NAWRAS achieves success at COMEX 2006

Oman Tribune, 3 May 2006, Wednesday

MUSCAT – With over 15,000 visitors to its business and shopper’s stand, Nawras, the Oman-Qatari Telecommunications Company, was an outstanding success at the recently-concluded COMEX 2006.  The platinum sponsor of the event was awarded the ‘Official Mobile Service Provider’ award for its state-of-the-art presentations and products.

The shopper’s side was where Nawras claimed most of the crowd, who snapped up three bonanza promotional offers, besides participating in exciting competitions.  The Golden Number draw attracted a lot of visitors and entitled anyone who purchased either a Nawras Mousbak or Nawras Ajel product to enter the draw for a golden mobile phone number. 

At the Business Stand, the main attraction was Nawras’ business solutions, tailor-made to suit varying corporate requirements.  The latest additions to the Nawras business solutions included Nawras Internet, Nawras Mobile Email, and Nawras Business e-recharge services. 

Nawras Internet introduced customers to wireless high-speed Internet available across the Nawras broadband network for as low a monthly fee as RO. 3.

Nawras Mobile Email introduced visitors to how they can schedule meetings from their handset while on the move.  The other attraction was the Nawras “Get Closer to the Future” section that was organised in collaboration with Ericsson.  Nawras demonstrated cutting edge technology as 3G video telephony and HSPDA Internet connection.

OMASCO bags award for ‘best display’ at COMEX

Times of Oman, 3 May 2006, Wednesday

MUSCAT – OMASCO, the distributor of Panasonic range of products in Oman, had been awarded the ‘Best Technical Display Stall’ at COMEX 2006 under the patronage of Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair, Vice President, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The various products on display were categorized under telecommunications, home security systems, industrial applications like display panels, projectors and industrial security. 

It also displayed the 65-inch Plasma TV, which is the largest of its kind and very soon Panasonic will also start manufacturing the 103-inch Plasma TV.  “OMASCO stall got a very good response and this was the third consecutive time we participated at COMEX,” said Rajendra Nadkarni, divisional manager – projects division, OMASCO.

“These kinds of exhibitions provide an excellent opportunity for us to display our strength in the industrial and home appliances solutions and also for customers to see the latest offers under one roof,” he added.  COMEX indeed received a phenomenal response with visitors thronging in huge numbers throughout the exhibition.

Ericsson organises excursion for college students at COMEX

Times of Oman, 3 May 2006, Wednesday

MUSCAT — During the recently concluded COMEX 2006, one of the platinum sponsors, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, brought university graduate students from the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and various other professional colleges to the COMEX premises and updated them on the latest telecommunication and mobile technology aspects in the market.

More than 300 students, split up into several batches, were transported to the show in coaches throughout the period of the exhibition, from April 26 to 30. Students were so excited to get first-hand information on telecommunication growth and development in Oman since 1973.

They were able to watch a purpose-made movies produced by Ericsson, attend presentations on latest telecommunication technology like HSDPA and live demos of HSDPA, 3G, 3G Video calls and mobile TV to name a few.

It was a first-ever arrangement in the history of COMEX, and the organisers were gratified with the mass response and also that the students appreciated the opportunity extended and exchanged ideas after seeing the live demonstration.

The students were overheard saying: “If we miss a regular class due to sickness or any other reason we can make up by getting help from our classmates, over video call and we will not feel ‘home sick’ if we can see our parents and family members on our mobile phone when we are staying at hostels.”

“The number of students per batch increased on the last day, due to the spread of information from students who have had already attended and more students expressed interest to participate. The students were also taken to Oman Mobile, Omantel and Nawras stalls to experience their products and services live.

Ericsson is a major/sole supplier to all these three telecom operators. Ericsson also conducted seminars at their stall for the enterprise segment to show the latest enterprise solutions of LM Ericsson, launched MX-ONE™ in Oman and the latest fibre optic network deployment technology,” a company spokesperson said.

KOM signs up six new tenants at COMEX, expects more

Times of Oman, 2 May 2006, Tuesday

MUSCAT — The COMEX 2006 was a great success for Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM), the Rusayl-based Tech Park. This was stated by Mohammed Al Maskari, acting director-general, KOM.

“This was the third time we’ve exhibited at COMEX and the show provided us with real insight into the IT market for the next 12 months.

The stand team was very busy and we met a number of domestic and international firms who are genuinely interested in setting up on KOM.

In fact, we signed deals with six new tenants at the show, organisations that will occupy in excess of 1,300 square metres. Moreover, we fully expect to sign lease agreements with a further six firms in the coming weeks. ”

Recently recruited tenants will be accommodated in KOM’s new 10,000 square metre facility, which is expected to be completed by August this year.

The new tenants’ will work in areas that include: disaster recovery; digital mapping; e-commerce; software development for the petrochemical industry; system applications and products for procurement and logistics; and e-learning, Al Maskari said.

“We’re delighted to have Intergraph, SAP Arabia, Hewlett Packard, Techsia, Technostore and Minhaj Technologies as new tenants, in fact, they’re all helping to realise our vision for KOM — a place where companies grow and where technology, science, education and business come together,” added Ibtisam Al Faruji of KOM’s marketing team.

“Overall, COMEX bought us a wealth of new contacts and provided many of our tenants with the opportunity to push their businesses to the next level,” said Al Faruji.

“With the new building coming up in August, we look forward to beginning a new era at KOM,” said Al Maskari.

“We offer ICT knowledge-driven businesses a high-quality and high-security location with the ability to expand within the KOM campus over the long-term, allowing them to completely focus on their business without the concern of future relocation. We look forward to a long and positive working relationship with our new tenants,” concluded Al Maskari.

