Solar – a Commercially Viable Alternative for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)

The 3.2 million SME establishments in Pakistan contribute approximately 40% in GDP and 40% in employment generation. However, the sector has faced a difficult time sustaining itself by using fuel run generators to match the energy supply-demand gap. Various affected units have closed down and quite a few have relocated to avert trade crunches.

Numerous specific sector studies over the period have proven that widespread commercially available technologies such as solar power can ease the energy crisis. With Solar and wind power becoming increasingly competitive, various local banks have initiated credit facilities for green energy investments. Switching from fossil fuel to renewable sources can prove to be both economically and technically beneficial for the SME sector. Also, the recent feed-in-tariff policies have created opportunity for SMEs to emerge as a third party renewable energy provider through energy sales to the grid.

Inam ur Rahman, CEO of Reon Energy Limited in a national television show stated “If the national grid cannot provide energy then the SME sector has to look at other sustainable alternatives. Energy from diesel is very expensive and makes the sector uncompetitive. With the recent technology improvements, Solar and Wind energy can provide a reasonable solution to meet the sector’s electricity needs. Solar energy is easily installed and provides a commercially viable alternative. It is necessary that we all work together to facilitate and fund renewable energy investments” Reon Energy Limited is the renewable energy division of Dawood Hercules Limited - the single largest private sector energy provider in Pakistan.

Energy plays a crucial role in efficient functioning of industries. It is important that financial support over the period is increased to accelerate renewable energy investments and that the government provides enabling policies to make renewables attractive to the private sector. Also, it is essential that SME units set time bound renewable energy targets for creating self-sustaining ventures. Such interventions at various levels shall not only benefit the individual units but also prove profitable for long term sustainability of this sector and the energy sector in the country.

Mobicash Launches ‘Bachat Account’ for its Savings Conscious Subscribers

Mobicash, continuing with its innovative offerings, has launched a savings account for its mobile account holders. Aptly titled ‘Bachat Account’, it provides an incentive to account holders conscious of their saving habits by offering them a daily profit on maintaining a certain balance of money in their mobile account.  The profit in the “Bachat Account” is calculated and posted to the mobile account on a daily basis. This service comes with unique features that are industry first initiatives, daily posting to the mobile account and option to subscribe/un-subscribe directly from customer mobile account menu.

This service is available to both existing and new Mobicash Mobile Account customers.

Aniqa Afzal Sandhu, Senior Director Mobile Financial Services - Mobilink, while expressing her joy at the launch of this latest product stated, “This latest product will be of immense benefit to our customer base as it offers them a handsome return on their earnings and promotes a savings culture. Around the globe, people are encouraged to save for a better tomorrow, and our product is a step in that direction. Mobicash wants to provide Pakistani citizens with a safeguard against economic uncertainty and other personal emergencies. In line with our vision to bridge the divide between banked and unbanked proportions, our Bachat Account offers individuals an opportunity to lead a better lifestyle by encouraging micro-saving.”

This service currently offers mobile account holders three separate saving plans based on a set range of balance requirements: Bachat Plan A sets PKR 2500 as the minimum balance, which offers users an annual profit rate of 6%, Bachat Plan B has a minimum balance requirement of PKR 7,500 with an annual return of 7%, while Bachat Plan C offers an industry high annual return of 9% on a minimum balance of PKR 15,000.  For a free of charge subscription to a Bachat Plan, Mobicash Mobile Account holders need to dial *786# from their phone and go to ‘My Account’ and select ‘Bachat Account’, then choose a relevant Bachat Plan and enter the MPIN for confirmation.

Cinepax Cinemas - Next Stop Murree The First Cinema of the City

Cinepax, Pakistan’s favorite cinema chain, today announced the opening of 9^th cinema in Pakistan, and the first one in Murree.

Cinepax Murree, has a single screen with a capacity of 300, and promises to offer the visitors signature Cinepax experience comprising impeccable customer service blended with digital movie screening.

Hashim Raza, CEO Cinepax shares his feelings about the addititon of this new cinema,  “Very excited to open Cinepax, a name that is synonymous to quality family entertainment all over Pakistan. In Murree it will not only entertain Murree & surrounding area residents but will also delight tourists vacationing with families.

Millions of people from all walks of life and from all over Pakistan visit Murree, and with the Cinepax Murree their travel experience can now include watching the latest Pakistani and international releases, in addition to the city’s various tourist attractions.

Cinepax in September opened it doors to its seconds cinema in Lahore with a 300 seat multiplex. Cinepax Lakecity and in the next 12 months plans to open five more cinemas across Pakistan.

2016 Consumer Solutions range from Panda, designed for multiple devices and platforms, with more licenses than ever (at the same price), and includes Windows 10 compatibility

The new range of 2016 Consumer Solutions from Panda Security is now available. Panda Gold Security 2016, Panda Global Protection 2016, Panda Internet Security 2016, Panda Antivirus Pro 2016, Panda Mobile Security 2016, Panda Antivirus for Mac 2016, and Panda Free Antivirus 2016 make up the portfolio of Panda solutions for user protection on all devices.

In an increasingly global and multi-device environment, the 2016 Consumer Solutions range is designed to make the digital world easier and more secure. It allows you to hop and browse online safely; protects families against inappropriate content; keeps identities and confidential information safe. The monitoring and optimizing of different devices is now easier than ever with the new Panda products.

“We want the user to be able to perform any activity on the Internet without worrying about cyber criminals, malware or inappropriate content," explains Saima Naeem, Country Manager (Pakistan) at Panda Security. “Not all users are experts or have the same needs. Therefore, we offer various solutions that protect the devices and sensitive information of the user and his family.”

