Web
Browser Alternatives to Microsoft Internet Explorer
I already had another topic lined
up for today's column but a few readers requested me
to feature some reference articles about web browser
software that offer very good alternatives if you don't
want to use Microsoft Internet Explorer. Some of them
actually admitted that their attention was called when
I mentioned in my previous column last 12 September
about Mozilla Firefox version 1.0.6 which I have tested
using as web browser on my laptop. Well, I've got another
surprise for them: I am also testing another browser
called Opera version 8.5 which I downloaded last week.
Going back to my research notes, I found an article
written by Michael Desmond dated 15 December 2004 and
featured in one of the December 2004 issues of PC World
magazine which provided a highly interesting review
of alternative web browsers that have started to slowly
challenge the hold of Microsoft Internet Explorer and
are, in fact, starting to achieve success.
According to Desmond, a lot of credit
to this development "go to the folks at the open-source
Mozilla Foundation, which was established in 1998 to
breathe new life into the fast-failing Netscape browser
platform. It's taken six years and the utter failure
of Netscape the company, but Mozilla is finally delivering
on its promise." He further writes: "Today,
not one, but two significant browser alternatives are
powered by Mozilla's Gecko software code base-America
Online's Netscape 7.2 and the wildly popular new Firefox
1.0 browser. Of course, even those two aren't the only
IE challengers: A third major alternative, the Opera
browser from Opera Software, has been serving disaffected
IE users for years. With so many choices just a software
download away, questions swirl. Why should you care?
Which browser is best? And after all is said and done,
should you really switch?"
According to him, "there are a lot of reasons why
users are fleeing Microsoft Internet Explorer, but a
lot of it boils down to security. Microsoft has chosen
to run IE like a highly automated factory. ActiveX controls,
dynamic HTML, and other technologies deliver lots of
automation and programmatic control over IE. That's
great if you want to integrate, say, a billing system
with your browser, or have Web sites offer dynamic interfaces.
But those same controls can be misused or targeted,
amplifying the threat from malicious code." He
observes that "Microsoft's response has been a
grim parade of patches, fixes, and advisories. In some
instances, Microsoft has suggested turning off features
or setting security levels so high that they disable
the very capabilities that make IE attractive in the
first place. Finally in October last year, Microsoft
released Windows XP Service Pack 2, a wholesale update
that helped close many of the vulnerabilities in Internet
Explorer."
Desmond is quick to point out that "No browser
is without flaws. Mozilla patched some holes of its
own prior to the Firefox 1.0 release, and Opera has
issued a few security-centric updates in the past year.
The problem for Microsoft is the overwhelming popularity
of its browser. Virus writers and hackers target IE
because there are so many systems running it. "Perhaps
more frustrating than security leaks is the fact that
Microsoft quit adding new features to its browser. The
last major feature refresh for IE dates back to August
2001-and it shows. Firefox, Netscape, and Opera all
offer significant feature improvements over IE, including
tabbed browsing for juggling multiple Web pages, and
built-in pop-up blocking to prevent ads from opening
new browser windows. Other refinements include helpful
managers for file downloads, integrated search bars,
and more accessible controls for managing histories,
cookie files, and the browser cache."
One is then tempted to ask: is it time to switch to
a new web browser?
Desmond concludes his review article in this manner:
"Of the four browsers I've worked with-IE, Firefox,
Netscape, and Opera-Firefox 1.0 stood out as the best
overall choice. The browser does an excellent job of
faithfully displaying Web pages, offers a superior user
interface, and suffers fewer crashes than my previous
favorite, Opera. It's also highly customizable through
something called Firefox Extensions. I installed one
module that lets me navigate pages using mouse gestures,
a feature I became addicted to during my Opera years.
"When the dust settles, the different browsers
offer their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Here's
a quick take on which browser might be best for you,
depending on how you work.
Firefox: The best all-around alternative to IE. Great
for power users who want to add functionality to the
browser, and appropriate for newbies just getting started.
Internet Explorer: Best for corporate users in controlled
environments and those who spend most of their time
on Microsoft-branded or IE-specific Web sites. Netscape:
Best for AOL subscribers (with AOL Instant Messenger
integration) and those who are willing to put up with
some rough edges to use other goodies, including an
HTML editor and e-mail program. Opera: Best for power
users who keep many pages open at once and perform frequent
downloads. There's an e-mail program included, but banner
ads on the free version of the browser are annoying.
"So is it time to ditch Internet Explorer once
and for all? In a word, No. Microsoft requires its browser
to access its Windows Update and Office Update services,
and it's not uncommon to find Web sites that are designed
specifically for IE." Desmond ends his review by
saying that "for the time being, most users will
need to keep IE handy, just in case. Keep in mind that
you can have more than one browser on your computer.
If one acts up, close it and launch the other. But for
general-purpose Web browsing, there is no reason to
put off the switch a minute longer. Firefox, Netscape,
and Opera are an impressive trio of IE alternatives
that could help shelter you from the daily blizzard
of Internet exploits." As for me, I am now testing
Opera version 8.5 and I don't feel I miss Microsoft
Internet Explorer.
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Open-Source Software
A number of readers reacted to this column's article last 29 August about the
new campaign against the use or distribution of unlicensed software which is a
joint effort among software industry association Business Software Alliance
(BSA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Optical Media Board (OMB),
and the Philippine National Police. One of them related that their company buys
generic PCs without any pre-installed Windows desktop operating system to save
on acquisition cost. The computer system administrator then installs Windows XP
Professional edition using only one and the same CD installer. He asked if his
company is liable for using unlicensed software and I said yes. Each PC must
have a separate Windows XP Professional license and if it is pre-installed on a
new PC it must have an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) license.
