Muscat – The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) was honoured at the prestigious ACN Arab Technology Awards 2009 when it was presented with the Award for Government Implementation of the Year in recognition of its innovative mParking service which was introduced across Dubai in 2009. The Awards recognize the outstanding work of the region's IT community and are the industry’s premier awards in the Middle East.

The cutting-edge technical know-how behind the mParking service was provided by leading mCommerce and Digital Media Company, Infocomm Group. Commenting on the award, Karim Rahemtulla, Infocomm MD, said: “I’m delighted that the RTA has been honoured with this prestigious award. It is indeed well-deserved.”

The ground-breaking RTA mParking initiative allows both du and Etisalat subscribers to pay for parking through their mobile phones. According to Rahemtulla the express aim of the mParking service was: “To ease the use of public parking for Dubai motorists. Indeed, the service has had an extremely positive response and tremendous uptake.”

Rahemtulla went on to say: “The RTA had a very clear vision of how they wanted the system to operate and they set about achieving this with absolute professionalism and focus. From the outset they were determined that everything about the system should be as straightforward as possible while also being fully in keeping with the Emirate’s sweeping development plans. At the same time they set a high international standard and were clear about wanting the very best for the motorists of Dubai. We’re delighted to have been able to provide the expertise to help them achieve their goal.”

Infocomm has worked on mCommerce solutions for governments and businesses around the world and were very excited by the challenge of this fantastic initiative, Rahemtulla went to add: “In my opinion, the RTA’s mParking service is a good example of how technology is integrating seamlessly into everyday life and making it easier. It’s fantastic that the ACN Arab Technology Awards have recognized this.”

For further information about Infocomm contact: info@i-grp.com

© Bold PR – 10th November 2009

Please visit http://www.itp.net/578137-acn-arab-technology-awards-winners-announced for on-line article.

Dubai – Two leaders in technology and digital media solutions, ANTlabs and Infocomm, announced the launch of the latest InnGate 3 series for the MEA region.

ANTlabs is well-known as the market leader in hospitality high-speed internet gateways for global hotel groups, convention centres and airports and is also a R&D leader in enabling Telcos and service providers increase internet services revenue while Knowledge Oasis Muscat-based Infocomm is the Gulf’s premier provider of converged WiFi and Mobile media solutions and services. Through their strategic partnership, ANTlabs and Infocomm bring together best-of-breed solutions to allow service providers to maximize their internet revenue, and optimize their networks.

Commenting on ANTlabs, Karim Rahemtulla, Infocomm MD, said: “We’re proud to partner with ANTlabs, who have, over the last 10 years, established themselves as a market leader in the Far East for innovative networking solutions for Telco/ISP Infrastructure, the Hospitality Industry and Enterprise. ANTlabs works with high-profile brands and government organizations who all choose ANTlabs' technology because it enables their businesses and services to create new revenue opportunities and secures the best possible user experience.”

Infocomm and ANTlabs have taken advantage of GITEX to showcase the new ANTlabs Inngate 3 with its special ‘Volume Control Module’ which is sure to be of tremendous interest to the region’s burgeoning hotel sector. “Today’s travellers are ever more sophisticated and have higher and higher expectations,” explains Ang Kwang Tat, CEO of ANTlabs. “It doesn’t matter if a hotel guest is thousands of kilometers from his base – he expects to have access to the same facilities as when he’s at home or at his desk. A full array of telecoms services is expected as much as room service. In the competitive hospitality industry, providing HSIA to guests is no longer optional.”

“Through the special features of the Inngate 3 “Volume Control Module”, hotels can provide tailored HSIA for their guests – one that more exactly suits their needs whether they’re a high or low volume user. At the same time, the hotel will be able to ensure an equitable distribution of bandwidth throughout the premises - ensuring an overall smoother service and better network experience. Inngate 3 also offers interesting options for hotels to monetarize their HSIA which in the current global economic climate is sure to be attractive.”

© Bold PR – 26 October 2009

Please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/213740.html#story for on-line article.

Muscat – “We’re delighted to announce the launch of iMass Volume SMS,” says Oman Mobile’s Huda Al Habsi. “The flexibility and cost effectiveness of this exciting new service are sure to make it an extremely popular option with businesses and organisations of all types and sizes who are looking to maximize their impact in today’s ever more competitive marketplace. If you like, Oman Mobile’s helping to turn up the marketing volume.”

Al Habsi went on to outline the special advantages of iMass Volume SMS, an extension of the existing Oman Mobile iMass SMS which is managed and marketed by our strategic partner, Infocomm Group. She emphasized that flexibility was key to the new product. “It’s very much customer-led – we’ve spent a lot of time listening to their feedback. We know our clients appreciate the power of SMS, of being able to reach out to our opt-in database, and want to integrate it more into their marketing campaigns. With these comments in mind, we’ve designed the service so they can now choose when and how many messages they send at any one time (with a minimum of 25,000 messages per batch). On top of that, we’ve doubled the maximum number of messages in a single plan to 2,000,000 and because we know everyone has their eye on budgets these days, we’ve incorporated a discount scheme to reward our customers – so the more messages they buy, the more they save.”

“We’re all aware that today’s commercial environment is very demanding,” adds Al Habsi. “To succeed you need to be flexible and responsive to the market – iMass Volume SMS will enable businesses to do just that. It’ll help get marketing messages out when they’re most needed and most effective. And let’s face it, given the level of mobile phone penetration in Oman, SMS is a very potent tool, enabling mobile marketers to reach consumers across all demographics. There’s so much to be said for a good, solid mobile marketing campaign; it’s affordable for businesses of all sizes and is amazingly effective. Studies show that mobile marketing messages are typically read within an average of 15 minutes of receipt – how’s that for impact? Recall rates are assessed at over 75% and on top of that, as SMS campaigns are paper-free, they’re very much a green option. What more could you want?”

To find out more about iMass Volume SMS and other Mobile Marketing Services, please contact Infocomm Group at 2415120 / 21 or
visit www.ibulksms.co.om for more information.

© Oman Daily Observer – 21 October 2009

Please visit http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20091021032321/Oman%20Mobile%20launches%20iMass%20Volume%20SMS%20service/  for on-line article.

Muscat – “The iNteractive Wall that Infocomm has designed for us this Ramadan has certainly attracted a lot of attention,” commented Annurag Chawla, Head of Marketing & Communications, Towell Auto Centre “We wanted to do something special at the showrooms for the season and this certainly is it; it’s both eye-catching and entertaining and highlights the importance that Mazda places on technology.”

Mazda’s iNteractive Wall will be on show for the whole of Ramadan and is sure to delight walk-ins. “iNteractive Walls and Floors are examples of experiential advertising at its best,” comments Rehan Moosa, Manager – Digital Media at Knowledge Oasis Muscat based Infocomm.

“Essentially, they’re multimedia visual display systems that project iNteractive advertisements, special effects or games onto walls or floors. It’s an immersive experience that engages customers as they control the dynamic iNteractive displays with simple gestures and body movement as they pass by or over the ad. In effect, the ads let users experience the message or brand, transforming the ad into an event in itself.”

