ALKHOBAR — I’ve heard about a new website scheduled to launch tomorrow. Akwam.com, based in Bahrain, claims to be the "world’s first official home employment site." Is it hope or hype? Let me know.

I’ve received mail from Safi A. Rahim, editor, Manzil Media. Rahim has been sending out a short list of news items every day that highlight news, views and opinions, which have a bearing on the Muslim Ummah. Rahim has stated that this new e-mail service is "part of a bigger project to launch a Muslim media network that aims to cater to the informational needs of Muslims." The service hopes to "inform US policymakers, academics, think-tanks and the public at large about views and opinions of Muslims on issues and events that involve Muslims." Contact Rahim through [email protected].

Next on our agenda, everyone wants to do something about Jenin, so try this. The webmaster of rememberjenin.org is looking for volunteers who are capable and creative. Contributions can range from being directly involved in the site’s design and maintenance, to providing advice, guidance, recommendations and innovative ideas. There has been a request for articles, photos and links, as well. The purpose of this initiative is to be objective, not emotional, in creating a lasting memorial to the Jenin tragedy. Interested individuals may send e-mail to samer @rememberjenin.org.

Last, but certainly not least, before we get to the main feature today, let me share with you an excerpt from an e-mail that I, and probably a million other "valued customers," received from Carly Fiorina and Michael Capellas, introducing us to the "new HP." The e-mail read:

"Today we bring together two great companies to create one world-leading technology company that we hope will earn the coveted role as your partner of choice. Hard work and the courage of our convictions brought us to this day. Now, we are eager to prove we can seize the moment and lead the change in our industry. Most important, we are eager to demonstrate that our passion for customers is stronger than ever."

I must ask: Who writes these things? Do companies believe that the IT community is incredibly ignorant? We have all been watching the HP-Compaq merger madness for months now. "Valued customers" have been the last ones informed or consulted at any point in the process. Now, suddenly, the new HP has found that it has a passion for customers. The problem is that the customers I’ve spoken with are really nervous about dealing with the new HP. Instead of concentrating on spin, it seems to me that it’s time for HP to focus eagerly on customer needs in order to boost market confidence.

Now, it’s time for me to tell you about a building. For some reason there is a perception, especially abroad, that Saudi Arabia isn’t the most modern place in the world to do business. So to counteract that impression let me tell you about a terrific building in the Eastern Province that has just begun accepting tenants.

The seven-story Ahmad N. Albinali Building or the "AB Building," as it has come to be known, stands proudly, clad in shimmering green structural glass. It has been built in Alkhobar facing the Gulf on the site of the old Indian embassy school. The building’s completion caps a 2-1/2 year quest by Ahmad N. Albinali & Sons Trading and Contracting Company (AB) to create a headquarters that would demonstrate the skills and techniques learned over decades in the Kingdom’s construction business.

"We wanted our headquarters to incorporate the most modern features of building construction and also to be an example of elegant architecture both inside and out," said Samir A. Albinali, president, AB. "Unfortunately, in many modern buildings, beauty is secondary to functionality. That was unacceptable for us. Work takes up a significant portion of a person’s life. That time should be spent in an ideal environment and we believe we have created it."

AB, in consultation with several different companies, developed the original building plan over a period of eight months. The basic structure was designed by a Lebanese firm and the mechanical plans where handled by CDE in Alkhobar. The stunning interior architecture reflects the innovation of the UK’s Fox Linton Associates. More than 80 percent of the materials used in the building’s construction, both inside and out, were sourced from businesses within the Kingdom.

"It would have probably cost less if we had procured the materials from abroad," explained Samir. "But that would have defeated the purpose of the project and would have been a lot more hassle. We really wanted to show that everything needed to construct a first-class building is available on the local market."

Samir admitted that the experience the company has had working on contracts with Saudi Aramco played a large role in their ability to successfully manage the construction of such a modern structure. Issues such as quality control, procurement, scheduling and safety, are all part of Saudi Aramco’s priorities when it comes to any contract. Albinali has found that firms who work extensively with Saudi Aramco learn to value such concepts too, since they quickly see that paying attention to these details favorably impacts project completion.

