- KICTANet - KICTANet

Nokia battery recall
by Jose' 25 Aug '07

25 Aug '07

Is your Nokia phone model Nokia 1100, Nokia 1100c, Nokia 1101, Nokia 1108, Nokia 1110, Nokia 1112, Nokia 1255, Nokia 1315, Nokia 1600, Nokia 2112, Nokia 2118, Nokia 2255, Nokia 2272, Nokia 2275, Nokia 2300, Nokia 2300c, Nokia 2310, Nokia 2355, Nokia 2600, Nokia 2610, Nokia 2610b, Nokia 2626, Nokia 3100, Nokia 3105, Nokia 3120, Nokia 3125, Nokia 6030, Nokia 6085, Nokia 6086, Nokia 6108, Nokia 6175i, Nokia 6178i, Nokia 6230, Nokia 6230i, Nokia 6270, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6620, Nokia 6630, Nokia 6631, Nokia 6670, Nokia 6680, Nokia 6681, Nokia 6682, Nokia 6820, Nokia 6822, Nokia 7610, Nokia N70, Nokia N71, Nokia N72, Nokia N91, Nokia E50? then log on to this link and read it for further instructions. http://batteryreplacement.nokia.com/batteryreplacement/en/ There after,please call 0911 NOKIA. You'll get it replaced. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ____________________________________________________________________________________ Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/222

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KICTANet cocktail at 6.30 pm today
by Rebecca Wanjiku 24 Aug '07

24 Aug '07

just to let you know that the cocktail is today at 6.30 pm at jacaranda, Palm room, hope to see you there, regards becky Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Luggage? GPS? Comic books? Check out fitting gifts for grads at Yahoo! Search.

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cocktail at Jacranda
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

the cocktail is at jacaranda, 6.30 to 8pm friday august 24th Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

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invitation to KICTANet cocktail
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

Re: Introduction of the ICT board Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and the Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Information and Communication Dr. Bitange Ndemo wishes to invite you to a cocktail on Friday August 24th 2007. At the cocktail, Dr. Ndemo will introduce the members of the newly formed ICT board and honour other members of in the ICT sectors who have made notable contributions. In line with KICTANet mission to bring together stakeholders in the ICT sector, this event aims at providing a forum which the government will inform and update ICT industry players the recent developments in the policy and regulatory arena. The cocktail starts at 6.30 pm and is expected to end at 8 pm. Yours faithfully, Alice Munyua KICTANet Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

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] Kagwe pulls back another proposed law]
by alice 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

Kagwe pulls back another proposed law Story by NATION Correspondent Publication Date: 8/23/2007 The Government yesterday withdrew the contentious Kenya Communication Amendment Bill 2007 from the floor of Parliament for redrafting. Information and Communications minister Mutahi Kagwe said the Bill had omitted crucial issues that included cyber crime and penalties to be meted on those who damage fibre optic cables. "The Bill has not sufficiently addressed the internet crimes and the issue of fibre optic cable protection. It will be re-introduced after it is properly drafted," the minister said. Mr Kagwe noted that laws governing theft and damage of copper wires were too lenient to deal with the optic cable that was more expensive. "The cable is expensive and we need to know what to do with those who damage and cause inconvenience to others," he said. Mr Kagwe said the issue of cross-media ownership would also be looked at afresh. "We want companies that are listed at Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) with 51 per cent shares held by the public and the rule will not necessarily apply," Kagwe said. At the same time, the minister said the government was determined to establish Universal Access Fund to enable the Information Communication Technology (ICT) to reach rural areas that were not economically viable for the operators to set up their operations. He said this would increase the ICT coverage in the country, where only 2.7 million use the internet. The minister was addressing the press after opening the 2nd annual connecting rural communities and Africa forum at Grand Regency hotel. He said some of the issues being raised were in the current law and cited the Kenya Film Censorship. He said the content of some FM stations had raised concerns from religious bodies and that their broadcast time should be reviewed. "There is an outcry by the Christian and Muslim religions and that is why we want the Media Council where such complaints can be directed," Mr Kagwe said. Print this Page Email this Story Save this Story __._,_.___ Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/message/6251;_ylc=X3oDMTM0ZW8xa2U0B…> (1) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJwMHNxNTBoBF9TAzk3M…>