Moosa goes on to explain that iNteractive ads are proving popular across the Gulf – in showrooms, like Mazda’s at Al Athaiba, and also in malls, hotels, museums, galleries and restaurants – even at trade shows, exhibitions and parties. “The wow factor of iNteractive Walls and Floors helps build brand recognition and always gets a highly positive response. This is marketing tool that can really help brands stand out in today’s ever more competitive marketplace.”

To find out more about Infocomm’s iNteractive ads call: 24 15 10 20 or 24 15 10 27

© Bold PR – 9 September 2009

Please visit http://www.timesofoman.com/searchdetail.asp?cat=&detail=28533&rand=wsq9DuWfviEkMZqIwX9Jwik4lY for on-line article.

Dubai - Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has activated the service of paying of parking fees through text messages over mobile phones service (mParking) with the second telecommunications provider Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (Du).

The step is part of RTA strategy to develop integrated solutions of road systems in keeping with the sweeping development plans of the emirate of Dubai at the highest global standards.

Engineer Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, said: 'Adding payment of parking fees through Du reflects RTA efforts to broaden the scope of its service to cover all community segments. Subscribers of mobile phone service from both Du and Etisalat will now find it easy to benefit from the mParking service through paying the parking fees using their mobile phones. The service will facilitate the use of public parking for the residents & visitors of the emirate, save time & effort, and avoid the inconvenience of searching for currency coins or following-up the renewal of parking ticket'..'

The service is simple and easy to access, with no difference at all in the procedure of using between the two telecommunication operators (Du & Etisalat). Vehicles registered in Dubai do not need prior registration to the service and customers can avail the new service instantly through paying the parking fees by means of SMS.

The customer has to send a text message containing the number of the plate, followed by a space, the Code of the parking zone (shown in signage at the parking zone), a space, and the period of using the parking. The message is to be sent to 7275 (PARK) which is approved by the RTA for all telecommunication service providers in the UAE.

Vehicles registered in other emirates are offered free registration in the mParking service. Registration is quite easy and customers can just contact RTA Call Center at 8009090 or visit the website www.mpark.rta.ae to avail the service accordingly.

Several directional signs are in place to help customers know the areas in which mParking service is available, along with the zone code so that they can finalize payment easily.

The mParking service is the first of its kind in the region and Phase I and Phase II of the service have been completed covering Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and all controlled parking zones at Bur Dubai.

Work is up and running to complete Phase III of the project to extend the coverage to include the controlled parking zones at Deira, such that the service will cover all parts of the emirate of Dubai.

For his part Farid Faraidooni, Executive Vice President for Corporate Affairs at Du, said: 'Du agreement with the RTA focuses on our commitment to deliver innovative solutions for the safety and comfort of our customers in the UAE.

mParking service is a new addition to the package of services we offer to upgrade telecommunication services sector and meet customer needs. Our subscribers can now easily use the public parking mobile phone service, and extend the parking use periods from their offices or homes simply through an SMS'.

© RTA – 29 August 2009

Please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/207899.html for on-line article.

Muscat - Top Omani business publication, Business Today, talks to Infocomm MD, Karim Rahemtulla about a range of issues including the impact, both positive and negative, of the current economic climate on e- and m-commerce; the barriers to the adoption of e- and m-commerce; marketing during a recession; and how Infocomm’s activities fit in with the overall government vision of building Digital Oman.

How will the current economic scenario impact companies like Infocomm, which are into e-commerce and m-commerce?
Whether you’re a digital media firm like Infocomm or a manufacturer on one the industrial estates, people are going through a period of adjustment where they’re looking at their budgets and wondering where to invest their Rials – whether that’s online, mobile, print, radio or TV. Indeed, as global markets ride the storm, firms in every sector are faced with some harsh decisions: Should they slash budgets or hang in there and hope that creative investment pays dividends as rivals retreat?

Looking at e- and m- commerce in particular, the tide is inevitably moving in their direction. Irrespective of the current economic situation, economies across the globe are migrating towards a digital society – whether that’s tracking exported goods across borders, ordering DVDs online or downloading ringtones people are using technology and integrating it into their daily lives. I’d say that’s as true for Oman as it is anywhere in the world. If you think that’s not true just think about SMS parking – I think that’s a very good example pf how far things have come and of where they’re going.

Given the mobile penetration rate in Oman and indeed in the region, m-commerce is very potent and as more and more of us access the Internet via our mobiles the spread of m-commerce is inevitable whatever the economic climate – it’s more a question of the speed of the progress. And remember, the typical m-commerce transaction is less than one Rial – in hard economic times if you want to treat yourself, spending a Rial on say a ringtone or a wallpaper for your phone is guilt-free instant feel good.

Do cost cutting measures taken by businesses necessarily benefit e-commerce/ m-commerce companies?
As I mentioned earlier, Omani society is becoming ever more tech savvy – 42% of the country’s population is 15 and under and it’s these youngsters that are leading the ICT charge in the sultanate. While cost cutting measures are, as I said, affecting all businesses, I can only see the use of e- and m-commerce increasing as this generation matures and increases its spending power.

The lack of penetration and the high pricing of broadband has so far dissuaded many from adopting e-commerce/ m-commerce. Now with Oman Mobile also entering the fray for mobile broadband, do you seen any chance of rapid growth in the immediate future?
The simple answer to this question is yes! Internet penetration is increasing and as all the statistics show, we most definitely have mobiles and people are using them to access the Web.

What do you think the government, the TRA and the service providers should be doing to promote e-commerce and the uptake of technology?
I think the government, TRA, ITA and Knowledge Oasis Muscat are already active in promoting the uptake of technology – and this isn’t just in the business arena, it’s also in the home and the school. Expectations of what can be achieved have to be realistic and it’s easy to criticize but I think it’s much more fruitful to look at what’s actually been achieved. Compare what’s going on today in Oman’s digital space with say five years ago and you’ll see a remarkable difference. Take a moment to think about that. Sometimes we’re too ready to see the glass as half empty.

How does your company’s activities fit into the overall vision of the government in building Digital Oman – where services and products can be accessed by a few mouse clicks/ finger taps and sitting in the comfort of your home or office?
The services infocomm provides aren’t simply limited to the home and the office – our technology is on the move in every sense of the world. We’re moving forward and pushing the digital envelope out in terms of mobile digital media and for us it’s very much about having access and experiencing technology in all aspects of your life wherever you are – in the boardroom, on the beach or in the classroom, whether you’re receiving m-vouchers on your mobile or finding out about products via interactive ads in malls. So, in terms of fitting in with the government’s vision for digital Oman I’d like to think we’re leading the way in many aspects of this. Indeed, we’re rolling out some of the most innovative and creative services in the Gulf.

How quickly will companies adopt the use of the e-payment gateway (EPG) that has been set up by the ITA?
As soon as companies fully understand the power of EPG we’ll see a major migration to the service. I think the Ministry of Sports Affairs’ use of the EPG for the Summer of Sports is a splendid example of a public sector organization taking full advantage of the technology now available in Oman - I believe, I’m correct in saying that last summer the Ministry had more than 22,000 registrations through their EPG.

Could regulatory bodies like TRA function better as autonomous bodies rather than government entities?
These types of organizations have to start in government before they evolve into autonomous bodies. Their set-up and launch is no easy process.