·         Data Shield to prevent the stealing of information relating to the devices. In addition Panda Global Protection 2016 and Panda Gold Protection 2016 allow for the safeguarding of files so no one can access them.

·         Protection of Wi-Fi networks to display the computers on the network and detect intruders. It also allows for network audits to check its safety and potential vulnerabilities, and to block access from unknown computers.

·         USB protection, providing immunization and a protective shield to analyze the USB when inserted into the device.

·         Improved features such as Parental Control; application control, a highly effective protection against zero-day malware; PC recovery system, safe browsing, and password management and an easier, more intuitive interface (Panda Simplexity).

Huawei Maximizes Elegance by launching its latest smart phone

A smart phone nowadays is not only a need, but it also speaks a lot about its user’s taste and style. Huawei is launching such smart phones which add tremendously to the customer’s classiness, as it is quite evident from Huawei’s latest prodigy which is soon going to smash land in the Pakistan’s smart phone market. This smart phone because of its ultra cool and sleek design is surely going to appeal to an incredibly vast range of customers; no matter how varied their standards of style are, as this smart phone fits perfectly in the definition of “beauty and elegance”.

Huawei Y6, exhibits slim and lustrous design with high screen to body ratio, giving the users a perfect experience when watching any video on it. The technology expert company, Huawei has focused, even on the minute details when manufacturing this smart device, and delivered a beautifully patterned body, both the back cover and the LCD lens.

This smart device carries Android 5.1 and EMUI 3.1 with Quad core 1.1 GHz processor. The temporary storage area, RAM is 1GB and the ROM is 8GB and the internal memory can be extended to 32GB with MicroSD card. The camera of this smart phone is another catch, the front is 2MP and the rear camera is 8MP with large aperture, which captures good quality pictures even in low light. The battery is also heavily loaded, i.e. 2200mAh which is super sufficient to keep your cell phone going for long hours without bugging you for recharge repeatedly.

Huawei’s Director Devices, Mr. Fanhong Bruce said,”Huawei’s smart phones, which have been launched in the recent past and also those which are to be launched, are manufactured, utilizing the great expertise and the latest technologies.” He further said, “We want to bring the people closer so that a better connected world can be created which is only possible when modern technologies are brought in the convenient access of the users.”

Discover the new Rivo Rhythm RX100 with Corning Gorilla Glass and an outstanding 4000 mAh battery!

Meet the latest edition to the Rivo Mobile Rhythm range of smartphones, the Rhythm RX100. Whilst it’s true that the Rhythm range caters mostly to younger or first-time smartphone users, the RX100 is proof that the Rhythm range is not all just fun and games. In fact, for its price, there are few smartphones available that will match, let alone top the feature-set that’s been packed into this stylish and powerful smartphone. For instance, the RX100 has a 1.3 GHz quad core processor. It’s also running Android’s latest OS Lollipop 5.0. To enjoy all this power, is a huge 5.5 inch HD IPS display that looks as good as it shows. The phone has a proficient 1 GB of RAM and 8 GBs of built-in storage space. As standard, this is expandable up to 32 GB through microSD card. Then there’s the camera, and here once again, the RX100 doesn’t disappoint. The rear camera is 8 MP auto focus with LED flash. The front camera is 5 MP auto focus again with LED flash, ideal for selfies. You can also expect 3G connectivity and finally, to make sure the phone stays on as long as you do, it’s got a colossal 4000 mAh battery that lasts and lasts. Once again, Rivo Mobile grooves to a rhythm like none other!

Microsoft’s regional GM meets Ministers & Officials to discuss a future roadmap for IT in Pakistan

The General Manager of Microsoft - North Africa, East Mediterranean and Pakistan (NEPA) region – Mrs Leila Serhan, has held meetings with the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform – Mr. Ahsan Iqbal and the State Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication – Ms. Anusha Rahman, to discuss progressive reforms and explore the potential for enrichments in the ongoing IT projects, to accelerate progress in the country.

While discussing various projects of mutual interest, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal explored opportunities for more collaborative endeavors with Microsoft and appreciated its continued interest in strengthening the IT infrastructure in Pakistan. Ms. Anusha Rahman highlighted the upcoming incubation projects of MOIT and invited Microsoft to extend its valuable technological support. Mrs. Serhan also took the opportunity to meet the Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) - Dr. Ismail Shah, besides holding talks with the Chairman of Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) - Dr. Umar Saif and other senior officials in Islamabad, where she lauded their role in the e-Governance initiative taken by the Punjab government.

Microsoft’s regional GM visited Pakistan to celebrate the recent achievements of the team in Pakistan, besides having insightful discussions with major partners, stakeholders and government officials. As reflected by the yearly results - the new Microsoft “Windows 10” Solution is receiving an overwhelming response from the customers in Pakistan. This globally leading IT enterprise is committed to build capacity through its latest technologies and powerful innovations, whereby it has launched the strategy of “Cloud First, Mobile First” in Pakistan, to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities for individuals, businesses, and developers to embrace Cloud Computing.

Mrs. Serhan stated that; “The new generation of young and talented developers has encouraged us to work more actively with the local market. I think, in a span of two to three years, this market will evolve and grow dramatically. Our objective is to foster innovation and technological education locally to empower everyone and encourage the local Independent Software Vendors market.”

Microsoft’s initiatives are aimed at elevating Pakistan to the next level of technological competence, by empowering the citizens and promoting education, to achieve high productivity, through instant access to cutting-edge solutions and advanced information systems. These solutions are helping businesses to manage their operations more effectively, while improving the lives of all customer segments. Microsoft Pakistan has a number of programs running in the country, including social initiatives like; grants and software donations, training and infrastructure development of educational sector, while it is also facilitating startup companies to nurture the culture of entrepreneurship in the country.