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| Frederick Noronha on Sun, 5 Dec 1999 01:13:16 +0100 (CET) |
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| <nettime> bYtES For aLL Issue # 4 , December 1999 |
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01010101 bYtES For aLL * bYtES For aLL * bYtES For aLL 10101010
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n e w t e c h n o l o g i e s w i l l m e a n h a v i n g m o r e
i n t h e h a v e-n o t c a m p i f w e a r e n o t c a r e f u l
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0101010101 Issue No 4 * DEC 1999 1010101010
1010101010 AN OCCASIONAL NEWSLETTER TO MAKE 0101010101
0101010101 COMPUTING AND TECHNOLOGY 1010101010
1010101010 FRIENDLY TO THE NEEDS OF THE MILLIONS 0101010101
1010101010 Compiler: Frederick Noronha fred {AT} vsnl.com 0101010101
0101010101 SPECIAL ISSUE: NON-ENGLISH COMPUTING 1010101010
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INDIAN LANGUAGES IN CYBERSPACE
Source: News reports
#################################################################
VSNL, India's main Internet Service Provider, has launched a
multilingual e-mail facility for its subscribers. VNSL has made
available the shareware version of the Centre for Advance
Computing C-DAC's iLeap multilingual word processor on its
website. Users can download this and use the software to send e-
mail in 13 Indian languages. Versions on VSNL's website is
timebound. Its price is Rs 2000, but VSNL subscribers can
purchase it for Rs 500.
Check http://www.vsnl.net.in/
#################################################################
MORE ON INDIAN LANGUAGES USE IN COMPUTING
Source: News reports
#################################################################
The market for multi-lingual computing in India is on the verge
of boom time, reports the COMPUTERS TODAY magazine. More and more
products are being made, and private vendors are thirsting to get
into R&D activities.
Some firms offering Indian-language software products:
* LINGUA INDICA. Apple Computer, 17 MG Road, Bangalore 560001
Indian language kit-solution for projects.
* CIRRUS Cirrus Software, Kamla Heights, 433D Somwar Peth,
Pune 411001. Marketing for modular systems, training.
* AKRUTI: Cyberspace Multimedia, 941, 1Fl, 21st Main, 22nd A
Cross, Banashankari II Stage, Bangalore.
Products: Akruti Freedom (10 Indian script fonts), Akruti
Office, Akruti Publisher, Akruti Web-Publisher, Akruti
Subh Labh (for Win-based financial accounting).
* GIST: C-DAC, Pune Univ Campus, Pune 411 007.
Apex Language Processor (APL), multi-lingual wordprocessor
running under DOS and UNIX. Leap Office, an integral
language solution for MS-Windows.
Leap Personal Publisher, iLeap (intelligent Internet-ready
Indian language word processor), Gist Card (one-stop solution
for all character-based multi-lingual applications on
MS-DOS), LISP (state of the art advanced creation
station for Language Independent Programme Subtitles), etc.
* MODULAR SYSTEMS: Electronics Estate, Pune Satara Rd, Pune 411009
avishkar (language font styles), Suchika (multilingual
database utilities), Prateek Pro (identity card software),
Shree Lekha (font pack for multimedia), etc.
* SEACOM: 25/5/2, No1 Tukaram Warehouse, Kandhwa Badruk,
Pune 411 048.
Sulpi One (1 script of your choice, 10 fonts, extensive
library of Indian symbols, spell checker, editor, three
popular keyboard layouts.) Sulpi Two, Sulpi Lite, etc.
* NATURAL SOFTWARES, C12A, Prithvi Apts, Prithiviraj Marg,
C Scheme, Jaipur 302001.
Products: BancMate, Win-based bilingual banking software.
* SRG SYSTEMS 35/3/A Langford Rd, Bangalore 560025
Products: Shabdratna Super (DOS-based bilingual software
with editor, fully menu driven with telex/email facility),
Karyalaya 2000 (complete multilingual office automation
system), Inex Database (multilingual business online
support system), Hinscript (memory resident programme, users
can get input/output in the regional language without
altering user programme)
* SUMMIT IT: A18 Hauz Khas, Delhi 110016
Product: Indica, for DTP
* SOFTEK LTD, M42 Commercial Complex, Gr KailashII, NDelhi48
Products: Akshar, bilingual word processor. Akshar for
Windows, runs in conjunction with MS Word.