Do you think companies offering e-commerce/ m-commerce should increase public awareness through advertisements and enhanced media coverage of their products, services and activities?
The simple yes – but nothing beats a focused and integrated approach. Moreover, there’ nothing quite like letting people experience the technology - it then, quite simply, sells itself.

Should there be any difference in the way companies tackle their marketing strategy in a recession compared to normal times of growth?
As marketing budgets get tighter, firms will be forced to get clever with what marketing Rials they have and I must emphasize that cutting marketing budgets at the moment, tempting as it is, is not a sensible way forward. All the research shows that those who cut on marketing during economic downturns, struggle in the long-run and fare worse than others when things pick up.

While nothing beats an integrated marketing campaign, I think in the recession more people will be allotting a lot more of what they have to support traditional print media campaigns with for example bulk and mass SMS. You’ll also see people getting more creative, a good example of this is malls, airports, multiple dwelling units and hotels using their log-in pages to host ads for their food outlets. They’re also selling advertising space to complimentary service providers. People are getting a lot more canny with how they use their marketing monies.

How will the current economic scenario impact companies like Infocomm, which are into e-commerce and m-commerce?
We’re not simply e- and m-commerce, we’re a rich and dynamic digital media company. From a marketing perspective, today’s media landscape is very different to previous downturns. It’s more varied, competitive and focused and in my view, online and mobile ad spending is likely to be the chief beneficiary of the current economic crisis as they provide highly targeted, interactive, viral and personal one-to-one advertising. This is turn will give marketers and brands the ability to dynamically measure the response of their ads on the fly and reposition accordingly.

© Business Today – August 2009

Please visit http://www.businesstoday.co.om/disCon.aspx?Cval=530 for on-line article.

Muscat-Based Infocomm chief Karim Rahemtulla chats about advergaming.

Karim Rahemtulla is the founder of iGroup Pte Ltd, Singapore, and MD of Infocomm Group LLC, Oman (www.i-grp.com), a mobile, wireless and digital media solutions and services provider partnered with the Zubair Corporation. Before this he was a member of XN Corporation's executive board as CEO, Asia, responsible for XN's global R&D strategy and Asia's marketing strategy. He is regarded as a leading commentator on mobile, wireless and interactive technologies, and a facilitator in the provision of innovative and leading edge marketing and advertising solutions for the knowledge economy. He holds a postgraduate degree in Computer Applications from the University of Westminster, UK.

What does the concept of advergaming mean to you?

Essentially advergaming is gaming with messages, brand messages. There are several different formats, providing a diverse set of tools for engaging consumers with the brand message. The most popular is custom advergames - games specifically designed around a product or service.

There is plot integration as well, which is quite similar to product placement in movies. You will also see pre-roll ads that are presented as the game loads, at a time when the player's attention to the screen and level of engagement are very high, and there's inter-level advertising, which appears during natural pauses in game play - both similar to the way ads are used on TV.

Of course, there are sponsorships where the brand is presented as a partner in the game experience - again as on TV.

One of the exciting things about advergaming is that the average player interaction with a game is from 5-35 minutes and gamers often return to play more.

Yes, but what for me is most interesting, though, is not so much that people are sitting at their PCs or game consoles and playing these games - engaging with brands in this way - but the fact that the interaction is happening more and more through people's mobile phones.

Whether it's a game they've downloaded to play on their phones or, increasingly, a game they've logged on to through the internet on their phone, this is the real arena for advergaming - especially in the Middle East.

The reason this is interesting is because, let's face it, internet penetration is not that deep in the region but mobile penetration is phenomenal.

According to an August 2008 study by Kuwait-based Inter-Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation (IAIGC), at the end of 2007 the UAE had the highest mobile phone penetration in the Arab world - it stood at an incredible 173 per cent. If you're struggling to understand that figure just think how many people you know with two phones. That's actually triple the world average.

Qatar and Bahrain come next with around 150 per cent, Saudi stands at 115 per cent and Kuwait and Oman are just edging over 97 per cent.

What makes this more significant is that the phone will soon become the primary vehicle for delivery of the internet and, believe me, that's when you'll see the real impact of advergaming.

This makes advergaming a very powerful medium for advertisers in the region. We take a lot more notice of what's on our phone than what's on our PC. We interact with it differently because it's a more personal device and it's with us 24/7. The possibilities for engaging your consumer are huge in this respect.

Something else that stands out is the role of viral marketing in advergaming - the way gamers pass on recommendations for games and challenge friends - effectively sharing your marketing message with friends. Research shows that over 90 per cent of challenges to play are accepted.

Who uses advergaming? Is anyone in the local market doing anything with it?

Absolutely. The local market has been into advergaming for a while - it's not solely the preserve of multinationals. We're talking local brands here. Clearly it's not mainstream yet although gaming itself is obviously big in the Middle East, and according to the PWC Global Entertainment and Media outlook 2008-2012, gaming here, as in Europe and Africa, is set to soar.

It's interesting to look at what's going on in advergaming in Oman.

In fact, Infocomm has been active in advergaming in the Sultanate since 2004, when we put together advergames for both Oman Mobile and the Ministry of Sports Affairs. And Knowledge Oasis Muscat's annual Serious Games Conference has been exploring advergaming for three years now. The interest is ongoing and we have several games in development for local companies in Oman - and I'm not just talking about multinationals with a local presence.

There's a full range of game types in development too - some of it is absolutely cutting edge - real showstopper stuff with 3D on Ubiq screens. 

An especially attractive feature of advergaming is that anyone can play - in the company sense, that is; it's not just for big companies.

It's possible to put together an advergame at a price that is within the means of most marketing budgets. The key to success is not necessarily the most elaborate game but to choose the games that engage your target market. For example, broadly speaking, men like competitive games whereas women tend to be more attracted to puzzles and problem solving.

This must be partly because of the youth population in the region. Are brands trying to capture the youth market?

Clearly the youth market in the Gulf is very important and that's initially why a lot of companies around the world got into advergaming - and it worked: it's a very effective way of reaching them. Research shows that 62 per cent of teens play computer games for at least one hour a week and 34 per cent play for over six hours a week.

On top of this a lot of parents encourage their children to play computer games because they see them as educational. Sure, the games advertise or have product placement, but people tend to react to it positively.

Nielsen Interactive Entertainment research shows that 70 per cent of players like in-game advertising, product placement in particular, saying they like the "real" aspect the ads or placement of the products lend to their games.

But children are not the only ones playing games; they're not the only ones that advergaming reaches.

No matter which research you look at, it all points in one direction: the average gamer is 30 years old and has been playing for around 12 years and is only marginally more likely to be male than female. Actually, gaming has built up an audience of women between the ages of 35 to 49 - another attractive demographic for advertisers.

Another surprising statistic comes from the Entertainment Software Association, the industry's trade group. It claims that 19 per cent of all computer and console gamers are 50 years-plus. I have seen other surveys that give this age group an even bigger share of the gaming market. There's no local research that I know of for this demographic, but, while we may not yet be up there for this figure, all I can say is, give it time.

Does it have anything else to offer?

Well, it's attractive at several levels. As well as engaging the consumer for extended periods in your brand, for the marketer an attractive feature of advergaming is that it is very measurable, and tracking tools can be used to see how many people visit the game and how long they stay, allowing you to fine-tune your game to make it more attractive to your players and perhaps increase traffic to your game.

