May 2013 - KICTANet

FW: Safaricom's Super Profits
by Edith Adera 18 May '13

18 May '13

Listers, See response below from Dr Alison Gilwald who has been leading the studies I referred to in multiple African countries (about 25 countries) - I think we are onto something interesting here in trying to unearth what is going on in the Kenyan telecom market. See her email below. I'm glad that a lot of the people we know and are members of the list are involved in these comparative studies. Walu/Grace, I think we need a structured debate once the team has released the Kenyan study and policy brief (I hope they will have a face2face meeting in Kenya too). We need to have this debate and the new Cabinet Secretary clearly has his job cut out! We need to address this market imperfection that keeps consumer prices too high! Edith From: Alison Gillwald [mailto:agillwald@researchictafrica.net] Sent: May 18, 2013 6:55 PM To: Edith Adera Cc: alice(a)apc.org Munyua; Margaret Nyambura; Prof. T. Mwololo Waema; Christoph Stork; Enrico Calandro Subject: Re: [kictanet] Safaricom's Super Profits Dear Edith You are absolutely right. The dominance of Safaricom (biggest market share of any competitive market in Africa I'm sure) and its ability to leverage for its mobile money services, allows it to extract these near-monopoly rents. Though our research does demonstrate the positive effects of mobile termination rate reductions in Kenya which have allowed smaller players to put pressure on it. We were putting together a policy brief on pre-paid mobile and broadband pricing (which we are finding increasingly need to be examined in relation to each other) with Alice Munyua and Margaret Nyambura in Cape Town last week at our research workshop, but it was not finalised before they left. Will follow up with them and Tim (we were expanding the pricing section in the Kenyan country report with Nyambura - and thought we could launch the report with the pricing policy brief), but perhaps we should fast track that. As more people move onto data services and the Internet, quality of service becomes a much greater issue. QoS is really the flip side of pricing. We are doing a pilot test in SA which is showing that no operators are delivering what they advertise and customers are paying for. We are hoping to roll this out to five more countries and are liaising with Michuki Mwangi at internet Society on this. Will keep you posted. Warm regards Alison Alison Gillwald (PhD) l Executive Director: Research ICT Africa l 409 The Studios, Old Castle Brewery, 6 Beach Road, Woodstock, Cape Town 7925l l Tel: +27 21 4476332 Fax: +27 21 4479529 l Box 228, Green Point 8051 l Adjunct Professor UCT Graduate School of Business, Management of Infrastructure Reform and Regulation. See www.researchICTafrica.net<http://www.researchICTafrica.net/> for details on latest publications On 18 May 2013, at 11:35 AM, Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.ca<mailto:eadera@idrc.ca>> wrote: Barrack and Ngethe, I think otherwise. The super-profits seem to arise NOT from "real productivity gains" or "reward from entrepreneurship" but from monopolizing access to the market (e.g. mpesa has tied people to Safaricom; consumer behavior of not shifting despite number portability or poor quality of service as Barrack points out or high price of service or the availability of other money transfer options - etc etc etc). Here is where the "PECULIAR" behavior of Kenyans needs to be unearthed - We need to "peel off the mask" if I can borrow those words. So this has created some ARTIFICIAL "exclusivity" of Safaricom products creating monopolistic or oligopolistic tendencies in the Kenyan telecom market. So you cannot entirely blame Safaricom for this state of affairs, we need to get to the "kernel" of the issue to understanding why the Kenyan market seems to be so unique and consumer prices are just not coming down!! (maybe Kenya is not alone?) I would really like to hear from Research ICT Africa who have been carrying out consistent research studies (for the last 10 years or more) comparatively examining over 22 telecom markets in Africa (including Kenya) under the title "Telecommunication Sector Performance Reviews" (http://www.researchictafrica.net/publications.php) - our own Prof. Waema, Muriuki Mureithi, Dr Adeya have been leading the Kenyan studies. I have also copied Christorph Stork and Alison Gilwald, why Kenya is different? Would also be great to hear from Matano (CCK)? Edith -----Original Message----- From: ngethe.kariuki2007(a)yahoo.co.uk<mailto:ngethe.kariuki2007@yahoo.co.uk> [mailto:ngethe.kariuki2007@yahoo.co.uk<http://yahoo.co.uk>] Sent: May 18, 2013 11:48 AM To: Edith Adera; kictanet Cc: KICTAnet - Media Editors Forum; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Safaricom's Super Profits Edith,Listers, Interesting questions raised.The results are not entirely unexpected and that is why,inter alia, CCK and Competition Authority were established. John Kariuki Sent from my BlackBerry(r) -----Original Message----- From: Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.ca<mailto:eadera@idrc.ca>> Sender: "kictanet" <kictanet-bounces+ngethe.kariuki2007=yahoo.co.uk(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:kictanet-bounces+ngethe.kariuki2007=yahoo.co.uk@lists.kictanet.or.ke>> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 08:38:42 To: <ngethe.kariuki2007(a)yahoo.co.uk<mailto:ngethe.kariuki2007@yahoo.co.uk>> Cc: KICTAnet - Media Editors Forum<mediaeditors(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:mediaeditors@lists.kictanet.or.ke>>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke>> Subject: [kictanet] Safaricom's Super Profits _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options athttps://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ngethe.kariuki2007%40yahoo.co.uk The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.