Devbase (standalone database management system which stores
bilingual information and has transliteration facility.)
* INDOMAIL http://www.lastech.com
Sends e-mail in 12 languages.
#################################################################
LOCALISING LINUX IN INDIAN LANGUAGES
#################################################################
The Indian Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore and
FreeOS.Com are looking for 'champions' who can take up the cause
of localising Linux in Indian languages. The goal of this
Indianisation project is to ensure that the benefits of
Information Technology percolate down to the Indian masses. They
say: "We want to make technology accessible to the other 90
percent of India that does not speak English."
The task involves localising the user-interface and help text of
Linux and related applications and we expect this to take around
two years in collaboration with several other volunteers, over
the Internet. Each champion -- an individual or a group -- will
have to take ownership of the localisation responsibility for one
particular language.
Those interested, please get in touch with venky {AT} venky.org and
mark a cc: to Prakash Advani at prakash {AT} freeos.com.
Venkatesh "Venky" Hariharan is a Faculty Member at the Indian
Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore Information for
Development Centre. http://www.iiit-b.org
Personal Web Site: http://www.venky.org
#################################################################
NEW WEBSITE ON INTERNET INNOVATIONS IN INDIAN LANGUAGES
Source: News reports
#################################################################
India's department of electronics in late August launched a new
website to keep people informed about the use of computer
technology for Indian languages. India has been doing work on the
use of IT in regional languages, including Indian language e-
mail, Sanskrit processing tools, computer courseware in Hindi,
Devanagari script optical character recognition, and speech
synthesis in Hindi machine translation systems.
Check out the site at http://www.tdil.gov.in
#################################################################
PAKISTAN LAUNCHES NEW INTERNET SERVICE
Info: Irfan Khan <KhanIA {AT} super.net.pk> s-asia-it {AT} apnic.net
#################################################################
[According to ads in the newspapers, the rates are as low as Rs
12 per hour. Paknet's URL is http://www.paknet.com.pk]
KARACHI (November 2/Recorder Report) : Paknet, the data
communication wing of PTCL has launched a new internet service
with a large infrastructure of 1500 dial-up lines in Karachi and
international bandwidth of 10 MB to the internet backbone.
According to PTCL sources, the Paknet national network inter-city
trunks are working on 4 MB optical fibre channels that means high
reliability. With this infrastructure and a new set-up of
customers service centres, Paknet promises fastest internet in
the country.
http://www.brecorder.com/story/S0010/S1002/S1002102.htm
#################################################################
TECHNOLOGIES FROM THE SOUTH, FOR THE SOUTH
Source: IDRC
#################################################################
The Nayudamma Information Bank contains information about, and
easy access to, technologies supported by the International
Development Research Centre of Canada. It focuses on technologies
from the South, for the South.
It also provides contact names for all the technologies
described, and is a way of sharing and updating information on
technological advancement for international development.
This information bank is named in honour of the late Dr
Yelavarthy Nayudamma, a man who dedicated his life to
demonstrating how science and technology can and should be used
for human benefit.
http://www.idrc.ca/nayudamma/index_e.html IN ENGLISH
http://www.idrc.ca/nayudamma/index_f.html IN FRENCH
#################################################################
UNDP OPENS ELECTRONIC WINDOW ON THE WORLD
Source: UNDP
#################################################################
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched
*Newsfront*, a website that is updated daily to feature the
organisation's human development concerns and successes in the
field. Most of the information can be downloaded free of charge.
http://www.undp.org/dpa
#################################################################
CATCH THE CORRUPT ON THE NET
Source: News reports
#################################################################
Want to know who are the corrupt government officers of the
Indian state of Uttar Pradesh? A site has identified the dishonest
officers. Visit http://www.action-group.8m.com
#################################################################
DELHI POLICE OFFERS TIPS VIA THE NET
Source: News reports
#################################################################
Delhi police has set up its web-site, offering crucial safety
tips to travellers to the Indian capital, in the wake of a
growing crime rate in that city.
http://www.delhipolice.com
#################################################################
SOFTWARE FOR MEDICS
Source: News reports
#################################################################
Medic is an easy-to-use software program specially for doctors.
