity solutions and SDI, the Nigerian distribution partners have just launched the Multitech RouteFinder Internet security appliance into the Nigerian market.
According to SDI General Manager, Mr. Frank Ebizie, RouteFinder Internet security appliance is an integrated hardware/software VPN gateway/firewall/anti-virus solution designed to maximize network security without compromising network performance. It is a cost-effective, easy-to-manage solution that is ideal for both small and large businesses looking to add one or all of the following applications to their network:
¨ Secure VPN connections for LAN-to-LAN or client-to-LAN applications;
¨ Firewall security (both stateful packet inspection firewall and network address translation (NAT);
¨ e-mail anti-virus protection.

Multitech, introducing this solution into the Nigerian market, is mindful of the ever-present security threats to the corporate network and the near absence of comprehensive network and the near absence of comprehensive network security in most organizations due to the prohibitive cost or security corporate networks.
With the Multitech RouteFinder Internet Security appliance, an organization can affordably implement a firewall, VPN access for its remote users and an anti-virus solution all in one inexpensive box.
Multitech systems (USA) is one of the leading manufacturers of connectivity solutions. Established in 1970, Multitech is the world's leading provider of corporate modems and other connectivity solutions like Voice over IP gateways, Remote Access Servers for ISPs and corporate organisations.
Meanwhile, SDI is the distribution partner for Multitech in Nigeria. It distributes Multitech products through its Optimum Reseller Partners who provide connectivity solutions to end-users in Nigeria.
SDI has been very successful in pushing multitech products and solutions into the corporate environment using some of the most reliable service providers in Negeria. Some of the providers include: DCC, Telnet, Virgin Technologies, Signal Alliance, Associated Data Systems, Synercom, etc.

Reliable sources say that beginning Jan. 4, 2002, U.S. pricing for Microsoft exams through Prometric and VUE testing centers will increase 25 percent. Microsoft's exam pricing hasn't changed in about seven years.
To help IT professionals beat the price increase deadline, VUE Corporation is offering extended test center hours and same day testing (when a seat is available). For details about Microsoft price changes in your area, please contact your local training or testing center.

With just a few weeks to the end of the year, the Chairman of the Technical Board of the National Electric Power Authority's (NEPA) of Nigeria has given reasons why NEPA may not meet the December 31 2001 deadline for stable power supply.
The board's chairman, Mr. Liyel Imoke, listed several impediments one of which is fund scarcity caused by the Federal Government's delayed release of the needed money to expand the transmission network and equally pay contractors. He noted that is yet to receive N51 billion voted for it in 2001. The authority has so far received N34 billion out of a total amount of N75 billion in year 2001 Federal Government budget.
The fund, comprising $100 million (N10 billion) World Bank loan and N41 billion allocation in 2001 budget designed for expansion of transmission and distribution network to cope with power so generated.
Imoke said although the government had secured the approval of $ 100 million (10 billion) World Bank transmission development credit, the loan is yet to be disbursed to the parastatal.
In view of the time left before the year ends, Imoke believes that it is improbable that the balance of N41 billion will be released to NEPA before the 31st of December 10, 2001 deadline.
Imoke also noted that even though it is challenging to meet the 4,000mw target, an even more imposing task is that of ensuring power supply is sustainable. This is a major problem in view of the fact that a majority of operational units are currently well overdue for overhaul.
NEPA is therefore introducing a scheme in Rehabilitate-Operate and Transfer (ROT) and Lease Operate and Transfer (LOT) as strategies to involve reputable multinational organizations in the management and maintenance of operational units.

Nine state attorneys general in the US have argued that Microsoft must offer a stripped-down version of its Windows operating system and make its leading Office software compatible with competing operating systems.
Get the details from:

http://www.cnn.com/2001/TECH/industry/12/07/microsoft.antitrust.states.ap/index.html

In its own attempt to bridge the digital gap, Ghana's Ministry of Communications and Technology is pursuing policies that will enable Information Technology benefits to be felt all over the country by extending its programmes to the rural areas. Read more on:
http://www.mbendi.co.za/a_sndmsg/news_view.asp?PG=104&I=31613

