Intel has launched a consumer technology roadshow titled “Enjoy the Digital Lifestyle,” which will follow an experiential approach by providing users in the Middle East with a venue to try out the latest PC usage models, based on mobile computing and digital home technologies. Opened in Jeddah on Jan. 16, the roadshow will also visit Riyadh and Alkhobar over the coming weeks. This comes as part of Intel’s efforts to play a role in increasing consumer awareness about technology and its benefits in the region.
“We believe that this interactive approach will enable us to carry the message about the benefits of technology to our audience. This is especially important in this region, where the youth constitutes the majority of the population and where both governments and industry have identified the need to conduct intensive awareness programs in order to support the spread of ICT skillsets and help achieve economic competitiveness,” said Samir Al-Schamma, Intel’s GM in the GCC.
The display used for the roadshow will reflect the look and feel of a digital family room, featuring wirelessly interlinked PCs and consumer electronics devices. New PC users will be able to use Intel’s PC basics tutorial software, whereas the more skilled visitors can compete in a variety of computer games. Three winners in those games will walk away with state-of-the-art laptop and desktop computers based on either Intel Centrino mobile technology or the Intel Pentium 4 processor with hyper threading technology. Movie lovers will also be able to experience the latest in in-home digital entertainment, by streaming films wirelessly from the computer onto the TV screen, via a digital media adaptor.
Consumers are invited to visit the “Enjoy the Digital Life” roadshow in Jeddah at CompuMe or Hera Mall until Jan. 21. The roadshow will be in Riyadh at CompuMe, Jan. 23-28 and Kingdom Mall, Jan. 26-28. The roadshow concludes in Alkhobar at CompuMe, Feb. 5-11 and Alrashid Mall, Feb. 8-11.
Microsoft Program for PeopleSoft Customers
Microsoft will offer a migration program designed to satisfy the needs of businesses that use PeopleSoft technology products, PeopleSoft World (formerly from JD Edwards), PeopleSoft EnterpriseOne (formerly from JD Edwards) and PeopleSoft Enterprise. The migration program was developed to help PeopleSoft customers and partners respond to business challenges resulting from Oracle’s recent acquisition of PeopleSoft.
The migration program provides migration technology, price discounts on Microsoft Business Solutions software and services and strategic guidance to help companies efficiently and affordably migrate to a Microsoft Business Solutions business management application. While the program is available for all four Microsoft Business Solutions business management applications, Microsoft recommends that PeopleSoft World and PeopleSoft EnterpriseOne customers consider Microsoft Business Solutions-Axapta or Microsoft Business Solutions-Great Plains. The migration program is also designed to serve business partners that specialize in PeopleSoft technology.
“Businesses that use PeopleSoft technology are facing some difficult choices today, and we’re committed to providing them with the best options for moving forward,” said Carl Langhorn, regional manager, Microsoft Business Solutions, Microsoft Middle East & Africa. “Today’s announcement is evidence of our ongoing commitment to working closely with PeopleSoft customers and partners to help them migrate to Microsoft Business Solutions in a smooth, cost-effective manner and on a schedule that best accommodates their business needs.”
The new program provides an attractive financial package for PeopleSoft customers, including a 25 percent license discount as well as a 25 percent discount for the first year of participation in Microsoft Business Solutions support and enhancement programs. These financial incentives are available to customers that license a Microsoft Business Solutions application no later than June 22, 2005. The program offers migration planning guides to help customers evaluate applications and platforms, as well as data migration tools to shorten the total implementation time. The program also will feature guidance from experienced systems integrators who specialize in PeopleSoft migration and from technical specialists skilled in PeopleSoft application conversion who can cross-train companies’ sales personnel.
Symantec & VERITAS Integration Team
Symantec Corp. and VERITAS Software Corp. have announced the structure of the team responsible for managing the integration of the two companies. In addition, the companies have engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to provide merger and acquisition services related to infrastructure planning and implementation, and Bain & Company to help with the integration of customer facing functions.
“Symantec and VERITAS are highly complementary in terms of product lines, account coverage structure and go-to-market approaches,” said John W. Thompson, Symantec chairman and chief executive officer. “At the same time, we are taking an approach that is both pragmatic and realistic when it comes to the integration challenges that lie ahead. Our synergies, along with the commitment of both companies’ employees and the integration teams, should help make the integration process more manageable.”
Ed Gillis, VERITAS chief financial officer, will lead the overall integration planning and management efforts for both companies. Gillis is establishing the integration management office and forming joint teams to begin the planning. Led by representatives from both companies, the joint teams will be focused on:
• Planning for the sales, services and business development structure;
• Outlining the lines of business and developing the technology roadmap;
• Detailing the combined company’s go-to-market plans;
• Integrating the services and support organizations; and
• Combining the finance, infrastructure and legal operations.
