Pakistani Teacher Shines at Microsoft’s 2012 Partners in Learning Global Forum

Microsoft recently organized the Partners in Learning Global Forum 2012 in Prague to acknowledge the contribution of teachers in implementing technological resources in schools and class rooms from all over the world.

During the ceremony, held in the prestigious Prague Castle to mark the culmination of the 2012 Microsoft Partners in Learning Global Forum, Microsoft announced 21 winners, narrowed down from more than 250,000 teachers registered across national and regional forums throughout the year.

MunazzaRiaz, teacher at Roots International School, Islamabad was recognized in the “Teacher as Innovator & Change Agent” Category for her innovative project “Aqua Crunch” that won the 1^st place. The project was created for students of 8-10 years of age and raised awareness about conservation of water. It dealt with the issue "Why Water Conservation Needs to be Addressed When Water is 70% of Our Earth?" Global and national surveys using BING search engine guided students well about exactly where and how the problem needs to be looked at and how water can be conserved and recycled with less resources and low cost. Students worked in collaboration with government and non-government organizations to create awareness.

Saturday night, awards were presented to educators across six categories. All winners will be automatically included in the new Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert Program, a one-year initiative created to recognize educators globally who are using technology to transform education. Expert Educators will become Microsoft’s partner in many of its education activities throughout the year, focused on ensuring learning outcomes and sharing of experiences with peers and policymakers on effective use of technology in education.

In return, members receive the inside track on the latest Microsoft thinking and technologies, as well as access to the latest and greatest software and products. In addition, Microsoft will ensure that this group is getting the professional and career development opportunities that will be long lasting and help them make a difference in their students’ lives

“I am delighted to win such a prestigious recognition among teachers from all around the world. Microsoft Partners in Learning Global Forum is playing an integral role in promoting technology in schools and making the learning process more interactive and fun for students.” said MunazzaRiaz.“I believe that with my induction in Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert Program, I will be able to play my part in transforming the education scenario in Pakistan and bridging the gap between students and technology.”she added.

Participants were judged by an international panel of education professionals through rigorous scoring criteria which ensures that entries are reviewed in the most professional and fair way. Through virtual classroom tours and onsite interviews by judges, these teachers demonstrated innovative teaching practices, giving their students critical 21st century skills, such as collaboration, critical thinking and social responsibility, by leveraging effective and engaging technology resources. Teachers were recognized across the following categories:

1.      Extended Learning Beyond the Classroom

2.      Collaboration

3.      Knowledge Building and Critical Thinking

4.      Cutting-Edge Use of Technology for Learning

5.      Educator as Innovator and Change Agent

6.      Educators’ Choice

Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Usman Khan, Citizenship & Community Affairs Executive said’ “It gives me immense pleasure to congratulate Ms. MunazzaRiaz on this brilliant achievement. The award is a testimony of her dedication andthe work she does every day to enrich the educational experiences of her students. Through the Microsoft Partners in Learning Global Forum, weaim to facilitate technology usage in classrooms whichopens a plethora of avenues for students of all ages and helps them realize their potential.

Nokia conducts developers' workshop in Karachi University

 Nokia Pakistan recently conducted a Nokia Developers’ Workshop at University of Karachi in partnership with P@SHA, which aimed at providing students an insight into the world of mobile app development and the rise in demand of apps in the local market. The workshop focused on inculcating app development skills for the S40 Full Touch devices.

The training was imparted by Syed Faraz Ahmed, Senior Engagement Manager, Lakson Business Solutions. On the occasion of the successful completion of the workshop, Faraz said, “It was wonderful to interact with such enthusiastic students and share with them the S40 background and provide hands-on training on the SDK LWUIT 2.0 available to work on mobile apps for S40 Full Touch platform. The students clearly understood why it will be beneficial for them and their community to contribute towards content development and they all took keen interest in the workshop.”

Expressing her views, Rabia Azfar Nizami, Head DX, Near East, NOKIA said, “I appreciate the interest level of Karachi University’s UBIT students to learn and excel in their chosen field. Nokia has been organizing these kinds of workshops for developers in Pakistan since the past few years and this workshop was geared towards channelizing the strengths of these students and providing them a rich bundle of resources to develop more locally relevant mobile apps for Nokia devices which are most popular among the masses in our country. Recently, the Nokia App Store witnessed more than two million downloads of localized content and apps per week in Pakistan, which has given rise to the need for developers to make apps and generate revenue that cater to this segment of the market.”

