Technology

First computer made for South Asian market

by Charmaine FERNANDO

EZY SlimTop,the first ever locally manufactured new generation computer has many plus points; it is based on the latest 'Atom' technology that surpasses everything before it. It looks slim, saves space, consumes less power, weighs lighter, acts smart and costs less, said Shafraz Hamzadeen, Chief Executive of Ezy Infotech Limited at the launch of Ezy SlimTop branded computer recently. The Chief Guest was Professor Tissa Vitharana, Minister of Science and Technology.

Shafraz Hamzadeen, Group Chief Executive of EZY Infotec Ltd introduces the light weight SlimTop computer and LCD screen at the launch. Pic: Wimal Karunatillake

EZY SlimTop, leapfrogs from the bulky mass of yesterday to today's 'slimmest in town' to occupy only 13% of an office table leaving valuable 87% free space to work on.

The face of the computer is a slim 11" x 3" and comes in red and blue.

The Model range consists of Wild series and Urban series. Affording freedom of mobility is light weight at 1400g.

Latest technology

Power packed to do daily chores fast and smooth, which comes with a 1.6GHz processor, 80 GB Hard Disc, 1GB memory, in-built VGA and EZY 16" LCD screen. Advanced thermal control solution and increased energy efficiency are plus points. 2 USB Ports, 2 Audio Ports, 8cm Fan on top, 2 Black holders are other specifications available while CD/DVD Drive and Speakers come optional.

All items have their utility value for different market segments.

EZY SlimTop computer specifically designed to boost ICT literacy in Sri Lanka. From its current stand at 25% it is expected to reach the government's 60% ICT literacy target by 2012. With the country's literacy rate at 92% currently, the Government's ICT and English drive will increase the literacy rate simultaneously.

The launch of the EZY SlimTop underlines our commitment to the growth of the IT industry in Sri Lanka and we are determined that every classroom and every home will soon have a computer. It is the best investment a parent could make for a child, said Hamzadeen.

Prof. Tissa Vitharana quoting Abdul Kalaam of India, said that 'Unless we bridge the digital gap we cannot bridge the knowledge gap'. Making a PC in Sri Lanka, affordable to the common people, especially empowering our emerging generation with ICT and English literacy, is a cause for pride. President declared this year as the Year of ICT and English. EZY SlimTop has provided an answer to this need, he said.

EZY Global Holdings, the parent company headquartered in Dubai is a US $ 2 billion multinational with 117 fully owned operations in 30 countries serving 30,000 customers.

EZY has state-of-the-art automated PC manufacturing facilities in Singapore, Los Angeles, Dubai and New Delhi, and now in Sri Lanka, all of which produce the world's best priced computers.

When the state-of-the-art factory was established as a BOI project in Ratmalana, in February 2009 with six offices housing 100 employees, all locals, they pursued the vision, to make a difference by purpose-building a PC affordable to Sri Lankans.

Sri Lankan manufactured EZY SlimTop, the first computer to be exported will be marketed to SAARC countries and Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Maldives.

To excite and maintain momentum in a competitive market many EZY computer products will be made in Sri Lanka and marketed overseas.

Designing around lifestyles

EZY Personal Computers will be launching desktops to appeal to different market segments.

EZY Infotech will also be introducing EZY Optimax, and EZY Ultimate for homes and offices, EZY Hummer exclusively for gaming, EZY Moviebox to satisfy the high end home user in its desktop series.

In the laptop series the range will launch an EZY RuggedBook which is unique, waterproof and shockproof, EZY SlimBook for ordinary home and office use, EZY Series X for office use only, EZY Jazz for jazzy lifestyles and top of the range tablet PC - EZY Twister.

Post sales support and convenience of purchase are two largest challenges faced by a manufacturer and we have taken careful measures to address this issue.

Our network of distribution and service agents covers 90 towns from East to South.

We have established a hotline for customers to call before using an Ezy computer and for all queries as well as customer support contact, said Hamzadeen.

IFS acquires MultiPlus Solutions

IFS, the global enterprise applications company, signed an agreement with Qurius International Holding B.V. to purchase 100 percent of the shares of MultiPlus Solutions AS. The purchase price will be paid in cash.

The acquisition will further strengthen IFS market position with respect to project-based solutions (PBS) for targeted industry sectors. MultiPlus Solutions, based in Sandefjord (Norway) and with sites in China and Denmark, is a well-established vendor of project-based business applications to the marine (shipbuilding, offshore), EPCI (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation) and project manufacturing industries. The company offers a complete ERP suite including functionality for areas such as finance, project control, maintenance, manufacturing, document management, and human resource management.