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Why are companies in Africa - From Telcos to Big Ticket Retailers - blind to the immense possibilities of BigData?
by Ali Hussein 18 May '13

18 May '13

There is a lot of talk about Big Data but in Africa we are playing at the fringes of this immense opportunity. From Telcos to Big Ticket retailers to National Postal Services with immense customer information on behavioral trends we seem to just stop there. What is hindering us? Is this too much Mumbo Jumbo? What can we do to unlock this mindset and tap into the treasure trove awaiting us on the other side? Ali Hussein CEO | 3mice interactive media Ltd Principal | Telemedia Africa Ltd +254 713 601113 "The future belongs to him who knows how to wait." - Russian Proverb Sent from my iPad

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Where is Posta?
by robert yawe 17 May '13

17 May '13

If DHL can see opportunity in the local parcel business why not Posta? Regards PS. This agent is situated at Mugoya Shopping Center in South C Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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FW: e-invite to Table for two
by Edith Adera 16 May '13

16 May '13

Listers, You're all invited to "Table for Two" - see attached invite. Excellent concept run by youth to support the needy in society. Come support the youth to make a difference. Indeed, Kenyans are very innovative. You just need to unlock potential. Edith

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Participate in DOT’s virtual youth Unconference!
by Edith Adera 16 May '13

