PayPal & CyberSecurity Malaysia Online Shopping Tips

In view of the numerous cyber-attacks affecting Malaysians, PayPal and CyberSecurity Malaysia are urging Malaysians to be smarter and safer about sharing their personal information online.

Below are some of online shopping tips for PC/Desktop and Mobile users.
Audit, Audit, Audit - Complete an audit of where your details are held online and on your mobile devices and delete anything that is unnecessary. Remove yourself from old mailing lists and consolidate your details using trusted tools to store your personal financial information securely. Always think twice before entering details online – never click ‘remember my details’ on sites, and ensure that your privacy settings are activated on social networking sites.
Employ password etiquette - Using an obvious password like “password” or the name or birthday of a family member is a very common mistake. Instead, use a strong password which includes a combination of upper and lowercase letters and numbers. Tier your passwords depending on the sensitivity of the information you are sharing, never auto save your passwords on websites, and change them every few months. Finally, never keep your personal information documented in any one place on your computer.
Beware of phishing emails – If you’re not sure if an email is legitimate, don’t click on links in the email, don’t enter your username or password and don’t give out your financial details. Online payment platforms will never ask you to
divulge your sensitive information via email. They will require you to securely login to your account first before asking for more info. Always open a new browser and type in the URL of the company’s website before entering your personal details.
Protect your digital footprint and use a digital wallet when transacting online – It’s easy to get carried away shopping for gifts online as you jump from one online store to the next. Avoid sharing personal information online where possible. Using PayPal – you never have to enter your financial information online, letting you shop safely and securely this festive season.
Browse safely, look for trusted sites - always look for the padlock icon on sites before entering your account information and password. Also look for websites that start with “https” as they provide an additional layer of encryption often used for online payment transactions and for sensitive transactions in corporate information systems.
Check your e-statements- Go online regularly and look at electronic statements for your credit card, debit card, and PayPal accounts. Make sure you don’t see any fraudulent charges. If you do see something wrong, address the matter quickly. In the case of credit cards, don’t pay the bill until you know all your charges are accurate.

Mobile shopping safety tips:

Lock and password protect your phone – It’s the most important thing you can do to ensure security on your mobile device. Use a PIN/password on your device and set it to time-out so it locks automatically. Set your maximum number of incorrect password submissions to no more than three. In addition, use a digital wallet that does not store your sensitive financial info on the mobile device. If your phone is lost or stolen, thieves won’t be able to access your personal information and accounts.
Beware of smishing – It starts with a simple SMS (text) message from a sender trying to bait you to divulge your personal information. The “hook” to capture your personal information is in a URL you link to, or a phone number which prompts you for your personal details, credit card number, PIN or other personal information. Some examples of smishing messages are: “We’re confirming you’ve signed up for our spa service. You will be charged RM2/day unless you cancel your order on this URL”; or “(Name of popular
online bank) is confirming that you have purchased a RM 100 item from (name of popular company). Visit www.?????.com if you did not make this online purchase.” Never click on such links or call a number if you suspect you’ve received a smishing text. Instead call the number you have on file for your financial institution.
“APP-ly” common sense – When choosing apps to download, use common sense. Purchase or download apps from well-known, reliable companies or do your research – such as checking reviews- before downloading an app from an unknown source. Use the most up-to-date version of an app. Unknown or repackaged apps can be armed with malware able to steal details from a user’s phone.
Install updates ASAP – When you receive an upgrade notification on your mobile device, install it immediately. Whether it’s an operating system update, or an updated APP, install it. With every upgrade, providers are closing security gaps which can make your device more vulnerable to security.