One way of
verifying this is through the presence of a multicolored label (Certificate of
Authenticity) on the side or bottom of the computer. Another reader told me that
while their PCs are purchased with pre-installed Windows XP Home edition, the
company's IT administrator will re-install XP Professional edition since it is
said to be more appropriate for business use. Again only one CD installer is
used to install on multiple PCs. I replied that in order to make their software
use legal, they have to buy Windows XP Professional edition OEM licenses from
authorized Microsoft resellers. Almost everyone asked if the inter-agency body
called "Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team" is a serious effort and will it really conduct raids on companies that use unlicensed software. My response is that raids have been conducted even before this new campaign.
According to news reports, the NBI even raided a call center firm located inside Clark Special Economic Zone and as a consequence, the Call Center Association of the Philippines signed a MOA with BSA urging all its members to police their own ranks and use licensed software. One reader actually lamented that the anti-software piracy team should first focus its eyes on government offices where he believes the use of unlicensed software is very much rampant compared to private businesses. I responded that this observation is not necessarily true since government is a primary beneficiary of numerous ICT hardware and software donations by Microsoft and multinational software vendors and the fact that there is growing use of open source software in many government agencies.
Whenever open source software is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is that it is downloadable from numerous web sites and it is free to be used by anyone - no license fees to be paid. Many people think it is synonymous with Linux. However, full open source software (FOSS) consists of many software applications for day-to-day personal and business use. A preliminary list of Open Source Software and their major benefits is enumerated below: Red Hat Linux can be used as a server or desktop operating system. It is graphical based and easy to use. This is an inexpensive alternative to Microsoft Windows 98, ME, or XP.
OpenOffice allows you to create documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and save them in Microsoft Office compatible format. You can even save the files as Adobe PDF format. This is the inexpensive alternative to Microsoft Office and Office XP. PLACE TABLE HERE As someone who is starting to experiment using open source software, I want our readers to know that I actually use Mozilla Firefox (instead of Microsof Internet Explorer) as my web browser on my laptop. There remains continuing debate on whether FOSS is now proving itself to be a robust environment for mission-critical business applications.
Some say a mix-match is very much feasible and practical (open source for desktop operating system and integrated word processing/spreadsheet/presentation together with proprietary software for enterprise or specialized business applications). We shall leave this to the capable hands and minds of technology experts to settle. However, for those among our readers who may want to take a closer look at open source software, there will be a three-day LinuxWorld Philippines conference and expo within this week from 14 to 16 September. Venue is Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City.
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The
Latest Campaign Against the Use of Unlicensed Software
A new campaign against the use or distribution
of unlicensed software was announced middle of this
month through full-page advertisements in our leading
newspapers. It is a joint effort among the software
industry association Business Software Alliance (BSA),
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Optical
Media Board (OMB), and the Philippine National Police.
The BSA is the foremost organization dedicated to promoting
software management and copyright protection, cyber
security, trade, e-commerce and other Internet-related
issues. BSA members include Adobe, Apple, Autodesk,
Avid, Bentley Systems, Borland, Cadence, Cisco Systems,
CNC Software/Mastercam, Dell, Entrust, HP, IBM, Intel,
Internet Security Systems, Macromedia, McAfee, Inc.,
Microsoft, PTC, RSA Security, SAP, SolidWorks, Sybase,
Symantec, UGS Corp. and VERITAS Software (merged with
Symantec).
Under this new campaign, an inter-agency body called
"Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team," has scheduled
a series of raids starting September 16, targeting companies
that use unlicensed software. "All businesses engaged
in the use or distribution of illegal software are warned
- you have 30 days to legalize your unlicensed software
and to stop selling pirated software," read the
campaign material released by BSA.
There are tangible steps that companies in our industry
can immediately take in order to prevent the risk of
being subjected to a raid by the "Pilipinas Anti-Piracy
Team".
As early as May of this year, BSA mailed letters to
numerous companies in various industries informing the
latter about BSA's "Detox Your PC" initiative.
If your company received such a letter, my recommendation:
Do not ignore it. It is even advisable to reply in writing.
Receipt of such letter means that your company is included
in a BSA database which may be used for either routine
information disseminaton or as basis of risk profiling
for future software anti-piracy campaigns.
BSA recommends five easy steps to detoxify your computers:
1) Do a needs analysis and identify all the software
you need for your business
2) Make an inventory of all the software installed in
your computers. This involves auditing each computer
and checking if they have the necessary licenses.
3) Delete all unlicensed software or correct license
misuse.
4) Compare all the software installed in your computers
with the software you need.
5) Adopt a Software Asset Management (SAM) system to
prevent use of unlicensed software.
Software Asset Management is a vital practice to consider
especially in keeping track of technology tools that
the company has invested in. What's more, SAM helps
a company avoid the use of unlicensed software and keep
the company from risks of being raided.
Here are some points taken from the "BSA Guide
to Software Management" in helping you to implement
SAM effectively in your organization:
1) Conduct inventory and needs analysis to determine
which software are needed by the employees. This will
lead the organization to acquire only the needed software.
2) Appoint a dedicated software asset manager who will
oversee all the software usage in the company.
3) Centralize all purchases of hardware and software
so as to control software purchases and deployment.
Make sure original disks, manuals and licensing agreements
are safely kept.
4) Buy only from authorized dealers or reputable service
providers.
5) Schedule a regular audit of the company's software
to carefully monitor software usage. This will also
helps keep track of software needs of the company.
6) Conduct spot checks.