The students were enthusiastic about learning hands on skills from a professional mentor and showed their interest towards the development of local content for the Nokia Store. At the workshop’s conclusion, certificates were distributed among all the participants.

Nokia Pakistan Becomes the Top Brand on Facebook with 1 million fans

Having been launched in February this year, Nokia Pakistan Facebook page beats all the other brands on Facebook to become the most liked brand in Pakistan with 1 million fans. This record achievement became possible in only a short span of 9 months.  Nokia entered the Facebook with a clear strategy to share interesting information, engage consumers with the latest Nokia devices and to make Nokia experience more fun for everyone.

Soon after Nokia Facebook page was launched, it became the fastest growing brand on the social network. More than 6 million Pakistanis are currently using Facebook and one can safely infer that majority of them are Nokia users and fans. With its Facebook page, Nokia Pakistan aims to connect with its millions of fans in Pakistan on a more personal level. Nokia Pakistan has today become the most happening Facebook page with exciting games and activities that give everyone a chance to win

and stay updated with the latest that Nokia has to offer on: http://www.facebook.com/NokiaPakistan. 

“We are thoroughly pleased with the growing excitement around Nokia Pakistan on Facebook. For us, achieving 1 million fans of our Facebook page is a proof that Nokia continues to deliver an exceptional communications experience to consumers. It also reflects the fact that Nokia has been able to successfully connect with Nokia fans across Pakistan on a personal level,” said Haseeb Ihtisham, head of marketing, Nokia Near East.

He further added, “We all have a fundamental need to connect with the people and things that matter to us. People want to reach out to each other: talk, share, laugh, cry, gossip, anything. Information is shared, greetings are exchanged, messages of love are sent – but regardless of the content, connecting with other people is one of the key things that make us what we are. Nokia Pakistan has successfully translated the same level of connection on its Facebook page and developed a deeper bond with its valued fans in Pakistan.”

With so much buzz around it, Nokia Pakistan Facebook page has evidently become the iconic social media brand in Pakistan. With a wide variety of apps and activities in the pipeline coupled with the growth momentum, things are only going to change for the better for Nokia Pakistan Facebook page

Alibaba.com & PSGI Form Strategic Partnership to Support Pakistani SMEs

Pearl Shine Group International (PSGI), a nationally & internationally recognized diversified group of companies, recently entered into a strategic partnership with one of the world’s largest B2B portals, Alibaba.com. The platform provides an online space that brings together buyers and sellers to communicate, collaborate and carry out global trade. More than 650,000 Pakistani SMEs are currently members of Alibaba.com, and the new local partnership will help grow and solidify new potential for local suppliers to enjoy more exposure in the global market.

“Pakistani exporters need a stronger online presence because the world has turned into a global village,” said PSGI CEO, Irfan Haider Awan. “Local business owners should explore and avail the opportunities beyond our national territory by making intelligent use of e-commerce mechanisms in this new technological era. Such steps will not only help Pakistani SMEs benefit from economies of scale but will also contribute to better balance of trade.”

He further added, “Many countries today are enjoying economic growth by effectively using the Internet for business. The global B2B e-commerce transactions have crossed US$12.4 trillion milestone in 2012 which stood was just $ 3.4 trillion in 2005. Although Pakistan still lacks a substantial presence in terms of online business, it also highlights the high potential this medium represents for us, especially for our 3 million-strong SME community.”   

“Alibaba.com is excited about this new partnership with PSGI for it gives us a chance to work closer with the Pakistan market,” said Head of Global Supplier Development and Sales, Timothy Leung, Alibaba Group. “Online business and e-commerce can potentially take Pakistan’s trade opportunities to the next level. We understand the potential of Pakistani SMEs and will continue to offer new programs and services, both online and offline, so these businesses can learn how to capitalize from online trade through Alibaba.com.”

Alibaba.com will be offering its new service, Verified Membership, to new and existing members for a limited time. Launched at the beginning of 2012, the Verified Membership program is aimed at helping Alibaba.com’s non-paying supplier members establish trust with potential buyers. Suppliers participating in this program undergo basic background checks to confirm that they are legitimate businesses. Government records such as tax ID numbers and other sources are cross-checked to confirm a company really exists and to verify its contact and other information is accurate. Those who successfully pass the verification process will gain a special logo on their Alibaba.com profiles and enjoy higher search rankings than free members.