by WIRE Spot dot net

http://www.wirespot.net/paypal-cybersecurity-malaysia-shopping-tips/#more-4428

Nice buses get infotainment system upgrade

THE next time you board a Nice Executive Coach bus, you would probably not want to get off once it reaches your destination.
This is thanks to the newly-installed BlueIce infotainment system that gives passengers the option to watch over 30 movies, play games, listen to music, update Facebook and even surf the Internet via a 7in touchscreen console mounted behind each seat.
Developed by MSC-status company BlueSignage Sdn Bhd, the onboard Tablet PC information system runs on Android Froyo 2.2 while mobile broadband connectivity is provided by the Yes network.
The system is also equipped with a GPS tracking feature, which provides passengers with real-time information such as current location and expected arrival time ala an in-flight infotainment system in a commercial airplane.
Konsortium Transnasional Bhd, the operator of Nice Executive Coach, plans to get all of its 45 luxury coaches installed with the BlueIce system by March.
According to its executive director and chief operating officer Tengku Hasmadi Tengku Hashim, the project currently 30% complete.
He assured customers that there will be no increase in bus fares as such services have always been a part of Nice's value proposition.
Tengku Hasmadi added that customers can also access the onboard WiFi with their own Internet-enabled devices.
"We are offering complimentary usage of up to 50MB of data," he said. Users who need to increase the data cap will be required to pay additional charges.
Plans are also underway to expand the value-added service to its Plusliner and Transnasional fleet of buses as well but this will depend on the success of Nice's BlueIce initiative, he said.

By ZAM KARIM
bytz@thestar.com.my

Adding more silver linings to the OneCloud

PETALING JAYA: Jaring Communications in partnership with VMware is moving aggressively to stake a claim in the emerging enterprise-class cloud-based solutions market, with its OneCloud offering.
"We have always been an infrastructure player, so for Jaring this move is one of organic growth. We want to be associated with enterprise-class solutions that leverage on the strengths of both Jaring and VMware," said Sher Khan Akbar Khan, head of value innovations at Jaring.
The company's OneCloud offering was launched in July last year, with an investment of RM5mil and focuses on offering infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS). The company's base of existing customers is split between government agencies (60%) and enterprises (40%).
To differentiate its solution from competitors, Jaring is marketing OneCloud as an opportunity to "build a virtual datacentre," offering CIOs and managers full control and flexibility via its service catalogue.
Another key differentiator is the option for customers to move workloads from their VMware vSphere-based virtualised or private cloud environment to the VMware vCloud Powered service, and back again.
To beef up data redundancy, the company's second datacentre cluster based in Penang is slated to be operational before the end of the month.
Sher Khan also shared that rollout of software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings is slated before the end of the first quarter of this year, with collaboration software Zimbra by VMware amongst its initial offerings. It is also working with other partners to expand application offerings via its platform.
More targets
While focusing on the enterprise segment, Jaring intends to extend its cloud offerings to small and medium businesses by the third quarter of this year. Despite OneCloud achieving "slightly below" its previously stated revenue target of RM2mil by the end of 2011, Jaring remains optimistic about meeting higher targets set for this year.
"With interest so high in cloud computing, the past year or so could be seen as a period of education for the industry and we foresee 2012 as the year of execution as more companies take their first steps into cloud-based solutions, having factored in intial investment costs into the budget cycle," said Sher Khan.
Laurence Si, country manager for VMware agreed, citing an Asia Pacific research study conducted by Forrester Research, which revealed that 28% of major Malaysian organisations have already begun the transition to the cloud with another 36% stating that they were planning to.
"There is a massive hunger for cloud solutions, with cost reduction and increased business agility being the main drivers for adoption," he said.
According to Si, VMware's aims to remove complexity from the equation, allowing companies to base their IT decisions not on technical issues but on business objectives.
"When moving to the cloud everything changes for a company with 10% due to technical considerations and the other 90% impacting business models," he said.
Si noted that roughly 70% of IT budgets are spent on maintaining existing infrastructure with only about 30% on new innovation. "The goal for companies is to switch those percentages around," he said.

By GABEY GOH
bytz@thestar.com.my

Broadband: A Platform for Progress - A Report by the Broadband Commission for Digital Development

The Broadband Commission for Digital Development, launched in May 2010 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), comprises government leaders from around the world, and the highest-level representatives of relevant industries, international agencies, and organizations concerned with development.