7) Have a company software policy and make sure employees
are aware of it by having them sign the policy. Let
them know that the company is not lenient on use of
software licenses.
The "BSA Guide to Software Management" states
that an accurate inventory can answer the following
questions:
¥ Are we using the most recent or most suitable
version of programs we need?
¥ Are we using outdated or unnecessary programs
that can be deleted?
¥ Are there other programs we should obtain to become
more productive or efficient?
¥ Does each employee have the correct set of available
programs?
¥ Are employees properly trained to use the software
we have?
¥ Do we have illegal, unau-thorized, or unlicensed
programs or copies in our business?
There are many tools available to help you complete
the inventory or you can do it manually. BSA's Web site,
www.bsa.org, provides software audit tools free of charge
to your business. No matter what tools you use, make
sure to collect the following information for each copy
of software installed on each computer:
¥ Product Name
¥ Version Number
¥ Serial Number
You should also take an inventory of material related
to software on your computers, including:
¥ All floppy disks, CDs, or other storage media
used to install the programs on your computers;
¥ All original manuals and reference documentation;
¥ All license documentation; and
¥ All invoices, proofs of purchase, and other documents
proving the legitimacy of your software. This includes
invoices for computer systems that were sold to you
with software already installed.
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SMS-Based Cargo Track
& Trace At A Standstill
THE Philippines is acknowledged as
the current "text capital" of the world with
several millions of text messages being sent day and
night.
The specific areas wherein Short Messaging System (SMS)
technology is utilized other than personal communications
range from highly resourceful purposes ("ParkMe
SMS" to inquire and reserve parking slots in a
shopping mall) to outright partisan politics (text brigades
sowing disinformation among all players in our country's
free-wheeling political spectrum).
Indeed, SMS or text messaging has permeated numerous
aspects of our personal and business lives.
However - and this is the biggest question I am trying
to comprehend and answer - I have observed that the
SMS mobile technology platform is experiencing a snail-paced
adoption in a core business application area in the
cargo & transport industry: "cargo track &
trace".
Logistics specialists and maritime security experts
always talk about the need for "cargo visibility
throughout all components" of the supply chain
link. For the average shipper, shipping line equipment
control staff, customs checker and freight forwarder
customer service representative this matter all boils
down to one basic question that must be answered at
any given time: "Where is my cargo?"
In contrast to Internet-based or online cargo track
& trace which is extensively implemented by port
operators, shipping lines, NVOCCs and freight forwarders
(both seafreight and airfreight) and widely used by
port users and cargo owners, I am observing a situation
wherein SMS-based cargo track & trace can only be
described as being caught at a standstill.
Looking back at previous ITinerary columns, I wrote
no less than three articles about SMS. During the month
of October 2003 I featured details of Maersk Sealand's
SMS Service and Negros Navigation Ferry Info (this one
focused on mainly on vessels schedules and locations
of ticketing offices). In March 2004 I wrote about tips
on how to implement your own SMS facility.
Based on corporate announcements and information disclosed
on company web sites, I made a quick list of SMS facilities
that are currently available. The industry sectors covered
are port operators, shipping lines, NVOCC/freight forwarders
and express air cargo.
The list below is not complete and exhaustive and excludes
those which are currently being planned or undergoing
testing. I have also not made any evaluation on the
extent to which each facility is being used by targetted
clients which I want to undertake later for another
article.
Sms Facility
Except for the SMS facilities of Negros Navigation
and Maritime Industry Authority, all others enumerated
below are used for cargo "track & trace".
If there anything I may have missed, I request our readers
to let me know immediately.
Compare this list to the 49 members of the Association
of International Shipping Line or 118 members of the
Philippine International Seafreight Forwarders Association
and you get the glaring significance about the current
extent of technology adoption of SMS-based cargo track
& trace.
A thorough study needs to be done in order to fully
explain this current situation and determine the reasons
behind this. For now, I can only propose the following
explanation:
¥ SMS mobile technology platform is yet to find
full integration into a company's business model, and
much less into a company's e-commerce strategy
¥ Many companies may still be unconvinced on the
tangible business benefits that SMS-based track &
trace provides in contrast to Internet-based track &
trace
¥ The commercial benefits to be derived from revenue-sharing
schemes with mobile phone service providers may not
be attractive enough (average 80% for telco and 20%
for the firm which owns the SMS facility)
¥ Existing SMS functionalities essentially focus
on "reactive" data PULL triggered by SMS request
instead of "proactive" data PUSH focusing
on alerts or event notification
¥ Lack of adequate promotional efforts to disseminate
information about the SMS facility
¥ Clients still prefer to talk to a customer service
representative over the phone when inquiring about the
latest cargo status and location
¥ Technical limitations on the extent of data that
can displayed on the mobile phone screen
There are tangible indications that ongoing ICT initiatives
such as that of the BOC computerization and current
mobile commerce applications would elevate SMS to a
higher plane of technology sophistication. Among these
are the planned use of mobile phones to pay government
fees (using Globe G-Cash), broadcast messaging, and
customs release inquiry. It is my hope that when these
are finally implemented, they would have likewise provided
a business and technology impetus to boost SMS as platform
for cargo track & trace.
After all, the basic question to be answered remains
the same: "Where is my cargo?"
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Mid-Year Technology Update:
Who Is Doing What?
I think it is about time to provide
our readers with a brief review of the latest information
and communications technology (ICT) updates and developments
which I have closely observed during the past three
months.
Inasmuch as PortCalls has a growing nationwide base
of subscribers and readers, the developments I will
mention hereunder are no longer confined to Manila's
key centers of port operations (South Harbor, Manila
International Container Terminal, North Harbor, and
the Manila Harbour Centre).
