The New Nation - Internet Edition

Round Table held on banking software

IT Reporter

Brac University and Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) jointly organised a roundtable on Banking Software in Bangladesh: Problems and Prospects on 8th November, 2008 at Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre. The roundtable was chaired by Professor Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor, Brac University. Professor Jafar Iqbal , Chairman, Department of CSE, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology was the lead discussant of the roundtable while Professor Iftekhar Gani Chowdhury, Dean of Brac University Business School was the moderator.

Mr. Suhel Ahmed Chowdhury, Chairman, Janata Bank Limited, Mr. Siddiqur Rahman Chowdhury, Chairman, Agrani Bank Limited, Mr. S.M Aminur Rahman, CEO, Janata Bank Limited, Dr. M.Kaykobad, Professor, Department of CSE, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Hafiz Md. Hasan Babu, Department of CSE, Dhaka University, Mr. Abul Kashem Shirin, Deputy Managing Director, Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited and CEOs of BASIS Member Companies producing banking software were among others present and spoke in the roundtable. BASIS President Habibullah N Karim in his introductory remarks dwelt upon the capability of Bangladeshi software companies in producing banking software to cater to the needs of Bangladeshi Banks in the process of automation of their banking system even if the process is in a big scale. However, Bangladeshi banks go for procurement of foreign made banking software which impedes expansion of business of local software companies, BASIS President further said. This kind of roundtable discussion in presence of decision makers from banks, academia, and software companies might help exchange ideas about the capabilities of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs producing banking software for local Banks, he added.

Professor Jafar Iqbal emphasised on taking joint initiative to let the decision makers understand that Bangladeshi entrepreneurs are capable of producing banking software.

Mr. Siddiqur Rahaman Chowdhury, Chairman, Agrani Bank emphasized on strengthening marketing initiatives by Bangladeshi vendors of banking software and change the attitude by Bangladeshi banks towards local software. In most cases, where private banks utilize their own funding for procurement of banking software , no such condition should be embodied in the tender document so that Bangladeshi vendors are bared from participating in the tender, he opined.

Mr. Suhel Ahmed Chowdhury, Chairman, Janata Bank commented to introduce certification by Bangladesh Bank that Bangladeshi banking software should be used by Bangladeshi Banks. Professor Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor of Brac University and chair of the roundtable stated that, banking sector of the country, in fact has been the early user of IT. But in recent times, it is found that local banks including government owned banks are procuring banking software from foreign sources although the requirement of local banks can easily be fulfilled by the local software companies. He urged upon the decision makers of banks not to drive away local vendors deliberately from participating in tenders from procurement of banking software.

ECS City IT Fair 2008 ends up

Nine days long ECS City IT Fair 2008 has come to its end on October 07. This event was the largest one of its kind with the participation of huge number of visitors all the days. The growing interest of the young was another plus point for this fair to make it more successful then ever.

Even the last day was also crowded with a huge number of IT lovers all day long. Several companies has offered price reduction and gift offer in the very last day. Mr. Toufique Ehsan, Convener of this fair expressed his desire to arrange this sort of fair with wider range in next years. He also expected to invite foreign brands to participate here directly with own stalls.

Mr. SM Waheduzzaman, Convener of Logistic Committee of the fair has claimed this year's arrangement a highly successful one. With the help of seven world famous brands as its sponsor the fair has got more glow to its success, he also added.

Mr. Nazrul Islam, convener of Security Committee has expressed his desire to take strict steps to resist the business of fake products and to ensure the consumer right during all the year activities.

Nokia introduces seven new low cost mobiles

IT Report

In its ongoing effort to bridge the digital divide, Nokia has introduced a range of affordable mobile devices and innovative new services specifically for people in emerging markets recently. In addition to Nokia's lowest cost handset to date, as well as its first handset for emerging markets with an integrated digital music player, Nokia unveiled a range of services that leverage the power of the Internet. Estimated retail prices of the new devices range from 25 to 90 EUR before local taxes and subsidy. These devices will be available in Bangladesh gradually starting from January 2009.

"In 2002, Nokia unveiled a strategy to lower the cost of owning and operating a mobile phone and to bring the benefits of mobile telephony to people in emerging markets. Today, we are expanding that vision by introducing a number of devices and services that aim to bring the power of the Internet to these markets as well," says Robert Andersson, Executive Vice President, Devices, Nokia. "The mobile device and the Internet are a powerful combination in connecting people with each other, accessing information, news, entertainment and sharing. By introducing products and services that are affordable, relevant and easy-to-use, we believe Nokia can fuel the growth of the Internet in emerging markets through mobility." Seven new mobile devices offer a range features, styles and price points To support the range of new mobile services for emerging markets, Nokia has expanded its portfolio of affordable mobile phones, including.

Make your children computer scientists

Technokids is Canadian based a global ICT education provider for children. Daffodil technokids a regional associate partner in Bangladesh which provides relevant and current computer education to children ages 4 to 17 since 2001. The technokids program is designed specifically for children and utilize proprietary thematic projects and engaging activities. At Daffodil Technokids our mission is to combine education and technology to provide children with the core computing skills that will best prepare them for the future. The Technokids curriculum provides effective computer technology education in a modular format, with lesson plans spanning the entire academic school year and beyond. Technokids is uniqueness for real life project based computer education, individual attention is given to every children by a qualified faculty, One kids one computer, Flexible class timing after school hour, Updated curriculum all the time , developing global citizen, developing the leadership and partnership skills which turn ideas into action. Technokids consider all the key theories when it produced the projects. Its is scientific and based on child psychology. The Technokids computer learning center serves the local technology needs of the country. Children at different age range get admitted to gather computing skills the following categories. The Technokids projects age level categories are, Techno Tot (04), Primary (5-7), junior (8-10), Inter (11-13) and Senior (14-17). Technokids Bangladesh site office:- House no# 04(5th floor), Road # 16 (new), Dhanmonidi R/A. Dhaka. Phone- 9127221, 01713493166.

Oracle to launch insurance applications

IT Report

In response to global insurance industry customer needs, Oracle has recently launched Oracle Insurance, which serves more than 2,000 insurance customers worldwide. Oracle Insurance helps insurers improve business agility through an end-to-end software offering that manages the entire enterprise - from technical infrastructure to core insurance processing.

With Oracle Insurance products, insurers can get products to market faster, reduce operational costs, strengthen customer and distributor relationships, and gain full visibility into their business operations.

Oracle Insurance offers customers added flexibility to address critical business issues by delivering applications as part of an integrated solution or as a best-in- class offering.

Oracle Insurance leverages a broad standards-based product set that spans Oracle® Database, Oracle Fusion Middleware, Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Performance Management applications (EPM), as well as industry-specific offerings from Oracle's AdminServer, Skywire Software and Siebel product lines. Oracle Insurance builds on Oracle's proven track record in the sector - with 20 of the top 20 Fortune 500 insurers using Oracle applications. Oracle Application Integration Architecture (AIA) Foundation Pack for Insurance

Underscoring its focus on the insurance market, Oracle introduced Oracle Application Integration Architecture (AIA) Foundation Pack for Insurance, which enables insurance companies to accelerate application integration between Siebel CRM Claims and Oracle's PeopleSoft Enterprise or Oracle E-Business Suite Financials to streamline payments and reserve management.

Oracle AIA Foundation Pack for Insurance helps insurers to unify their Oracle and non-Oracle application portfolio, including new and existing systems; minimize integration costs and risks; and quickly adapt business processes.