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SILENT DEMO
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

in case yhou support journalists... Hi all. This is to inform you that we have already notified the police that we shall be holding a peaceful procession as indicated in Mbaus email. We have also dispatched a letter to the AG asking him or his representative to wait for our petition on the appointed date. Please send this message to as many journalists as you can. Thank you. _____________________________________________ From: Samuel Mbau Sent: Friday, August 10, 2007 12:23 PM To: Julius Bosire; Owino Opondo; Editorial Cc: Business Daily; Easy FM; eam; NTV News Subject: SILENT DEMO Dear journalist, The contentious clause 38 (4) in the Media Bill states: "When a story includes unnamed parties who are not disclosed and the same becomes the subject of a legal tussle as to who is meant, then the editor shall be obligated to disclose the identity of the party or parties referred to." As members of the Fourth Estate who take it upon ourselves to fight for the rights of others, we simply cannot afford to sit down and do nothing while our own rights and a basic tenets of our profession are at stake. The Silent Demo is on! The Silent Demonstration will take place on Wednesday August 15, with the blessings and the support from the majority of media houses and associations as well as myriads of well wishers. We shall assemble 8:30am at Freedom Corner at Uhuru Park. We will then march to the AGs Chambers (via Kenyatta Ave- Moi Ave- Harambee Ave) where we will present a petition to the chief legal adviser to the Government and ask him to advise the President against signing the proposed law. We shall then proceed to march around Parliament two times before breaking the demo at Freedom corner. The whole programme should take about two hours maximum. The demo is silent for there will be no chanting nor singing. We will actually be quiet through out the march and our mouths gagged with black cloth or duct tape. We can also adorn black scarves, head bands or arm bands. So please bring along a gag, dress in your organisations branded wear [if available], AND remember to put on some comfortable walking shoes. We are looking forward to your participation and your organisations support as we SILENCE this bad law. NB: Watch out for a spectacular media showing on that day. Standing as one, Inter-media committee DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today!

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KICTANET COCKTAIL
by charles nduati 21 Aug '07