BOC Computerization Project
The Bureau of Customs has begun industry briefings to
inform and update the various stakeholders of port users
on its ongoing computerization initiative which will
implement the web-based ASYCUDAWorld system. It is significant
to note that this organized information dissemination
at the same time involves consultation with all industries
sectors that will be affected by customs computerization.
Among the major components of this project is the design
and implementation of the BOC portal which will function
as main entry point for all electronic transactions
with customs. In relation to this ICT initiative, the
Bankers Association of the Philippines is reportedly
working on a new electronic facility for payment of
customs duties and taxes that will likewise make use
of the Internet.
PPA MIS Computerization Project
PPA recently signed a memorandum of agreement with Asian
Terminals, Inc. and International Container Terminal
Services, Inc. for the design and implementation of
a fully automated system for the transfer of port statistics
and operations data on vessel and cargo/container information
from the two cargo-handling operators to PPA's new computerized
system. This will be implemented as an integral part
of the ongoing PPA MIS computerization project.
Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS)
The Cebu Port Authority is reportedly in the final stage
of defining the system specifications of a Vessel Traffic
Management System (VTMS) that is projected for acquisition
within the year. Once implemented, this project is expected
to encompass CPA's operational area which consists of
a baseport in Cebu City and four sub-ports: Toledo in
the west, Argao in the south, Danao-Carmen in the north,
and Santa Fe at Bantayan Island, off the northern tip
of Cebu Island.
The VTMS is a monitoring facility for marine vessel
movement. This project of CPA comes in the wake of the
PPA's P200-million VTMS project announced in 2004. It
may be recalled that the PPA VTMS initiative would encompass
vessels coming and going in the North and South Harbors
in Manila. The radar station, though, would be set up
in Corregidor.
Electronic Payment of Cargo Charges in South Harbor
Asian Terminals, Inc. recently unveiled before port
users its plan to implement within the next few months
an Internet-based facility for electronic payment of
cargo and vessel charges in the South Harbor. This initiative
will be undertaken together with major Philippine banks.
Upon completion of the system, many port users will
be able to enjoy the benefits of electronically paying
for stevedoring, arrastre, wharfage, storage and other
port charges similar to what is already available at
MICT.
IT Initiative in the Domestic Shipping Industry
The local software development industry is abuzz with
reports that a leading domestic shipping line which
recently merged its logistics business operations under
an integrated corporate entity is said to have concluded
negotiations with a well-known US-owned software development
house for the development of a comprehensive cargo booking
backend system. The project's implementation duration
will exceed a year. The software firm is currently based
here in the Philippines and has many ongoing software
development contracts with foreign clients.
Significant Development In Airport Cargo Warehousing
Sector
People's Air Cargo and Warehouse Company, Incorporated
(PAIRCARGO) launched early this year its SMS-based facility
for cargo track & trace. Based on existing system
usage statistics, the number of clients using this facility
is not as widespread as initially expected. PAIRCARGO
is not daunted by this experience and is in fact moving
ahead with plans to implement an Internet presence through
development of a transactional-type web site that is
bound to achieve a breakthough in the conduct of electronic
transactions for rapid release and clearance of cargo.
Setting Up Reliable ICT Infrastructure Facilities In
North Harbor
Leading service providers that focus on broadband and
wireless technology have started to take a closer look
at how to extend their service areas to locations at
the periphery of North Harbor towards Navotas area.
When these network communication facilities are finally
set up, the primary beneficiaries will include PPA whose
ongoing computerization activities encompass the whole
of North Harbor, domestic shipping lines, and locators
within the Manila Harbour Centre.
Technology Challenges For The Mindanao Container Terminal
Efforts to persuade foreign shipping lines to make regular
calls at MCT are projected to soon address the need
for a facility to receive electronic vessel bayplans
as required by carriers. MCT is currently managed and
operated by the Phividec Industrial Authority pending
its eventual turnover to a private port contractor after
successful bidding.
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Simple Guide in Implementing
Internet Portals
AS a mid-year treat to all our readers,
I will devote today's column to describing the basis
for which stages of e-government development are measured.
Most of you may have already noticed
that benefits derived from ICT initiatives of BOC and
PPA are often evaluated in terms of how they transform
both government agencies into a certain level of technology
sophistication and usefulness.
The two measurement models I will describe
below are those of UN-ASPA and Gartner Research.
Please take note that both BOC and
PPA aim to be at Stage 4 (Transactional) under the UN-ASPA
model.
UN/ASPA Study: 5 Stages of Development
Emerging: A country commits to becoming
an e-government player. A formal but limited web presence
is established through a few independent government
websites which provide users with static organizational
or political information. Sites may include contact
information (i.e. telephone numbers and addresses of
public officials). In rare cases, special features like
FAQs may be found.
Enhanced: A country's online presence
begins to expand as its number of official websites
increase. Content will consist more of dynamic and specialized
information that is frequently updated; sites will link
to other official pages. Government publications, legislation,
newsletters are available. Search features, and e-mail
addresses are available. A site for the national or
ruling government may also be present that links the
user to ministries or departments.
Interactive: A country's presence on
the Internet expands dramatically with access to a wide
range of government institutions and services. More
sophisticated level of formal interactions between citizens
and service providers is present like e-mail and post
comments areas. The capacity to search specialized databases
and download forms and applications or submit them is
also available. The content and information is regularly
updated.
Transactional: Complete and secure
transactions like obtaining visas, passports, birth
and death records, licenses, permits where a user can
actually pay online for services such as parking fines,
automobile registration fees, utility bills and taxes.