It helps to enter and retrieve complete patient records,
graphically record findings of patient examinations, records
commonly occurring symptoms or advised investigations or
prescribed medicines and diagnosis.
Medic also facilitates archiving of patient records and makes
them available for re-use later. It tracks appointments and to-do
lists. This software graphically analyses trends, organises
important notes and articles, and maintains expenses and income
lists. It also helps keep track of operation/surgery notes.
http://www.medicservices.com or email medic {AT} medicservices.com
#################################################################
MEDIA VIDEO PLANS LOW-COST PCs FOR INDIAN EDUCATION SECTOR
Courtesy: Irfan Khan <KhanIA {AT} super.net.pk> s-asia-it {AT} apnic.net
#################################################################
By T S Vishwanath NEW DELHI
A little-known computer software company, Media Video Limited, is
now entering the world of computers with a pricing strategy that
will give it a large slice of the low-end market. "We are
entering the educational computers arena with computers priced
between Rs 1,250 and Rs 2,750 (US$ 30 to 65) for the semi-urban
and rural market," company managing director Prem Adip Rishi
said.
"The idea is to import the low-end, 8-bit computers from south-
east Asian countries and sell them in the local market. The price
of eight-bit chips has fallen drastically in the international
market and we hope to capitalise on that. The import duty on this
is also very low," Mr Rishi said.
The company is, in fact, importing all the hardware at around 40
per cent duty. The kit will have to be attached to the television
and used as a computer, Mr Rishi said.
The company hopes to sell over half-a-million of these computers
in the country through its retail network of over 1,500
distributors, Mr Rishi said. Research has proved that there is a
good demand for such educational computers in the country
especially in the semi-urban and rural markets where the high
priced computers have not been able to make much headway, he
said.
Industry insiders, however, feel that the market for this product
is not as large as the company thinks. However, the novelty
element may play a major role in making these systems popular.
The sources said it depends on Media Video handles the markets.
What the industry sources, however, find as the company's
strength will be the pricing strategy. With television having
penetrated the rural markets they may be ready to invest an
additional couple of thousands on a computer even if it is the
low-end, sources said.
Industry sources expect the computer prices to come down once the
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) comes into force. With ITA
in place products can be imported at zero duty and that would
bring down prices, sources said.
India had, in March last year, joined the ITA-I -- signed by
about 27 countries. ITA-I covers computers (including printers,
scanners, monitors, hard-disk drives and power suppliers),
telecom products (including fax machines, modems and pagers),
semi-conductor manufacturing equipment, software products (like
diskettes and CD-Roms) and scientific instruments.
http://www.economictimes.com/today/01tech02.htm
#################################################################
BAMAKO 2000: INTERNET CONFERENCE
Information courtesy: osborndo {AT} msu.edu
#################################################################
The "Bamako 2000: Internet: Bridges to Development" conference
site has been updated, "schnazzed" a bit, and moved to:
http://www.anais.org/bamako2000/index.html
#################################################################
INFO RICH, INFO POOR... BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
From: "Irfan Khan" <KhanIA {AT} super.net.pk> To: s-asia-it {AT} apnic.net
#################################################################
Title: Information Rich - Information Poor, Bridging the digital
divide Author: Jane Black Date: 28/10/1999 Abstract: The Internet
has ushered in the greatest period of wealth creation in history.
It's rocked the way we deliver and receive information and the
way we do business.
http://www.iicd.org/search/show-entry.ap?entryid=3980
#################################################################
PAKISTAN: DEALING WITH THE Y2K CHALLENGE
#################################################################
Jan Willem van Nus writes on 'The Y2K challenge' in an article
dated October 22, 1999.
Abstract: Dealing with the Millennium Bug in Pakistan
http://www.iicd.org/search/show-entry.ap?entryid=3942
#################################################################
INTERNET'S GLOBAL SPREAD NOT SMOOTH
#################################################################
Marguerite Reardon of Data Communications is the author.