So you're reaching a broad audience and the metrics are great, but what about TV and more traditional media?

Look, the simple fact is this: globally we are migrating from TV to computer and game consoles for entertainment. These days, according to Direct Marketing Services, 19 per cent of males play online games more than they watch TV and 50 per cent play online games more than they read books.

By 2002 the value of sales of game consoles in the US had already outstripped cinema box-office receipts. On top of that, gaming in the Middle East is growing at one of the fastest rates in the world.

It's not really a question of how advergaming has impacted. Rather, advergaming is a response to the move away from traditional forms of entertainment, and therefore means that marketers need to take a fresh look at how they're using their ad spend. Because the possibilities now for engaging with consumers, for increasing brand awareness are being redefined and traditional marketing strategies need to be re-examined.

© Gulf Marketing Review – 24 June 2009

Please visit  http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20090624064950/Game%20on/ for on-line article.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched mParking service for paying parking fees in all RTA paid public parking zones in the emirate of Dubai through the mobile phone.

Dubai - The service is part of RTA strategy to provide integrated solutions of road systems that keep pace with the sweeping development plans in the emirate of Dubai, and in line with the highest international standards.

Engineer Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency said, 'The mParking service launched by the RTA in cooperation with Etisalat is the first of its kind in the UAE. It aims at easing the use of public parking for Dubai residents & visitors, thus saving their time & effort in paying fees of using controlled parking zones through the mobile phone (Etisalat). The system covers both GSM and Wasel lines by sending an SMS from the office, home or any other place; saving the inconvenience of searching for coins or renewing the validity of the parking ticket.'

The service will be applied through several phases starting with RTA parking zones at Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Internet City. Afterwards it will be gradually generalized to all RTA public parking in the emirate of Dubai; with Phase 2 covering Bur Dubai, and Phase 3 covering Deira.

The system will maintain the coins system and the currently valid cards, so the new service is an added value to the list of services provided by RTA to customers in the context of diverse & multiple options offered to parking users.

Under the new procedure, after parking the vehicle at the parking, the customer sends an SMS to 7275 (PARK) quoting the plate category & number, followed by the area code displayed in the signboard, and the required parking period. The customer will then receive an SMS confirming the completion of the process; which is considered an e-ticket showing the period permitted for using the parking.

The mParking service provides several benefits to users; as no registration is required for benefiting from the service. However, customers who sign up through the website: www.mpark.rta.ae/ will find it much easier as they can link the details of their vehicle plates with short names of their choice; which can be used in paying the parking fees.

Among the other benefits provided by the service is the possibility of paying the fees from any location without having to walk to the machine, and there will be no need to carry coins.

The number of hours needed for using the parking could be set and the user will receive an SMS confirmation in a short time (e-ticket), and another reminder SMS 10 minutes before the expiry of the prescribed parking period so that the user can decide to extend the parking time or leave the parking to avoid any offences.

Should the user opt to renew, it will be a very easy process just through sending an SMS including the letter 'Y', as the system is bilingual (A/E) so that all customers can use it without any language barriers.

The SMS has to include the number of the required extension hours. So if an SMS reply is received in the user's mobile phone containing the details of an e-ticket extension, this means that the parking use period has been extended for the number of hours specified in the user's extension SMS. Payment will be adjusted through direct debit from the balance of the mobile phone or telephone bill of the phone operator.

Registration and benefiting from the service has been made so easy for users. Owners of private vehicles registered in the emirate of Dubai do not need prior registration to the service i.e. they can benefit from the service at any time. Owners of vehicles registered in other emirates will have to complete an easy registration process through www.mpark.rta.ae/.

'Information regarding parking will be automatically updated such that parking users issued with e-tickets will not be subjected to fines by parking controllers as their PDAs are linked to the main service provider through GPRS. So when the parking controller enters the details of the vehicle, all valid & expired permits in the zone will be displayed; thereby can verify if an e-ticket is issued or not.' concluded Maitha.

In the same context, Ahmed Abdul Karim Julfar, Chief Operating Officer of Etisalat said, 'Cooperation with the RTA in offering mParking service demonstrates that both parties are keen to cooperate in the public interest and serve all segments of the community through providing sophisticated technologies saving much time and effort. Provision of this service through Etisalat reflects the intention of the Co. to utilize the multiple features of mobile phones for the benefit of customers, and contribute to easing their daily life through offering innovative & comfortable services to pay various fees.'

'This initiative is in line with Etisalat Strategy aiming at broadening its mobile phone-linked payment services to cover other sectors & services to meet the needs of our corporate and individual customers,' he added.

© RTA – 3 May 2009

Please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/194967.html for on-line article.

Karim Rahemtulla shares his excitement at the new addition to the Infocomm portfolio – Ubiq’Window – the touchless technology sensation that adds an immediate wow! to any marketing campaign and adds that extra special something to displays in malls, airports, museums, galleries, exhibitions and more.

Muscat – “Businesses are constantly looking for fresh ways of attracting customers’ attention. The market place is very crowded and everyone wants to find something genuinely unique to make their marketing message stand out,” says Karim Rahemtulla, MD of KOM based digital media company, Infocomm.

“Even for today’s jaded consumer the touchless technology of Ubiq’Window offers something special. I’ve seen the windows in operation in shops, museums, malls, hotels and airports and I have to say that they really draw attention. There’s an immediate WOW! factor - whatever the location, whatever the purpose and whatever the country. People really enjoy interacting with them and even if they initially came to the window to get some information, say the location of a store in a mall or details about a painting in a museum, they keep coming back just to experience Ubiq’. It’s a very attractive and engaging medium.”

So what exactly is a Ubiq’Window and how does it work? Ubiq’ is a powerful location-based, interactive dynamic information display system that can be used in, for example, malls, hotels, airports, shops and museums. What makes it special is that through advanced touchless technology and interactive applications, it can replace films and pictures and lets customers experience products and information even allowing them to interact with objects in 3D. An added attraction is that Ubiq’ can also host online content. Ubiq’ Windows are very adaptable and content can be scheduled according to the time of day and even to personal profiles – making sure you get the right marketing message goes out at the right time. The windows work just as well indoors and outdoors, in daylight and at night and their performance is the same at -26 degrees as at +50 degrees!

“The two uses of Ubiq’ windows I’ve seen that impressed me most couldn’t have been more different,” adds Rahemtulla. “The first was a store that used Ubiq’ as part of its shop-front. Although the shop was closed, passers-by could interact with the merchandise, for example seeing how a pair of shoes would look in blue, black or brown and find out information such as pricing and the sizes available in stock. There was quite a queue! The other use I saw that I found fascinating was the Ubiq’Window used in a boardroom presentation. It even made seasoned businessmen sit up and take notice!”

To find out more about Ubiq’Window and touchless technology call Infocomm on: 24 151 020 or 24 151 021.

© Bold PR – 24 March 2009

Muscat - The foundation stone for the new multi-purpose, 30,000 square metre ICT and business development facility on Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) was laid on Sunday 15 March by the Under Secretary for Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, HE Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb and HE Mohammed bin Nasser Al Rasbi, Under Secretary, Ministry of Defence.