Verification for Pakistani suppliers on Alibaba.com will be conducted by its local partner PSGI, with all communication with customers in URDU to offer a more localized experience. With the new Verified Membership program, Alibaba.com and PSGI will further “trade-enable” Pakistani SMEs by confirming their legitimacy and making them more visible to buyers worldwide who source products through Alibaba.com.

The new partnership between PSGI and Alibaba.com aims to help small businesses market their products internationally, find genuine buyers, sell their products/ services and explore domestic and international business opportunities. It is expected that the partnership will contribute to the development of Pakistan’s e-commerce environment which has the potential to increase business activity, drive economic growth and create new job opportunities for budding entrepreneurs.

Google vs Microsoft; bearing email space war:

Tech wars are going on whether it is for apple vs. mango, facebook vs. Google+ or Yahoo vs. Google and any other tech giants. It’s now the turn of Google and Microsoft that are fighting the internet space dominance war as the competitive campaigns of online email services have launched.

Earlier this week, the search engine giant, Google aired a video that captures its "Email Intervention" campaign promoting current Gmail users, their services of free phone calls and video chatting and confers their users chance to invite their friends and family. Not for only Gmail users, it has also led to other populous email services users like Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail to stage “Gmail intervention”.

Other than email service launching, Google has stepped up to migrate users away from Yahoo!, AOL‘s email and Hotmail as it has come with innovative new website, http://www.emailintervention.com/ aiming to egg on users to take to Gmail and make a shift from out-mode email services by sending self-generated ‘intervention email’ to their friends.

Seeing all these movements by Google, Microsoft could not stand still as it has come up with a thorny advertising movement criticizing the fact that Google ‘reads’ emails to deliver content conscious advertisements that can achieve top likelihood of accomplishment for advertisers ;giving higher returns to Google. Hence by giving that criticism on Google’s contextual advertising system, Microsoft probably could has the intention, as questioning on users’ mail privacy that could irritate users.

In certain concern, mockery video naming “Gmail man” has leaked by Microsoft; a pinch to Google.

Have a look at that:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yXqrTfOWx60

But the head of Google’s cloud apps, Dave Girouard has contempt for the Gmail man video via publicly giving his message on Google+

"MSFT is being silly & wrong about Gmail. We don't even have time to read our own email."

So, whatever the result of theses tech battles but audience get many humorous moments experiencing all these stuff.

Will google+ change over Facebook?

Google+ Vs Facebook [Features]

By Khizra Zaheer · Monday, Aug 1, 2011

Since the launch of a whole brand new social networking platform Google plus, the battle is on between Facebook and Google.

The search engine giant is threatening strong social network giant Facebook which created a splash in the market, looking at its best and presenting latest and different apps, looks and strategies.

Let’s take a quick view on both social networks features wise.

Google+ circles vs. Facebook lists:

Google plus is giving its users an innovative look and feel with classy animations powered by HTML 5, ease of making and managing friends and family circles by just a “Drag and drop”.

Facebook provides creation of groups by the feature called “lists” but unlike Google Plus it seems not as user friendly.

Google plus is more concerned with easy management of privacy solutions and until now circles has achieved higher +1’s by users.

Google+ hangouts vs. Facebook video calling:

Although recently launched feature of video calling by Facebook in collaboration with Skype has been warmly welcomed even though it lacks group chatting feature but Google plus is towering a brilliant difference with its feature called “hangout”. It allows face to face public or private meet ups with video chatting and ability to enjoy YouTube videos with up to 10 friends.

Google+ stream vs. Facebook news feed:

Modified version of the news feed, Google stream facilitates user to update status, live experiences, share pics, videos, links or location with circles. Having fastest sharing feature at g+, the instant upload, gives it a plus over Facebook as it can’t upload videos and photos from mobile device right away. Alternatively an “upload email” is used to update status, videos or posts from mobiles.

On the other hand Facebook News Feed gives you the ability to select the most discussed feed or the new ones, something missing from Stream. Coming to the basic purpose of providing a steady stream on news, I would say it’s a tie between the two.

Facebook Like or Google+1:

As a Facebook Like button, G+ has its +1 button, giving eye catching look to g+ social stream. Both the Like and +1 have very natural feeling to them. You +1 what you ‘like’ and what you ‘like’ you want it to be incremented, improved, increased or +1’ed.

Google+ huddle vs. Facebook chat for mobiles:

G+ presents impressive text chat for android powered mobile phones even on the move other than the fact that it has Gtalk client for one-one voice and group chat and one-one video chat. Facebook only provides apps like AIM and support of XMPP or Jabber protocol for creation of custom applications.