Abstract: ITU forum discussion centers on how developing
countries' experiences with the Internet.
http://www..iicd.org/search/show-entry.ap?entryid=3932
#################################################################
CONNECTING THE OTHER FIVE BILLION
#################################################################
Author: Karen Lynch, tele.com Date: 13/10/1999
Abstract: New technologies put lofty goal within closer reach
Http://www.iicd.org/search/show-entry.ap?entryid=3929
#################################################################
SDNP-PAKISTAN: PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO ICTs FOR DEVELOPMENT
#################################################################
Hasan A. Rizvi, Project Director of SDNP Pakistan, visited the
IICD. Jan Willem van Nus in an article penned in October 1999
says the Project Director of the Sustainable Development
Networking Programme (SDNP) in Pakistan has an approach to ICTs for
development which is pragmatic and involved at the same time: "I
have a vision that the Internet permeates to the community," says
Mr. Rizvi.
http://www.iicd.org/search/show-entry.ap?entryid=3906
#################################################################
BROADCASTING AND THE INTERNET IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
#################################################################
Author: Bruce Girard Date: 4/10/1999
Abstract: "Converging Responsibility: Broadcasting and the
Internet in Developing Countries" was a conference held in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia 4-6 September 1999. The proceedings are out now.
http://www.iicd.org/search/show-entry.ap?entryid=3904
#################################################################
ICTs CAN BE USED TO ERADICATE POVERTY
#################################################################
"We are absolutely sure that if we could find the proper ways of
introducing technologies at the appropriated points poverty can
be eradicated", says Mr. Ventura, special advisor on science and
technology to the prime minister of Jamaica.
http://www.iicd.org/search/show-entry.ap?entryid=3957
#################################################################
ICTs FOR IMPROVED GOVERNANCE
#################################################################
Bhavya Lal's paper reviews the issues facing African countries in
adopting information and communication technologies (ICTs) to
enhance governance in four areas -- reducing poverty, providing
basic human needs, improving public administration, and enhancing
democratization.
It summarizes the use of ICTs in these areas -- both successes
and failures -- around the world and in Africa. The theme in our
overview of ICT in governance is that ICTs are neutral and that
human choices will determine how ICT will be used and whether the
revolution in ICTs will benefit all of Africa. The paper focuses
on many of the caveats that should accompany ICT deployment and
ends with an action framework for practitioners anxious to get
started.
http://www.iicd.org/search/show-entry.ap?entryid=3956
#################################################################
ANDHRA PRADESH STATE wan IS ONLINE
Info: Irfan Khan <KhanIA {AT} super.net.pk> s-asia-it {AT} apnic.net
#################################################################
Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu today
inaugurated the Andhra Pradesh State Wide Area Network or APSWAN,
connecting capital Hyderabad with all the 23 district
headquarters. The APSWAN, the first of its kind in India, will
serve as the backbone for all state government intranets.
The multimedia network, carrying voice, data and video traffic,
forms the core of the Andhra Pradesh government's initiative to
promote the use of information and provide information technology
infrastructure. APSWAN is to be the most powerful tool in the
hands of the government to monitor welfare schemes. It will also
provide easy public access to government information. The unique
network would ensure efficiency and transparency in the
functioning of all departments.
http://www.rediff.com/computer/1999/nov/01apswan.htm
#################################################################
PROPOSAL FOR i-KERALA ON CARDS
Info: Irfan Khan <KhanIA {AT} super.net.pk> s-asia-it {AT} apnic.net
#################################################################
By S Sanandakumar
A blueprint for transforming the sleepy villages in Kerala (in
South India) to world class technology service centres will be
submitted to the government by Javad K Hassan, the chairman of
the Rs 250-crore NeST Group of companies.
Mr Hassan said his project for creating an 'intelligent Kerala',
was actually submitted to the government three years back. "I
have decided to re-submit the proposal to the government," he
said. Mr Hassan is also the chairman of the Electronics
Development Commission for the government of Kerala.
The project is aimed at bringing Internet to the masses, Mr
Hassan said. It will provide Internet services through cable in a
cost effective manner, he said. The multimedia super-highway that
Mr Hassan is planning will provide a network that will provide
Internet services through cable to households with television.
"We can supply the technology for receiving and storing data in
television," he said.
Explaining that this will be the first step towards the creation
of 'intelligent Kerala' he said small groups of youngsters with
software development capability can make use of the facility in
every village.
"This will lead to the development of e-commerce, technology and
software services and related services," he said.