Ahead of the UN Millennium Development Goals Summit, held in New York in September 2010, the Broadband Commission presented to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon “A 2010 Declaration of Broadband Inclusion for All,” as well as Recommendations and a Plan of Action, in a report entitled “A 2010 Leadership Imperative: Towards a Future Built on Broadband”

A living resource for broadband development

This report is the second outcome to be issued by the Broadband Commission in support of its recommendations. It offers more detailed examples, evidence, technical choices and strategies for extending broadband networks within the reach of all.

“Broadband: a Platform for Progress” is also designed to be the introduction to an evolving collection of resources in the form of an online database to carry forward the work of the Broadband Commission. This repository will carry the outcome reports of the Broadband Commission, as well as numerous research reports, case studies from both developed and developing countries, and other materials to encourage and inform governments and industry — and individual communities themselves — on why broadband is crucially important in today’s world and about ways to get
connected.

The Broadband Commission’s repository of information can be visited at:

• www.broadbandcommission.org/sharehouse

Author : ITU

http://www.nitc.my/newsmaster.cfm?&menuid=36&action=view&retrieveid=75

The Global Information Technology Report 2010–2011 - Transformations 2.0

The Global Information Technology Report series celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The series has followed and tried to cast light on the evolution of information and communication technologies (ICT) over the last decade, as well as raising awareness about the importance of ICT diffusion and leveraging for increased development, growth, and better living conditions.

The methodological framework of the Networked Readiness Index (NRI) has mapped out the enabling factors driving networked readiness, which is the capacity of countries to fully benefit from new technologies in their competitiveness strategies and their citizens’ daily lives. The Index has allowed private and public stakeholders to monitor progress for an ever-increasing number of economies all over the globe, as well as to identify competitive strengths and weaknesses in national networked readiness landscapes. In doing so, the NRI and the series have grown into a unique policy tool in the discussion and design of national strategies to increase networked readiness and overall competitiveness.

As ICT continues to drive innovation, productivity, and efficiency gains across industries as well as to improve citizens’ daily lives, The Global Information Technology Report 2010–2011 takes a forward look on occasion of the 10th anniversary of its publication. Rather than focusing on the major economic, political, and social transformations enabled by ICT over recent years, the Report tries to imagine the new wave of transformations - transformations 2.0. Collecting the insights of practitioners, academics, and industry experts, the Report explores the ways in which ICT will further revolutionize the way social stakeholders work, interact, and conduct their lives, businesses, and transactions. ICT has shown its revolutionary power as a key catalyst for change, modernization, and innovation and one can safely predict this trend will only accelerate going forward. As in past editions, the Report highlights a number of best practices in ICT readiness and usage in order to showcase strategies and policies that have proven particularly successful in some specific country or region, and that could be a source of inspiration for relevant stakeholders around the world.
The Report series is the result of a long-standing partnership between the World Economic Forum (the Forum) and INSEAD, aimed at identifying the drivers of national capacity to leverage ICT advances. The Report is composed of four thematic parts.

Part 1 relates the findings of the Networked Readiness Index 2010–2011 (NRI) and features selected expert contributions on the general theme of transformations 2.0.

Part 2 includes a number of case studies showcasing best practices in networked readiness in Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the European Union.

Part 3 comprises detailed profiles for the 138 economies covered in this year’s Report, providing a thorough picture of each economy’s current networked readiness landscape and allowing for international and historical comparisons on specific variables or components of the NRI.

Part 4 includes data tables for each of the 71 variables composing the NRI this year, with rankings for the economies covered as well as technical notes and sources for the quantitative variables used.

by INSEAD

http://www.nitc.my/newsmaster.cfm?&menuid=36&action=view&retrieveid=69

Getting To Know About Flash MX 2004

How many of you were just itching to install and try out Flash MX 2004 but left scratching your heads because of the lack of documentation and the onslaught of new features? And how many out there are always admiring how these professionals do "wonders" with their websites? Quite a few, I would imagine?