Omantel wins two awards at COMEX

Times of Oman, 2 May 2006, Tuesday

MUSCAT — Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) won two COMEX awards announced by Oman International Trade & Exhibitions OITE, under the patronage of Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair, vice-president of the OCCI at a ceremony to honour outstanding participants and sponsors of the Sultanate’s premier IT, telecom and technology show. Omantel won one award for Lead Supporters and the other one for Outstanding Support to its Executive President Dr Mohammed Ali Al Wohaibi.

 
Eng. Mohsin bin Hassan Al Raisi, vice-president of network and technology in Omantel received both awards. The telecom company won these awards for its continued support of 16th COMEX exhibition, technology, telecom sectors and economic development.

 

Awards are also as part of recognition of Omantel’s contribution to making an Omani society a digital one with innovative services and projects, which the company introduces time to time and cooperate with other strategic companies.

Omantel had participated in COMEX exhibition 2006 as main sponsor and focused on fixed phone services and internet services such as ADSL,WiFi, MPLS,WLL. The company’s staffs briefed the visitors of the newly-introduced services in Omantel stall and attended visitors’ enquires on WiFi the new service of Omantel, which was launched last month. Also Omantel had a marketing stall at COMEX Exhibition 2006 where it introduced innovative services and promotion offers for visitors and attended enquiries about internet and fixed phone services.

The award categories and the winners are as follows:

Lead Supporters: Omantel and Oman Mobile

Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Knowledge Oasis Muscat

Official Mobile Service Provider: Nawras

Best e-commerce solutions provider: Tejari

Premium telecommunications supplier: Ericsson

“Trend Setting” communications solutions: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

Leading telecommunication solutions provider: Huawei Tech. Investment Co. Ltd. – Oman Branch

e-banking partner: BankMuscat

Best overall performer: Bishara Establishment

Best in imaging solutions: Canon

Best broadband solutions: MCA

Best channel support: Oman Gulf Enterprises

Best technical display stall: OMASCO

Most interactive stand: Telecommunications Regulatory Authority – TRA

Best continuous live demos: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

Outstanding support: Dr Mohammed Ali Al Wohaibi, executive president, Omantel

Best stand-design: Oman Mobile

There were 55 attendees in all and this year there was an increase in the number of categories to reflect how technology is evolving.

Huge crowds throng COMEX on last day

Oman Tribune, 1 May 2006, Monday

MUSCAT — The 16th edition of COMEX, the Sultanate’s premier technology show, came to an end on Sunday, with huge crowds thronging the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

“COMEX Shopper and Business have both been very successful,” Oman International Trade and Exhibitions (OITE) director Sales and Marketing Sadiq Ahmed Khan said.

The business section was also successful in garnering several major deals. “Almost all exhibitors have booked sales orders for the next month,” Khan said. A number of international companies have visited COMEX this year and have shown interest in taking part next year. “They are becoming aware how the market has grown here,” he added.

Khan felt the Sultanate’s PC market has developed over the last few years. “A few years ago, our objective was to get a PC into every house. Now, that stage is more or less complete. People are now coming to COMEX to buy new software and peripherals,” he added.

One of the main focal points of COMEX has been to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country gain access to new technology. “The big companies can easily go abroad to buy new technology. But SMEs cannot do this. Thus, it is very important that they gain access to new technology so that they can remain competitive,” Khan said.

Ericsson shows new technology

Oman Tribune, 1 May 2006, Monday

MUSCAT - Using COMEX 2006 as a platform, Ericsson’s Country Manager Peter Andersson demonstrated on Sunday the new technologies that the company has in store for the Sultanate.

Andersson gave a presentation on mobile broadband at HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) speed, fibre optics and Enterprise Communications Solutions.

The company demonstrated live how Internet browsing, quick downloads, media streaming and live TV is now possible on mobile phones of third generations using HSDPA technology.

“Due to the growing economy, Oman is fast attracting many new organisations, and they need a robust system in place aided by fast-growing technologies,” said Andersson.

During the event, Ericsson also launched MX-ONEtm, the new platform for Internet Protocol (IP)-based telephony systems and applications for medium and large enterprises. MX-ONE tm as well as Ericsson’s latest version of IP-enabled platforms MD110 and BusinessPhone allow companies to use their data network for voice communication as well. All Ericsson enterprise systems allow the combination of traditional telephony and IP telephony in one system and thus help companies plan the migration to full IP at a pace they feel confident with.

The company has been actively present in Oman since 1973. Voicing over Ericsson’s commitment to Omanisation, Andersson said, “We want to incorporate the best talents in our company. What I am happy about is that 300 students from SQU, who are about to graduate, attended a session held by us at COMEX. We are committed to teach the new generation about the latest technologies.”

Nokia N80 launched

Times of Oman, 1 May 2006, Monday

MUSCAT - MHD LLC, Nokia’s sole distributor in Oman has launched the much-awaited Nokia N80 at COMEX.

The N80 is the latest 3 mega-pixel camera-phone from the famed N Series phones from Nokia — the earlier models being N70, N90 & N91.

The N80 is the first ever handset to enable seamless home media networking between compatible TVs, audio systems and PCs. It reflects and harmonises work and personal life through leading on-the-go productivity tools, multimedia entertainment and mobile photography in a design that communicates success. Weighing only 134 grams, the compact credit card sized yet feature-rich 3G multimedia device is packed with performance, providing fast internet access and convenient intuitive browsing as well as the possibility to send and receive e-mails at Wireless LAN (WLAN) speeds.