Google+ location over Facebook places:

So far sharing your location with friends’ circle on g+ stream is user friendly, just one click away. Facebook on the other hand does not allow its user to share location right away from their wall and is also limited to some countries.

Google+ sparks and Facebook front search bar:

Google + presents users an ‘interest tab’ by giving a front-end to Google search for a specific topic, where user enters keywords about his interests and then could easily follow it just like twitter. The user will be updated regarding his favorites and this latest stuff can also be shared amongst the users’ circles. That Facebook search bar will find you relevant information from within the Facebook network and you have to search for your items of interest every time while Google Plus maintains the lists.

Google+ instantaneous uploads and FB uploads:

As Facebook has grabbed the user picture and video upload ground so far, the Google Plus’ offering ‘instant upload’ allows users’ pictures or videos taken from mobile to be shared with their friends and family instantly from the web. These shares go to the user’s stream.

Eye catching Notification systems:

Both networks have notification system that grabs the eye easily. Google Plus’ notification system in unified, in one drop down menu you get friend updates, posts to instant upload notifications. Facebook on the other hand has separate notifications for Messages, activities and Friend requests.

Google+ & Facebook browser support:

Both Google Plus and Facebook have vast browser support. They support all the latest browsers whether it is Chrome, Firefox, IE, Opera or Safari.

However a fully HTML 5 complaint browser will give the best experience of Google Plus. A thing to note is that the notification section of Google Plus doesn’t appear when using Opera Browser. Hopefully it will be corrected once it is out of Beta phase.

Google plus has attained 20 million+ users with 1 billion shares a day but it cannot be fully anticipated whether Google+ will achieve the zenith of success and outrun its rival Facebook as Google Plus till now has not revealed its entire feature set such as g+ business, g+ games and g+ questions and polls which are the basis for generation of rapid traffic on Facebook.

Or will Google+ just follow timely success such as Orkut or just be another Google wave and Google Buzz. It wholly depends on the audience, whether they catch on the latest train or just stay with the “old is gold” mantra.

Free Islamic and Ramadan Apps Launched by Nokia on Ovi Store

Have a look at the event.

The new applications offer rich content for Muslims across the

world and specifically for Pakistani consumers

Karachi - 27^th July, 2011: Nokia announced the launch of a new range of mobile applications and content tailored for the holy month of Ramadan. The new range of Ramadan applications 2011 have now become available on Ovi Store, the updated mobile applications specifically developed for the Holy Month can now be downloaded on the compatible Nokia devices for free.

Some key applications include uQuran Micro reciter, ARY QTV and ARY Zauq. Other apps include Al Quran (Lectures by Dr. Israr ul Haq by Quran Academy), Qibla Touch, Namaz.me, Weekly Quran & Hadith, Lesson of the Day, Boyoot Allah and Manasik.

“We want to enable Pakistani consumers to connect to the month of Ramadan in the most meaningful way. Aiming to make Ovi Store more valuable and locally relevant, we have now added new Islamic apps that would let Pakistani Muslims celebrate this Ramadan with renewed religious fervor and offer Ramadan-specific activities with greater ease and convenience.” said Haseeb Ihtisham, Head of Marketing, Nokia Pakistan and Afghanistan.

uQuran mobile app offers the full Quran in Uthmani Font with an easy to use user interface. It also offers verse by verse translation and recitation along with bookmarks. uQuran also has 100% Touch Screen support and is the only software of its kind offering full portrait and landscape viewing of the Quran for easy reading and understanding via mobile phone.

With QTV mobile application, you can download audio files of Quran recitation, download Hamds & Naats by famous reciters, view program schedules of QTV, view latest announcements from QTV and download Farman-e-ilahi, Ahadees-e-Nabwi, and Ringtones.

Zauq’s mobile app is an interface for viewers to get informed about the happenings on their favorite food channel via their favorite Nokia phone and at the same time be able to download amazing recipes to cook special Ramadan delicacies. With ARY ZAUQ mobile application, you can now get your favorite chef’s recipes right on your handset, and keep yourself updated with the programs schedule, new announcements and expert cooking tips. With this app the user gets to utilize the cooking timer for best quality meals.

Ramadan applications for 2011 are compatible with a wide range of Nokia devices including Nokia N8, Nokia E7, Nokia C7, Nokia C3 and Nokia X2-01.