In addition to the foundation stone laying ceremony, the two Under Secretaries signed a series of agreements related to the expansion of the Rusayl-based technology park.

Since its launch in 2003, KOM has gone from strength to strength, attracting multinationals such as Microsoft, NCR, Huawei, Motorola and Hewlett Packard to take up residency. Hi-tech SMEs from the Middle East, Asia and Europe have also opened operations on KOM. In addition to this, the Park's business incubator program, The Knowledge Mine, continues to thrive, now home to over 15 start-ups working in areas that include e-Security, web design, precision engineering and environmental services.

Alongside the business benefits, the new KOM building is expected have a major impact on the domestic economy attracting upwards of 2,000 jobs and substantial inward investment into Oman over the next 5-10 years of its opening.

The new building will comprise of eight floors and take KOM's existing office accommodation on from 22,000m2 to over 50,000m2. Externally, it will compliment the existing green glassed domed buildings on the park. Upper floors will have superb panoramic views over the tech park and the surrounding countryside.

The large development is the result of a partnership between KOM and the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund. As well as creating a centre for ICT excellence, the new building will also provide a base for firms working in areas such as the creative industries, education and environmental technologies.

Hilal Al Ahsani, CEO, Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) the government organization responsible for KOM, said: 'The global market for environmental products and services is an area KOM is keen to explore and one that is projected to double from $1,370bn (1.37 trillion) per year at present to $2,740bn (2.74 trillion) by 2020.'

According to Al Ahsani, in countries such as Germany, environmental technology is expected to grow fourfold to 16% of industrial output by 2030, with employment in this sector surpassing that in the country's big machine tool and automotive industries. 'Given the growth in environment technology, the new facility we're building will certainly be looking to attract companies working in this important sector.'

The PEIE CEO went on to add, 'KOM's new development will bring huge long-term benefits to the Omani economy by fostering closer ties between ICT, business and education, building on the spirit of innovation for which KOM is renowned. PEIE is committed to developing our knowledge economy which is why we are partnering with the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund in this state-of-the-art facility.'

Saleh Al Habsi, Director General, MoD Pension Fund, said, 'KOM and the new 30,000 square metre office facility is about investing in Oman's future by providing our people and businesses with the opportunities, skills and facilities they need to prosper.'

The foundation stone laying ceremony marks the start of the building's construction. The project's consultants are locally-based National Engineering Office and the contractor is Al Adrak Trading and Contracting LLC. The building is fully expected to be a landmark feature and will be equipped with the latest technology in broadband information and communication.

Long-term tenant of KOM and MD of Infocomm, Karim Rahemtulla said, 'This is a major investment in Oman's future and will bring immense benefits to the sultanate's ICT and creative industries sectors, particularly in terms of the recruitment and retention of staff, as well as being a catalyst to the economic development of Oman.'

© Oman Daily Observer – 16 March 2009

Please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/188600.html for on-line article.

The Origin Oman campaign, as the name suggests, is here to encourage growth and stability in the local economy.

Muscat - Zuhair Al Zadjali, Origin Oman Campaign Co-ordinator, suggests: 'There are huge benefits for all of us in sourcing goods and services from local businesses wherever possible. By supporting one another, we increase the amount of money available for companies to purchase further local services - a really smart way of working.'

According to Al Zadjali, government is ploughing a lot of time and effort into the Origin Oman campaign to promote locally made goods and services. Over the past 12 months the campaign has launched a website (originoman.om), carried out print and radio advertising, recorded promotional films and organized a series of high profile initiatives.

'The aim is to encourage residents and businesses to buy from local companies and shop in local stores. We want to retain the finance we have in country, stimulating the local economy,' smiles Al Zadjali.

Businesses who have already signed up to the Origin Oman campaign have urged others to follow their lead. S. Gopalan, CEO, Reem Batteries and a recent winner of His Majesty's Cup for the Best Five Factories, said: 'Signing up to the campaign shows a commitment to supporting the local economy. The government has always been highly supportive of small, local businesses but through the Origin Oman campaign has recently become more hands-on, which can only be a good thing.'

Karim Rahemtulla, MD of KOM-based Infocomm said: 'It's a campaign that's helping promote local businesses which are incredibly unique. In tough economic times like this, buying local goods is a sure way to get quality products, at a fair price, while knowing that you are also supporting sustainable community and environmental development that impacts all of us positively in the long-run.’

Shopper and long-term Muscat resident, Kinda Helmi said: 'Shoppers increasingly want to know the source of their food, how it's produced and where it comes from - in other words, the story behind their food.' Kinda went on to explain that: 'Buying locally produced goods supports the entire supply chain, from the farmer through to the ad agency who designs the packaging to the guy who stacks the supermarket shelves. Local firms are the lifeblood of our economy and society and they can only gain by working together. I wish this initiative every success.'

© Times Of Oman – 11 January 2009

Please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/180724.html for on-line article.

The Advergames created by the Infocomm team proved a popular attraction at the Oman Motorshow. Infocomm GM, Rafid Mukadam talks about the games themselves, their growing role in branding, marketing and advertising and Infocomm’s leading role in the Advergaming business.

Muscat - “We’re very proud of the advergames we’ve put together especially for the Oman Motorshow this year,” says Rafid Mukadam, General Manger of KOM based Infocomm. “I think visitors to the show of all ages will really enjoy them. They’ll certainly add a new dimension to the exhibition.”

Mukadam reveals that the Infocomm Team have created a technological treat, including an interactive display and motor-racing games with cock-pits and huge plasma screens: “I’m sure all generations will enjoy the special effects in the cockpits and the interactive display will get everyone moving – it’s incredibly entertaining,” laughs Mukadam.

The GM goes on to say: “What we’re particularly excited about is the Ubiq’Window screens – this is absolutely a first in the sultanate and I believe in the region. Ubiq’Window gives a unique experience that users certainly won’t forget. While many of us these days are familiar with touch screen technology, I think this touchless technology will really present a few surprises. The screens are an extremely attractive way of displaying information and are fantastic for interactive games.”

While games are designed with fun in mind, increasingly these days they are being used by companies as a platform from which to promote their products. “Advergaming, as it’s known is gaming with messages, brand messages,” says Mukadam. “Advergames can be designed around a specific brand or can feature a product, exactly like product placement in films. They’re highly engaging and research shows that players come back to the games again and again – generally playing them from 5 to 35 minutes. Can you think of a regular advertisement that can do that? It’s a very effective way of getting your brand message or information out.”

Mukadam goes on to say: “Many people think that advergaming is just for the teenage market but this couldn’t be further from the truth. People of all ages play computer games, video games, on-line games, hand-held games and the like. In fact, the average gamer is about 30 years old and getting older. Another surprise for many people is that women play these games almost as much as men.”

Clearly enthused by the topic Mukadam adds: “For me, what is really fantastic is that here in Oman we’re absolutely at the cutting edge of advergaming. The technology Infocomm has used for this project is state-of-the art – we’re definitely ahead of the game on this one! That’s great news not just for us, and our clients, but also for Oman with the importance that the government has placed on the role of technology in the sultanate’s agenda for future development.”

© Oman Daily Observer – 27 November 2008

Please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/177901.html for on-line article.