It is a fantastic product like all Nokia phones and with 3G coming in soon in Oman on a commercial basis, the N80 is a stupendous tool, says Abraham John, head of Nokia sales at MHD LLC.

 
COMEX is a perfect platform to launch such a product as we will have a cross-section of discerning customers who will benefit from this product. The MHD LLC stall in the shoppers’ section had some very attractive Nokia-Nawras combo deals and from reports, heavy sales were recorded in the first three days of COMEX 2006 itself.

Ericsson upbeat on 3G telephony

Oman Tribune, 30 April 2006, Sunday

MUSCAT - Telecom major Ericsson is bullish on the prospects of 3G telephony in the Sultanate, and is partnering a test study currently on by Nawras to commercially launch the new system in the country.

“3G systems are already commercially launched in many parts of the world. Globally, there are about 45 to 50 million subscribers for this service. So it is really up to the operators here as to when they wish to launch this service,” Ericsson Middle East President Bo-Erik Dahlstrom told Oman Tribune on the sidelines of COMEX 2006.

Ericsson, which is a technology partner for Omantel, Oman Mobile and Nawras, is currently testing 3G systems in partnership with Nawras. “We have a trial system up, which is covering most of Muscat area,” Ericsson Oman General Manager Peter Andersson said.

One of the main technologies Ericsson is showcasing at COMEX in 3G. “What we are showing here is actually live on the Nawras network. There is a base station here and live television, not streaming, is being transmitted. This can be viewed on the mobile phone or by inserting the card into a laptop,” Andersson said.

The 3G system can give speeds up to 1.8MBPS. “Ericsson not only supplies technologies but also content. We can also run the networks on behalf of the operators,” Dahlstrom said.

On the current mobile telecom scenario in the Sultanate, Andersson felt the most positive aspect has been that despite the onset on competition, there has been no price war. “A price war always affects the companies negatively. It is good to see that the operators are rather focusing on services to attract customers,” he said.

The situation is thus conducive for the introduction of new technologies, which can provide better services. “We would like to see the market develop so that we can introduce new technologies through our partners and be a part of the development,” Andersson said.

The company is also showcasing new tech also for ministries and oil and gas companies. “What we really want to show is how we have evolved with Oman in tune with Vision 2020,” Andersson said.

On the prospects of a second fixed line operator in the Sultanate, the company said it is monitoring the situation. “We are monitoring the situation in association with the regulatory authority. Let us see what happens,” Andersson said.

At COMEX, Ericsson demonstrated live how Internet browsing, quick downloads, media streaming and live TV is now possible on mobile phones of the third generation using HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology.

During the event, Ericsson launched its MX-ONETM the new platform for Internet Protocol (IP)-based telephony systems and applications for medium and large enterprises. MX-ONETM as well as Ericsson's latest version of its IP-enabled platforms MD11O and BusinessPhone allow companies to use their data networks for voice communication as well. All Ericsson enterprise telephone systems allow the combination of traditional telephony and IP telephony in one system and thus help companies plan the migration to full IP at a pace they feel confident with.

Ericsson demonstrated live its OnePhone solution for enterprises. Using the latest Sony-Ericsson smartphone as an extension to the company's telephone system, the user is able to look-up names in the central corporate directory via GPRS and initiate conference calls or automatic callbacks by a simple click on a colour touch screen. The large screen of the mobile phone also allowed to read corporate emails including attachments using Eric-sson's Mobile Organiser push email solution for enterprises.

Ericsson also showed its fixed wireless terminal, which allows remote offices with no fixed telephone line availability (such as temporary construction offices, off-shore offices or offices in rural areas) to connect a fixed telephone, a fax machine and a PC using a mobile subscription by simply inserting the SIM-card of the desired mobile operator into the wall-mounted box.

COMEX brings in moolah, experience for students

Oman Tribune, 30 April 2006, Sunday

MUSCAT - Young, smart and enthusiastic. If anyone doubted whether these qualities are indeed necessary and sufficient for making a fast buck, there is a bright brigade of customer-care executives at COMEX to convince you.

With a smile on the face and a polite ‘May I help you?’ they are rather quick in persuading visitors to visit their stalls. The 12-hour-long hectic shift does not fade their smiles at the end of the day. In fact, the smile gets broader when the day ends with a RO10 wage.

Most of these young, temporary company executives have just completed their 12th board exams and are awaiting their results. Some of them are studying in colleges.

Syed Ilyas is one such student who is working at a Loay International LLC stall. Belonging to Indian School Wadi Kabir (ISWK), he is waiting for his exam results. “It’s better to earn some pocket money than idle away one’s time at home. When my friend told me about the part-time customer-care jobs at COMEX, I lapped up the idea. RO50 in five days is good money,” he says.

While earning money is the key attraction, gaining experience in what they are doing during the expo is always at the back of these youngsters’ minds. There are incentives on every item they are able to book and sell.

“It’s fun working here,” says Pratiksha, another student of ISWK. “Though it’s just a five-day affair, I’m gaining experience and learning the basics of the sales and marketing profession. I’m getting exposure and training on how to deal with customers. The experience is my priority, the cash is a bonus for me,” Pratiksha says.

Kritika, a college student in Pune, India, who is holidaying here, plans to do some shopping with the money as she will be going back to India soon.

Yaseer Khokan, a student of Muscat Engineering College, says that he is getting an idea about how to approach customers, how to deal with them and how to set the company products apart from others’, especially when there is fierce competition among companies which are all making good products,” he says.