ShockExcite and its partners are here to shed some light into it. ShockExcite will be offering you assistance from known designers around the world. (Names will be announced soon, we're planning now to have them in Malaysia for a talk)

Anyway! before jumping in to read the first tutorial, make sure you have Flash MX 2004 or Flash MX 2004 Professional installed (you can download a 30-day trial for free from Macromedia, although many or "ALL" would know where to get the copies ;) ). If you haven't had the chance to play around with Flash MX 2004 yet, you may want to read up on Peter Elst's review (availabe on Macromedia Flash tutorials website), to get up to speed on all that is new. With so many new features, the latest version of Flash can appear daunting at first but we have an excellent line-up of authors to make things easier for you! Phillip Kerman, Dave Yang and Michelangelo Capraro are only a few of the top names who have taken pen to paper (well, finger to keyboard) to present you with in-depth introductions for using the latest features in Flash MX 2004 and Flash 2004 Professional. Our tutorials are sprinkled with healthy amounts of examples, follow-along exercises and downloadable Flash movies!

With the latest version of Flash, Macromedia appears steadfast in trying to woo web application developers to develop Rich Internet Applications. This is a move first revealed with the launch of the MX line, which introduced us to Flash Components, DevNet, DRKs, Flash Remoting and the Flash Communication Server. In Flash MX 2004, Macromedia have completely rewritten the component architecture to create the Version 2 of the Macromedia Component Architecture.

You can read up on the latest components and get an overview of the new component architecture in my tutorial on Introducing Flash MX 2004 Components. After you've learned the basics, let Peter Elst (who will contribute to this article with ShockExcite and its partners) take you through Skinning Flash MX 2004 Components, where he will introduce you to themes and skins and how to customize them.

Once you've played with the components a bit, why not try your hand in creating your own? You can do just that with Chafic Kazoun's tutorial on Developing Components in Flash MX 2004.

You have, no doubt, also heard about the new version of ActionScript introduced with Flash MX 2004; ActionScript 2.0. AS 2.0 brings us one step closer to true object-oriented programming with an implementation of classes. It also introduces exceptions for error handling and strong typing for easier debugging. Although all scripts still get compiled down to ActionScript 1.0, writing your applications in AS 2.0 should increase their maintainability and scalability. Of course, it's possible to write bad code in any language, and that's why you mustn't skip ActionScript guru David Yang's excellent tutorial on ActionScript 2.0.

If your head starts spinning from all the code in the component development and AS 2.0 tutorials, why not take a break from code while exploring the new Timeline Effects and Behaviors with Michelangelo Capraro. These two new features allow you to create animation effects and control your movies without writing any code.

One of the biggest advances in Flash MX 2004 Pro has to do with video. You can now export Flash Video directly from supported video editors and even edit video while importing it into Flash using the new Video Import Wizard. Phillip Kerman will take you through all of this and more in his tutorial on Flash MX 2004 Professional Video.

If you're interested in Rich Internet Application development, you must be excited about the new data binding and forms-based development features in Flash MX 2004 Pro. If so, we have an amazing dynamic duo of authors to guide you through these advanced topics: Peter Hall has an excellent article on Data Binding and Mr. Flash OS himself, Grant Skinner, will show you how to apply the Model-View-Controller pattern to your applications using Forms. Both of these tutorials will show you how to use (and even extend) these advanced features and make them part of your real-world development process.

This is only the beginning (but what a beginning, eh?) I hope you enjoy our current line-up and be sure to expect many more tutorials in the coming weeks and months!


By ShockExcite Media Sdn Bhd

http://bizpartner.com.my/articles

E-learning

E-learning efforts and experiments currently receive much attention across the world. The global availability of electronic and web-enabling technologies also dramatically influences the way we view the learning strategies of the future. However, due to disappointing experiences in wide spread implementation of computers in school, many are already predicting the failure of web technologies for learning. It is indeed likely that e-learning, making use of technological advances such as the Internet, may also be dissatisfying and frustrating unless we are able to evaluate the existing available technology and courseware effectively.