Mr Hassan has 20 years service in IBM and held such important
positions like corporate director for worldwide engineering and
technology and head of IBM's tape drive division and
semiconductor development. He was also the president of the
communications group in AMP Inc.
He said though the government has not acted on his original
proposal, he is re-submitting it since the use of high technology
for rural development is his pet theme. A fibre optic backbone
for the state can achieve this development by making the
multimedia technology available to the rural households, he said.
Interestingly, the proposal assumes significance in the light of
the reported plans of World Tel of Mr Sam Pitroda to set up
similar Internet kiosks and information superhighways in six
states including Kerala. The total cost of the project is around
Rs 3000 million, according to reports.
http://www.economictimes.com/today/04tech04.htm
#################################################################
AN INTERNET STRATEGY FOR FIGHTING WORLD POVERTY
Info from NewsScan Daily, 4 November 1999
#################################################################
Allen Hammond of the World Resources Institute makes the point
that "one education Web site translated into Hindi, Mandarin,
Swahili and Spanish would have a potential user base of two
billion people. It can help even the poorest people invent their
way out of poverty."
Taking up that theme, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman
calls attention to www..PlaNetfinance.org, the brainchild of
French banker Jacques Attali, who wants to use the Internet as a
way of making "micro-loans" to poor people. "Micro-loans range
from $10 to $1,000. They go mostly to women and are given without
any collateral. Micro-loan recipients use them to buy everything
from sewing machines to a cell phone the whole village can use,
to beauty supplies to start a salon in a Bangladesh slum. These
people have the will to better themselves, they just don't have
the basic cash, and that's what micro-loans provide." PlaNet
Finance hopes to rate and link all the micro-banks, to make them
more efficient and more effective. Friedman says, "If the
processing and transaction costs of these micro-loans can be
reduced, they can be bundled together and sold on a commercial
basis to the Citibanks of the world... That's how you change the
world -- get the big market players to do the right thing for the
wrong reasons." (New York Times 3 Nov 99)
http://www.nytimes.com/library/opinion/friedman/110399frie.html
#################################################################
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION PRIZE:
#################################################################
The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and the
International Development Research Centre (IDRC) have announced
the creation of the APC Betinho Communications Prize for the use
of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in
promoting social justice.
The first Betinho Prize will be given in May 2000 by the APC, to
celebrate its 10th anniversary. The US $7,500 prize will be
awarded to a non-profit organization, community-based group,
coalition or social movement that has used ICTs in its work to
endorse sustainable and equitable development, democratic
participation, and social justice.
"Our award is unique," said APC Chair Roberto Roggiero. "It is
intended to highlight Internet uses -- Web sites, e-mail,
electronic mailing lists, databases, and telecentres -- that
promote appropriate solutions to social problems. APC wants to
publicize innovative ICT practices that help improve people's
lives and that can be reproduced economically by other agencies
throughout the world." The APC decided to name the award in
honour of the Brazilian visionary who died in 1997. A renowned
sociologist, social activist, and exemplary communicator, Herbet
de Souza (Betinho) was an ardent and charismatic promoter of
social reform in Brazil and the founder of the Brazilian
Institute of Social and Economic Analysis (IBASE).
Details: http://www.apc.org/english/betinho
#################################################################
INTERNET IS FOR EVERYONE
#################################################################
INTERNET IS FOR EVERYONE. Join the Internet Society and help to
make it so, says the Internet Society.
http://www.isoc.org
#################################################################
GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE PARTNERSHIP: LOOKING OUT FOR JOURNALISTS
Info from: Tudor Lomas <tudor {AT} jemstone.net> gkd {AT} phoenix.edc.org
#################################################################
Lomas works with the Global Knowledge Partnership and preparing
for the GKII Conference in Malaysia. Says Lomas: "We are trying
to identify three or four key journalists in every country who
are interested in issues of information technology/ knowledge/
communications and development, so that we can keep them informed
about GKP and invite them to GKII. Ideally they should be senior,
influential and/or very enthusiastic about the potential of
knowledge for development."
They need the names of the journalists, their newspapers, news
agencies or broadcasting stations and, ideally, the contact
details (e-mail, phone, fax and postal address).