In a clear indication that the learning process is on, Vikram Mehta, who is working for a Loay stall, says that convincing a buyer is equally difficult. “Most of the buyers seem to know much more than we do. They enquire a lot about the product and the price. So you have to remember all the features by heart. You just can’t afford to fumble. All this is a learning experience,” says Vikram.  To make them well versed in literature about the company products, they are given training at least for a week. “We give them in-house training on customer care, explain them our products, their features and prices. Almost one week before the expo starts, we give them about five days’ training so that they can assist our salespersons at the stall and handle customers as well,” says R Srikant, divisional manager, Genetco-Canon.

It’s a win-win approach for both students and companies. While students gain experience and earn money, companies get extra manpower without disturbing the routine of their work force.

“We have eight stalls here. For that we need extra people. Holiday-making students and college-goers fit in here perfectly. They are young, energetic, active and eager to learn the ropes. They are helping us in distributing products’ leaflets, assisting the company staff at the stalls and are even handling our customers,” says Jimmy Vijayaraghavan at Bishara Establishments.

Madiha Jaweb, a 12th class student, is an expert in handling customers for Canon cameras. She has been doing the company’s promotions for the past two years. And her choice of company for this year’s expo came naturally.

“I was called this year by the company and I too was looking forward to it. It’s fun to be here with your friends, get free meals and earn money, apart from gaining experience. Of course there are inevitable expectations as the company wants representatives who have knowledge about their products and are presentable,” says Madiha.

Paperless world? Not yet

Oman Tribune, 30 April 2006, Sunday

MUSCAT - There is one thing that is quite obvious at COMEX. On  the one hand there is a brisk sale of laptops and PCs and, on the other hand, printers are no less in demand. Whoever talked about paperless offices…

Didn’t everyone predict that the computer would eliminate the need for printed documents? And aren’t they wrong? Paper is piling up as fast as ever. And, therefore, we enter the marketplace for a printer.

If you are going to purchase a printer, the first thing on your mind has to be what am I going to use this printer for? The type of printer you choose depends on what you want to print – be it text, graphics or photos in black & white or colour. If you know that text will make up the bulk of your printing then a monochrome printer will suit your needs. But for most graphics and photos you want colour which means an inkjet printer or a colour laser.

Among the branded ones, Canon, with PIXMA IP-1200 Inkjet Colour, is offering the cheapest printer. Priced at RO15.500, it gives 4800*2400dpi resolution.

If your budget is slightly higher, you can go for Epson Stylus C48 (RO24.9). But I would recommend Epson Stylus Photo CX3700 for domestic purpose. It is a printer, scanner and photocopier, all rolled into one. Priced at RO35 (after COMEX, price will be RO42), it gives a quality printing at 5760 optimised dpi and scanning at 600*1200 dpi.

For professional printers, you can go for Epson Stylus Photo RX640. It can find patrons in photo enthusiasts (5760 optimised dpi to print photos and scan copies at 3200dpi). Also, it can print from all popular memory cards, which means you don’t need a computer for printing. It is compatible with many digital cameras and Blutooth mobile phones. It’s price: RO139 (RO149 post-COMEX)..The best configuration is a printer with a separate cartridge for each colour, that way you only replace the colour you need. Most of the Epson printers have their cartridges priced at RO5. You can also get a special bundle offer from Epson of a colour laser and an inkjet printer priced at RO179. On any given day, this laser printer will otherwise cost you RO175 and inkjet will be priced at RO35.

Oman Tribune, 30 April 2006, Sunday

MUSCAT - The much awaited COMEX awards were announced under the patronage of Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Zubair,  Vice-President, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at the Oman International Trade and Exhibition Centre on Saturday.

At the ceremony participants were honoured with awards for 18 categories according to product display, physical stall set-up, presentation and the like.

Speaking to Oman Tribune Zubair said, “COMEX reflects the heightened investor interest in the IT sector. This was a chance for visitors – both buyers and businesses – to explore possibilities. The show is a good start and an indicator of things to come with regard to development in the expanding information and telecommunications sector.’

Ahmed Saleh Baabood, Managing Director, OITE, added that there was a 30 to 40 per cent increase in investor interest in the show ‘compared with what we’ve been used to in the previous years. This is also because of the growth in the IT and telecommunications sector and the entry of new governing bodies, plus, of course, the industry’s players are bringing in new products and services”.

Awards were presented to the following participants: Omantel and Oman Mobile for Lead Supporters; Knowledge Oasis Muscat for Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Nawras for Official Mobile Service Provider; Tejari for best e-Commerce Solutions Provider; Ericsson for Premium Telecommunications Supplier; Huawei Tech. Investment Co. Ltd. – Oman Branch for Leading Telecommuni-cation Solutions Provider; BankMuscat for best e-Banking Partner; Bishara Establishment for best overall performer; Canon for best in imaging solutions; MCA for best broadband solutions; Oman Gulf Enterprises for best channel support; OMASCO for best technological products; Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) for most interactive stand; Siemens Aktiengesellschaft for best continuous live demos; Dr Mohammad Ali Al Wahaibi, Executive President, Omantel for best outstanding support; and Oman Mobile for best stand design.

Shilpa Ashar, Project Manager, OITE, said: “The awards ceremony has reached a level that participants consider it to be an honour. But it is actually our way of thanking them. A show like this is the perfect platform for networking and showcasing future technologies to decision makers and people in the IT industry.

COMEX is also a good spring-board for launching new products in IT and telecom.

On the shopper’s side it’s like a market place; at one go buyers can see what’s on offer. Here at COMEX exhibitors have brought in their best products at the best prices.”