16 May '13

Listers, Participate in DOT’s virtual youth Unconference! DOT is hosting a youth-led DOT Youth & Learning Unconference this week in Nairobi, Kenya at the Kenyatta University Conference Centre. We would like to invite you to join us virtually on Thursday May 16 and Friday May 17 as young people from throughout East Africa converge on Nairobi to engage with representatives from the public, private, financial, and academic sectors to discuss issues such as employment, entrepreneurship, gender, technology, and the digital divide. Many of the Unconference sessions will be streamed live at http://dotrust.org/unconference, and viewers will be able to participate in the discussions online and engage with attendees in Nairobi real-time. Virtual sessions include symposiums on ICT and Digital Literacy, Gender, as well as Youth & Change, in which young people from Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania will share their experiences and facilitate discussions with stakeholders, virtual participants, and scholars. Virtual Sessions: Opening Plenary – join live on Thursday May 16 at 9:00AM East Africa Time/2:00AM EST: http://j.mp/12zADF3 Introduction to the DOT Unconference – join live on Thursday May 16 at 10:30AM East Africa Time/3:30AM EST: http://j.mp/10G5XA7 Panel Discussion with Invited Scholars – join live on Thursday May 16 at 10:40AM East Africa Time/3:40AM EST: http://j.mp/17tcTI8 ICT and Digital Literacy Symposium – join live on Thursday May 16 at 1:30PM East Africa Time/6:30AM EST: http://j.mp/19rj3VS Gender Symposium – join live on Thursday May 16 at 3:00PM East Africa Time/8:00AM EST: http://j.mp/13kaatT Youth Interview Panel – join live on Thursday May 16 at 3:00PM East Africa Time/8:00AM EST: http://j.mp/18K3tXI Youth and Change Symposium – join live on Friday May 17 at 10:45AM East Africa Time/3:45AM EST: http://j.mp/10xMNLI Closing Plenary – including Peka Kucha presentations, discussion panel, and interview panel – join live on Friday May 17 at 3:00PM East Africa Time/8:00AM EST: http://j.mp/YUYhyA Follow the Unconference on Twitter: #DOTUnconf<https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23DOTUnconf> Digital Opportunity Trust on Twitter: @DigitalOppTrust<https://twitter.com/digitalopptrust>

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FW: Connected Kenya 2013 Summit: Google Innovation Pavilion and Awards
by Esther Muchiri 15 May '13