Send suggestions to <tudor {AT} jemstone.net> and cc the GKD
moderators <gkd {AT} mail.edc.org>
#################################################################
MULTIPURPOSE COMMUNITY TELECENTER IN AFRICA
Info courtesy: Birama Diallo <diallo {AT} sotelma.ml> gkd {AT} phoenix.edc.org
#################################################################
In Mali, a pilot Multipurpose Community Telecenter (MCT) project
has been set up in Timbouctou. This is a three-year project,
which started in May 1998. The project is run by technical staff
and a steering committee, which includes the mayor, business
people, artisans, librarians, health workers, women's
associations and other members of the community. The hope is that
at the end of the project, the project will be run by the
community. There is also the hope that the project will expand to
701 rural communities. After the pilot phase we estimate the cost
of running MCT in other rural communities will be around US
$3,175.
The pilot telecenter is equipped with 11 computers. It serves 4
regions with an approximate population of 200,000 people. It
offers copying, telephone, fax, and Internet services. A major
emphasis of the telecenter is to provide training to artisans to
set up their web page to sell their handicrafts. Our hope is that
we can help them develop new global markets. The telecenter also
serves a wide range of other community groups, such as teachers,
rural radio animators, students and librarians. Another important
area of service is support for healthcare.
Telecenter staff train health workers in using the computers and
the Internet to do research. Also, healthworkers in outlying
areas communicate with doctors using the Internet.
Keeping the community's limited income in mind, services are
subsidized. There are also special discounts for women and
children.
The telecenter website is <http://www.tombouctou.org.ml>
Birama Diallo, the MCT country coordinator is Diallo {AT} sotelma.ml
#################################################################
AFRICAN DIGITAL LIBRARY ON-LINE / CENTRE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
Info: John Walker <jwalker {AT} networx.on.ca> gkd {AT} phoenix.edc.org
#################################################################
A digital library for the benefit of users throughout Africa,
went on-line on 3 November 1999. In response to the need for
library books in Africa, Technikon SA (TSA) has provided an
initial sponsorship of R1m to set up the African Digital Library.
It will provide Internet access to African users throughout the
continent to a library of full-text books at no cost to the user.
Over 60 publishers will provide full-text books. Encryption will
ensure that only one user will access a book at any one time, and
loan periods will be a few hours as users work with the books.
Persons in any Africa country with a server having an African
domain, will be able to access the library via
http://www.AfricaEducation.org/adl/. Servers such as those with a
.com suffix which cannot be identified as African should provide
the Director of the Centre for Lifelong Learning with their IP
address range so that the service can become accessible free of
charge to their subscribers also. Users will then be able to open
an account with the library free of charge.
"At this point the library contains 3000 books, and the
collection will be built as fast as funds permit," said Paul
West. "The African Digital Library is yet another venture
initiated by TSA's Centre for Lifelong Learning to bring learner
support to learners in Africa."
More information from Paul West, Director CLL at Technikon SA at
LibraryAdmin {AT} AfricaEducation.org
http://www.africanews.org/science/stories/19991108_feat7.html
#################################################################
SITE FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS' PROFILES
Info courtesy: Akash <aug15_1947 {AT} hotmail.com>
#################################################################
One stop site for getting sufficient information about Non
Government Organisations (NGOs), especially those working in
India. Links to existing NGO databases and archives, information
on volunteering - how to get physically and mentally involved
with NGOs, donate, (links to) read or subscribe some newsletters
of NGOs/organisations. Or, find some helpful links on how to kick
start a new NGO of your own.
http://members.rediff.com/15aug1947/welcome.html
#################################################################
RADIO BRIDGE OVERSEAS, ZIMBABWE
Info courtesy: rbo {AT} icon.co.zw Klaus Juergen Schmidt
#################################################################
Klaus Juergen Schmidt of Radio Bridge Overseas in Zimbabwe writes
in to say about BytesForAll: We were impressed by your page, and
we took the liberty to create a link from our page to be found
at: http://members.forfree.at/~rbo
#################################################################
DEVELOPMENT, ETHICAL TRADING AND FREE SOFTWARE
Info: Jagdish Parikh jagdish {AT} igc.org asialink-tech {AT} jca.apc.org
#################################################################
This paper by Danny Yee makes the political and ethical case for
the adoption of free software by development agencies.