Now images on your palm

Oman Tribune, 30 April 2006, Sunday

MUSCAT - After MP3 now here comes the MP4.  It’s not just the music as one can see the video also on the palm. After all, who doesn’t want a Britney on their palm?

The Star Computer stall at COMEX 2006 sells this latest craze — downloading songs along with their video. One MP4 player, aptly called Mobile Cinema, has a storage capacity of 512MB and sells for RO35. A Sky brand MP4 set with 256MB is sold for RO22 while a 2GB set would cost RO57.

Another wonder gadget at the Star stall is a cube of 2cm size blaring out 10,000watt music. The MP3 player-cum-recorder-cum-FM radio player is just the size of a dice, replete with a flash memory disk of 256MB. But connected to a speaker through a cord, the cube that can be held between the fingers becomes a powerhouse, belting out hundreds of songs.

The cube comes with stereo earphones, in case you want to limit the music to yourself. The cube can also record even distant voices for more than 17 hours. At RO49, there are many buyers for this cute gadget.

Another interesting item on the stall is a digital audio player in the shape of an audio cassette. The cassette plays MP3 and FM radio, besides recording with a capacity of 256MB. But the amazing thing about this player is that it will double up as an ordinary audio cassette in any audio cassette player. So, instead of carrying many audio cassettes, now one can have as many songs in just one cassette at RO54.

Epson offer at COMEX

Times of Oman, 30 April 2006, Sunday

MUSCAT - The new digital revolution in the world of printing and photography comes alive at COMEX 2006 with Epson ‘Catch the bundle offer’ for RO179, consisting of Epson Aculaser Colour C 1100 (A4) and Epson Stylus C87. Also find the Epson Stylus Photo R 2400 (A3+) for RO339, the Epson Stylus Photo RX 520 for RO79 and the Epson Perfection Photo Scanner V700 for RO269. For demanding businesses which require high performance monochrome and colour printing in one cost-effective solution, the Epson AcuLaser C4100 provides businesses with high performance colour and monochrome printing solutions. Adding crucial colour to your business, while producing high quality monochrome output at lower costs than many monochrome-only printers — and just as easy to operate. So now there’s no reason to buy two printers because perfect monochrome and colour solutions are available in one.

In the groove, while on the move

Oman Tribune, 29 April 2006, Saturday

MUSCAT - If you’re the type of person who’s on the move all the time and want to listen to your favourite tunes while commuting to work or working out, then having the right MP3 player is essential.

Like digital cameras, there is a huge market for MP3 players in Muscat. But unfortunately, like digital cameras again, for reasons unknown, there are not many high-end brands available at COMEX. Those looking for flashy sets will specially be disappointed but people who are not particularly brand conscious can find some good options vis-à-vis prices.

The price of MP3 players essentially depends on their storage capacity. The greater the storage capacity, the more songs you can take with you. MP3 players with a larger hard drive can hold the most data. The expensive flash-based players can generally hold up to 4GB of music (about 1000 MP3 songs). But more affordable options tend to max out at around 1GB.

Creative appears to be the best bet at the COMEX. For 1GB storage capacity, it is priced at RO48 (showroom price RO57) at Prompt Computer Services stall. Also, if you go by design, it is certainly much more compact and better-looking device than any other brand available at the fair. Purchasing a lesser storage capacity device (512MB) of the same company would cost you RO32 (showroom price: RO34).

If you prefer to spend less, then there are other offers. One can go for Mercury, Stallion or Light Wave. Mercury’s 1GB is priced at RO31 (showroom price RO35), Stallion is priced at RO25 (showroom price: RO30) and Light Wave costs RO40 (showroom price RO45). Another Light Wave MP3 player with memory card is priced at RO8 and can suit the pockets of school children.

China’s Huawei makes presence felt at exhibition

Oman Tribune, 28 April 2006, Friday

MUSCAT - Huawei Tech. Investment Co. Ltd, the Chinese company that provides the Internet Protocol (IP) backbone to Omantel, has a prominent stall in the business section of COMEX 2006.

This is the second time Huawei is hiring a stall at COMEX. “The objective is to promote our name and products in this region,’’ says Shaikh Arshad Hussain, data comm. engineer.

The company provides optical network and transmission hardware to Omantel and transmission solutions to Nawras.

Arshad is confident that apart from telecom companies, large corporates and banks here will find Huawei’s products attractive.

A relatively new name in telecom services, the 1998-established Huawei already boasts of strategic partners like Vodafone, British Telecom and Telefonica. In fact, 28 of the world’s top 50 operators are in its client list.

Huawei provides customised communications network solutions like wireless, fixed line, optical and datacom networks, besides application, software, handsets and wireless terminals. The company provides a vast range of products, including routers, LAN switch, OMC & billing system, security firewall, access server, broadband remote access server and SOHO products. Its products are deployed in over 100 countries. The company has eight regional headquarters and over 85 branch offices outside China.

Huawei had contract sales of $8.2 billion in 2005, with 58 per cent of that coming from international markets. It has over 35,000 people on its rolls, with 48 per cent of them engaged in research and development.

Huawei has joint labs and partnership with Agere Systems, Intel, Motorola, Sun, Qualcomm, Microsoft and Infineon and joint ventures with Siemens, 3com and Nortel.

The stall has a handful of routers, ADSL modem, CDMA phone, wireless gateway on display, also has large display panels projecting next generation network like IP TV, 3G transmission, IP phones and Internet.

The stall has been attracting a fair number of techies and business visitors.

