60 MinsShow dates: 9-13 October 2011, Dubai World Trade Centre | AT GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK | Exhibition hours: 10am - 5pm

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“Blue Coat is demonstrating a new range of WAN optimisation solutions that reduce the wait for Middle East users and save WAN bandwidth together with our cloud-based Web security products that deliver Web security to everyone from the smallest business to large multinationals on our booth. We will educate prospects on the latest solutions for optimising Intenet traffic to ensure users can access the content they need without being infected by the malware and phishing sites that are so dangerous. We have had some impressive customer wins in the region during the past year, including the ISU unit at KACST.”

Tagging with BlackBerry

WHAT’S INSIDE

Secure mobile access

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Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is supplying secure wireless network service to its visitors and residents

BenQ debuts a global first

All things must pass

Nigel Hawthorn, VP EMEA Marketing, Blue Coat Systems

Research In Motion (RIM) has announced Tag, a feature that will allow users of some BlackBerry phones to share contact information, documents and multimedia content by tapping their BlackBerry smartphones together.

BlackBerry Tag is based on NFC (Near Field Communications) wireless technology. Support for it will be incorporated in the BlackBerry 7 software update, according to RIM. The first smartphones to support BlackBerry Tag will be the recently launched BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 and BlackBerry Curve 9350,

9360 and 9370, which all have NFC hardware built in.

Jim Balsillie, co-CEO, was at GITEX yesterday and used the occasion for the global launch of the feature. “Touch the device and you can exchange information,” he explained. It works “seamlessly and magically”.

Mobile payment using NFC is getting a lot of attention.

At first, Tag will only work between compatible phones from RIM. In addition to transmitting information, it will also allow BlackBerry Messenger users to add one another as contacts.

RIM will also expose Tag to developers through APIs on the BlackBerry platform, hoping that they will take advantage of the “tap to share” functionality from within their own applications. Developers that want to learn more about how NFC works on RIM’s OS will learn more at the BlackBerry DevCon event, which takes place next week. The more widespread a technology becomes,

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What we often fail to notice, until we stake a step back and think about the wider consequences, is how rapidly technology makes old certainties less certain.

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Mitsubishi Electric is displaying one of the most comprehensive line-ups of display products, including data/video projectors, public display LCD monitors and rear-projection DLP display cubes during InfoComm.

Lydia Bonser, marketing executive explains, “In addition to our existing range of DLP rear-projection display wall cubes, Mitsubishi Electric has introduced the new 72” WUXGA display wall solution. The LED lamp system has been developed entirely in-house.” With significant benefits both environmentally and cost-wise, the wider gamut of Mitsubishi’s LED light source delivers richer colours and more uniform screen brightness compared to conventionally-lit cubes. Along with its exceptional long lifetime, removing the need for consumables such as mercury lamps and colour wheels means less waste and less environmental impact. Mitsubishi’s

proprietary LED light source offers colour stability over its expected lifetime of more than nine years of continuous 24/7 operation.

Bonser adds, “We are also demonstrating a laser-based optical multi-touch screen. This standard cube display wall system can be transformed into a multi-user, multi-

touch interactive environment.” Systems can be built in any configuration, and are also available off the shelf in 2x1 or 2x2 formats for 50” displays. Featuring a glass screen surface pre-assembled with a bezel frame housing the laser sensors, installation and set up is exceptionally quick and easy.

Finally, making its international debut is one of Mitsubishi Electric’s new LCD based installation projectors, the WL7200U, a 5500 ANSI lumen, WXGA premium projector which will be followed by the XL7100U, a 6000 ANSI lumen, XGA version and the UL7400U a 5000 ANSI lumen, WUXGA projector. All feature a 2000:1 contrast ratio, powered zoom (1.8x) and focus, powered lens shift and a comprehensive range of inputs and additional features. There will be four optional lenses available for the new ‘7000’ series of projectors, making them ideal for any installation environment.

“Nine years of 24/7 operation”

the more attractive it becomes to developers. .

The BlackBerry Tag feature was unveiled by RIM’s Co-CEO Jim Balsillie during his keynote speech at the GITEX conference in Dubai.

RIM is in discussions with Etisalat to enable the feature in the UAE, although no details have been revealed. And RIM is developing a new 4G phone for the UAE by 2012, again in conjunction with Etisalat. “The handsets need to be here next year,” Balsinnie said. Etisalat also committed yesterday to a roll-out of faster broadband sewrvices over its new 4G network via dongle USBs for laptops by year end. Services for mobiles will follow, but as yet there are no 4G-enabled phones officially released in the country. Etisalat is in the process of a full test of a pilot NFC programme and is expected to offer NFC services this year, initially in conjunction with Emirates NBD. NFC technology Visa payWave software is already in place with over 100 retailers country-wide.

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VENDOR FOCUS

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Secure mobile access Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is supplying secure wireless network service to its visitors and residents with an 802.11n network based on the Aruba Mobile Virtual Enterprise (MOVE) architecture.