Hi-Speed internet access was recently installed in Phase Two of the popular Dolphin Residential Complex. Infocomm GM, Rafid Mukadam talks about the company’s role in the project and HSIA Consultant Nitin Awasthi discusses the technology behind it.

Muscat - State of the art secure hi-speed wireless internet access (HSIA) has been installed in the 19 new buildings of Phase Two of the Dolphin Residential Complex. This follows on from the successful installation of wireless HSIA in the 17 individual buildings and 64 apartments of Phase One. Of course the ever popular Dolphin Club, which forms the heart of the Complex, was also fully equipped with wireless HSIA. In total there will be four phases to the project with the 36 buildings of Phase Three slated for completion at the end of 2009 and Phase Four ready by the end of 2010 – all of course with wireless HSIA.

The wireless HSIA allows residents internet access at speeds that are the fastest in the sultanate throughout their homes and the complex itself. The service also allows Dolphin visitors to log on to the internet around the complex. “The scheme has been a tremendous success,” confirms Tajmal Jami, General Manager of Yahya Construction, the company behind the Dolphin Complex. He added “We’ve always lead the field in quality family living and we see the installation of hi-speed internet access as a natural step in this regard. We like to keep at the forefront of lifestyle developments and always make sure we provide our residents with the best possible services. Nowadays, in a complex like this a full array of telecoms services is expected just about as much as plenty of parking and a well-equipped kitchen. We’re coming to a time in the property business where providing wireless HSIA to residents is no longer optional but a lifestyle necessity.”

The company responsible for the HSIA project at the Dolphin Complex is Knowledge Oasis Muscat based Infocomm, the first to offer this service in Oman and already responsible for similar projects in luxury locations such as the Bar Al Jissa Shangri La and the Chedi, as well as in other top class hotels around the Gulf region. The company has also provided HSIA and wireless connections for major industrial projects such as Sohar Industrial Port. “We’re delighted to have undertaken the challenge of providing the Dolphin Residential Complex with wireless HSIA. Residents of the Complex have high expectations and it’s our job to make sure that as far as telecoms are concerned these expectations are met,” remarks Infocomm GM, Rafid Mukadam.

Nitin Awasthi, Infocomm HSIA Consultant and the person responsible for the planning and execution of the project is satisfied with the project and adds: “From our point of view, the most important thing was to make sure the residents had a secure connection using the latest in wireless secure technology. Yahya Construction were very clear that the entire system should be one that fully meets international standards and it has been our pleasure to fully meet this requirement.” Awasthi goes on to say: “A key factor in a project of this kind is to provide a complete solution to our client’s requirements. With this in mind the Infocomm team will provide full back up support for all residents.”

© Oman Daily Observer – 14 October 2008

Please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/171310.html for on-line article.

I forgot my mobile yesterday morning. It brought home to me something I already knew: I’m lost without it. It’s no wonder then that smart marketers are targeting us through our phones, writes Jon Burke

Muscat - Mobile marketers use text messages (SMS) and multimedia messages (MMS) to reach consumers on one of the most personal devices we possess, our mobile phones. In fact, there are already more mobile phones in use worldwide than televisions and computers put together and mobile marketing gives the opportunity to get key messages across to every one of these phones. What’s more, mobiles typically have one user, which means they are a powerful channel to deliver highly targeted and relevant information. At a time when we hang up on telemarketers, delete spam and throw direct mail into the bin without opening it, we remain receptive to marketers “texting” us. Welcome to the next frontier in direct marketing.

“The main attraction of mobile marketing is that, unlike direct mail or e-mail, people tend to read the message. Indeed, statistics show that 94 per cent of text messages are usually read within an hour of receipt. When we use our mobiles, we’re in a more intimate, personal mode than when we use our computers - that’s much more task-oriented and these days we tend to ignore or avoid online advertising. With mobiles, people are more likely to notice and engage with the advertising,” says Rafid Mukadam, General Manager of Knowledge Oasis Muscat-based mobile marketing company, Infocomm.

Mukadam goes on to say: “The potential for mobile marketing in Oman is huge, especially as mobile phone penetration is so high – according to the most recent figures it’s more than 95 per cent. What we see here at the moment in terms of marketing possibilities via the mobile phone is very much the tip of the iceberg. Look out for more personalised messages and focused campaigns in the future. It’ll soon be common to receive promotions on your phone – supermarket coupon codes, raffle ticket numbers, that type of thing.”

Continuing further, Mukadam says, “also we’ll be seeing more opt-in campaigns – that’s where the consumer signs up to receive ads or sends a text to a number on an ad to receive more information. This type of campaign gives a sense of personalised communication because the consumer starts the dialogue. Only a one-to-one phone call can better that in terms of personalization. Another thing to watch out for is location based mobile marketing – basically ads are sent to your mobile depending on where you are. This has been introduced very successfully in several countries already.”

Campaigns of the type Mukadam mentions have already been undertaken successfully around the world. In India, for example, telecom operator Hutch India, allows customers to download coupons to their mobiles for two-for-the-price of-one offers at nearly 400 retail outlets. An insurance company in the UK sends customers an SMS five days before a policy expires, warning that they will soon find themselves without cover. The result has been a 20 per cent reduction in churn.

Location, location, location

The location-based advertising that Mukadam mentions is gaining popularity in Asia in particular. When mobile customers of StarHub, Singapore’s second largest telecom operator, enter a mall, their mobiles alert them to special discounts in stores and restaurants. This location-based advertising service helps businesses generate almost immediate sales by pushing specific marketing or promotional SMS messages to a customer who is near a participating shop. StarHub feel the messages translate to heightened brand awareness, better response actions and even increased market share.

A similar initiative was tested by another Singapore operator, M1 using 1,000 volunteer customers in the popular shopping area of Orchard Road. Indeed, M1 claims that attracted by the discounts, mobile users rushed to sign up for the scheme. Marketers at Massachusetts’ CambridgeSide Galleria Mall have also tried an opt-in mobile marketing scheme to bring in the shoppers.

The phone numbers of nearly 2,000 customers were collected and over a six-month period, they received 39 discount offers from 19 tenants via SMS. Shoppers then showed their phones at the mall’s information desk to receive vouchers to redeem in stores. According to a Mall spokeperson, an amazing 80 per cent of all the text vouchers were converted. “The tenants that participated all saw a jump in their sales,” he says.

Other innovations are also being tested. Singapore’s M1 has launched an opt-in service whereby text messages are scanned for keywords, and the user is sent a relevant 10-second ad. For example, a text about a restaurant would prompt an advertiser’s display of a recipe or restaurant special offers. Another trail by M1 involved volunteers photographing barcodes on advertising billboards with their phones if they wanted to know more about a product or offer. The phone’s browser then connected them to the advertiser’s website.

These marketing experiments are all voluntary: operating licences generally bar the release of personal user data or delivering advertising without the consumer’s consent. Their strength is that the users who sign up signal their interest and willigness to participate meaning that the messages and incentives sent tend to have a high success rate.

