On Track Issue 08

The 3rd GCC eGovernment Award, Conference and Exhibition Don’t Miss

The 3-day eGovernment Award, Conference and January 2014 Exhibition concluded on December 11, 2013 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT with important recommendations being made for 1 2 3 4 the GCC ICT industry. The conference brought 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 together a group of key industry speakers, experts 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 and influencers on both local and international 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 levels... 26 27 28 29 30 31

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Go Green Do’s & Dont’s Bravo!

In light of the recent TRA workshop for counterfeit devices, when choosing the right mobile phone it is important to carefully consider a number of factors. Making the right choice is critical, especially given that the UAE is a global leader in smartphone penetration with 74% of mobile subscribers.

So, below are a few helpful tips that will help you to choose the right mobile phone The UAE is no stranger to sandstorms, for yourself or as a gift for a friend: “The real wealth is the sincere which would often lead to dusty hard work that benefits human and conditions that can have negative • Look at the end user – It is very important society, that work is immortal, it is to know exactly what the end user wants what makes human and the country medical implications to those who value” the late founder of the UAE’s, – whether the phone is to be just for calls, inhale them. According to local medical father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al or if the user really want a smartphone analysis, an increase in the haze of Nahyan may he rest in peace. with 75 pre-loaded apps and WiFi. dust can lead to an increase in the In an initiative to encourage... number of patients... • Don’t buy a phone based on the looks alone – Check out as much as... More >> More >> >>

Coffee Break Oldies

In today’s modern world, the laptop TRA recently participated in the 6th Anti-Commercial computer has become an integral part Fraud Exhibition which was organized by the Department of our personal lives, being widely used of Economic Development at Marina Mall Abu Dhabi. for professional as well as personal The 5-day exhibition brought on display over 600 work. The laptop computer brings counterfeit goods including counterfeit... together a fine balance of device... More >> >>

For any suggestions please email us at [email protected] On Track Issue 08 Main Topic

The 3rd GCC eGovernment Award, Conference and Exhibition

The 3-day eGovernment Award, Conference and Exhibition concluded on December 11, 2013 with important recommendations being made for the GCC ICT industry. The conference brought together a group of key industry speakers, experts and influencers on both local and international levels. The value of the event is characterized by the richness and diversity of the topics discussed. The event included 24 distinctive stands representing different governmental bodies in GCC countries and all showcasing their latest applications and services aiming to make life easier for GCC citizens and residents.

The event started with a speech delivered by Michael J Dixon, General Manager, IBM’s Global Smarter Cities Business, who presented examples of leading Smart Cities around the world. A panel discussion under the name “Smart Government - the experience of Emiratis” then took place including a group of speakers representing the Smart Government of Dubai, Abu Dhabi eGovernment, Emirates Identity Authority and Smart Government in the UAE.

The event concluded by honoring the speakers and organizing members. Final recommendations were announced to strengthen the role of eGovernment and raise the efficiency and effectiveness of its application within Gulf countries. The recommendations committee held several meetings and prepared a list of high-level recommendations which were well received by the audience.

The TRA has been a major voice in the 3-day conference, making its presence felt in fostering collaboration between GCC governments for the benefit of all those who use eGovernment services. A speech delivered by H.E. Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of TRA emphasized the depth of relationship between GCC countries and the strength of the cultural ties that unify them. The Deputy Director General of Information and e-Government, H.E. Hamad Al Mansoori also discussed the importance of the smart government project outlining the ultimate aim of transforming government service delivery and levels of customer service.

For any suggestions please email us at [email protected] On Track Issue 08 Oldies

History of the Laptop

Allan Kay The first functioning portable computer

In today’s modern world, the laptop computer has become Adam Osborne, an ex-book publisher founded Osborne an integral part of our personal lives, being widely used Computer and produced the Osborne 1 in 1981, a portable for professional as well as personal work. The laptop computer that weighed 24 pounds and cost $1795. The computer brings together a fine balance of deviceOsborne 1 came with a five-inch screen, modem port, two portability and reliability wherever the user chooses to 5 1/4 floppy drives, a large collection of bundled software be. The portable computer comes from a rich history that programs, and a battery pack. looks on how personal computers have evolved to make them portable and lapable, which would later lead to the As further development on the laptop computer development of notebook style laptops. progressed, major computer companies such as Apple and IBM, became involved with the latter introducing the So where did the laptop come from? While the laptop first IBM PC convertible in 1986. Weighing in at a hefty computer can be attributed to a number of origins, one 5.4 kg, the PC Convertible sold for $3,500, it was the of the earliest forms of development was put forward in first portable computer with the clamshell design used in the early 1970s by Allan Kay from Xerox Palo Alto. Allan today’s laptops. The success of the PC Convertible was Kay set the development wheels in motion through his the catalyst for competitors like Compaq and Toshiba to vision of a wireless portable computer. This idea was switch to the clamshell design in their portable computers. further improved in 1979 by William Moggridge of Grid And so began the era of the laptop computer. Systems Corporation by creating the first functioning portable computer called the “Grid Compass Computer But how long did that era last? It’s probably safe to say 1109.” It had 340 kilobytes of bubble memory, a die- that the laptop has had its share of market glory in the last cast magnesium case and a folding electroluminescent decade but is now being challenged as a result the rise graphics display screen. NASA had bought a handful of of smart devices such as smartphone and tablets. While them at $800 apiece for use in the space program. global PC sale have declined 8.6% in the 3rd quarter of 2013, laptops aren’t doing much better. There are a The computer considered by most historians to be number of reasons for this notably, the shift in modern day the first true portable computer was the Osborneconsumer 1. preference to an all-in-one device.