“The criticality of secure, reliable mobile access in this region cannot be overstated,” said Usama Nouri, Manager, Network and Security at DWTC. “As the region’s premiere conference and business destination, we needed an access network that would handle the large volumes of voice and video traffic that our events and corporate tenants generate and that would allow those bandwidth-intensive applications to be simultaneously delivered to

large numbers of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The 802.11n Aruba network, based on the Aruba MOVE architecture, stood well apart from the others in our assessments. We are very pleased with its performance, and will continue to build it out as our needs and those of our visitors continue to grow.”

DWTC deployed an Aruba

network consisting of Aruba 802.11n AP-105s, AP-124s, AP-75s and Aruba 3600 Series controllers with Airwave management, also from Aruba. The network, based on the Aruba MOVE architecture, is context-aware, taking each user’s device, location and application into account when applying access, security and management policies over the network. This helps DWTC ensure secure connectivity for tablets and smartphones, as well as application performance and network reliability. MOVE enables network rightsizing for mobility, allowing access networks to be built at a fraction of the cost of traditionally overprovisioned and undersubscribed Ethernet-switch based access networks.

GCT, the authorised distributor for Genius-KYE Systems in Middle East and Africa, has announced the launch of two new product lines from the vendor: a range of new gaming accessories aimed at the professional gamer and a selection of imaging products including a dashboard mounted video camera for use in cars.

The new specifically designed Genius Pro-Gaming accessories provide an enhanced experience for gaming aficionados. The all new series boasts a sleek yet electrifying appeal, with maximum comfort for MMORPG players.

The imaging range showcases digital cameras, digital video camera, vehicle recorders and Pico projectors. Additionally, the imaging range includes products for both corporate and consumer use such as vehicle cameras. These cameras include GPS technology and designed ideally to record long road trips automatically as well as help

academic institutions monitor children during bus trips and provide an excellent solution for concerned parents.

Milad Jabbour, President and CEO of GCT, said, “We are very pleased with the new additions Genius has made to the portfolio. Genius has a strong reputation for quality accessories and the new series are made solely for professionals and enthusiasts. As a leading international company in computer peripherals, Genius-KYE Systems makes cutting edge technology accessible to consumers at affordable prices.”

With these two dynamic collections of products, GCT plans to explore different market segments for new channel partners, focusing on the Middle East region and Africa markets.

“Genius has a strong reputation for quality accessories and the new series are made solely for professionals and enthusiasts.”Milad Jabbour, President and CEO, GCT.

GCT launches new products

“We want to highlight that businesses operating in varied sectors can use LCD displays to fulfill a wide range of requirements and these can be delivered fully end-to-end by Sharp. The products we are showcasing are our professional LCD display solutions, in particular our large area displays – all the way up to the huge 108 inch display. Additionally we are also highlighting our touch screen enabled products. We have a particular focus on end-to-end solutions this year, where our LCD displays form the basis for applications that deliver innovative ways to add value to a business. We are featuring a host of new products this year, all based on our professional LCD technology. We have the brand new touch screen enabled 70 inch LCD display making its debut, which features our high brightness technology making it a semi-outdoor product.”

Tomoo Shimizu, Director, Business Solu-tions Division, Sharp Middle East

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Paramount – The regional leader in Information Security

www.paramountassure.com

Suite 102, Building No 1, Dubai Internet City

P.O Box 25703,Dubai, UAETel: 971-4-3918600

Email: puja@pcsuae.com

Publisher Dominic De Sousa, COO Nadeem Hood, Managing Director Richard Judd, Sales Director Rajashree R Kumar, Editorial Director Dave Reeder Senior Editors Sathya Mira Ashok, Jeevan Thankappan, Arun Shankar Circulation Manager Rajeesh M, Production Manager James Tharian, Art Director Kamil Roxas, Designers Analou Balbero, Froilan Cosgafa IV, Glenn Roxas, Digital Services Manager Tristan Troy Magma

Web Developers Jerus King Bation, Erik Briones, Jefferson De Joya, Louie Alma, Jay Colina

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BenQ debuts a global firstBenQ has launched its latest addition to its Home Entertainment Projector Series: the W710ST, the world’s first high-definition (HD) short-throw home entertainment projector.

Manish Bakshi, General Manager of BenQ for the Middle East and Africa, said: “The newly-launched BenQ W710ST is set to be a benchmark in the home cinema projectors market in the region. Compact and lightweight, it has been designed for avid movie-watchers to enjoy films and videos that are rendered crisp and clear. As a

new must-have addition to the latest home theatre systems, it is easy to set up with a good range of connectivity options. It is compatible with most devices from a TV, Blu-Ray player to a laptop.”

The BenQ W710ST provides unlimited motion-control fun as

the world’s first HD short-throw projector. It is the perfect choice for movie and game lovers. Designed and

built with BenQ’s exclusive aspherical lens technology, the W710ST delivers a 63” big picture at a mere distance

of one meter - allowing viewers to enjoy just about any motion-control game in any room size, free of shadow disruptions and eye-blinding projection lights.

The BenQ W710ST home cinema projector is showcased at the ABCOM Solutions stand.