E-learning is the convergence of learning and the Internet. The additional flexibility of using the Internet for e-learning provides the learner with current resources and enables them to determine their own learning activities. By providing e-learning within a positive and non-threatening environment, learners can encourage others, contributing to each other’s personal growth. E-learning delivers accountability, accessibility, and opportunity. It allows people and organizations to keep up with changes in the global economy that now occur on Internet time.

Currently, there are many standards and implementation of e-learning courseware in the market. Having the vast choice of off-the-shelf courseware available, it is not easy to decide which standard and implementation is to adapt to. On the other hand, there are many evaluation criteria available to select the appropriate e-learning courseware.

Although many e-learning courseware have been implemented for the market, problems and challenges in selecting the appropriate courseware still exist as the evaluation criteria changes. They need to be categorized and identified.

Countries and organizations must adapt to the demands of the Internet economy to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive world marketplace. In the information age, learning opportunities span a lifetime — from childhood to adulthood. Our skills and knowledge need constant refreshing to keep up with new technologies and trends.


By CHIN SIK SEAN

http://bizpartner.com.my/articles

Computer Viruses

Computer viruses have become more and more malicious. In fact, nowadays, with programming tools available off the net and in the stores, anyone could write a small computer program to create a virus. Originally, viruses were written to test loopholes in computer systems. As time went on, some smart hackers discovered that it could also be used to snoop into home users' personal computers and cause massive destruction to computers.

It appears that there is no way anyone could stop viruses from being created. There are thousands of viruses (including varients) out there, and each day, someone somewhere is creating a virus. As computer sers, we need to know how to avoid viruses from getting into our precious data.

Invest in a good virus scanning and cleaning software. There are many brands in the market; some even offer free yearly updates, while others need annual subscriptions for updates. Get either one, and do ensure that the virus database is updated regularly (once a month, at least). Trying to save some cash by not updating could be the most foolish thing to do.

The most important lesson to learn in this century is that viruses spread even more quickly through the internet. As such, it is vital that prior installing programs into our hard disks, we should have the program scanned by a virus scanner. Also, be careful of the source of the download. Do not download from a website that you're suspicious of, or from an unknown website.

Our e-mails are very vulnerable to attacks by Trojans. The trojans reveal themselves as e-mails from friends whom you know, but contain attachments that could wipe out your entire hard disk if you open the attachment. The safest bet is, if you see an attachment from your friend, check out the name of the attachment. If it ends in *.exe, or *.pif, or *.vbs, there's a high possibility that a virus is present in the attachment. Delete them immediately. The virus scanner will not be able to detect the virus if the database has not been updated.

You need to borrow a disk from your friend? Be extra careful. Don't take things for granted; just because your best friend is trustworthy, it doesn't mean the disk is free from virus. Your friend might not even know that his own computer has been infected by virus. So, please scan your disks before you open the document.

What happens if your computer has been infected, and your virus scanner has failed to detect it? Well, some viruses are more forgiving. You might surf the website of the antivirus software vendor and try to see if there are ways to clean that virus. If there are, then you're lucky. Otherwise, you'll have no choice but to format the entire hard disk while losing all your data.

How do we know if our computer has been infected by viruses? In most cases, you don't...until it's too late. Some viruses will give you symptoms of an infection. For example, if your computer slows down suddenly, or if you keep getting error messages, or if your screen displays some weird messages, then there's a possibility that you have a virus in there. You might want to take your computer to the shop to identify the problem. Not all these symptoms are caused solely by viruses. Some are probably due to hardware failure. Owning a computer is like owning a car. You've to be able to know the difference in performance.

Good luck & happy computing.