About Nokia

At Nokia, we are committed to connecting people. We combine technology with personalised services that enable people to stay close to what matters to them. Every day, more than 1.2 billion people connect to one another with a Nokia device – from mobile phones to advanced smartphones and high-performance mobile computers. Today, Nokia is integrating its devices with innovative services through Ovi (www.ovi.com), including music, maps, apps, email and more. Nokia’s NAVTEQ is a leader in comprehensive digital mapping and navigation services, while Nokia Siemens Networks provides equipment, services and solutions for communications networks globally.

HTC Flyer, Dell Streak & Samsung Galaxy Tab Now with wi-tribe Internet Packages

wi-tribe outruns broadband providers to launch three new tablets coupled with an amazing internet package

Karachi – 22^nd July, 2011:

Wi-tribe Pakistan, being the most exciting broadband service provider, has once again outrun other broadband operators by offering the HTC Flyer, Dell Streak 5 and Samsung Galaxy Tab P1000. This offer adds value to the experience of existing as well as potential customers through a bundled package of a free wi-fi connection coupled with one month of browsing, absolutely free.

Commenting on this new offering, Director Marketing – wi-tribe Pakistan, Ali Fahd said, “Our latest offer combines three state-of-the-art tablets with wi-tribe’s high speed internet connection, enabling our customers to instantly enjoy a richer online experience. We are committed to bringing the most innovative and advanced technologies to our valued customers. With this launch, we seek to not only increase the user’s satisfaction, but also to consistently empower them with the freedom to create their own world.”

This offer marks wi-tribe as an innovator within the industry, as it combines its high speed internet with these tablet devices and continuously seeks to bring many such valuable packages in times to come.

Check out wi-tribe’s prices below:

About wi-tribe Pakistan:

Wi-tribe launched its largest operations in Pakistan in July 2009, and is currently operating in five regions; Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi and Faisalabad.

Wi-tribe is passionate about providing a unique and personalized customer care experience, teamed with instant connectivity and simplified service bundles and applications.

Backed by unrivalled experience, knowledge and ability, wi-tribe group, a Qtel Group company, was born in April 2007. The vast experience these world leaders bring to the table has fuelled the growth of this new venture, launching wi-tribe globally as part of Qtel’s 2020 vision.

Visit www.wi-tribe.pk for the latest news about our products and services.

Syntax Communications:

Muhammad Mansoor Abbas: 0300-2124963

SAP Helps Small Companies Start Smaller To Gain Greater Business Efficiency

SAP^® Business One Solution starter packages now available

Karachi — 21^st July, 2011 —

SAP AG is in a shift to better meet the needs of even the smallest of companies as SAP has announced the accessibility of starter packages for the “SAP^® Business One” solution. SAP channel partners now can offer a fixed-price, small-scale option for companies needing to equip only one to five users with business software.

Offered at a reduced price, starter packages for “SAP^® Business One” comprise the basic finance, sales, purchasing, customer relationship management and inventory functionality databases that small companies need to run their businesses. The software is ideal for those that need more than standard accounting or non-integrated business software and understand the benefits of a fully integrated business management solution. When they eventually grow and need to add more users, customers simply can upgrade to the standard edition of SAP Business One at any time, without having to reconfigure the software.

The starter package is available for all countries and a language supported by “SAP^® Business One” and is initially offered as a pre-packaged solution for specific countries including Pakistan.

Depending on the scope of the project, the starter package can be implemented within 3 to 10 days. SAP is launching the packages based on feedback from channel partners that were seeing strong response to similar scaled-down offerings in several of these regions, especially among startup companies. The starter packages also can create new opportunities for software solution providers (SSPs) to help value-added resellers (VARs) expand sales.

Commenting on the starter packages of “SAP^® Business One”, Hassan Jamal, Country Liaison Manager, SAP Pakistan said,

"SAP Pakistan aims to constantly offer better preferences to Pakistani businesses, giving them heads up in today's competitive environment. The starter packages of “SAP^® Business One” solution would help small businesses in Pakistan to attain maximum business benefits by making minimum investment. Many local businesses in Pakistan can now have opportunity to run competently along with the fast moving businesses of the world”.

Sold in over 80 countries and available in 40 country versions and in 25 different languages, SAP Business One is delivered and supported through the extensive network of authorized SAP channel partners, and is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide.

About SAP

As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device – SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 170,000 customers (includes customers from the acquisition of Sybase) to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com.

Additional product information is available at www.sap.com/smallbusiness. For recent and related news, visit the SME newsroom. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.

For More Information:

Muhammad Mansoor Abbas,

Senior Media Executive

Mobile #: 0300-2124963