Improved customer service delivery hinged on new development in information technology has been identified as a major tool in the competitive banking.
Managing Director, Societe Generale Bank Nigeria Limited, (SGBN) Chief Adebisi Oyenola said at the monthly forum of Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), that Nigerian banks have responded to the information technology challenge adequately.
Oyenola said since the nation's independency, the banking industry has invested heavily in technology to improve its services, adding that such has led to the creation of banking divisions in most banks as past of the on-going desire by the industry to reduce time length spent by customers and change pattern in the conduct of business.
Oyenola who spoke on the topic: "Customer service delivery in the banking industry," emphasized that era of armchair banking was gone with the internet banking and emergence of product/services through which their customers carry out daily transactions without recourse to banking halls as a platform for conducting business in a global economy.
On response of SGBM towards the trend, Oyenola said: "Societe Generale Bank Nigeria Limited in its own part was the first to introduce the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in Nigeria in the early 90s and its relaunch early this year as Cashpoint 24/7.
"The service is designed to give our customers access to cash 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
"The bank is generally acknowledged to be the pioneer of automated banking right from its establishment in 1977," adding that this pioneer initiative in automated banking system has given the bank a big advantage of updating and improving its own system.
He further argued that huge asset base, safety/security of funds or extensive branch network were not value proposition for attractive and retention of customers, rather greater importance to speed, efficiency of service, convenience, flexibility of decision making.
Specifically, he insisted that prudent economic management with the aid of requisite state of the act information technology (IT) as a major competitive tool as an enabler of service delivery, in the nation's banking industry, it will attract more foreign competitors into the economy.

Another serious new virus is currently spreading across the Internet, infecting machines and even removing anti-virus software. Experts say the "Goner" virus is one of the fastest-spreading they have seen, and warn computer users to immediately delete any suspicious attachments. Find out more about this dangerous virus on:
http://www.antivirus.com/vinfo/virusencyclo/default5.asp?VName=WORM_GONE.A
http://www.cert.org/incident_notes/IN-2001-15.html
http://vil.nai.com/vil/virusSummary.asp?virus_k=99272
http://www.mcafeeb2b.com/aboutmcafeeb2b/pressroom/pr_template.asp?PR=/PressMedia/12042001-I.asp&Sel=1151

The Exam 70-218, Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment, will undergo beta testing from Dec. 17 to Dec. 21. While in beta, the exam will be numbered 71-218.
The exam objectives can be found at:
.http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/exams/70-218.asp

A critical busuiness conference for ISPs is taking place in San Jose, USA from Jan 22 & 23, 2002. It is tagged "The 100% Pure ISP Event". Topics range from general business matters to state-of-the-art technical issues.
ISP Business Expo is designed to share knowledge, exchange views and shed light on trends confronting ISP professionals. With a host of timely topics relevant to all service providers, ISP Business Expo will provide a wealth of insights for those charged with leading their ISP organizations to the next level. Click for more info.

http://seminars.internet.com/isp/west02/index.html

The Presidency in Nigeria has intervened in the controversy over the re-validation of MTS licence, directing the Ministry of Communications to transfer the management of frequency assignment to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Already, the Communications Minister, prompted by the Presidency's letter and a petition from the MTS, has asked the commission to arrange a meeting with the MTS.
The company recently shifted its commercial launch dates, earlier scheduled for December 1, to early next year.
Already the Presidency has expressed displeasure with the Communications Ministry's management of the frequency spectrum in the sector. The Presidency is particularly displeased with management of issues concerning allocations and assignment of frequencies. It is believed that these issues are not managed openly and transparently enough. A recent case in point was the frequency clash between EMIS, a Private Telecom Operator (PTO), and MTN, a GSM operator.
MTN's complaint of interference with its GSM signal from EMIS led to the cutting off of many EMIS subscribers in Lagos.
The Ministry is generally seen as being inept not only by the Presidency but also by informed observers who point to the unceasing protests of the GSM operators and unclear procedures and standards for frequency allocation.
The newly unveiled National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) and a new Telecom Act in the works are expected to give legal teeth to the NCC's duty as independent umpire in the telecommunications industry.
The Ministry of Communications originally licensed the MTS in 1993 to provide services that include mobile cellular service within the analogue and digital realm.
However, a dispute with MTEL on issues relating to unsubstantiated bill claims by NITEL, which was a joint venture partner in the business, made the company (MTS) to wind up business.
It has consistently maintained that when it closed shop in 1993, its frequencies were not in dispute.
In 1998, the company began fresh moves to return to the business but not until after settlement of bills with NITEL, and other outstanding issues.
A ministerial directive in the same year set the stage to normalize its frequency with the ministry, revalidate its licence with the NCC and sign a new interconnectivity agreement with NITEL.
The commission eventually gave the MTS the licence for N150 million with effect from September 1, 2001 having received no opposition.
But just days after the licence was revalidated, the MTN expressed strong disapproval and was joined later by ECONET.
Both GMS operators saw the licence award as being non-transparent and inconsistent with the NCC's guidelines barring the issuance of cellular mobile licence for the next five years.
However, in a sharp response, the commission said it only gave assurance that digital mobile licence would not be granted in the five-year exclusivity period.
It maintained that the MTS licence was solely for the delivery of cellular analogue (ETACS) mobile services.