Free software has obvious pragmatic advantages for community
development processes, most notably in its empowerment of users.
But the ideological foundations and social structure of the free
software movement are also consistent with community development
at a theoretical level. Feedback appreciated.
http://www.anatomy.usyd.edu.au/danny/freedom/ip/aidfs.html
Or write to jagdish {AT} igc.org for a copy.
#################################################################
PAPYRUS NEWS, STUDYING THE IMPACT OF IT
#################################################################
Papyrus News is a free e-mail distribution list on the global
impact of information technology on language, literacy, and
education. To subscribe, see
http://www.lll.hawaii.edu/web/faculty/markw/papyrus-news.html
#################################################################
WHERE HAVE ALL THE FEMINIST TECHNOLOGY CRITICS GONE?
Info courtesy: Partha Sarker <partha {AT} drik.net> BYTESFORALL
#################################################################
Long-time feminist technology activist and critic Ellen Balka
reviews the history of feminist engagement with many kinds of
technology. But "where," she asks, "have all the feminist
information technology critics gone? They've been seduced by the
potential of the World Wide Web everywhere..."
The Loka Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
making research, science and technology responsive to
democratically decided social and environmental concerns. To be
added to the Loka Alert E-mail list, send a message to
<Loka {AT} Loka.org>.
#################################################################
INDIAN SOUTHERN STATE INTRODUCES COMPUTER EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS
Info courtesy: Irfan Khan <KhanIA {AT} super.net.pk> s-asia-it {AT} apnic.net
#################################################################
India's southern state of Tamil Nadu has kept aside Rs 1.12
billion to impart computer education to higher secondary
students. Computer science will be introduced as an optional
subject in the 11th and 12th standards in all government higher
secondary schools. The state thus expects 30,000 computer-
literate students to pass out from various government schools of
the state in 2001. Till now computer science was a luxury
reserved for those in the urban areas alone.
http://www.rediff.com/computer/1999/nov/22tn.htm
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THE MIGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE WORKERS
Source: News reports
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This new book by Binod Khadria looks at the second-generation
effects of India's brain-drain. It takes a positive approach and
explores how a nation losing its valuable human resources to
another one can make the best of the situation. To this end, the
author analyses the migration of knowledge workers from India to
the USA over three decades and locates this phenomenon within the
context of a civil society seeking to reconcile the dual loss of
human capital and knowledge resources. Focussing primarily on the
second generation of migrants, Binod Khadria proposes various
ways in which to turn this apparent loss to the home country's
advantage. 1999 * 236 pages * Rs 350
Publishers: Sage, PB 4215, New Delhi 110 048 Fax 91.11.6472426
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WWW.INDEV.ORG One stop shop for development info on India
Source: News reports
#################################################################
Indev is the British Council's initiative to address problems
faced by development managers in accessing development
information on India. It is an electronic gateway to development
information, a web site, a web-hosting service, a training
centre, a meeting room, a daily newsmagazine, a mailing office,
and a discussion forum.
http://www.indev.org
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CYBERFARMING COMES TO INDIA
Source: News reports (The Week, Oct 31, 1999)
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A gateway to Indian agriculture has been crated by senior
agricultural extension scientist Dr Sandhya Shenoy with technical
support of Dr JOhn Schmitz, of the Agricultural Instructional
Media Lab at Illinois University.
This site gives information on animal sciences, crop sciences,
agribusiness, fisheries, home science, horticulture, natural
resources and sustainable agriculture. Links to agriculture-
related organisations worldwide, programmes, publications and
libraries, and pages on weather, agricultural issues and
policies, gender issues, infotech and human resources enrich the
site. It also has a good map of India with hyperlinks.
"It is a good prototype of how to efficiently distribute farming
and extension information in any country, said Schmitz, manager
of AIM Lab.
http://web.aces.uiuc.edu/aim/diglib/india/
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BEST HINDI COMPUTER PACKAGE AWARD
Source: News reports
#################################################################
To promote and boost the morale of industries working towards the
development of facilities for working on computers in Hindi, the
Indian Dept of Electronics has instituted a Best Hindi Computer
Package Awad. Nominations ended on Nov 30.