Digital signatures may be recognized in an effort to
facilitate procurement and doing business with the government.
Secure sites and user passwords are also present.
Fully integrated or seamless: Capacity
to instantly access any service in a "unified package".
Ministerial/departmental/agency lines of demarcation
are removed in cyberspace. Services will be clustered
along common needs.
Gartner Research: Four Phases of E-Government
Model
Presence: This phase of e-government development is
characterized by the land rush to simply have a cyberspace
placeholder on the Internet. The primary goal is to
post information such as agency mission, addresses,
opening hours and possibly some official documents of
relevance to the public.
Interaction: This phase is characterized by Web sites
that provide basic search capabilities, host forms to
download, and linkages with other relevant sites, as
well as e-mail addresses of offices or officials. This
stage enables the public to access critical information
online and receive forms that may have previously required
a visit to a government office.
Transaction: This phase is characterized
by allowing constituents to conduct and complete entire
tasks online. The focus of this stage is to build self-service
applications for the public to access online, but also
to use the Web as a complement to other delivery channels.
Typical services that are migrated
to this stage of development include tax filing and
payment, driver's license renewal, and payment of fines,
permits and licenses. Additionally, many governments
put requests for proposals and bidding regulations online
as a precursor to e-procurement. This is the current
stage for several agencies and the most immediate target
for many e-government initiatives worldwide. It not
only highlights the benefits of 24x7 availability but
also provides opportunities to develop cross-agency
common, shared services.
Transformation: This phase is the long-term
goal of almost all national and local e-government initiatives.
It is characterized by redefining the delivery of government
services by providing a single point of contact to constituents
that makes government organization totally transparent
to citizens.
This phase relies on robust customer
relationship management tools and new methods of alternative
service delivery capabilities that reshape relationships
between citizens, businesses and governments. It also
enhances the ability of constituents to participate
more directly in government activities (i.e. "e-referendums"
and e-voting"). Examples of transformation include
highly tailored Web sites, or "virtual agencies,"
where government information is pushed to citizens,
and where they can pay local property taxes, renew state
driver's licenses and apply for federal passports all
in one place, with seamless interfaces back to the respective
agencies involved in the transactions.
This phase will also include the development
of state-of-the-art intranets that can link government
employees who work in different agencies. Governmental
transfor-mation will also include the design of extranets
that allow the seamless flow of information and collaborative
decision-making among federal, state and local government
agencies; private and not-for-profit sector partners;
and the public.
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Simple Guide in Implementing Internet
Portals
I recently had the opportunity to meet
a number of young IT practitioners connected with several
cargo transport and warehousing firms who face a common
challenge: how to set up web - based portals for their
respective companies.
I found it interesting that among the model sites they
have looked at are American President Lines' HomePort,
ICTSI's MICT iBox, Asian Terminals Incorporated Webtrack
and Aboitiz Transport Systems 2GO portals.
I said there is no easily available and tested guide
on how to design and implement portals but I promised
to refer them to information reference sites from where
they can learn more about portals.
As a good starting point to understand how to implement
portals, I am reproducing hereunder some excerpts from
information found in www.portalscommunity.com .
Topics important to planning and implementing a successful
Portal are described below:
Strategy - Investigating, implementing, measuring,
and maintaining your Portal solution should all be factored
into your company's overall business strategy. Properly
understanding the corporate strategy can allow you to
place the correct functional components in the appropriate
phases of your implementation to allow your enterprise
to derive as much business value as these phases are
delivered.
Trends - Portals have emerged in many markets as strong
component of any solution delivery. Understanding the
new and noteworthy directions affecting the portal market
are an important step of defining the solution for corporate
strategy for deployment for any project manager or technologist
working with or planning for portal solutions.
Planning and Investigating - Just getting started? The
first stage involves research, business case writing,
metrics setting, etc. This section contains articles
and research papers regarding vendor's solutions and
the methodology.
Business Case - The business case consists mapping business
drivers to user requirements, along with a financial
impact if the requirement can be met. The financial
impact can come in multiple ways, but must be related
to hard, quantifiable results.
Feasibility Study - In the case of portals, it is highly
beneficial to embark upon a feasibility study.
A study targets specific objectives: 1) accessing and
prioritizing business requirements, 2) determining the
feasibility of the fundamental concept, 3) identifying
and weighing the issues surrounding the implementations,
4) identifying critical success factors, and 5) determining
the likely cost of meeting the business requirements
based on the priority scheme. Feasibility for an enterprise
wide implementation can typically be demonstrated via
a prototype or pilot of the proposed solution.
Critical Success Factors - Enterprise - wide portal
implementations are giving rise to a new set of Critical
Success Factors (CSF's). Most implementations have standard
success factors such as the following: well - understood
requirements, top management support, business area
representation and a culture that supports collaboration
and teamwork. Additionally, there are more refined success
factors specific to Portals implementations that involve
striking an important balance between items such as
centralization and decentralization; ease of use and
security, and pure technology vs. pure business focus.
Return on Investment (ROI) - A calculation of how much
money will be saved or earned as the result of an investment
in a Portal Solution. ROI Calculations should be used
in developing a business case for a given proposal.
Be sure to factor in investments of both time and capital.
Typically in Portal implementations, streamlining business
processes commonly returns ROI, however for each implementation
of a portal the detailed ROI can be calculated.
Information Requirements - Understanding the business
information usage is the first major step involved prior
to selecting the Portal technology. Conducting a business
information study to understand how information is used
within an organization, the objectives of such are to
understand the following: 1) who uses the information,
2) how the information is used, and 3) how it flows
into, within and out of each of the business areas.