People throng COMEX in large numbers on day two

Oman Tribune, 28 April 2006, Friday

MUSCAT - Large crowds were seen at the COMEX 2006 venue on Thursday. Many stalls reported brisk sales. Visitors seemed more interested in gadgets than educative CDs.

Laptops hogged the maximum limelight at the fair, with over a dozen stalls promting them. Mobile phones and digital cameras are other stuff attracting curiosity.

Varghese Abraham of Fatila Technology LLC came all the way from Dubai to promote over 400 PC and mobile accessories that his company distributes. He is happy that sales have picked up at the fair. “It’s (sales) been good from Wednesday evening,’’ he said, adding, “It should be good tomorrow.’’

Friday and the last day of the fair, Sunday, are the two days sellers are looking forward to. Being a holiday, Friday gives everyone an excuse to spend some time at the fair.

Bargain hunters, of course, wait for the last day for a clearance sale. Those wanting to add a few more rials to buy that long-desired and much-postponed gizmo may prefer Sunday, the salary day.

M Prasad from India says: “I’ll come again on Sunday. I want to buy the latest laptop so that it won’t get outdated even before I buy it. I’m waiting for my salary.’’

Buyers expect Wednes-day and Thursday to be basically ‘sorties’ to check out the gadgets and the price trend. This is especially true of high-end products. So they liberally supply every visitor with their brochures and addresses.

“It’s not necessarily the sales factor that has brought us here,’’ says one sales manager. “It’s more a show of our presence than sales or profit.’’

Almost all stall owners share this sentiment. And they are happy to see large crowds on Thursday. Yes, it’s important for any IT sector seller to be in the mind of the new generation buyer. The fair is just the right platform for that.

COMEX gets off to a flying start

Oman Tribune, 27 April 2006, Thursday

MUSCAT -  Over 200 companies have taken up space in the 16th edition of COMEX, which was inaugurated on Wednesday by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry President HE Eng. Salim Bin Said Al Ghattami.

Ghattami was impressed with the way COMEX has developed over the years. “Oman International Trade and Exhibitions (OITE) has been organising this exhibition for 16 years in a row. That means the show is doing very well and there is a demand for this kind of service,” Ghattami told reporters after inaugurating the exhibition.

Ahmed Saleh Ba’bood, managing director of  OITE, the company organising the show, said not only are there more exhibitors this year, the existing exhibitors have taken up more space. “This shows that demand is increasing, he said.

OITE Director Sales and Marketing Sadiq Ahmed Khan said COMEX is an important time for the entire business sector in the Sultanate. “This is the time when new technologies are announced every year. As local companies, both SMEs and large enterprises, adapt to these new technologies, they remain competitive at a global level,” he said.

A lot of new companies are exhibiting for the first time, especially in the business section.

“Knowledge Oasis Muscat has taken up a lot more space this time. They are showcasing a number of their tenants here. Also, Tejari, a UAE-based company specialising in e-governance, has taken up space for the first time,” Khan said.

Omantel introduces hosted exchange

Oman Tribune, 27 April 2006, Thursday

MUSCAT -  Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) has introduced a new concept of a hosted exchange at the COMEX exhibition. The service will target medium and large enterprises, Omantel Executive President Eng. Mohammed Bin Ali Al Wahaibi told Oman Tribune on Wednesday.

“Till now, Omantel was providing only basic email service. Now we are moving a step further, we are moving the office to the home or mobile,” Wahaibi said.

The new service will enable the user to access his contacts at office and home, access his calendar, make conference calls and attend net meetings using the Omantel network. “This service will enable executives to be in constant touch with their office,” Wahaibi said.

Omantel’s Wi-fi service is getting a good response, Wahaibi said. “The service is functional in 11 hotspots. We are now working on increasing the number of hotspots. Work has already begun at the airport,” he added.

There has been a huge growth in broadband demand over the past year. “Demand for broadband has grown over 300 per cent over the previous year. A large chunk of our revenues now come from broadband,” Wahaibi said.

Omantel is now working on providing broadband access over VSAT. “The difficulty is that if the customer’s house is located more than five kilometres away from the Omantel station, he will not get high speed. So, instead of refusing him, we have decided to offer this new service. This is suitable for a country like Oman where the population is dispersed. It will also enable us to provide broadband connections to oil and gas firms operating in remote and offshore areas,” Wahaibi said.

The company is now working on the tariff rates for the new service. “The cost for broadband over VSAT is more than traditional broadband. However, we are trying to price it in a way that it is the same or almost the same as the current service, so that no customer feels discriminated against,” Wahaibi said.

Firms showcase new technologies at COMEX

Oman Tribune, 27 April 2006, Thursday

MUSCAT -  Using COMEX 2006 as its platform, Siemens is displaying four new cutting-edge applications at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

Siemens is holding live technology demonstrations on its stand to give visitors first-hand experience of these solutions, including its High Speed Download Packet Access (HSDPA) showing the ‘real mobile broadband’ and the latest advances in mobile video-streaming. 

This is a part of the mobile industry’s ‘infotainment’ drive, which is expected to account for up to 90 per cent of data traffic in the coming years.

“Siemens has a long and proud history in Oman,” said Stefan Seiber, Head of Mobile Networks, while addressing a joint press conference with Oman Mobile.

“In 1996, Siemens launched the country’s first ever GSM service and today most strategic parts of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure are powered by Siemens technology.”

The company offers a full-line portfolio of innovative solutions for voice and data communication. “Wireless technology is advancing at a rapid pace and Siemens is the trendsetters in this field,” Seiber said.

Talking about the pricing of products vis-a-vis the quality, Seiber said: “Quality is our priority. There can be no compromise on that front. And quality comes with a certain price. We are definitely offering competitive prices in the market.”