For any suggestions please email us at [email protected] On Track Issue 08 Coffee Break

Anti-Commercial Fraud Exhibition

TRA recently participated in the 6th Anti-Commercial Fraud Exhibition which was organized by the Department of Economic Development at Marina Mall Abu Dhabi.

The 5-day exhibition brought on display over 600 counterfeit goods including counterfeit consumer brands in bags, shoes, cosmetics, hygiene products, engine parts, watches, CDs, gadgets, sports items, mobile phones, electrical appliances, audiovisual transmitters and others.

As the UAE’s telecom regulatory body, the TRA has emphasized the importance of attending this event because it is aimed at protecting the local community and national economy from all forms or commercial fraud. The TRA has demonstrated through its campaign to confiscate fake phones the differences between original and counterfeit phones and their dangers. Commercial fraud costs the UAE Dh500 million a year with counterfeit automobile spare parts, cosmetics, electric appliances and tobacco products account for much of the fraud in the country.

The exhibition was a perfect opportunity for consumers in Abu Dhabi to learn directly from the exhibitors, representatives of companies and agents of trademarks about the authenticity of products and how best spot fraudulent goods.

As the conference concluded, consumers were not only equipped with knowledge on the various forms of commercial fraud but were also encouraged to remain vigilant online and actively report all fraud activity to local authorities.

For any suggestions please email us at [email protected] On Track Issue 08 Do’s & Dont’s

Do’s Dont’s

So, below are a few helpful tips that will help you to choose the right mobile phone for yourself or as a gift for a friend:

• Look at the end user – It is very important to know • Don’t buy a phone based on the looks alone – Check exactly what the end user wants – whether the phone is out as much as possible about the phone’s features to be just for calls, or if the user really want a smartphone before buying. with 75 pre-loaded apps and WiFi. • Don’t buy without checking the exact specifications of • Check the screen and casing – Check for any scuffs, the phone. damage or screen cracks. Ensure the colour is correct - some handsets have different colour shells. • Don’t buy on impulse – Check reviews of the phone before committing to it. • Enquire if the phone comes with a protective case. • Don’t deal with unauthorized retailers and vendors • Inspect the charger – Check that the charger is present – You will lose out on product warranty and proper and working. customer support when you need it.

• Check the ports and jacks – Some mobile and • Don’t throw away your old mobile phone - find ways to smartphone handsets will have ports, slots, jacks for recycle and reuse them. memory cards, headphones and PC connections. Check that they are functional.

• Look at the functionality.

• Find out if the phone is in full working order, or within warranty.

For any suggestions please email us at [email protected] On Track Issue 08 Go Green

Keeping the Dust Out

The UAE is no stranger to sandstorms, which would often lead to dusty conditions that can have negative medical implications to those who inhale them. According to local medical analysis, an increase in the haze of dust can lead to an increase in the number of patients that are suffering from respiratory and eye problems.

Asthma is also a common effect of dust storms, making it difficult for people to breathe and could later lead to chronic airways disorder. According to the Middle East-Asia Allergy Asthma Immunology Congress, allergies can cost the Middle East and North Africa region more than US$2.5 billion (Dh9.1bn) annually in medical costs, time off work and lost productivity. It is also worth noting that small dust particles blowing through the air could get lodged in people’s eyes, causing conjunctivitis. And the damage doesn’t end there. Dust particles in the air get caught by buildings and cars who are parked in outdoor parking lots, which can be harmful for young children who may be playing in the surroundings.

So how do you keep yourself clear from dust or effects of the next impending sandstorm? Firstly, for people who have severe asthma or allergies or diseases should remain indoors during dusty weather conditions. It will also not hurt to carry an inhaler or a face mask to prevent the dust from entering the sensitive parts of the face like the eyes, nose and mouth. Also, make it a habit to dust off your clothes before you enter a home or an office to prevent passing the dust particles to others.

According to studies and research, dust particles can also be generated inside our homes. It has been known that drying clothes indoor could cause health problems, particularly to those prone to asthma, hay fever and other allergies, say researchers. The reduction in air quality has been tied to asthma and other allergic conditions. In order to stay away from this hazard, it is advisable to use of communal drying areas or utilizing the space in your balcony on a fine day.

For any suggestions please email us at [email protected] On Track Issue 08 Bravo!

Promotions

“The real wealth is the sincere hard work that benefits human and society, that work is immortal, it is what makes human and the country value” the late founder of the UAE’s, father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan may he rest in peace.

In an initiative to encourage its talented employees, the TRA has promoted 61 senior employees by a decision issued by H.E. Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Qamzi, TRA Chairman.

Promotion decisions for the remaining employees were issued by H.E. Director General based on the recommendations and proposals from the Human Resources Committee.

This step comes in line with a comprehensive strategic vision aimed to foster a spirit of positive competition between employees in the various departments and sections of the TRA.

Bravo!

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