Business Process/Workflow - The general understanding
of the business process of all consumers of the portal
(individual, department, division or entire company)
can be leveraged within the portal solution to provide
additional business value via timesavings or general
cost reduction.
Enterprise Architecture - This architecture includes
the plans, methods, and tools aimed at providing a single
point of access to information and applications from
across an enterprise. Enterprise architecture defines
the technological blueprint for how all the technical
components of the enterprise fit together.
Implementation and Deployment - Now that you have defined
your portal strategy, reviewed your business requirements
and validated the ROI for your solution, this is where
this information helps you plan for a successful implementation
and deployment. Portal implementations are unique enough
in the speed to market components and others to understand
the unique issues for consideration when developing
your implementation and deployment plans.
To all those young IT practitioners, my most important
recommendation is - make a thorough study of your company's
business requirements and expectations on why it wants
to put up its portal. Knowing about the hardware and
software technologies constitute the easy part. The
challenge lies in how to make your company's portal
useful and beneficial for customers, trading partners
and even company employees.
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Reality Check: Are Port Users Now More
Ready to Pay for Electronic Transactions? (Continued
from 23 May issue)
In Part 1 of this two-part article,
we briefly reviewed the cost impact (fees, charges, and other expenses incurred
by port users) when utilizing electronic and other ICT services directly related
to the movement and transport of cargo. The activities enumerated range from SMS-based
cargo track & trace, web-based electronic payment of port charges using bank e-payment
facilities, submission of electronic inward manifest, electronic filing of import
declarations, and electronic submission of port documentation required for vessel
arrival and berthing.
Internet-Based vs EDI-Based Electronic Transactions From
a technology investment perspective, among the primary reasons for implementing
electronic commerce on the Internet platform is its very low operating cost and
ease of use. For one thing, the web browser software is
free. Internet Explorer is bundled with Windows operating system installed on
every PC. In addition, an Internet connection through any service provider has
multiple usage: electronic mail, voice-over IP, educational research, chatting,
personal communications, etc. Hence, the Internet subscription fee is very much
worth several times compared to its cost. If software interfaces are required
in order for a business application to process data transmitted through the Internet,
the required software programming skill-sets and resources abound in large numbers.
In
contrast, an EDI-based system almost always has high costs of operations and maintenance.
Available expertise on EDI transaction sets (UN/EDIFACT, ANSI X12, etc) are very
limited - therefore expensive to recruit and retain. EDI networks and service
providers charge transaction fees on a per kilobyte basis (translation: the more
characters in an electronic message or file, the higher is the transaction fee).
Hence, EDI message data structures are cryptic. The ultimate result is that
specialist
skills - which are expensive - are necessary to operate and maintain EDI-based
systems.
Pricing Models for e-Transactions & Services There are generally
two main types of pricing models involved.
One is the fixed price model.
Electronic services that require annual or monthly subscription fees belong to
this category. Whether or not the registered user avails of the service, the cost
involved remains the same. Some service providers have actually become creative
in their offerings based on this cost model. A common example is unlimited Internet
connection for a fixed fee.
The other model is categorized as dynamic pricing.
Most transaction-based cost models belong to this. The way it works is that when
electronic transactions reach a pre-determined threshold (example: 500 purchase
orders or 500 B/Ls a month), the cost per transaction is reduced. A variation
also happens by way of the pre-determined threshold quantified in terms of peso
value (i.e., total transaction value of P5,000 a month).
Downside of Paying
Fees For Electronic Transactions While electronic transactions in most business
sectors are creating real business value in terms of user convenience, business
process
simplification and reduced duration of transaction processing time,
we already see their downside in some areas.
Examples are growing public
complaints on ATM fees charged when a person transacts through an ATM machine
owned by a bank where he does not have an account, as well as growing clamor for
banks to reduce transaction costs for OFW fund remittances.
A bank which
offers electronic payment of port and cargo charges is said to be insisting on
a very high daily maintaining balance for accounts to be used for this type of
electronic payment transaction. Moreover, a number of complaints are being made
by some port users about the time delay it takes between actual payment of duties
and taxes at a bank branch and the time the BOC ACOS system receives electronic
payment advise.
The Reality For Port Users Now: Be More Ready To Pay For
Electronic Transactions After the Electronic Commerce Law was enacted, I sensed
that many of those who made an advocacy for promoting e-Commerce somehow failed
to provide a more balanced focus by way of making everyone appreciate the fact
that there will be costs involved on the part of the transacting public. The most
important point to have been articulated upon is that the tangible benefits of
e-commerce (1) far outweigh any cost the public has to pay and (2) that such costs
will be kept at minimal levels.
Right now, the impetus for more port user
transactions to be implemented electronically are with us.
The Automated
Export Declaration System and RosettaNet pioneered by the semiconductor industry
is proving itself to be a big success in terms of creating efficient and secure
trade facilitation. Thus, semiconductor companies and participating exporters
and freight forwarders are more than willing to pay for these electronic transactions.
I will not be surprised if the new customs computerization project includes
an investment recovery model for implementing a web-based platform.
Single,
common gateway Likewise, there have been indications since last year that a new
electronic payment facility is being developed that will enable electronic payment
of duties and taxes as well another government fees through a single, common gateway.
The ultimate challenge here is to undertake a serious
effort to obtain buy-in and acceptance on the part of port users by way of demonstrating
tangible benefits insofar as, among others, substantially reducing vessel and
cargo stay-time within the port and eliminating inefficiencies endemic in a manual
document processing environment.
