Jordan Times
Monday, October 4, 2004
Int@j highlights ICT
opportunities in Jordan, region at GITEX 2004
By Rami Abdelrahman
DUBAI — The Information Technology Association - Jordan (int@j) is participating
in GITEX 2004 to raise awareness of ICT opportunities both in Jordan and across
the regional IT sector, int@j CEO Bilal Abuzeid told the Jordan Times on Sunday
as eight Jordanian companies, all int@j members, took their places at the Jordan
pavilion in the Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre.
“Strategic partnerships between countries are the
obvious next step to competing effectively in the international marketplace”
Abuzeid indicated.
Exhibitors include leading Jordanian hardware and software solutions providers
such as Integrated Technology Group, Eskadenia Software Solutions, Samsync,
AlliedSoft, Globitel, Computer Engineering Bureau and Ideal Group, as well as
government organisations such as the Ministry of Information and Communications
Technology and the Jordan Investment Board.
Also cementing Jordan's place as one of the region's pioneers in the field of
education, int@j and the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology
will place special emphasis on its various e-learning initiatives and their
successful implementation.
“The Jordan Education Initiative is the first of its kind in the world and int@j
has been involved at every stage of the programme's execution,” said Abuzeid.
“E-learning is the future of education and we rank it as one of our highest
priorities when we look at developing hardware and software solutions.”
On the first day of the exhibition, IBM unveiled a new innovation developed in
the Middle East that can increase cars' and pedestrians' safety by sending
alerts to the driver via voice technology whenever the vehicle is passing the
speed limit of a particular street, and can go as far as reporting to the
traffic department if the speeding persists.
According to IBM Middle East General Manager Samer Shaar, the new “Smart Box” is
similar to the so-called black box of an aircraft, as it can capture, analyse
and deliver data via a wireless network.
The new technology has embedded computing power and integrates GSM/GPRS
functionality, combined with GPS and voice recognition systems into the
vehicle's systems and environment for intelligent connectivity.
He said it was developed as a venture between UAE University and IBM's
Engineering and Technology Services organisations which both designed, developed
and tested the Smart Box that can be used as a platform to develop advanced
tele-matics applications, which uses telecommunication technologies to collect
information.
The project would also introduced applications that will enhance the safety of
the driver and the vehicle, such as tracking and monitoring speeding violations,
driving violations, reckless driving, car theft, as well as providing emergency
services and anti-theft measures.
Other applications include route finder, traffic control, infotainment (music,
games, on-demand movies; communication, productivity tools, personalised news,
sports, and information) and location-based services for events, retail store,
cinemas, and restaurants.
Shaar said the new project can enhance vehicle maintenance through advanced
automobile diagnostics capabilities, technical updates, vehicle maintenance, as
well as remote monitoring and repair.
Meanwhile, he indicated, it would optimise resources such as integrating vehicle
location with job requirements, fuel consumption, mileage information, driving
hours and vehicle condition to maximise efficiency.