The Packard Foundation said it planned to vote against Hewlett-Packard's $25.3bn acquisition of Compaq Computer, a decision that could doom the controversial deal.
Find out the details on:

http://news.ft.com/ft/gx.cgi/ftc?pagename=View&c=Article&cid=FT3GBMTMYUC&live=true&tagid=ZZZC00L1B0C&subheading=information%20technology

A five-strong Net fraud gang has been sentenced to a total of just under eight and half years for a conspiring to defraud online banks.

The four men and one woman made bogus multiple credit card applications with Egg, Cahoot, Smile, Marbles, MBNA, and SonyCard. Get the details from:

http://theregister.co.uk/content/6/23262.html

When Minister of State for Science and Technology, Paulen Tallen, warned recently that in the near future, computer literacy would be a pre-condition for gaining employment with the Federal Government, she was indeed emphasizing the central role currently being played by information technology in developing economies and societies. There is a need to sensitize the public to this by promoting a culture of computer use at all levels. Already, many employers of labour insist that prospective employees must possess a minimum degree of computer literacy. We live as it were, in the age of competition and information; computers are at the very centre of that process. Still, it is not enough for government to decree that anyone seeking employment should be computer literate.
If private sector employers make such a demand, they may well claim a moral right to do so. As for government, if it wants computer literate job seekers, then the onus is on it to create an enabling environment for turning computer usage into part of public habit. A step in that direction would be to include computer education in the school curriculum at all levels. In spite of Mrs. Tallen's optimism, very few students in Nigerian schools currently have access to computers.
Many acquire university education without ever touching a computer.
For the most part, a computer is an elitist object to be found only in private schools, or in the work-place. It is sad that this is so, considering that elsewhere in other countries, information technology Is already established as one of the main pillars of the process of production.
Government should encourage computer education at all levels. Private citizens should also be encouraged to join in the awareness programme and donate computers to institutions that need them. Some Nigerians are making efforts to ensure that computers are available to the public at affordable prices. They equally deserve support.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com

The Packard Foundation said it planned to vote against Hewlett-Packard's $25.3bn acquisition of Compaq Computer, a decision that could doom the controversial deal.
Find out the details on:

http://news.ft.com/ft/gx.cgi/ftc?pagename=View&c=Article&cid=FT3GBMTMYUC&live=true&tagid=ZZZC00L1B0C&subheading=information%20technology

Hewlett-Packard recently unveiled ``blade'' computer servers that fit onto cards and stand like books on a shelf, aiming to replace the racks of machines and tangles of cable now standard for many corporations. Read more on:

http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/04dec01a.htm

According to a report by Gartner, Inc., a research and consulting company, IBM's research division "maintains its lead as the most influential IT research laboratory in the industry." Click below to get the details:

http://www.research.ibm.com/resources/news/20011127_gartnerreport.shtml

SmartPay Nigeria Limited has acquired and is launching the largest Automated Tellers Machines (ATM) network in West Africa.
The company took delivery of 304 automated teller machines in October this year. The SmartPay ATM's will be deployed across Nigeria starting in December 2001 through mid 2002, when the company will begin the next phase of it's ATM deployment strategy, which is to deploy ATM's across West Africa. The company intends to deploy over 200 ATM's over the next three years.
Mr. Obidike Nwakaodo, General Manager, Business Development/Strategies of the company disclosed at a press briefing in Lagos that the ATMs will accept SmartPay as well as dispense GSM Top Up numbers for Nigerian GSM operators.
SmartPay Nigeria is in advanced discussions with global payment networks to accept their cards on the SmartPay ATM's and POS devices, Obidike stated.
Along with the ATM deployment, SmartPay will be constructing one of the most complex telecommunications projects in Africa to support real time transaction processing.
SmartPay is the acceptance mark of banks in the SmartPay consortium, which is made of 33 of the most technologically savvy banks in Nigera.
He noted that its member banks were the first to launch real time internet banking in Nigeria, www, firstaltatlanticbank, and co, amongst other first.
SmartPay member banks issue a multi-functional smart card, which combines and electronic purse, an electronic cheque, offline and online debit as well as loyalty functions on one card.
He explained that the cards, consist of both magnetic stripe and chip hybrids, so the ATM's will accept both chip (smart cards) as well as magnetic stripe cards.

CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association, and ASPIC, the Application Service Provider (ASP) Industry Consortium, announced today that the consortium has chosen to become a section of CompTIA, pending approval of the consortium's membership. This is the fourth industry association to join forces with CompTIA this year, following the Information Technology Training Association (ITTA), the CT (Convergence Technology) Pioneers and the Electronics Industry Data Exchange Association (EIDX). Read more on:
http://www.comptia.org/aboutus/pr/pr011128.htm

After being the first bank to go into Internet banking in Nigeria, First Atlantic Bank has scored another first by being the first bank in Nigeria to offer mobile banking services.
For more info visit their site at:

http://www.firstatlanticbank.com

Mauritius, strategically situated between Africa, Asia, Australia and the Far East, is hosting a major Information Communications Technology Summit in February, 2002. The island's expanding economy is investing in highly sophisticated computing systems, in both the private and public sectors. Find more about AITEC Mauritius and how it hopes to provide an international marketing platform for service providers and equipment suppliers on

http://www.aitecafrica.com/events2/mauritius.htm

The Information Technology (industry) Association of Nigeria (ITAN) has concluded plans to launch the Computer-In-School Initiative (CISI) in December 2002 in a noble bid to contribute its own quota to bridging the digital divide that exists.
CISI, as the name is an initiative aimed at providing the primary and secondary schools with an access to critical information through the delivery of computer hardware, software and solutions secured through donations. CISI has as its motto "Assuring a better tomorrow today."
The launching will take place at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja, Nigeria.
The theme of the launching will be: Advancing IT Access in Nigeria
The following are the immediate targets:
¨ To adopt and computerize a primary and or secondary school in Nigeria by donation of a minimum of 10 functional personal computers (PCs- hardware & software) and appoint ITAN as technical support partner;
¨ To donate at least five functional PC hardware and instructional materials each to six secondary schools (disabled schools inclusive) in FCT i.e. one school per local council, before the end of the year 2001;
¨ 36 secondary schools within the six geopolitical zones in the country by the first half of the year 2002;
¨ 108 secondary schools in each state of the federation by the end of the year 2002.
¨ 324 secondary schools in each state of the Federation by the year 2003.
¨ Conduct special computer training classes for pupils in the benefiting schools; and
¨ Collaborate with stakeholders on providing wireless access to the Internet.
¨ CISI board has as chairman, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh of Zinox Technologies with Chris Uwaje, Jimi Olufuye, Kola Omotunde-Young, Peter Azonobi, Chief O.A Ayodele, Sam Ifeozo, Etim Amana, Mrs K.O Ogunsola, Chief Frank Chigbo, Anayo Agu, Mrs. Tokunboh Akinosho, Mrs. Blessing Kupa, Kola Ogunlana and Rommy Martins-Odo as members
President Obsanjo is the grand patron of CISI while Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah is a patron. The mother of CISI is the Minister of Women Development, Hajia Aisha Ismail.
The occasion, which will also serve as the investiture of Jim Ovia, Zenith International Bank chief executive as IT personality of the year, will have Science and Technology Minister, Prof. Turner Isoun delivering a keynote address.
For more information on CISI, contact Chris Uwaje, 234-1-2642825, Jimson Olutuye, 234-9-523357, or visit these sites: www.itan.org.ng, www.cisi.org.ng