UK firm Blyk has taken the opt-in idea one step further. Blyk is a network with a difference – it is funded by advertising. It gives 16 - 24 year-olds free mobile texts and calls in return for receiving around six mobile marketing messages a day. When signing up for the service users give Blyk details of their hobbies and habits – giving potential advertisers the opportunity to focus messages. Among Blyk’s target group the idea has proved attractive, and reached its goal of 100,000 users six months ahead of plan. To illustrate the point, in a recent Blyk campaign to promote a new novel, 67 per cent of the Blyk subscribers targeted responded to a text offering a 90-second audio download of the book’s opening chapter. Of these, 51 per cent downloaded the clip. Those that were not interested were pointed to the publisher’s website, where they could browse other novels.

“It’s a great idea. Young people are very open to the idea of receiving advertising – as long as it has something to say to them that is relevant and of interest,” comments Mukadam.

Take Off

Without doubt the arrival of 3G is instrumental in changing the face of mobile marketing. “There really is a vibe in Oman that now is the time for mobile marketing,” says Rehan Moosa, Infocomm’s Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager.

Clearly motivated by the topic he goes on to say: “There are so many new possibilities with 3G and people are always looking for new platforms for their messages. Mobile penetration here is almost 100 per cent. Just compare that to the number of Internet subscribers. On top of this, as far as big brands are concerned there is a feeling that the market for online advertising is saturated and they’re looking at more personalised and focused options to communicate with customers. They want to reach people who are really interested in what they’ve got to offer. Mobile marketing today is where Internet advertising was about 10 years or so ago - it’s about to take off.”

While analysts cite a variety of impediments to the growth of mobile marketing, marketers themselves feel that possibly the real limiting factor in this area is that not enough work is done to integrate mobile into the overall marketing mix, and advertisers need to ‘think holistically’ when planning their campaigns. “Look at the Muscat Eye Laser campaign,” says Moosa. “They’ve used text messages with great success but their strength is that it forms part of an advertising campaign that has been thought through and combines different media.” His GM agrees: “Mobile is without doubt a personal way to reach consumers who can be incentivised through information services and compelling content, as well as more relevant and targeted messaging. However, the clear difference in the market over the past 12 months has been the embracing of mobile marketing as an integral part of cross-media brand campaigns and it’s now receiving big brand backing from the likes of Coca Cola in markets such as India and China and from McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts in Europe and Asia.”

Industry analyst Gartner has forecast that the market for mobile marketing will surpass $2.7bn this year, up from $1.8bn in 2007. What’s more, ABI Research estimates that mobile marketing will grow to $24bn worldwide in 2013. Certainly Oman seems poised for mobile marketing to take hold in a big way given the phenomenal increase in mobile phone penetration in the sultanate which, according to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) Annual Report 2007, has jumped from 25 per cent to 95 per cent in just 3 years.

This tremendous rate of growth has been higher than in the rest of the region but the degree of penetration is still lower than that of neighbouring countries implying that there is still room for growth in this segment. The TRA report also acknowledges the increasing importance of data traffic with the typical mobile subscriber sending an average of 100 text messages a month – this represents a 16 per cent increase compared to the previous year. With figures like these perhaps mobile marketing could be more aptly named upwardly mobile marketing.

Most current marketing is done through SMS text messaging but with the introduction of 3G phones, picture and audio messaging as well as mobile Internet are becoming increasingly popular.

© Oman Economic Review – September 2008

Please visit http://www.oeronline.com/php/2008_sept/telecom.php for on-line article.

Infocomm announced its participation at this year's Comex, scheduled to be held 28 April - 2 May 2008 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

Muscat - 'We're really excited about this year's Comex,' says Karim Rahemtulla MD of KOM based Infocomm. 'It's a great opportunity for us to showcase our products and services particularly as regards m-Commerce which is becoming increasingly popular here in Oman.'

But what is m-Commerce? It's using your mobile to make purchases and while not many of us have bought a book or a t-shirt in this way, an awful lot of us are buying ringtones and downloading games onto our phones. We're also taking up data services such as sports and stock market updates and weather reports. 'It's a global trend,' comments Rahemtulla 'and Oman is right in there. It's a real growth area. Young people are powering it with their love of new and different ringtones and gaming but more and more adults are signing up for services like mobile phone banking.'

Rahemtulla goes on to say, 'Infocomm is not just about m-Commerce, exciting as this is, so Comex will give us the chance to highlight some of the other things we do, for example, our e-Learning solutions. Of course, e-Learning has been around for a while but several factors are coming together and are truly making it an idea whose time has come; it's because of new developments in technology, because now the e-Learning environment has its own personality and is not trying to replicate the classroom experience and let's face it, because people themselves are more comfortable with computers. It's a great time for e-Learning, just look at the e-Learning possibilities on Second Life, for example, that's tremendous. And without wishing to state the obvious, the flexibility of e-Learning opens up training to so many more people.'

m-Commerce and e-Learning are not the only things that Infocomm wants to share with us: 'We're keen to introduce people in Oman to the possibilities of Advergaming,' adds Rahemtulla. 'And we want to use Comex as a platform to celebrate the success of www.isurf.co.om, our online community hub which is getting more than 200,000 visitors a month.'

'What's been very rewarding about iSurf,' says an enthusiastic Rehan Moosa, webmaster of iSurf, 'is that users are a real cross-section of society. They are spread almost exactly equally between Omanis and expats, with a smattering of tourists, but also we have a good mix of gender and occupation. It really is a website for the whole community and we're very proud that it has something for everyone from cinema listings, to events, to games and more besides.'

© Oman Daily Observer – 14 April 2008

Please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/153334.html for on-line article.

Muscat - Today sees the Knowledge Oasis Muscat and Information Technology Authority's Serious eGames Conference scheduled to be held at the Rusayl-based technology park open.

'When I tell people that by 2012 the number of consumers using mobile phones to shop will be increasing by more than 25% a year, they ask: What's that got to do with us in Oman?' laughs Karim Rahemtulla MD, Infocomm, ahead of his participation at Monday's Knowledge Oasis Muscat and Information Technology Authority's Serious eGames Conference scheduled to be held at the Rusayl-based technology park.

'What people probably don't realize is that it's already here and in quite a big way. In fact, the very people who think it'll never happen here are probably already using it. After all downloading ring tones or wallpaper for your mobile is not that unusual, is it? And children often download games or songs through their phone. And using your phone for park and pay is a popular option here too these days. And these transactions are exactly what m-commerce is all about.'

Infocomm is Oman's leading m-service provider and behind many of the m-commerce services available here in Oman, such as weather forecasts, football results, stock updates and of course park and pay - so Rahemtulla is in a good position to comment. 'm-commerce has definitely arrived in Oman and all the indications are that it is only going to get bigger. Just look at the mobile penetration here in Oman and as the applications available develop, as speeds increase, it's going to take off in a very big way. The arrival of 3G has already made a big difference.'

Rahemtulla goes on to say: 'There's all kinds of research around with projected figures for the growth of m-commerce. I recently read Juniper Research that projected global m-commerce transactions will be worth $88bn by 2009. While that figure is startling in itself what's really interesting is that the average transaction is valued at just $3. It's the downloading of ring tones and using park and pay that's driving this phenomena.'

'At a personal level,' Rahemtulla adds, 'I'm fascinated by the possibilities opened up by the use of virtual worlds in gaming as a platform for retail and its implications for m-commerce and I'm really excited about exploring this concept at the eGames Conference.'