21 Aug '07

Hi All, Can someone confirm whether the earlier announced cocktail of 22/08 is till on at jacaranda. Charles CHARLES N. NDUATI BUSINESS MANAGER JKUAT ENTERPRISES LTD JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY JUJA MAIN CAMPUS, THIKA P. O. BOX 79324-00200 NAIROBI, KENYA TEL: 254-067-52420 OR 254-067-52711 FAX: 254-067-52438 MOBILE:254-722728815 EMIAL:charlesnduati2002@yahoo.co.uk www.jkuat.ac.ke ----- Original Message ---- From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 20 August, 2007 7:20:16 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] The Kenya Communications Amendment Bill Dear Alex, There is no crisis or tension in the ICT legislative process. I was pointing out the opportunities that are available to you in ensuring that the piece of legislation you want is passed. As far as I am concerned all of us have representation in parliament and we should utilize that opportunity instead of blaming the Government. The Safari Park proposals shall be given to the MPs. The Thursday date was set anticipating that parliament will go on recess. Now that they are not going on recess, they have proposed August 30th and 31st. We are looking for resources for a venue in Mombasa and shall revert to you. Regards Bitange. > May I suggest we ask Eng. Rege to help diffuse ICT > tensions now bottling up? Borrow his experince on > dealing with government, stakeholders, steakholders, > and others? Just thinking aloud and welcome comments. > > Alex > > --- Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Thanks Alex i appreciate your response your >> arguments are valid though >> >> On 8/17/07, Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> >> wrote: >> > Barrack, >> > >> > My apologies if I appeared to harass the Permanent >> > Secretary. The gist of my, I believe justified, >> > request for information was to know the fate of >> our >> > Safari Park contributions considering that the >> > expected legislators could not come because of >> said >> > Parlimentary Procedures. >> > >> > I needed to know whether we should assume that >> those >> > contributions we made needed to be repeated should >> an >> > opportunity to meet with the Committee present >> itself >> > especially if the ministry could not incorporate >> them. >> > >> > I interpret Dr. Ndemo's advice as "they have them, >> > because we gave them but now lobby hard yourselves >> to >> > ensure your interests are captured" >> > >> > I am sufficiently pleased with his reply, his >> > voluntary additional information, and await >> > confirmation on how the committee sees best fit to >> > receive any outstanding stakeholders' concerns >> on >> > the bill as promised today. >> > >> > Please understand that I consider myself of the >> issue >> > focussed, not the person, nature and I would >> seriously >> > err to substitute any clause, error, commission, >> or >> > omission with "Bitange Ndemo":) >> > >> > Have a laughly day! >> > >> > Alex >> > >> > --- Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> >> wrote: >> > >> > > Good effort bwana Ndemo, Alex i bet you >> understand >> > > how our legislators >> > > operate take it easy on bwana Ndemo, bwana Ps >> try >> > > your level best to ensure >> > > that Stakeholder expectations are met, so far i >> > > guess you deserve a pat >> > > Regards >> > > >> > > On 8/16/07, Benjamin Makai <benmakai(a)yahoo.com> >> > > wrote: >> > > > >> > > > Dr.Ndemo >> > > > This information is very necessary and >> important. >> > > Kindly could you also >> > > > outline to the level or rather phases >> pertaining >> > > the same sir. >> > > > >> > > > This gives us the the auditable elements of >> the >> > > process for the few whom >> > > > may not be aware of the process and yet they >> may >> > > want to shout loundest.. >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > All is about the welfare of our countr >> y(personal >> > > sentiments and not about >> > > > who shouts loundest and in some situations or >> > > least solutions. ICT is all >> > > > bout solutions and world wide tested and >> proven >> > > best practices) >> > > > >> > > > Regards >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > *bitange(a)jambo.co.ke* wrote: >> > > > >> > > > Dear Alex, >> > > > I tried to explain how parliament works >> earlier in >> > > the week. We cannot >> > > > revise the bill here. We have taken the >> proposals >> > > to the committee for >> > > > consideration. >> > > > >> > > > Luckily today the committee sumoned me to >> > > parliament. They want to have a >> > > > stakeholder's meeting either on Tuesady or >> > > Thursday next week in Mombasa. >> > > > I shall confirm this to you tomorrow. Any >> changes >> > > now must go through the >> > > > committee since the bill belongs to >> parliament. >> > > You have this window to >> > > > make the necessary changes. The safari Park >> > > proposals are already with >> > > > them but they may decide that they do not want >> to >> > > include them. This is >> > > > where we need the stakeholders to push. >> > > > >> > > > I hope you do not leave this window of >> opportunity >> > > to pass and blame us >> > > > later. >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > Regards >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > Ndemo. >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > > Dr. Ndemo, >> > > > > >> > > > > You invited us to Safari Park Hotel and on >> > > information >> > > > > and belief, we were coming to meet the >> > > Parliament >> > > > > Committee. We understood your at the venue >> > > explanation >> > > > > why they could not come. >> > > > > >> > > > > However, >> > > > > >> > > > > Would you be in a position to inform >> > > stakeholders what >> > > > > to expect of our Safari Park contributions >> on >> > > the >> > > > > Kenya Communications Amendment Bill 2007? >> i.e. >> > > does >> > > > > the ministry have an "updated" >> > > version-considerate of >> > > > > expressed concerns? I am made to understand >> that >> > > a >> > > > > Bill's mover (who in this case is the >> Minister) >> > > is >> > > > > allowed to amend it anytime. >> > > > > >> > > > > This also would not only help us know where >> our >> > > > > concerns lay but it would also help us take >> > > informed >> > > > > engagements with the Energy and >> Communications >> > > > > Committee. >> > > > > >> > > > > I request for this information in view of >> your >> > > emailed >> > > > > informative note advising stakeholders on >> the >> > > law >> > > > > making processes, advising on the steps, >> when >> > > and >> > > > > where to engaging parliamentary committees >> in >> > > the >> > > > > process. >> > > > > >> > > > > Hope to hear from you. >> > > > > >> > > > > Sincerely, >> > > > > >> > > > > Alex >> > > > > >> > > > > --- Brian Longwe wrote: >> > > > > >> > > > >> Thank you very much Bw. Ndemo for this >> clear, >> > > > >> concise and very >> > > > >> practical reminder of our legislative >> process >> > === message truncated === > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who > knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. > http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469 > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/charlesnduati2002%40ya… ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

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Mobile and Internet OPEN SOURCE Experts, International meeting in LONDON
by Rebecca Wanjiku 20 Aug '07