The new Oracle Certification Program for Oracle9i offers three distinct certification tier. Oracle is launching two new levels of certification for Oracle 9i: Associate, Master Level Certifications. Click here for more information!

http://www.oracle.com/education/certification/news/index.html?certlevels.html

Be advised that there is a new virus hitting computers by the millions.
The virus is known as W32/Badtrans@mm. It comes to your machine via an Email Attachment. It is considered a HIGH RISK virus and should be dealt with immediately. Click Here To Learn More.
http://vil.nai.com/vil/virusSummary.asp?virus_k=99069
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1678000/1678578.stm

Citizens International Bank Limited last week boosted computer education in secondary schools by donating computers to two schools in Lagos.
The first beneficiaries of the bank's nationwide programme are Trinity Secondary School and Ajeromi Ifelodun School, both in Olodi Apapa, Lagos.
The schools were given two sets of Zinox computers, a printer and two units of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) each.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Citizens International Bank, Mr. Chika C. Mbonu, noted ithe bank's action was in recognition of the fact that a solid foundation is required at the post-primary level of our educational system. System training is therefore necessary for an efficient and sustained manpower base.
According to the MD, the bank is focusing its attention on improving the level of computer literacy among children.
The bank disclosed that six secondary schools have been chosen to benefit from the pilot stage of the computer literacy programme among school children.
"This is our own little way of supporting the education policy of the Federal Government and encouraging computer literacy in schools," the Bank's MD added.
Receiving the computers, the Managing Progprietress of Trinity Secondary School, Mrs. Ifeoma Agbo and the Principal of Ajeromi Ifelodun Secondary School, Mrs. Folashade Okunyo promised to put them to a good use.

Nobel laureates were recently surveyed about their beliefs on the future role of the Internet. To the laureates, Education is a major concern. Find out the results of this interesting survey by visiting:
http://www.cisco.com/nobel.

Econet and MTN, Nigeria's active GSM operators have just introduced new promotional offers to entice consumers before the year ends.
From Econet, the promotion is branded Buddie Double Treat.
With the Buddie Double Treat, consumers can buy a SIM Pack for N9, 999, with N1, 000 free airline, and but a Starter Pack for N16, 999, also with N1, 0000 free airline. But that's not all. Econet is giving subscribers the chance to win 8 Return Tickets to South Africa, 4 VW Bora cars, and 12 DSTV Decoders (with 6 months free subscription).
By buying either a Starter Pack or a SIM Pack, from Econet, one can win of these fantastic prizes.
Draw Dates are: 20th December 2001, 3rd January 2002, 17th January 2002 and 1st February 2002.
MTN in the meantime has launched its "BOGOF" Promotion. BOGOF. Buy One, Get One Free. MTN's BOGOF special Christmas offer is from November 16, 2001 to January 5, 2002.
MTN will be giving away a free MTN pay as you Go SIM card and a free Alcatel 302 or Motorola T180 handset when one buys a starter pack and one of their selected handsets:
Nokia 8850, Motorola V8088, Nokia 6210, Alcatel 701, Ericsson T29, Motorola V50, Nokia 3310, Alcatel 501, Ericsson T20, and Alcatel 300. The promotion is also limited to 50,000 handsets.
Additionally, MTN has reduced call rates for this festive season. From November 19, 2001 to January 31, 2002, MTN to MTN call rates are being slashed to N25 per minute, off peak, for MTN pay as you Go and N17 per minute, off peak, for MTN Business Time and MTN Booster card users.
MTN's Business Time and Booster card customers will also enjoy savings. The price has been reduced to N17 per minute for off-peak and N12 per minute for low-rate MTN to MTN calls.
Off-peak is between 7pm - 12 midnight, and 4am to 7am. Low-rate rates are between 12 midnight and 4am. It will be recalled that MTN recently reduced its call tariff on Business Time from N30 to N25.

The Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) announced on its Web site this week that the updated version of its Network+ exam will go live Jan. 31, 2002. The new exam will replace the current version, which will retire in March 14.
For more on Network+, click on:
http://www.comptia.org/certification/networkplus/all_about_networkplus.htm

IBM has introduced the IBM xSeries 360, its first server with the new Intel Xeon processor MP.
According to IBM, the x360 is optimized for intense applications, such as e-commerce, Microsoft SQL™ Server 2000, IBM DB2, Siebel, and SAP.

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/eserver/xseries/intel.html

Wireless Telephone technology that has the capacity for internet browsing as well fax and data transfer has just been launched in Nigeria. This is unique in the sense that all other wireless telephone operator provide only for voice communication with no capability for internet access and data transfer. Other fixed wireless CDMA operators do not offer fax and internet facilities in their networks.
The system, which is to be operated on the 1900 megahertz (MGz) frequency wireless band, is tagged Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Its national numbering plan will be 480xxxx and the network is expected to roll out simultaneously in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Onitsha and Abuja.
Lagos State has 12 base stations and cell sites for effective coverage.
Supported by Nortel of Canada and Westek of South Korea, the system is operated by Reliance Telecommunications (Reltel), a Nigeria owned Private Telecom Operator (PTO).
Reltel becomes the eighth PTO licenced by the Nigerians Communications Commission services.
Reltel's Managing Director, Mr. Bekele Tadese, said: "The introductory offer is for N39,999. And the services on offer include telephone handset, connection fees, call line identification (CLI), short messages services (SMS), voice mail, call waiting, call barring and call conferencing among other value added services."
The services also include start up fees and prepaid facilities for Pay As You Go option, according to Marketing director, Mr. Rakesh Kaul. It attracts N9 per minute for local calls while calls to GMS networks will cost N35 per minute.
International calls will be at par with NITEL's N99 per minute while the prepaid cards are in categories of N,500, N2,500 and N5,000.
The company's chairman, Chief A. Okonkwo, said introducing Reltel is a response to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians for cheap, affordable and efficient telecom services.
Reltel, according to Tadese aims to have the largest CDMA telephone network in sub-Saharan Africa. Reliance Telecommunications Limited is located at
Reliance House, 219A Moshood Abiola Way, (Opposite Nigerian Breweries Plc.) Iganmu, Lagos. E-mail: sales@reltel.org. Tel: 234-1-4801111-4, 4801234

Nokia the world's largest maker of mobile phones, has teamed up with the financial industry to create a software company to allow consumers to get access to financial services via cell phones.
Find out more about this development on:
http://press.nokia.com/PR/200111/842083_5.html

Oracle has announced the official live dates for three of its 9i exams.
Final l versions of these exams will go live Dec. 1. Official release dates for other Oracle 9i exams have yet to be announced. For more on these exams, click here
http://www.oracle.com/education/certification/news/index.html?o9ibeta_sched.html

Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday unveiled a version of its Windows XP operating system that will extend the XP product to cash registers, ATMs and other such devices.
Details of Windows XP Embedded can be found on:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/xp/

The U.S. commercial Service in Lagos is organizing an official Nigerian delegation to the 2002 International Consumer Electronic Show to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 8 to 11, 2002. This trade show is the most comprehensive trade event for high definition television (HDTV), digital radio, wireless communications and more. It delivers the world's latest advance in general and consumer electronics and is attended by major international electronics and communications, firms.
Nigerian companies can participate by being a member of official Nigerian delegation to this exhibition - the largest, most significant consumer technology event in the world. It attracts more than 1,500 exhibitors and over 110,000 visitors are expected to attend from more than 125 countries.
To register for this event, interested organizations must send by courier their company's profile, the profile of the person attending and objectives at the show. For additional information, contact Anayo Agu at the U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Consulate General, Victoria Island, Lagos. Registration closes December 10, 2001