In addition to Rahemtulla, the Serious eGames conference has attracted leading gaming experts from Europe and the US. 'The focus of this year's event is on the use of serious gaming technology to Oman's heritage, culture, tourism, education and health. We're delighted to be partnering with ITA this year - they bring substantial added value to the two-day program. In addition, we've also got Ericsson, Infocomm, Nawras, UMS and Huawei as supporters, when you've this type of organization backing you then you know you're on the right path,' says Mohammed Al Maskari, Director General, KOM.

© Oman Daily Observer – 30 March 2008

Please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/151715.html for on-line article.

Muscat - The convergence of information technology, telecommunications, broadcasting and the delivery of Internet services at increasing bandwidths has the potential to revolutionize society economically, socially and culturally.

Indeed, the Internet has ushered in the greatest period of wealth creation in history and has radically altered the way we deliver and receive information and the way we do business. However, it is estimated that more than 80 per cent of the world's population has never even heard a dial tone, let alone surfed the Web and the gap between the information haves and have-nots is widening.

Announcing Knowledge Oasis Muscat's (KOM) new season of Digital Nation seminars (http://www.kom.om/ev.htm) which are scheduled to start 7:30pm Tuesday 11 March at the Muscat Inter-Continental Hotel with a session on Bridging the Digital Divide, KOM's Director General, Mohammed Al Maskari warned of the danger of excluding people from the information revolution: 'Across the globe, people lack jobs, food, health care and drinkable water. However, today, being cut off from basic telecommunications services is a hardship almost as acute as these other deprivations, and may indeed reduce the chances of finding remedies to them,' he said. The divide will grow as those with access to computers gain the skills to maximize the benefits of the Internet and those without become increasingly marginalized. This will impact on educational achievement, access to goods and services, participation in community life and employment. As Al Maskari, argues: 'Increasingly, in the future, what we earn will be based on what we learn. We need to make sure that those opportunities are open to all.'

Lack of access to information technology and the Internet is seen as one of the measures of social exclusion. 'Look at what's happening in Europe and the US,' comments KOM's Director General, 'communities are finding that banks are developing online services but closing local branches. Supermarkets are moving to out of town sites and launching online delivery services. Those who don't have transport or Internet access are reliant on more expensive local shops or no provision at all. We should be aware of these trends.'

Several solutions to the digital divide have been proposed including local training centres, cyber-cafes, telecottages and digital 'champions' to develop ICT projects in Oman's rural areas. 'The 11 March panel will discuss these issues as well as matters related to telecommunication infrastructure and competition and the urgent need to develop local web content,' says Al Maskari.

Karim Rahemtulla, MD, Infocomm and sponsor of Digital Nation remarks: 'If you look at what broadband or ICT in general can bring they are better education, better health care and greater economic development. However, if we're to reap the benefits of broadband and ICT then we need to look at how we get more people online and I believe initiatives like KOM's Digital Nation series go a long way to helping us tackle these difficult matters.'

Sponsored by Ericsson, Infocomm, Nawras, Omania e-Commerce and United Media Services all Digital Nation seminars (http://www.kom.om/ev.htm) are free of charge and held at the Muscat Inter-Continental Hotel.

© Oman Daily Observer – 1 March 2008

Please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/149480.html for on-line article.

Muscat - Oman's leading m-Commerce firm, Knowledge Oasis Muscat-based Infocomm, participating this week at GITEX, announced it has marked a milestone for Infocomm as they signed an MoU to provide a full turnkey WiFi solution for 7i, the Saudi-based ISP.

This is the second venture between the two companies since they meet at GITEX last year.

'Last year's show was tremendously successful for us, so it was imperative that we participate this year, particularly since we have a range of new WiFI, M-commerce, e-Learning and e-Gaming solutions to present,' said Singaporean entrepreneur and Infocomm's MD, Karim Rahemtulla. 'In fact, the positive feedback from business partners, ISPs and Telco operators strengthened our determination to expand our participation at this year's show and to make greater use of GITEX as an international, strategic platform for presentations and networking,' comments Rahemtulla.

The first two days of the show have been highly productive for Infocomm and Rahemtulla is clearly enthusiastic as he describes them. 'We were besieged on Saturday and Sunday with quality enquiries - people literally queued up one after the other to see our WiFi, M-commerce e-Learning and e-Gaming solutions.'

7i has also shown keen interest in Infocomm's e-Learning content. The possibility of accessing this in the Kingdom on a pay per view basis has been suggested. 'We're providing businesses like 7i with solutions that allow business owners to get on with what they're good at, running their own business. We don't expect them to know all the latest WiFI, M-commerce or Internet-based learning strategies nor should they, that's what we are here for,' says Rahemtulla.

Ibtisam Al Faruji, Head of Marketing at KOM commented from the Park's stand at GITEX: 'Infocomm is one of the region's leading M-commerce firms providing solutions to organizations working in manufacturing, health, travel, leisure, tourism and education. They're an extremely competent and proactive international firm. On the domestic scene, they're certainly revolutionising the way in which Omani companies and government departments think about marketing their products and services. We're proud to have this calibre of company as a tenant. The level of their participation at GITEX is typical of how they operate - absolutely top class and a credit to all the Infocomm team.'

© Oman Daily Observer – 9 September 2007

Please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/131479.html for on-line article.

Karim Rahemtulla is the Knowledge Oasis Muscat-based Singaporean entrepreneur behind the leading M-commerce firm, Infocomm, and Oman's first value-add infotainment portal - isurf.co.om

Muscat - According to the Singaporean entrepreneur, “isurf.co.om offers a solution to the biggest problem facing our community today, communication. In fact, we designed and launched the portal to save people time, effort and energy.” At this year's COMEX, Infocomm has unveiled a revamped isurf.co.om and according to Rahemtulla visitors to his stand have been giving great feedback.

“We've introduced a new bundle of services, these include up-to-date information and advice on food and restaurants, movies, cinemas, job vacancies, car sales, online shopping and Internet games. We cover a full range of activities on the portal and it now reaches over 250,000 people right across the country. In fact, we've a wider circulation than any of the domestic newspapers and our audience is getting more and more sophisticated,” pointed out Rahemtulla.

Commenting on his operations at KOM, Rahemtulla said: “We're a mobile commerce firm and KOM's an ideal location for us as it offers credibility of address, good networking, infrastructure support and opportunity for growth. Tenants on the Park aren't just involved in business relationships,” Rahemtulla says. “We're all involved in a tight knit community and experience mutual benefit from using each other's services,”he says.

Since basing his Middle East operations at KOM, Infocomm has been planning and implementing sales expansion across the region. “We've some exciting plans for the future and hopefully they will allow us to expand Infocomm and further promote KOM as a regional hub for ICT, innovation and entrepreneurship,” he commented.

“It's sophisticated, hi-tech businesses like Infocomm that are helping stimulate local ICT employment opportunities and attract skilled and creative workers to Oman. We're delighted to have Infocomm as tenants and I'm very excited about how the isurf.co.om infotainment portal is developing, it's a marvelous service,” remarked Mohammed Al Maskari, KOM's Director General.

© Oman Daily Observer – 27 March 2007

Please visit http://www.ameinfo.com/115020.html for on-line article.