Details from Rajiv Rastogi, DoE rastogi {AT} sm.doe.ernet.in
#################################################################
VIRTUAL CAMPUS INITIATIVE IN INDIA
Source: News reports
#################################################################
Indira Gandhi National Open University, India's main open
university at the national level, is moving towards a "more
significant web presence" and to deliver IT courses entirely over
the Internet. It is seeking expertise in developing and
maintenance of the web, part-time and on-line content experts,
and admin and management personnel comfortable with on-line
working.
Before responding, please visit http://www.ignou.org
Details on participating in the Virtual Campus Initiative can
also be got form ignouvcipartner {AT} hotmail.com
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EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE
Source: News reports
#################################################################
Educomp Datamatics, a developer of educational technology
software and products, is working to make education delivery via
the Internet and make web-based learning a practical reality.
"Our campus management system eCampus 4.0 is the world's first
enterprise management system for educational institutions, which
can manage both online learning and instructor-lead
administration," says Educomp Datamatics.
http://www.edumatics.com Email: info {AT} edumatics.com
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THE BLIND CAN ALSO LEARN COMPUTERS
Source: News reports
#################################################################
Efforts towards this end are being made by the Indian Association
for the Visually Handicapped. Contact their Mumbai office at
iavh {AT} hotmail.com
#################################################################
POVERTY RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET
Source: Shahin Yaqub, Poverty Research Unit, Univ of Sussex
pru {AT} susx.ac.uk
#################################################################
http://www.worldbank.org Gateway, hard to beat
http://www.worldbank.org/poverty/wdrpoverty World Dvpt Report
http://www.undp.org/poverty/ Broader selection of views
http://gssd.mit.edu/Gssd/gssd.nsf?Open Knowledge networks
http://sticerd.lse.ac.uk/Case/ Social exclusion
http://www.undp.org/hdro/ Human Development Reports
http://www.ids.susx.ac.uk Participatory approaches
http://action.org/resource.html Links to grassroot sites
http://www.oneworld.net One World
http://www.wfp.org/links/links.html World Food Programme
http://www.info.usaid.gov/about/resources USAID
http://www.grameen-info.org/ Grameen Bank
http://www.accion.org/ ACCION
http://www.soc.titech.ac.jp/icm Virtual library on microcredit
http://www.brown.edu/Departments HungerWeb
http://www.fao.org/WAICENT/FAOINFO FAO on food security
http://www.cgiar.org/ifpri/ IFPRI on nutrition
http://www.oneworld.org/odi/hpg/index.html Relief
http://www.unicef.org/ Children and poverty
http://www.iied.org Urban poverty
http:/www.oxfam.org.uk Oxfam
http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/irp/ Poverty in the First World
http://lissy.ceps.lu/index.htm Poverty in the First World
#################################################################
ProPoor, WEB REPOSITORY FOR SOUTH ASIAN NON-PROFITS
#################################################################
ProPoor is a web repository of South Asian NGO, their leaders,
projects, success cases, events, publications, donors, jobs,
and links. ProPoor gives free webpage/link to non-profit
organisations. Contact: Jayesh, ProPoor InfoTech Centre, 12
Prince Edward Road, 04-09 Podium B Bestway Building, Singapore
079212 Phone: 227-1184 Fax: (65) 227-1180
e-mail: jayesh {AT} propoor.org
http://www.propoor.org
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
bYtES For aLL * Compiled jointly by
Frederick Noronha, Journalist 403511 Goa India fred {AT} vsnl.com and
Partha Pratim Sarker, Drik Multimedia, Dhaka 1209 partha {AT} drik.net
Compiled in public interest * May be freely circulated *
Pls credit source http://www.bytesforall.org * CopyLeft
May be reproduced without permission if full despatch is kept
intact. We seek volunteers to support this venture with news and
information inputs from all over the Third World... specially
from South Asia. Our thanks to all those who have contributed to
this issue, and specially to the mailing-lists where some of the
items have been reproduced from... in particular South Asia IT.
Please draw our attention to any incorrect links noticed above.
NOTE: A listing above does not mean an endorsement by this
mailing list. All information is put out in good faith.
UPDATES, EARLIER ISSUES AND MORE, AT http://www.bytesforall.org
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