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A Reality Check: Are
Port Users Now More Ready To Pay For Electronic Transactions?
– Part 1
Before I wrote today’s column, I
consulted my editor and informed her that my topic actually
constitutes a reality check and might elicit active
reaction from some PortCalls readers. We are now almost
halfway through 2005 and I believe it’s time to
briefly review what’s happening insofar as the
information & communication technology landscape
is concerned, particularly on how available electronic
services, ongoing initiatives, & e-commerce trends
impact port users in terms of costs.
The cost impact I will focus on refers to fees, charges,
and other expenses incurred by port users when utilizing
electronic and other ICT services directly related to
the movement & transport of cargo.
Let us first identify the ways through which port users
currently incur these costs, both knowingly or unknowingly.
First Reminder: “Track & Trace” On SMS
Text Messaging Is Never Free
Several years ago text messaging started to catch fire
– so to speak – as the newest platform for
cargo track & trace among transport & logistics
service providers. We all know of course how much Globe
& Smart charge each time you send a text message
to inquire on the latest whereabouts of your cargo shipment.
In the case of some logistics companies, the client
automatically receives a text message on cargo status
without sending an SMS inquiry. In a case like this,
the cost for such automated event notification is normally
incorporated in the total service fee paid by the client
as part of shipment processing & delivery.
Bank Charges for Web-Based Electronic Payment of Port
Charges
A number of banks currently provide electronic facilities
for the payment of port charges (arrastre, stevedoring,
storage, etc) in MICT and, to a limited extent, in South
Harbor (only for vessel charges through Union Bank).
These are Union Bank, UCPB, Equitable PCI and East West
Bank. When clients use these Internet-based facilities
and electronically pay cargo charges through deposit
accounts in said banks, a transaction fee is normally
deducted from client’s account. The amount involved
varies from one bank to another.
Electronic Inward Foreign Manifest Submission to Customs
Shipping line manifests and consolidation manifests
are submitted to BOC through the facilities of ATI and
ICTSI. Both port operators do not charge for these services
since November 1994 when full compliance to electronic
submission was first mandated by BOC. Significantly,
customs memorandum order 45-94 and 11-99 contain a provision
wherein port operators may actually charge for the use
of their facilities for electronic manifest submission.
Modes of submission are electronic mail and data diskette.
It is interesting to note that main vessel manifests
are submitted by vessel operators separately from rider
manifests of vessel co-loaders as well as consolidation
manifest Thus, it is not surprising to encounter a situation
wherein rider manifest is submitted ahead of the main
vessel manifest. The worst scenario is when consolidation
manifest is submitted ahead of both main and rider manifests.
I describe this as worst because BOC ACOS system validation
will not allow uploading of the former if the latter
are not yet found in its manifest database.
As I said above, electronic manifest submission is
currently free of charge. However, I believe that the
modes of submission using electronic email, data diskette
and manual data encoding have long outlived their usefulness
in terms of technology and are now putting a heavy strain
on the resources of everyone concerned – port
operators, shipping lines/agents, NVOCCs, freight forwarders,
consolidators.
The costs incurred by port users are in terms of process
inefficiencies resulting from repetitive manual download/upload,
delays in submission due to defective diskettes, and
clerical costs of manifest data encoding.
In the case of import shipments handled by Harbour
Centre Port Terminal Incorporated, shipping line inward
manifest have to be submitted in electronic form (data
diskette) either directly to office of Port of Manila
Deputy Collector for Operations or coursed through HCPTI
in data diskette.
So far, there is only one service provider which provides
an automated facility for consolidation manifest submission.
Cargo Data Exchange Center which started operations
in the mid-1990s for electronic submission of airfreight
consolidator/freight forwarder manifest submission to
BOC NAIA. Some CDEC clients at NAIA presently use the
same electronic facility in submitting seafreight manifest
to BOC since CDEC has network connectivity with both
ATI and ICTSI. CDEC charges a transaction fee per house
B/L for airfreight/seafreight manifest submission.
Electronic Filing of Import Declaration to BOC
Only 2 service providers – CDEC and Intercommerce
Network Services (INS) – are accredited by BOC
for the electronic filing of import declaration. It
is interesting to note that very much less than 10%
of electronic import declarations in both South Harbor
and MICT are handled by CDEC and INS. The main bulk
is processed through the service bureau offering of
PCCI Data Encoding Center.
CDEC and INS charge transaction fees per import declaration,
Since these transactions actually go through an electronic
gateway service (called EDI Gateway) before being forwarded
to BOC ACOS system, CDEC and INS also pay service fees
to EDI Gateway.
Electronic Port Documentation Submission to PPA
The new PPA computerized system features an e-Port
facility wherein electronic notice of vessel arrival,
application for berth/anchorage, and domestic cargo
manifest are submitted in order to be processed by its
port management system. Domestic shipping lines which
will use e-Port will later incur a cost in terms of
annual fee for digital signature certification.
(Part 2 to be continued on 06 June 2005 issue)
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ICTSI, TDG Anti-Virus/ Spam
Solutions
The experience of International Container Terminal
Services, Incorporated (ICTSI) and Transnational Diversified Group (TDG) in enterprise-wide
anti-virus and anti-spam protection have been cited by a world-leading computer
security specialist Sophos (www.sophos.com) during the recent Philippine launch
of Sophos Enterprise Solutions, multi-tier protection for organizations.
Based on client case study materials distributed during a press briefing, the
experiences of both ICTSI and TDG demonstrated unique approaches to address increasingly
complex security threats such as spyware, phishing, viruses and spam that continue
to plague companies globally.