20 Aug '07

st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } FYI and possible circulation think that access to ICT is not enough and it is the ability to create, to add value that is important then you are invited to participate as speaker at the CTO's most innovative conference to date: Open Source in ICT 2007: Bridging the Digital Divide London , 4 - 6 December 2007 Open Source software presents an opportunity to cut costs, see inside the software, demystify technology and understand the design so that all users can adapt technology to meet their own needs. It is widely seen as the key enabler for developing countries to achieve technological self-determination. Open source can reduce total cost of ownership, enhance security, and create a vendor-independent network based on interoperability and open standards. Open source software also provides the opportunity to break free from the shackles of proprietary systems and expensive upgrades . The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation is hosting a three-day event in December devoted to Open Source. It is a must-attend event for ICT giants and start-ups alike. The first day of the conference is reserved for ministers and senior representatives from the public sector, the second day will include speakers from the private and public sector to analyse how open source is bridging the digital divide and the last day of the conference will be devoted to open source in mobile. We are now seeking experts like you to deliver presentations at this industry-shaping event aimed at the private and public sector. If you work in the public sector and are using open source software for e-governance, disaster management, e-literacy campaigns etc then we would like to invite you to share your experiences, achievements and difficulties If you are a service provider and have adopted open source to reduce costs, then we would like you to deliver a case study If you are an internet or mobile operator and have harnessed open source to decrease time to market and have used open source for the fast delivery of new services, then we would like you to contribute your expertise at this event CALL FOR PAPERS: If you would like to participate as speaker, please submit 4 sentences describing the main points of your proposed presentation to Conference Producer, Miss Mani Rai at m.kaur-rai(a)cto.int by 10th September. Please note all speakers are entitled to attend the entire forum free of charge. There is also an opportunity for speakers and delegates to take a free trip on the London Eye (UK's most iconic and popular tourist attraction). Open Source in ICT 2007 will bring together world experts on Open Source and you are warmly invited to join our speaker faculty. Please be sure to submit your proposal by 10th September. Confirmed Speakers so far include: Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Mr. Magnus Glantz, Application Specialist, IT Operations OSS, TeliaSonera Mr. Arthur Feather, Senior Manager Mobile Standards and Architecture, Cisco (subject to final confirmation) Mr. Simon Crab, Team Leader, Informal Mr. Jerry Stabile, Senior Vice President, Pingtel (subject to final confirmation) Mr. Rishab Ghosh, Senior Researcher, Maastricht Economic Research Institute on Innovation and Technology If you do not want to participate as speaker, but would like to:- KNOW why One Laptop Per Child chose Open Source CONSIDER open source initial implementation and lifetime costs HEAR FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE of how successfully open source software can work with existing applications ANALYSE what Open Source can offer that proprietary systems cannot UNDERSTAND how easy it is to localise open source software to meet the needs of non-English speaking users LEARN how mobile operators are harnessing open source to deliver superior smartphone features in inexpensive handsets ENHANCE your knowledge on optimising open source in mobile for convergence and next generation networks EXAMINE how, when and where open source might fit into VoIP deployment Save the date: 4 6 December, 2007, London . Draft agenda is available on request, please email me directly at m.kaur-rai(a)cto.int. I look forward to seeing you in London! Yours sincerely, Mani Rai Conference Producer Email: m.kaur-rai(a)cto.int Tel: 0044 20 8834 1565 Fax: 0044 870 034 5626 P.S Please note the trip on the London Eye (subject to a private or public sector organisation sponsoring the conference) will be free for all delegates and speakers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "DON'T LET SOMEONE BECOME A PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE...WHEN YOU ARE JUST AN OPTION FOR THEM....." Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.

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FW: Needed: Web-experts for: Web-portal Development, Hosting & Training (IGAD) -COMESA/RICTSP
by Harry Hare 20 Aug '07