By Kevin Chua

http://bizpartner.com.my/articles

9 Benefits of Multi-Media Learning Technology

What is Multi-media?
Multi-media training uses computer technology to immerse learners into training content. Text, graphics, illustrations, photographic images, animation, full-motion video, narration, music and sound effects are used to create an engaging learning environment that can train employees consistently, economically and with better learning and retention.

How will Multi-media learning benefit your organization?

1. Reduced Learning Time
Multi-media courseware is an efficient way to deliver training content. Training content equivalent to a two-day traditional lecture can be delivered in as little as two hours using multi-media. More than 30 studies have found that multi-media training reduces learning time by 40 to 60 percent over traditional training methods. A major cost of training is the time employees are away from their work. Reduced training time means less time away from the job and lower training costs.

2. Instructional Consistency
Multi-media training programs instruct learners with the same material, presented in the same manner, from learner to learner. Each learner will receive the same consistent, technically correct message. Computer-based courseware does not have bad days or tire out at the end of a long day. Training content is delivered in a consistent, reliable manner that does not change in quality from class to class, instructor to instructor, or one company location to another.

3. Flexible Training Schedules
Multi-media training allows the presentation of quality training to an entire workforce, including shift, temporary and part-time workers. This training is especially suited to companies with a high staff turnover or those growing at a rapid pace. Multi-media training is available in the workplace 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be delivered at a time that benefits both the learner and the company.

Multi-media training can be scheduled to fit employee or production schedules, eliminating production down-time. Flexible training delivery allows new employees to start training immediately, and existing employees to refresh their skills at any time. Employees will often take training courses before or after their normal shifts and management can make good use of unexpected quiet periods.

Hundreds of thousands of training dollars are saved by organizations that invest in the development of on demand multi-media courseware.

4. Increased Retention Levels and Motivation
Multi-media training allows the learner to be actively involved in the learning process. This interactivity reinforces the training content and helps the learner to retain the training message. Multi-media training enables the user to continually go back to it in order to reinforce messages rather than doing the training just once. The training itself can also be used as an ongoing reference tool.

Multi-media training provides a level of responsive feedback and individual involvement that has proven to be highly motivating. Courseware allows learners to focus their attention on the training content, reducing the potential for distraction.

Studies have shown that learners who listen to information will only recall 25% of that material. If they hear and see the material, they will remember 50%. However, learners who hear, see and interact with the material during the learning process will remember 75% of the material. Multi-media training allows learners to take greater control of their own learning process. Learners can move through courseware content at a comfortable pace.

5. Cater to Individual Learning Styles
Multi-media training allows learners, who typically have different abilities and knowledge levels, to control the pace and direction of their training. As learners discover new areas of interest and accomplishment, they become seekers of knowledge, not just recipients of instruction. It is not practical to provide that level of customization in traditional classroom training.

Traditional learning methods typically focus on one learning style at a time. By using graphics, audio, and interactive activities, multi-media training can fit a range of learning styles including visual, auditory and experiential. Multi-media training adapts itself to each student, provides realistic content and increases knowledge retention rates.

6. Testing of Learning Proficiency
Multi-media training programs use pre and post assessments as well as mastery and graded quizzes to demonstrate to the learner their level of proficiency in the training content. Quizzes help learners to know which areas they need to review. Tests can measure competency of the subject matter; computer-based testing allows for instant results to the learner; and data can be statistically analyzed as needed. Testing large numbers of employees can be done efficiently and cost effectively.

7. Low Cost Per Student
The upfront investment in multi-media courseware development will give your organization substantial reduction in employee training costs and employee training time. Multi-media training has a low cost per learner with lower delivery costs because the primary costs are in courseware design and production. The costs of replication, distribution and course delivery, which are recurring costs in traditional training, are reduced or eliminated with multi-media training. The ongoing costs of training are substantially reduced, and the cost per learner goes down with each additional learner.

8. On-the-job Safety and Health
Multi-media training allows learners to study potentially dangerous topics without risk. Interactive content lets learners see the results of their actions and become skilled at proper methods and procedures while learning how to work safely at their job. Training your employees to do the job right reduces waste, increases productivity and prevents incidents.