MultiPlus Solutions has an attractive customer base of almost 100 customers in Norway, Denmark, France, the U.S.A., and China. IFS intends to continue to support, maintain and enhance the product, while realizing economy of scale and synergies related to having similar industry and solution competencies.

MultiPlus Solutions Group generated net revenue of NOK 45.9 million, of which nearly 50% is product revenue, and EBIT amounting to NOK 2.8 million in 2008.

'With the acquisition of MultiPlus Solutions IFS can be seen to be executing on its stated strategy for growth and doing so by growing in one of its primary target sectors. The industries served by project - based solutions (PBS) is a market in which MultiPlus Solutions is a well respected supplier and where IFS seeks to achieve a market-leading position with its excellent customers and deep industry knowledge', IFS CEO Alastair Sorbie said.

IFS Scandinavia will be responsible for integrating MultiPlus Solutions, and Managing Director Glenn Arnesen looks forward to welcoming both new customers and employees onboard. 'We have a strong cultural fit, both organizations being customer-driven and committed to delivering flexible, component-based solutions that respond to the changing needs of our targeted industries.

We also look forward to including companies such as Ulstein Verft, Color Line, The Frank Mohn group, Elko, Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group, Mustad and UMOE Schat-Harding in our customer base,' Glenn Arnesen said.

SLASSCOM HR Summit on August 25

The Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) will hold the inaugural HR Summit 2009 on August 25 at Galadari Hotel themed "Leveraging People for Success".

The SLASSCOM HR Summit will bring together leading HR professionals and corporate leaders from global IT/BPO companies to discuss and create awareness about the world-class HR practices adopted by progressive companies. The Summit is targeted at HR Professionals, Senior Leaders, HR students and any business manager who is responsible for people strategy. The summit would enable organizations and individuals to leverage the new perspectives in their own companies.

General Secretary SLASSCOM, Madu Ratnayake said, 'Any organization competitiveness in the future is dependent on its people strategy. IT/BPO industry is a primarily people driven industry. Over time the industry has developed leading edge people practices working with global companies and with large number of professional employees. These best practices can be leveraged across any industry for competitive advantage.

The half day event will feature three inspiring sessions including a CEO Forum on the topic 'Identifying the key signals externally and internally that should prompt organizations to change proactively and tips on managing senior level peers.' Another highlight would be the inspiring guest lectures by Aquil Busrai, Executive Director Human Resource, IBM India Ltd., on 'Leveraging Talent During Tough Times and the Key Role of Communications'. Dr. P. Sethu Madhavan, Head of Management Development and the R&D Unit, Corporate HR and Personnel, Larsen & Toubro, India would talk about the 'Importance of EQ in Setting the Right Attitude'. Ishan Dantanarayana, HR Forum member and Senior Director HR at Virtusa said that 'The HR Summit is an extremely important initiative for the achievement of SLASSCOM's vision. Sound people practices play a pivotal role in a knowledge driven economy and this Summit will assist to commence a progressive dialog amongst people managers in the country'.

These topics are of significance to current HR concerns such as managing staff in an economic downturn and - how to motivate, encourage talent and keep high levels of commitment at times of uncertainly, growth and low rewards. Emotional Quotient (EQ) is useful in handling these pressures and communication in any business play an essential role.

'Finding the right people to work for you is a constant challenge that companies face, and as we have seen in the public sector the right person can make all the difference. The SLASSCOM HR Summit is a great opportunity to share knowledge and experiences which I am sure will benefit the industry greatly' said Reshan Dewapura, COO, ICTA. ICTA is the main sponsor of the Summit.

PC Partner launches sales outlet

PC Partner launched a sales outlet catering exclusively to notebook accessories. Located on the second floor at Unity Plaza, Colombo, this one-stop shop provides all types of solutions for notebooks including latest accessories such as external flexible keyboards, cooler pads, latest high quality webcams and headphones which would give exclusive experience in wireless communications and also all types of batteries, adaptors and screens for a wide range of high profile brands.Commenting on the launch, Chief Operating Officer PC Partner (Pvt.) Ltd. (PCP) M.M.M. Thufail said, 'The opening of this new outlet is in keeping with our primary objective of identifying and satisfying consumer Information and Communication Technology requirements at affordable prices.