20 Aug '07

Dear Colleagues, This posting might be of interest to some of you. Please circulate further, and apologies if youve already seen it. Kindest Regards Harry ________________________________________ From: Jane Møller Larsen [mailto:jml@ict.danishmanagement.dk] Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 5:58 PM To: Jane Møller Larsen Subject: Needed: Web-experts for: Web-portal Development, Hosting & Training (IGAD) -COMESA/RICTSP Dear ICT experts, We are presently searching for individual web-experts to be included in a team for the following position. Please distribute this to personal contacts and networks where you believe that experts could find interest in this. Thank you in advance. Pls. note that proposed start-date is expected to be in September 2007. ____________________________________________________________________ We are presently looking for experts who have an interest in the following position: Project title: Web-portal Development, Hosting & Training (IGAD) Application deadline: As soon as possible and at the latest Thursday 30 August 2007 Contract duration: Short term Company: Danish Management A/S (http://www.danishmanagement.dk/) for the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) under COMESA/RICTSP. _______________________________________________________________ General information: Overall Objectives of the Assignment The main objective is to develop and achieve improved information access at the Intergovernmental Authority for Development org. and in the IGAD and ESA region. Specific Objectives: 1. Collect and analyse the user requirements and information needs of the stakeholders of the Regional IGAD Web Portal; 2. Design and develop a web portal; 3. Collect all information and populate the databases with the information; 4. Define information provision protocol for member states information suppliers to the web portal; 5. Train Technical staff on the web Servers including update to Web portal server software required from time to time; 6. Train Technical staff in the development and management of the Web Portal; 7. Design /provide a Content Management System(CMS) for content management; 8. Train Professional users on updating the portal using the Content Management System; 9. Train Regional Member states Technical staff in Web Portal development; 10. Train Regional Member states professional team in updating their specific information on the Portal. 11. Develop a Portal governance and Security system; 12. Define information for Intranet and develop the intranet system for IGAD; 13. Train staff in using the intranet; 14. Provide feedback and usage statistics. Requested Services The services required involve developing a new WEBPORTAL, over a period of 6 months, maintaining updating and building capacity for content uploading and maintenance, ensuring portal content integrity and security, providing feedback and usage statistics, and providing technical training of IGAD staff to maintain the portal after the termination of the contractual period. Additionally, the team of STEs will be required to provide services of setting up the WEBPORTAL servers and related IT support mechanisms to provide information to both potential and existing partners and the public at large about Intergovernmental Authority for Development. The Portal must be interactive, enabling global partners to make enquiries and requests for more information on-line. Implementation Time Frames: The development of the WEBPORTAL shall occur within a period of twelve (12) months and thereafter the staff of IGAD shall take over the responsibility of updating the Webportal which shall be on monthly basis. If completed sooner the STE will move on to the phase of Webportal enhancement, maintenance and capacity building - training. Expertise Required: Project managers, web development experts, and administrators - including STEs with experience and qualifications in web design, web programming, Microsoft Windows 2003, Microsoft Internet Information Server administration, Linux Mysql and PhP, etc. Indicate the respective roles that you/the STE will play in the team. Language: The webportal should be developed and regularly updated in both English and French languages. Eligibility (who can apply?): EU citizens and citizens from: Angola, Burundi, DR Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan AND citizens of the ACP member states: http://www.acpsec.org/en/acp_states.htm Background information: www.igad.org http://www.comesa.int http://comesa.assure.danishictmanagement.dk Please find ToR enclosed If you find the position of interest and your - or one of your proposed expert's - profile complies with the stated criteria, please contact us immediately and send us a short professional presentation of yourself and an updated CV with relevant similar experience (stating your age, nationality, languages spoken, education and exactly in what you are an expert). Send your application to: ictjobs(a)danishmanagement.dk NB: Only shortlisted candidates will receive notice. Contact person: Jane Moeller Larsen Danish Management A/S Margretheholmsvej 2 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark Phone: +45 70 200 298 Direct: +45 35 250 655 Kind regards, Jane Moller Larsen

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FW: CD celebrates 25th anniversary
by Harry Hare 20 Aug '07