“We intend to use GITEX to launch into another year of fantastic growth in the Middle East where we will showcase our market expertise and latest range of internal and external products as well as meet a number of existing and potential customers/partners from across the region. GITEX will serve as a reminder that the Middle East boasts one of the fastest growing IT markets in the world. As well as showcasing our brand new offerings from our external drive range, and new internal drives, we will also be highlighting our company successes, as we celebrate 40 years of WD. We believe that the outlook for 2011-2012 will remain positive as the demand for storage products continues to grow in all regions, including the Middle East.”

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Khwaja Saifuddin Ahmad, Senior Director Sales Middle East, Africa & South Asia, Western Digital

Performance and protectionPC Tools is presenting its latest portfolio, including PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus, PC Tools Internet Security, Registry Mechanic and PC Tools Performance Toolkit.

The 2011 portfolio focuses on eliminating the many challenges consumers face when considering performance or protection options, and developing a sharper, more comprehensive portfolio that

delivers simplicity, effectiveness and affordability to customers.

“We’re expanding our presence in this key region for us and our attendance at GITEX for the third consecutive year illustrates our resolve in expanding our brand visibility in this market,” said Richard Clooke, Manager, Worldwide Review Program at PC Tools. “Supporting our regional partners will always be vital to

us, and particularly in a region where we see opportunities for great development and expansion.”

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What we often fai l to notice, unti l we stake a step back and think about the wider consequences, is how rapidly technology makes old certainties less certain. Here are things that are fast vanishing from our l ives.

In a world of always-on Internet, what future for the postal service? Just think, when was the last t ime you wrote a proper letter - you know, with a pen - stuck it in an envelope, searched around for a stamp and then found a postbox? No, I can’t remember either.

For most us, communication these days is via e-mail or Facebook - even faxes seem unusual when they land on our desks. Courier companies have eaten the lunch of post off ices on the parcel side and al l that’s left, for the tradit ional mail service, is junk mail del iveries and oddments l ike magazine subscriptions. That’s no way to sustain a longterm business, especial ly one founded on the concept of universal access. In terr itories l ike the Middle East, with del iveries based on post boxes, there may be more of a future, but the tradit ional del iver-to-your-home postal service should vanish in advanced economies within the next decade.

And part of its tradit ional service - del ivering cheques for bi l l payment - is going even faster. How many cheques have you written in the last year? I think I’ve done no more than f ive and three of those were for apartment rental. The problem with cheques is that processing thenm costs the f inancial sector bi l l ions of dol lars globally every

year - how much simpler and cheaper to push us al l to cards or on-l ine payments. In the UK, for example, cheques should be gone within the next eight years.

And another thing that won’t come through your mailbox any more is the newspaper. Once, not too many years ago, we al l counted on regular del iveries to the home - in the UK, for instance, we had a postman, a milkman, a coal merchant, a soft drinks vendor, a paper boy, a laundry service and so on. Not any more - margins are too small these days. So news wil l become on-l ine and, increasingly, paid for on-

l ine. That model wil l del iver personalised news but the day of the printed newspaper are numbered for certain.

Don’t count on books surviving either! Think you’l l never give up that physical object? Well, you probably said the same thing when music downloading hit big - you wanted a hard copy on CD, r ight? But then you discovered downloaded music was cheaper. And you didn’t have to go shopping - instant access. And you could pick and choose tracks instead of paying for a whole album. So now iTunes and an iPod rule you l i fe and CDs are gathering dust on your shelves - let’s not even talk

about vinyl or tapes...

Amazon is already sel l ing more digital than physical copies. The f irst self-published digital book has made a mil l ion dollars for its author. Books on the iPad wil l soon seem the most natural thing. However, it’s unl ikely that the mil l ions of t it les published over the last centuries wil l ever be digit ised, so books wil l survive in some form.

Wil l anything remain from our current l ives? Look around your desk. Why do you sti l l have a land l ine? We al l use mobiles and the phone on your

desk or at home in your vi l la or apartment is simply there because of inert ia. Of course, telcos don’t want you to get r id of it - after al l they make a t idy sum from rental, even if there are no cal l charges. But the f ixed handset wil l go soon, be sure of that.

And where the phone goes, soon wil l your possessions. Increasingly, our l ives are digit ised - when was the last t ime you had a f i lm developed and stuck photos in a physical album? We’ve been trained over the last decade and a half to trust digital copies and so our music and f i lms, pictures and documents are now stored on CDs, DVDs or hard drives. Well, prepare to kiss those goodbye too as your l i fe shifts to the cloud. Pay a monthly subscription to a cloud provider and, whenever you access the Net from whatever device, your l i fe wil l be there - your music, your books, your memories. At that point, wil l you sti l l own anything any more?

You certainly won’t own your privacy. That batt le is already lost. There are cameras everywhere, your movements are tracked on the Net or in physical space, giant data analysis engines are making connections between al l the different parts of your l i fe, which isn’t yours any more anyway. Your cel l phone posit ions you accurately. Your surf ing or on-l ine purchases detai l more and more about you. And there you are on Google Earth...

All things must pass

Opinion piece

Will anything remain from our current lives? Look around your desk. Why do you still have a land line? We all use mobiles and the phone on your desk or at home in your villa or apartment is simply there because of inertia.