The first impression of the AB Building is one of power mixed with strength and confidence. The lobby is a cool expanse of black marble, reflecting crystal chandeliers. Entry to AB’s offices on the sixth and seventh floors is a journey taken in a brass clad elevator with key only access. The AB boardroom has mahogany woodwork, leather chairs and a stunning view of Alkhobar and the Gulf.

However, don’t be fooled by the beautiful decor. This is one building where functionality was never forgotten and technology always rules. The glass on the building’s facade is double-glazed to reduce overall energy consumption by 20 percent. The boardroom has a $10,000 projection system and recessed connections to enable modern communications and presentations. There is also a fully furnished auditorium for larger demonstrations. An executive fitness club and a private restaurant are located on the ground floor.

The building is run by technicians, using a state-of-the-art building management system (BMS). From a base in a control room on the building’s ground floor, a technician is able to monitor all the building’s systems including electrical, HVAC, lighting, safety and security. The technician can turn lights on or off throughout the building. He can control the temperature of any room. If a fire alarm is activated by a smoke detector, through the central display the technician can quickly visualize the area of the building in question to determine if it is a real threat and the seriousness of the situation. The building is equipped on every floor with overhead sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and fire axes, so that immediate containment of any blaze is possible. Coming into the summer months, the building is operating on its own electrical generator to keep the load off Saudi Electricity Company’s network, but it could be switched over to the local grid instantly if the need arose.

The most interesting part of the BMS is its security features. Forty-two network connected cameras provide constant surveillance in all public corridors of the building, the parking lot and the perimeter. Even the interiors of the elevators are monitored. A few mouse clicks enable a security officer to manipulate the display to follow someone from the moment he approaches the parking lot until he reaches whichever office is his final destination. To be honest, when viewing the security display for the first time, the thought did cross my mind that I hoped I hadn’t been doing anything strange in the elevator on the way up to the Albinali offices. The data taken in from the security cameras is stored for one month so it can be reviewed if the need arises.

All individuals entering the building are issued with a security badge. Employees have permanent badges. These "smart" badges allow access to areas of the building as specified by the employer. The system keeps a log of all entry and exit activity. In addition to enhancing facility security, this has eliminated the requirement for time cards to monitor employee attendance. When a security badge is used to open a lock, at the central display a security technician is able to compare a file photograph with an image of the person who has entered a particular area. If the two do not match, an alert is sounded.

The system doesn’t depend on remote monitoring alone to ensure security. It also manipulates humans to help assure safety. When a security guard reports for duty he holds a PDA against a security terminal. It registers his presence and loads the first stop on his tour of duty. The guard proceeds to that first location as instructed. Once there, he accesses the system again through his PDA. It registers his location and the time he arrived there, and instructs him on the next location where his presence is required. The system varies the route with every shift, so that neither the guard nor a potential intruder can anticipate the building’s physical security detail. After every shift, the system sends a report of the guard’s activities to a supervisor for review.

"In addition to the BMS making the occupants of our building feel comfortable and secure, it is vital for keeping building maintenance costs low," said Samir. "For example, if a light bulb burns out, the BMS reports it immediately. It also reports how many of that type of light bulb we have in stock and from where we purchased them previously. It reminds us to clean water tanks and filters and keep up with other maintenance chores. Because we constantly care for the building’s systems properly there is no chance that in the future we will be performing major repairs necessitated due to neglect."

At this time, the AB Building is the only office building available to the private sector in the Eastern Province, which is providing such comprehensive facilities. Samir hopes that through their example this situation will change.

"Now, I really enjoy coming to work," said Samir. "I have everything I need in a proper, secure environment. Yes, the standards of this building are high, but we hope other companies will realize that using the latest technologies can enable the construction of office space that is both beautiful, practical and affordable over the long term."

***

(Comments to [email protected])

.