A fully functional Nigeria Oracle User Group is to be formed in Lagos soon. This will take place at The Nigerian Oracle Technology Day, on Thursday December 20, 2001 at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. NIGERIA
The Special Guest at the occasion will be Prof A.B. Borishade (the Federal Minister of Education)
Some of the activities planned include:
¨ Free One day training on Jdeveloper - Oracle Java technology Development tool
¨ Free workshop on Backup Strategies for Oracle 9I databases
¨ Exhibition/Display from various hardware and software vendors.
¨ Officers will be elected as the last activity of the day on December 20
¨ The Nigerian Oracle User group will publish NOUG Magazine quarterly This journal which will feature support issues, education and technology (Java, Application Server, n-tier client server) breaking news, will be for members only.
Interested individuals and organizations wishing to join or attend the Oracle user Group should contact the e-mail address given below for further information. The Lagos, Nigeria office of Data & Scientific Systems Nig. Ltd. will serve as the interim office of the organization only until the election of officers.
Oracle User groups normally work with local Oracle officials but are not a part of and are often independent of Oracle Corporation. Oracle user groups world-wide serve as a forum for Oracle user and technology practitioners to brainstorm and exchange views on the implementation, deployment and especially user support for local Oracle users.

For further information contact
Niqouq@yahoo.com, or datasci@total.net

Ms. Shade Pedro
Data & Scientific Systems Nig Ltd.
24 Adeyinka St., Ilupeju, Lagos, Nigeria
234-1-493-6058

Jidaw Systems Limited (Mastercomputers) recently graduated it's first set of A+ Computer Engineering Diploma students, the first of its kind in the history of IT education in Nigeria. The A+ Computer Engineering Diploma is pioneered by Jidaw Systems Limited for people aspiring to become PC assembly and maintenance professionals, but lack the basic foundation in computing. It is an IT career entry-level program and was introduced to increase the number of IT professionals in Nigeria. The program is targeted at school leavers and graduates of all fields and focuses on all aspects of PC maintenance and repairs, and covers a broad range of hardware /software, printer technologies, among others.
Jidaw Systems Limited - a leader in the IT training and Certification field in Nigeria is a member of the reputable Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), that sponsors the most popular and widely recognized vendor-neutral IT certification programs in the world.

The graduation ceremony which took place in Institute premises was chaired by Engr. Segun Adedeji, a former Secretary General, Nigeria Society of Engineers. Other dignitaries at the occasion were: Engineer Femi Dosumu, chief executive officer of Pumpco Limited. Mrs. Oluremi Jegede, Prof. (Mrs) Bolanle Awe, and Mr. Dominic Ogbonna, Head of IT of Continental Trust Bank.
In his address to the graduands, the chairman, Engr. Segun Adedeji, urged them to imbibe the ethics of the profession and to practice according to the rules and laid down procedures of the IT profession. He further urged them to shun sharp practices and to create new ways of advancing the country through IT.
On her part, Prof. Bolanle Awe advised the graduands to place value on themselves and on the training they have acquired. She also enjoined them to be worthy ambassadors of Jidaw Systems and not to allow the lure of money derail them from the path of professionalism.

In his graduation address, titled "The Information Technology Professional and Society",Mr. Jide Awe - Chief executive officer, Jidaw Systems, observed that, because certification is becoming the vogue in the IT industry, more and more potential and working IT professionals want to get certified and that makes sense because certification gives an IT professional a valued credential that is recognized in the IT industry. Not only that, it is also a powerful tool for providing job and business opportunities and for meeting challenges on the field. He concluded by that IT professionalism doesn't end with getting certified and earning fat pay. It isn't simply about being a skilled expert; it is also about responsibility and duty. It is about using your skills and knowledge in a responsible and humane manner and using your privileged status to bring about positive changes in the society.
Certificates and awards were presented to the graduands and the climax of the occasion was the presentation of the Managing Director's Award to the best graduating student- Mr. Alexander Caulcrick. The graduands thanked the management and staff of the company for putting in place such a wonderful programme that is all instructor-led training, real work experiences, and hands-on experience at such a competitive price, and promised to be good ambassadors of Jidaw Systems Limited.

Management Information Systems Company Ltd. has donated a complete Hewlett-Packard PC and Printer to 5 year-old Tosin Adeleye in Lagos.
The gesture marked the redemption of the star prize donated for the Scholastic Sweepstakes of the recently concluded Back-ToSchool Fair organized by Pulse Marketing Communications Lim