When asked to what extent is the market in the Sultanate ready for such an advanced technology, Seiber said, “Oman is a very open-minded place and people extremely technology oriented. If it’s a nice and fancy entertainment, it’ll be accepted by the people.”

Siemens strategic partner in the Sultanate, Oman Mobile, was also the sponsor of the event. Talking about the mobile telephony penetration in Oman, Erik Von Essen, Deputy Managing Director, Oman Mobile, said, “There is almost 60 per cent penetration in Oman and we see a lot of growth.”

COMEX 2006 gives the best prices

Oman Tribune, 27 April 2006, Thursday

MUSCAT -  Three CDs for RO2 may seem surprising. But Hamad, the salesperson at Dar Elwaa counter, said this was the best part of being at COMEX. “I’ve been coming here for quite a few years now and I see COMEX as a fairly good place for retail and bulk sales.”

On display at his counter were CDs on a range of subjects including the message of the Holy Quran, an atlas, How to be a Billionaire and cookery.

Hamad is happy that every year he gets a chance to rub shoulders with the finest in the industry. “What I sell are CDs. But because of the presence of major brands such as Toshiba, Xerox, Acer, Siemens and Kodak, the entire tech gala gets a major lift and that is favourable for us – the small retailers.”

COMEX 2006 is indeed a computer buyer’s delight - the right time for those who have been dilly-dallying on a purchase to take the plunge. Almost all vendors have announced special prices for the COMEX fair. Buyers can easily look forward to a discount of RO20 to RO50 on various laptop models.

Titus Selestine of Windows Computer said, “We’ve been waiting for the special prices from companies. In fact, we got the discounted prices from a company as late as last night.”

All stalls offer special prices on their products. Hundreds of electronic products are on display including computers, mobile phones, cameras, MP3 players and memory cards. There are PC models starting from RO99 and laptop models starting from RO225, going up in price according to the configuration and choice of brand.

Mustafa Sultan Electronics’ telecom stall in the general section offers special prices on a certain brand of handsets. The main attraction is a famous model that boasts of a 3GB hard disk drive. The ‘Professional entertainment phone’ includes a document reader (that can read your documents and transfer them to a PC), web browser, MP3 player, mega pixel camera and 3-D stereo. But this model is not meant for every pocket, going by the price.

Sunita Iyer, a marketing executive at an advertising firm, was a visitor to the fair. Like most buyers, she was happy with the prices on offer. “I have been wanting to buy a laptop for quite a few months but I waited for COMEX. Obviously it offers you the best bargain,” she said.

“The laptop I’ve chosen here is priced at RO349. At showrooms, it costs me around RO390. Now I feel it made sense to wait this long,” she added.

Omantel will see ‘robust profit’

Oman Tribune, 27 April 2006, Thursday

MUSCAT -  Omantel is back on track and 2006 will see the company in robust profits, company executive president Eng. Moham-med Bin Ali Al Wahaibi said on Wednesday.

“The year 2005 was an extraordinary one on several counts. That is behind us, and we expect a much better year in 2006. The first quarter’s results have shown that,” Wahaibi told Oman Tribune on the sidelines of the inauguration of COMEX 2006.

Omantel posted net profits of RO21.408 million in the first quarter of 2006 as compared to RO19.528 million in the same period last year, an increase of 9.6 per cent.

Preliminary indicators of unaudited financial results of the company for the period ending March 31 showed that the total revenues of the company amounted to RO77.966 million against RO63.578 million in the same period last year, thus posting an increase of 22.6 per cent.

Total spending reached RO 53.205 million against RO 42.295 million during the same period last year with an increase of 25.8 per cent.

Wahaibi said the main reason why the company’s results were expected low was because of major capital expenditures during the year, which ate up into the profits.

“In 2005, the new private operator entered the mobile telecom market. For Omantel, it was the first time it had to compete. Thus, we had to replan ourselves,” he said. As a result, a number of projects, which had been planned for completion in 2006, had to be completed within late 2004 and early 2005 due to the impending competition. “We have to build a stronger network and offer many new services to stay ahead of the competition. Due to all this, we took an RO6 million hit,” Wahaibi said.

Also 2005 saw Omantel being privatised. “There was lot of pressure on setting the value of the share,” Wahaibi said.

The Omantel chief welcomed the impending competition in the fixed line segment as well, as the Sultanate is expected to announce a new fixed line operator by the end of the year. “We welcome competition, as we are now confident, based on the experience we have had due to competition in the mobile sector. We are gearing up ourselves and we will be ready,” Wahaibi said.

Oman Mobile currently has 1,160,000 subscribers. “Normally, the incumbent operator suffers losses once a competitor begins operations. However, we have proved that to be otherwise. After competition started, we added 500,000 subscribers. So we grew faster after competition started,” he said.

The introduction of a fixed line operator will actually help in terms of revenue. “Any competitor will have to use our infrastructure, just like Nawras is doing now. Thus this means extra revenue for us,” Wahaibi said.

He felt that the current share price of Omantel did not truly reflect the company’s bottomlines. “I don’t think the share price is right at the moment. We expect the price to rise,” Wahaibi said.

COMEX 2006 opens today

Oman Tribune, 26 April 2006, Wednesday

MUSCAT -  HE Eng. Salim Bin Said Al Ghattami, President of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will inaugurate the 16th edition of COMEX, the Sultanate's premier technology show, on Wednesday at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

Over 200 exhibitors covering over 2,500 square metres of exhibition space are taking part in the show.