15 May '13

Listers - apologies for cross-posting. Innovators - please take advantage of this. <http://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?t=1113412947778.0.1102964298642.4175&ts=S0902&r=3 &o=http://ui.constantcontact.com/images/p1x1.gif> Google Innovation Pavilion and Awards <http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs130/1102964298642/img/366.png> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001zipDF5_iXVEjW9IW9z_oQ6miOXedheA2kvQ8P8h5B78m 4U-d7PmtN46GCnthFt-2R2VKoQgT9FQdFBEIjHKV08SJ9qJ3gqb6nHo-W4YoqDRwtd24_k55FrEi X5hKLSmWY4FhweSbuHV-1nUayai_nn-HbnQD9a_6f30IJOSRcxdwAq_XsKNEgnRMypwkf4zAfQJQ BYryfwEryN2vQYIuXcMUo8vLJkPhaF4Msc_0TsLBoJ-_EnhA5grmYYAzumPaCt1dRPOjuFk1QGDv -4oYHEgJu2oMZlLPEoPjfbfvPxwTonQvL8g1oL44hiY9D6p_RtxQ54GSzz6TnwLDPlvpUNOAHsrK jGFL> www.ict.go.ke May 2013 Dear Esther Connected Kenya 2013: Google Innovation Pavilion and Awards <http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs085/1102964298642/img/262.png> The Innovation Awards at the Connected Kenya Summit have continuously provided a platform to showcase Kenyan companies that are contributing to improving productivity and efficiency in the country through ICT innovation. The Innovation Pavilion and Awards will this year be sponsored by Google. In addition to the awards, this year will include an innovation pavilion where innovators can exhibit their creative and life changing innovations. The selected finalists will both exhibit and receive an award from Google during the Connected Kenya Summit 2013. NOTE: Only complete applications will be considered. <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001zipDF5_iXVEl4WGwNXFVBRmZC-TMrHJ67ALBtUkw7REr J9HD2T_Qx-zKDiNOuE3ksFxZ630mtThVoocPtwYqH400PlU51xYF9Yb4z4iJM3nRfJS6Z_trT_v1 is_3pjeAWAD5zDPtHiq4aXHHqeuc-WOzHqi5BygFeluzfXqv-Bm5M6vJfyv_XLe_E_ZrdZI5_G3U B3t-rKx9wsEZlXnuRJ3l2uX1A0zjsGkXhOViFUxipMJHlHMB3YaR3u02OEj_eDwdht1pspGpUipB PGGnihCUIHp5jjyq66DzRlef_14zixKTZNuvGXnGBhNAmNz8BzRQcuwbSoQdj2J6ju1qbiNZw_1D sg8DtpqSJxybz3M=> Click here for more information Submission deadline 19 May 2013 Quick Links <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001zipDF5_iXVEl4WGwNXFVBRmZC-TMrHJ67ALBtUkw7REr J9HD2T_Qx-zKDiNOuE3ksFxZ630mtThVoocPtwYqH400PlU51xYF9Yb4z4iJM3nRfJS6Z_trT_v1 is_3pjeAWAD5zDPtHiq4aXHHqeuc-WOzHqi5BygFeluzfXqv-Bm5M6vJfyv_XLe_E_ZrdZI5_G3U B3t-rKx9wsEZlXnuRJ3l2uX1A0zjsGkXhOViFUxipMJHlHMB3YaR3u02OEj_eDwdht1pspGpUipB PGGnihCUIHp5jjyq66DzRlef_14zixKTZNuvGXnGBhNAmNz8BzRQcuwbSoQdj2J6ju1qbiNZw_1D sg8DtpqSJxybz3M=> Register for Connected Kenya Summit 2013 <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001zipDF5_iXVEAuzRUKKO7x5pYExad-G_klxZ_E7EkIx6l mPebqYiYGhzwKcyg5ucY3KnjV3aagDpXc35P_WcWbtVx_sDcvQZ7ORsIW0luiYnc5IH93ipTb7Dn yUHumsZFRkSRKaN7jM3P4VlD-u47d6NOctTL4cHwkd6Era68eUzbykJE_7v8U3L7Bnn-DcPcLzTT 9P_o_oPK5A94zwQhzJGC555zA8NoJreTOl0wSqo8_7b5vGXgPxFmwa3klhXK_HLUtIkOg5TlCvz7 LSSoUDfOwWg3PiRAD9pL-TRGCPAsR3e_A_hjx_6Isry_Kug8-2006GfMh1eJGHL56TarnzNglCUs 4duH> Submit Innovation Application <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001zipDF5_iXVEjW9IW9z_oQ6miOXedheA2kvQ8P8h5B78m 4U-d7PmtN46GCnthFt-2R2VKoQgT9FQdFBEIjHKV08SJ9qJ3gqb6nHo-W4YoqDRwtd24_k55FrEi X5hKLSmWY4FhweSbuHV-1nUayai_nn-HbnQD9a_6f30IJOSRcxdwAq_XsKNEgnRMypwkf4zAfQJQ BYryfwEryN2vQYIuXcMUo8vLJkPhaF4Msc_0TsLBoJ-_EnhA5grmYYAzumPaCt1dRPOjuFk1QGDv -4oYHEgJu2oMZlLPEoPjfbfvPxwTonQvL8g1oL44hiY9D6p_RtxQ54GSzz6TnwLDPlvpUNOAHsrK jGFL> More On Us Stay connected! <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001zipDF5_iXVHN2GeB-UdeS3r2t0QNm0YfFmGShMLhTL1u DmkGEfr5JPEYtgeCUtLi2qpFzM3OBM3BiNuS1ThAWWaMYcziPWrp5RT6ENS048-UzxGVXrwWmnZv YH9rQ1Up> Follow us on Twitter @KenyaICTBoard <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001zipDF5_iXVF5NN3ViGNvPHUExt-AaOzFGLz7JI1YREyW aOa1YbSulzJHPVvSeXYWuUYWL8kynChXi0nH3No9wakdgYiYB6xiulAfN8NFy6BMjFP5YUusAWyX VlJOS8W1DuZ10lLohrY=> Find us on Facebook facebook.com/KenyaICTBoard <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001zipDF5_iXVFVz4QWD11GlA-kS_Xo-ZpxZRqbbfKMJpdA HLjLjB6ubS_12doRoF3yS8SEjpDKzoGb3H4hAaHNdgZ8Y8Ew1CSRQDUXMO3_xwhrk1TzVJHyemLp QPNLQEQviy0A1U01qZk=> View our videos on YouTube youtube.com/KenyaICTBoard <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&mse=001HTk7N6nZumI-XoU3ZZa304XB8 6mFyZhI&t=001xyUDAt0RRAOaO1FWjiyrrA%3D%3D&llr=s7ex7gdab> <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?pn=uvco&cc=TEM_News_245> This email was sent to emuchiri(a)andestbites.com by communications(a)ict.go.ke | Update Profile/Email Address <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&mse=001HTk7N6nZumI-XoU3ZZa304XB8 6mFyZhI&t=001xyUDAt0RRAOaO1FWjiyrrA%3D%3D&llr=s7ex7gdab> | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&mse=001HTk7N6nZumI-XoU3ZZa304XB8 6mFyZhI&t=001xyUDAt0RRAOaO1FWjiyrrA%3D%3D&llr=s7ex7gdab> T | Privacy Policy <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp> . Kenya ICT Board | Telposta Towers, 12th Floor | Kenyatta Ave | P.o. box 27150-00100 | Nairobi | Kenya

