Nokia, which has introduced “stylish and slim” Nokia 7610 that combines robust imaging capabilities with multiple smart phone features, has renewed its commitment to enterprise mobility with the introduction of the first in a series of new enterprise-grade mobile devices designed for corporate customers. The new Nokia 9500 Communicator is one of the first cellular devices on the market designed to meet the demands of corporate IT departments for customization, manageability and security. The tri-band device supporting E-GPRS (EDGE) and Wi-Fi 802.11b is expected to be available in the Middle East during the fourth quarter of 2004. With the announcement of the new enterprise-class communicator series, Nokia’s recently formed Enterprise Solutions business group evolves the company’s portfolio of business-optimized devices to include a full range of differentiated devices. “The Nokia 9500 Communicator combines our knowledge of enterprise customer needs and critical usability issues with our expertise in mobile connectivity and security, resulting in the first mobile device that enables fast and universal access to corporate services, and is backed by proven application and software support from leading IT vendors.” Its other key functions and features include tri-band GSM capability, symbian operating system platform with personal profile environment, inbuilt VGA camera and multimedia messaging, bluetooth audio and data support, USB connectivity, 80 MB of free user memory, two color displays, e-mail support, security, browsing and office tools support (documents, spreadsheet and presentations). Nokia grabbed the spotlight at CeBIT 2004 with the introduction of the sleek Nokia 7610 imaging device, the company’s first mega-pixel camera phone. Encased in fashionable dual-tone ruby and onyx-colored covers, the slim and stylish phone offers quick and convenient capturing, printing storing and sending of photo-quality images and videos in addition to the benefits of the Series 60 platform. The triband model is planned to be available in the Middle East during the second quarter of 2004 in two variants - GSM 900/1800/1900 and GSM 850/1800/1900.

Salam

Tamim Ali Al-Dosary, a Saudi, was recently awarded a Ford Fox 2004 car as the grand prize of a “Win a dream car with Salam card” campaign organized by Advanced Communication Company (Salam). The ceremony was held under the supervision of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Abdullah Al-Wehibi, deputy general manager for sales at Salam, delivered the prize to Naif Al-Dosary, brother of the winner. Those present included Marketing Manager Samir Mosa and Ford Showroom Manager Osama ibn Said. Tamim entered the draw after purchasing a prepaid calling card through Al Rajhi Banking and Investment Company. Salam General Manager Mansour Al-Obied said the ceremony confirmed the company’s credibility and commitment toward its customers who received various prizes during its previous campaigns. Mosa said Salam had planned to organize a campaign under the supervision and coordination of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Salam is described as one of the pioneering Saudi companies in the field of providing services and solutions for fixed and mobile communications. The company offers credit paid cards for company and central communication telephones, and prepaid cards like Salam, phone cards and Hala.

Samsung Electronics

In a move to further strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. presented its latest technology in all of its categories at Comdex Saudi Arabia 2004, which was held at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center recently. Samsung Electronics was one of the official sponsors of this specialized Information Technology trade show where the electronics giant had a 200 sq. m. “Exhibition Island.” While underlining its leading position in the international electronics industry, Samsung Electronics used Comdex as a platform to showcase its stylish and trend setting products. Visitors who comprised professionals and traders spent their time at the island viewing its wide product range. Samsung Electronics, a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunications, flat panel displays and digital convergence technology, is the world’s largest producer of memory chips, TFT-LCDs, CDMA mobile phones, monitors and VCRs. The company has four main business units: Digital Media Network, Device Solution Network, Telecommunications Network and Digital Appliance Network Businesses. Its leading products range from memory chips and digital TVs, to display monitors and mobile phones. The company’s involvement in the three disciplines of digital technology - chips, R&D and manufacturing - “means that Samsung Electronics is uniquely positioned to create innovative and superior digital products.” Recognizing that the “digital revolution” is entering a new phase, Samsung Electronics has transformed operations, putting digital technology at the core. The company is committed to being a market-driven solutions provider and leader in the digital convergence marketplace. The Digital Media Network Business specializes in convergence technologies. This division is a leading developer and manufacturer of digital TVs, color monitors, DVD players, laptop PCs, printers and all-in-one wireless devices. The Device Solution Network Business is the world’s largest producer of DRAMs, SRAMs and TFT-LCDs. This unit is also a pioneer in non-memory chips.

Zamil Group

Jubail Energy Company (JEC), the power plant joint venture between National Power Company (NPC) of Saudi Arabia and CMS Energy of the United States, has been awarded Project Finance magazine’s “Deal of the year” award in the Middle East Independent Power Producer (IPP) category for 2003. The award was conferred on JEC during a ceremony in London recently, in recognition of the company’s financing of the Saudi Petrochemical Company (SADAF) cogeneration project, which is the first private independent power plant in the Kingdom. The SADAF project, structured under a Build Operate Transfer (BPT) model, will provide 250 MW electricity and 510 tons per hour of steam cogeneration power from its site in Jubail Industrial City in the Eastern Province.