9. Training Records
A benefit of multi-media training is its ability to test and track the progress of the learner. Data such as the learner�s progress, time spent in the courseware, and test results can be tracked and monitored.

Overcoming the challenges of efficiency and productivity in the office is easy and rewarding through multi-media learning. By implementing an on-demand learning program, everyone benefits from flexible learning schedules, increased morale and lower training costs. And the peace of mind you�ll gain by having a record of accountability is a bonus you won�t want to do without. Guide your organization in the right direction, and commit to learning something new every day!


By EP-Tec Solutions Sdn Bhd

http://bizpartner.com.my/articles

3G + WIFI

We've been involved with technology trials and test, implementations etc the works. As mentioned in the members subscription mailer, we're lauching our very own Satellite and Satellite + Wireless access services very soon. Price? surely it will be affordable!

This article takes you further on what we are about to launch, but complimenting the hype of 3G services with the moderately expanding WIFI usage (Which is getting bigger) Indeed, in Malaysia, Wi-Fi access is becoming as common as a cafes such as businesses like Starbucks, or any other cafes or restaurants you find around town supported by service providers such as TMNET, Maxis, TIME and AIRZED attracting attention from almost every market segment.

Simultaneously, wireless telephony networks using 2.5 and 3G offer mobile users a sub-set of TCP/IP networking services, typically Web browsing and e-mail, but with far broader coverage than hotspots. Unlike Wi-Fi, which is exploding, hard data on 2.5 and 3G is hard to find since contract details and market share are often only described in the most general of terms.

WiFi service providers deploy hotspots that are usually connected to the Internet by DSL; 3G can compliment existing services by allowing hotspots to be deployed in areas that are not served by Telekom Malaysia (TMNET).

The mobile industry needs to be aware of the opportunities that this new technology presents and understand how it can enhance 3G services and start rolling in the bucks. What do they want at the end? break-even and start making profits, but how?

WiFi is used as the last mile to provide IP connectivity to users. Maxis alone is capable to provide 386kbps of connectivity over 3G, of which undoubtedly will find its way into WiFi networks sooner or later. The two technologies are compatible "out of the box" without the need for detailed engineering or special configuration. With basic compatibility established, the area of interest becomes maximizing the combination of the two technologies. This can be accomplished by carefully choosing the applications that are well suited to the natural strengths of 3G and WiFi.

Prices for 3G and public Wi-Fi access will both drop, and we seek the opportunity to provide... customers don't really care about which technology is used, but they care about cost and they care about speed, and this could help carriers with both technologies.

Indeed, speed, cost and coverage are what is likely to decide if one technology will triumph or the other or whether they'll work best for users together. One thing is becoming clear though. After years of bickering, it appears that the telephony data companies are beginning to think that convergence, and not competition, will be the key that allows 2.5 and 3G to florish in the Malaysian market with the growth of Wi-Fi.

These two applications represent the fixed and mobile markets, respectively. The infrastructure is similar for the two applications: a 3G smartphone or wireless card (at the moment only PCMCIA based ) is used to provide the connection to the Internet and supports roaming at local wireless LAN networks. Both technologies will eventually allow multiple users to access the internet via WIFI network through 3G.

3G + WiFi Convergence is all about enabling new markets that can not be served with either technology alone:

● 3G allows WiFi hot spots to be deployed in places that terrestrial Internet connections cannot reach either cost effectively or geographical restrictions.

● WiFi can lower the per-user cost of 3G subscriptions and its hardware, enabling access to more price sensitive markets where 3G services are too expensive.

However, at the end of the day, any business opportunity that seeks to exploit the combination of 3G + WiFi needs to consider three key issues:

1. Maximizing the number of subscribers that can serviced,
2. Minimizing the infrastructure cost to service those subscribers, and
3. Ensuring that the opportunity has the potential to generate revenue.



By ShockExcite Media Sdn Bhd

http://bizpartner.com.my/articles