20 Aug '07

_____ From: Harry Hare [mailto:harry@africanedevelopment.org] Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 8:47 PM To: 'kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke'; 'swopnet(a)dgroups.org'; 'ethinktanktz(a)yahoogroups.com' Subject: CD celebrates 25th anniversary Dear Colleagues, Interesting story, 25 year later, what appeared to be an "engineering marvel" is fighting for survival! Read on. Harry +++++++++++++++ CD celebrates 25th anniversary EINDHOVEN, Netherlands (AP) -- It was August 17, 1982, and row upon row of palm-sized plates with a rainbow sheen began rolling off an assembly line near Hanover, Germany. Are CDs burnt out after 25 years? An engineering marvel at the time, today they are instantly recognizable as Compact Discs, a product that turned 25 years old on Friday -- and whose future is increasingly in doubt in an age of iPods and digital downloads. Those first CDs contained Richard Strauss' Alpine Symphony and would sound equally sharp if played today, says Holland's Royal Philips Electronics NV, which jointly developed the CD with Sony Corp. of Japan. The recording industry thrived in the 1990s as music fans replaced their aging cassettes and vinyl LPs with compact discs, eventually making CDs the most popular album format. The CD still accounts for the majority of the music industry's recording revenues, but its sales have been in a freefall since peaking early this decade, in part due to the rise of online file-sharing, but also as consumers spend more of their leisure dollars on other entertainment purchases, such as DVDs and video games. As the music labels slash wholesale prices and experiment with extras to revive the now-aging format, it's hard to imagine there was ever a day without CDs. Yet it had been a risky technical endeavor to attempt to bring digital audio to the masses, said Pieter Kramer, the head of the optical research group at Philips' labs in the Netherlands in the 1970s. "When we started there was nothing in place," he told The Associated Press at Philips' corporate museum in Eindhoven. The proposed semiconductor chips needed for CD players were to be the most advanced ever used in a consumer product. And the lasers were still on the drawing board when the companies teamed up in 1979. In 1980, researchers published what became known as the "Red Book" containing the original CD standards, as well as specifying which patents were held by Philips and which by Sony. Philips had developed the bulk of the disc and laser technology, while Sony contributed the digital encoding that allowed for smooth, error-free playback. Philips still licenses out the Red Book and its later incarnations, notably for the CD-ROM for storing computer software and other data. The CD's design drew inspiration from vinyl records: Like the grooves on a record, CDs are engraved with a spiral of tiny pits that are scanned by a laser -- the equivalent of a record player's needle. The reflected light is encoded into millions of 0s and 1s: a digital file. Because the pits are covered with plastic and the laser's light doesn't wear them down, the CD never loses sound quality. Legends abound about how the size of the CD was chosen: Some said it matched a Dutch beer coaster; others believe a famous conductor or Sony executive wanted it just long enough for Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Kramer said the decision evolved from "long conversations around the table" about which play length made the most sense. The jump into mass production in Germany was a milestone for the CD, and by 1982 the companies announced their product was ready for market. Both began selling players that fall, though the machines only hit U.S. markets the following spring. Sony sold the first player in Japan on October 1, with the CBS label supplying Billy Joel's "52nd Street" as its first album. The CD was a massive hit. Sony sold more players, especially once its "Discman" series was introduced in 1984. But Philips benefited from CD sales, too, thanks to its ownership of Polygram, now part of Vivendi SA's Universal Music Group. The CD player helped Philips maintain its position as Europe's largest maker of consumer electronics until it was eclipsed by Nokia Corp. in the late 1990s. Licensing royalties sustained the company through bad times. "The CD was in itself an easy product to market," said Philips' current marketing chief for consumer electronics, Lucas Covers. It wasn't just the sound quality -- discs looked like jewelry in comparison to LPs. By 1986, CD players were outselling record players, and by 1988 CDs outsold records. "It was a massive turnaround for the whole market," Covers said. Now, the CD may be seeing the end of its days. CD sales have fallen sharply to 553 million sold in the United States last year, a 22 percent drop from its 2001 peak of 712 million, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Napster and later Kazaa and BitTorrent allowed music fans to easily share songs over the Internet, often illegally. More recently, Apple Inc. and other companies began selling legal music downloads, turning the MP3 and other digital audio formats into the medium of choice for many owners of Apple's iPods and other digital players. "The MP3 and all the little things that the boys and girls have in their pockets ... can replace it, absolutely," said Kramer, the retired engineer. CDs won't disappear overnight, but its years may be numbered. Record labels seeking to revive the format have experimented with hybrid CD-DVD combos and packages of traditional CDs with separate DVDs that carry video and multimedia offerings playable on computers. The efforts have been mixed at best, with some attempts, such as the DualDisc that debuted in 2004, not finding lasting success in the marketplace. Kramer said it has been satisfying to witness the CD's long run at the top and know he had a small hand in its creation. "You never know how long a standard will last," he said. "But it was a solid, good standard and still is." E-mail <http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/08/17/cd.anniversary.ap/index.html> to a friend E-mail to a friend

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