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Fund for Internet Research Education (FIRE) Awards
by Paul M 15 May '13

15 May '13

AFRINIC is running an initiative that aims to encourage innovation in the African continent. More details can be found on http://fireafrica.org The deadline for submission on 31st May 2013. Here are the details of the Awards: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> Dear Colleagues, >> >> Due to immense interest in the FIRE Programme Awards 2013, we are extending the deadline, again. We don’t want you to miss out, so here is your last opportunity to apply for the awards. >> >> The deadline for submission is now 31 May 2013! That gives you more than a month to apply. So get ready, and start applying. >> >> To join the select group of FIRE winners, you must apply for the 2013 Awards. The winner gets US$ 3,000. >> >> The Fund for Internet Research and Education (FIRE) is an initiative of AFRINIC, the regional Internet registry for Africa that aims to encourage innovation and find creative, accessible and acceptable solutions to Africa’s ICT challenges. >> >> Applications are open from 15 March 2013 to 31 May 2013. >> >> The FIRE Award will be given to initiatives “already completed or in their final implementation phase” and aligned to the funding categories and eligibility criteria 2013. There will be one winner for each category. >> >> Categories for 2013: >> >> Innovation on access provision: ICT access is a common issue in the African region, especially for services that require broadband connectivity. Innovative solutions offering low cost deployment, low power consumption and low maintenance that expanded fixed and mobile access to the Internet through new forms of technical and organisational arrangements as well as improved the quality of access based on issues of accessibility, disability and linguistic diversity. >> >> E-Development: The development, deployment and enhancement of content, applications and solutions to support timely and relevant information dissemination on a large scale using a range of network infrastructures through a variety of devices. >> >> Freedom of expression: Initiatives related to freedom of expression, freedom of association, privacy, security, consumer’s rights, new forms of intellectual property in the digital environment, and a wider range of issues related to Internet and human rights. >> >> In addition to the above categories, there will be a Community Choice Award category for the best social media campaign. The winner will be a project receiving the most number of votes from the community. >> >> For more information on the Award and application process, please contact: >> >> Vymala Thuron, fireprogram(a)afrinic.net and visit our website: www.fireafrica.org >> >> Visit our website: http://www.afrinic.net/en/library/news/903-fire-awards-deadline-extended-du… >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> [Version française] >> >> L’Award FIRE 2013 >> >> Chers Collègues, >> >> Vu l'intérêt suscitée par le Award du Programme FIRE 2013, AFRINIC a le plaisir de vous informer que la période de dépôt des candidatures est prolongée. >> >> Nous souhaiterions vous donner l'opportunité de remporter ce prestigieux prix, la date de soumission de vos projets est maintenant fixée au 31 mai 2013. >> >> Vous avez maintenant l'opportunite de soumettre votre candidature jusqu'au 31 mai 2013. N'attendez plus ! >> >> Vous contribuez à l’innovation des TIC en Afrique à travers vos projets? AFRINIC invite les organisations à soumettre des projets afin qu’ils soient considérés pour un Award de $ 3000. Rejoignez le groupe sélect des gagnants de l’Award FIRE maintenant. >> >> Les applications sont prolongées au 31 mai 2013. >> >> Les projets devront être déjà complétés ou en phase terminale, en ligne avec les catégories et critères d’éligibilités 2013. Un gagnant sera designe pour chaque categorie >> >> Catégories 2013: >> >> Innovation en matière d’accès: La problématique en matière d’accès est pertinente pour la région africaine plus spécifiquement pour la connectivite à haut débit. Des solutions peu coûteuses, à faible consommation énergétique et d’entretien facile sont requises afin d’étendre l’accès fixe et mobile à travers la mise en place de nouveaux dispositifs techniques et organisationnels ainsi qu’une amélioration de la qualité d’accès axée sur l’accessibilité, les difficultés d’accès et la diversité linguistique. >> >> E-Développement: Le développement, le déploiement et l’amélioration des contenus, d’applications et de solutions pour soutenir une diffusion opportune et pertinente de l’information à grande échelle à travers une large gamme d’infrastructures de réseaux et une variété de dispositifs. >> >> Liberté d’expression: Les initiatives liées à la liberté d’expression, à l’association, à la protection de la vie privée, à la sécurité, aux droits des consommateurs, aux nouvelles formes de propriété intellectuelle dans la sphère numérique ainsi qu’à un plus large éventail de questions liées à Internet et aux droits de la personne. >> >> De plus, un prix spécial est alloué à la meilleure campagne destinée aux réseaux sociaux suite à la sélection des gagnants par catégorie. Le gagnant sera celui qui recevra un maximum de votes de la communauté. >> >> Pour des renseignements additionnels veuillez contacter: >> >> Vymala Thuron, fireprogram(a)afrinic.net et visitez notre site web www.fireafrica.org >> >> Visitez notre site web: http://www.afrinic.net/en/library/news/903-fire-awards-deadline-extended-du… >> >> Regards/Cordialement,