Successfully organised by Oman International Trade and Exhibitions (OITE) for the past 15 years, the show is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport and Communication, supported by OCIPED, with the country's official telecom services operators Omantel and Oman Mobile as the lead sponsors, Knowledge Oasis Muscat as the technology sponsor, Nawras as the mobile service provider and Siemens, Ericsson, Huawei as platinum sponsors and BankMuscat as the gold sponsor.

COMEX 2006 showcases Nawras’ exciting offers

Oman Tribune, 26 April 2006, Wednesday

MUSCAT - Nawras will participate in COMEX 2006 for the second year in a row as a platinum sponsor (official mobile service provider) of the event. Its state-of-the-art exhibition stands will be there on both the business and shopper sides.

At the business stand, its main attraction will be Nawras Business Solutions, which allows businesses to select components to meet their specific needs. There will be three live demonstrations of new additions to the Nawras Business Solutions family. First, with Nawras Internet customers can experience a wireless high-speed Internet connection, which is available across the Nawras Broadband Network.

Haitham Abdullah Al Kharusi, Nawras Head of Offer Management and Corporate Affairs, said: “With Nawras Internet, customers do not have to wait for months as they will be connected to the high-speed Internet connection within minutes.” They can also enjoy a wireless connection from their PC/Laptop without worrying about cables or plugs in the wall. With a subscription fee of just RO3 per month and an unlimited data download charge between RO3 and RO29 per month, Nawras Internet is by far the best value Internet offer in the market.

Secondly, Nawras Mobile Email helps customers stay connected to their hectic schedules while on the move.

Finally, Nawras Business e-recharge demonstrates an innovative business solution, which allows business customers to manage mobile phone allowances and control cost within their businesses.

The Nawras ‘Get Closer to the Future’ section at the Business Stand, in collaboration with Ericsson, will demonstrate the latest cutting edge technology, including 3G video telephony and HSPDA ultra high-speed Internet connection. Nawras has come a long way towards trialling 3G services with a selected number of business customers.

Al Kharusi added, “The annual COMEX exhibition is a unique opportunity to showcase current and future products in the fields of IT and Telecom. We at Nawras take great pride in showcasing our Nawras Business Solutions, which have changed the mobile telecommunications landscape of Oman by serving the business market in a more personalised manner. To achieve this objective, Nawras has combined the best global mobile experience with genuine understanding of Omani culture, to offer its business customers the highest levels of customer satisfaction. This year we are presenting more exciting offers to consumers on the shopper side, and innovative value added services to businesses on the Business Stand, so we can ensure that we always deliver best service, best value and best quality to the people of Oman.”

On the shopper side, consumers can take advantage of three bonanza promotional offers, as well as participate in exciting competitions.

The ‘Nawras RO1 Anniversary Offer’ gives customers the opportunity to join the Nawras family for the incredible net price of an RO1 only. Customers purchasing a Mousbak (prepaid) or an Ajel (postpaid) welcome pack at market price will have additional talk-time credit added to their account, thus making the net price they effectively pay RO1. Family and friends or small businesses can purchase a Mousbak Quattro for RO20 and get RO19 talk-time credit in total or RO4.750 on each of the four cards included.

In addition, Nawras recently launched ‘the incredible handset trio’ bundle. Customers can purchase one of three handset bundles at a very competitive price, which include a Mousbak or Ajel welcome pack bundled with a Siemens A70 for RO15.900, a Nokia 1100 for RO24.900 or a Nokia 1600 for RO32.900. In addition, customers buying any of the bundles will also benefit from the RO1 anniversary offer, meaning they will also get RO8 talk-time credit added to their account. 

Customers who purchase any Mousbak or Ajel product will enter a daily draw for a Golden mobile phone number.  Customers are entitled to receive up to three vouchers for the Golden Number draw depending on the type of welcome pack they purchase.  The draw will be conducted daily by the shoppers’ stand managers at 9pm, and winners will be immediately contacted on their newly purchased mobile number. Finally, to make visitors experience real fun at the shoppers’ stand, there will also be daily quiz and picture messaging (MMS) competitions, with valuable gifts to be won.

COMEX 2006 to begin on Wednesday

Oman Tribune, 25 April 2006, Tuesday

MUSCAT - HE Eng. Salim Bin Said Al Ghattami, President of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will open the 16th session of COMEX, the telecommunication and IT exhibition 2006, at the Oman International Exhibitions Centre on Wednesday.

The five-day event is organised by Oman International Trade and Exhibitions (OITE) in cooperation with the Transport and Communications Ministry and a number of concerned government and private establishments.

The fair will showcase the latest products of telecommunications and IT companies.

COMEX expo set to begin from April 26

Oman Tribune, 23 April 2006, Sunday

MUSCAT - COMEX, the Sultanate’s premier technology show and now in its 16th year, will attract over 200 exhibitors filling over 2,500 square metres of space.

Successfully organised by OITE for the past 15 years, the show is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport and Communication, supported by OCIPED, with Omantel and Oman Mobile as the lead sponsors, Knowledge Oasis Muscat as the technology sponsor, Nawras as the mobile service provider and Siemens, Ericsson, Huawei as platinum sponsors and BankMuscat as gold sponsor.

COMEX has evolved into the perfect technological platform for the IT, telecom and technology industry, making it an established brand renowned for stimulating local and regional trade. The two sections, COMEX Business and COMEX Shopper provide a platform to display latest technologies and launch new products and services.

COMEX Business offers the opportunity to develop business relationships on a one-to-one basis with industry leaders. COMEX Shopper hosts IT and telecom vendors offering the best deals on a range of products and services to over 40,000 buyers.