Video Contest Promotes Interfaith Understanding
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is sponsoring an online video contest to promote better understanding between Muslims and people of other faiths. The contest theme is “Let the Conversation Begin.” The advocacy group is offering two $5,000 prizes: One for a video submitted by an American Muslim and the other for a spot submitted by a person of any faith, anywhere in the world.
Videos must be no longer than a minute and audio, if any, must be recorded in English or have English subtitles. Videos must be submitted in .avi, .mov or .mpg using .zip format. Entries are due by April 15. For contest details click to www.cair.com/contest/rules.asp.
AEMS Opens Regional Office
AEMS, a global provider of technology solutions for exchanges, clearing houses, banks, brokers and intermediaries, has opened an office in the Dubai International Financial Centre. AEMS was created by Atos Origin and Euronext. Abdel Nadjem, head of AEMS Middle East, will lead a local team of sales and technical experts to provide regional support, as well as developing new business relationships.
Major Increases to Come in ‘Mobile’ Connectivity
According to a research report from the Sweden-based analyst firm Berg Insight, one in two cars and one in three notebook PCs shipped worldwide in 2011 will have cellular communication capabilities. This will create a massive market for wireless M2M communication and mobile broadband data devices, exceeding 100 million units per annum. This year, Berg Insight estimates worldwide shipments in these categories to reach 23 million units.
“We currently see two strong trends driving demand for wireless M2M and mobile broadband,” said Tobias Ryberg, senior analyst, Berg Insight. “First, more and more automobile manufacturers are following GM OnStar, incorporating telematics units as standard equipment in their vehicles. Second, the integration of HSPA in notebook PCs is gaining momentum as mobile operators launch high-speed HSPA networks.” He also mentioned utility meters, security alarms and POS-terminals as product categories in which adoption of wireless M2M communication technology is growing rapidly.
Women Increasingly Tech Savvy
From politics to technology, women have played a vital role in shaping society. Some of these achievements are being highlighted for International Women’s Day on March 8. In regards to the technology spectrum, the US Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) reports that women are the primary consumers when it comes to wireless gadgets and gizmos.
According to CEA officials, women are outspending men in electronics purchases $55 billion to $41 billion. The trade organization also reports that women influence 90 percent of consumer electronics purchases.
But despite their interest in and rapid adoption of technology, women are still disadvantaged in technology access, particularly in developing countries. Rachel N. Mayanja, the special adviser to the UN’s secretary-general on gender issues and the advancement of women, called on the Commission on the Status of Women, as it continued its 51st session, to review women’s continued limited access to information and communication technology, as the gender digital divide remained wide.
Internet TV Spotlights Indie Music & Culture
XLR8R TV has debuted on Internet television network Revision3. XLR8R TV is the first Internet TV program to feature cutting-edge hip-hop, electronic and independent rock music. New episodes of XLR8R TV will be posted twice monthly and will focus on emerging artists, clubs and studio visionaries. The first episode of XLR8R TV is available now at www.revision3.com/xlr8rtv.
Each episode of XLR8R TV will be approximately 15 to 20 minutes long and will feature a variety of segments including:
• Audiofile — A profile, interview and performance with an artist who represents what’s next.
• On the Spot — XLR8R TV takes to the streets and asks for on-the-spot reactions and opinions from those deep in the scene.
• In the Studio — This segment focuses on the studio experience, the environment and mood artists create to enhance their creativity.
Managed Services Set to Increase
Managed Network Services (MNS) adoption will increase over the next two years among large, globally focused businesses, reports In-Stat (www.in-stat.com). Their research, “Global Managed Services Trends,” found that while most globally focused firms currently perform network functions in-house, out-tasking is gaining acceptance due to increased network complexity and convergence.
“In two years, nearly 40 percent of survey respondents in the areas of PBX/Phone System Management and Telecom Expense Management indicate that these functions will be out-tasked,” said Jeff Jernigan, In-Stat analyst. “Within two years, MNS adoption rates will roughly double for security, storage and hosting, with nearly one-third of respondents indicating these functions will be out-tasked.”