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WTPF
by Alice Munyua 15 May '13

15 May '13

A good overview of the first day of the 5th ITU World Telecommunications Policy Forum (WTPF) currently taking place in Geneva. Focus is on Internet-related public policy issues. http://www.linguasynaptica.com/wtpf-13/ Best Alice

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KIGF: 3rd Working Group Meeting
by Paul M 15 May '13

15 May '13

Dear Members, I apologise for this short notice. You are invited for the 3rd Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF) working group meeting, which will be held this Friday 17th May from 5:30-7:00pm at Pete's Coffee Ground Floor, Bishop Magua Centre. The main agenda will to be discuss sponsorship opportunities for the event. See you this Friday! Kindest Regards, Paul Muchene

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International Space Station Goes Open Source, Dumps Windows XP for Debian Linux
by Evans Ikua 15 May '13

15 May '13

*Linux operating system is expected to improve security, stability* Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT <http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/MSFT>) Windows XP is among the company's most beloved products. Generally lauded for its stability, compatibility, and security since Service Pack 3 rolled out, the aging operating system has still been hanging around<http://www.dailytech.com/Windows+7+Passes+Windows+XP+in+Just+Two+Years+to+B…> in many enterprise deployments -- including the International Space Station (ISS). But the ISS and others have found out the hard way of late that slower patching and a phase-out of support<http://www.dailytech.com/Microsoft+Once+Again+Tells+Businesses+That+the+Par…> have left the once unbeatable OS a major security risk. Read more here.<http://www.dailytech.com/International%20Space%20Station%20Goes%20Open%20So…> -- *---------------------------------------------------- Kind Regards, Evans Ikua,*

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