In 2004, ICTSI's email inboxes were being
flooded by a large number of emails, the overwhelming majority of which were spam.
The company was already protected from spyware and virus infected mails by Sophos
anti-virus, but the sheer volume of spam messages caused disruption to many corporate
users. The company's over 400 electronic mail inboxes received over 18,000 email
messages daily and between 80% and 90% were spam.
In looking for the
appropriate solution, ICTSI MIS Department drew up a list of requirements that
the new proposed solution must provide.
Among the most important was
effective spam-filtering which would remove unsolicited emails while allowing
valid emails into a user's inbox.
It was also important that corporate
users be given the ability to allow or block emails according to their own criteria
thereby allowing them to do so based on the sender's email address, IP address,
and server or domain address.
The company also wanted users to be able
to identify emails based on content, allowing the blocking of spam by different
categories. It was also equally important for ICTSI to have a "quarantine
area" - a place where all blocked mail messages are stored - giving users
the opportunity to retrieve any email that might have been inadvertently blocked.
Evaluation of potential software solutions resulted in the selection of Sophos
PureMessage for Unix which was initially installed and implemented within trial
period of four months. The reported results were outstanding - PureMessage successfully
detected and blocked more than 80% of spam on the first day of installation. With
adjustments, the software was able to block up to 98% of spam within three weeks.
According to Sophos, ICTSI cites the best features of PureMessage as: ease
of use (thanks to user friendly web-based access and administration), the best
balance of features vis-a-vis price, and the combination of protection from spam
and viruses at the SMTP gateway.
On the other hand, the experience of
TDG involves the utilization of an anti-virus solution with proactive defense
mechanism to address serious damage done to corporate data by the Nimda worm in
three (3) of its member companies.
The main difficulty then encountered
by TDG IT administrators was that they had to simultaneously contain the virus
infection and prevent it from spreading to other companies within the business
conglomerate. Unfortunately, it took IT administrators such a long time to disseminate
patches to update the anti-virus software in each corporate PC such that affected
business users experienced a drop in office productivity and efficiency.
The solution selected by TDG is a three-year Sophos Corporate Connect Plus license
which incorporates Sophos Anti-Virus, Enterprise Manager and MailMonitor.
MailMonitor enables TDG to check all email traffic passing through its Lotus
Notes and Microsoft Exchange email servers, while Enterprise Manager provides
automated downloads of program updates and virus identity files through the Internet.
After checking the origin and integrity of the downloaded files, the software
automatically deploys them across the company's corporate network.
This
solution is now reportedly protecting over 1,300 desktop PCs and laptops deployed
throughout 70 office sites groupwide.
Sophos currently has numerous corporate
clients in the Philippines, including government agencies and private corporations.
When asked whether Sophos has any specific marketing strategy to align and
integrate its software solutions within the context of increasing corporate security
consciousness within the ports, transport and logistics industries, Sophos Pte
Ltd Managing Director Charles Cousins said there is none.
However, he added
that indeed their existing and potential clients within these industry sectors
here and abroad are demonstrating this high level of security consciousness in
terms of corporate computer security.
The software launch event held
last week at Dusit Hotel in Makati announced the availability of the latest edition
of Sophos enterprise solutions offering gateway, server and endpoint protection.
Among those introduced is Genotype detection technology which uses forensic
analysis to identify suspicious patterns and characteristics that are unique to
either a virus family or a spam campaign.
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A Focus on Filipino-Developed Software
IN today's column I will feature examples of Filipino-developed software that
belong to two different levels. The first case is a warehouse management system
being marketed by a well-known IT company that has long focused in serving the
needs of the cargo transport industry. The second example
is a fleet management software developed by a newly-formed group of Filipino software
developers which expressed the intent to introduce its solution to transport companies.
Both technology solutions should be able to stand on their own respective merits
and I am writing about them today to demonstrate the availability of these type
of software for interested clients. Warehouse Precision Plus WP+ is being marketed
as a state-of-the-art warehouse management system that provides full functionality
from product receipt through shipment (including order management, inventory management,
receiving, putaway, picking, packing and shipping) with pre-defined strategies
for ease of use like FIFO, FEFO, etc. The key system features
are industry-standard process flow strategies, capability to interface with financial
and production systems, user friendly front-end, security access capability, barcode
printing, reconciliation if physical inventory & warehouse system, anf scalability
to support future enhancements. It is designed to manage
the day-to-day warehouse activities: Inbound, Inventory Management, Outbound,
and Inter-warehouse transfers. The different software modules consist of the following:
a) Third-party billing - this is an activity-based billing
such as transactions for inbound and outbound, CBM, fixed rate, pallet rental,
rack rental, etc.
b) Cross dock - this is configurable cross-dock functions
in the warehouse
c) Master Bill of Lading - provides information of shipments
per outbound vehicles
d) Web Order - provides warehouse information thru portal
and capacity to do transactions
e) Data Exchange - this module serves as a
connector to any applications such as Enterprise Resource Planning and Point-of-sale
(POS) systems
f) Radio Frequency and Batch Scanning capability
g) Transportation
Management: Load Planning Truck Management
h) Work Order - handles heavy kitting
requirements
i) Report Manager - views, schedule and email reports easily
The targeted clientele of WP are small and
medium business (SMB) firms which want to achieve efficiency in their warehouse
operation at a lower cost of investment in technology. ABM Computech Enterprises
is offering the locally-developed WP+ software in direct response to prevailing
business needs of SMBs for an effective warehouse management system but very much
affordable for local manufacturers, retailers, distributors and 3rd party logistics
providers. ABM's expertise in the retail/distribution, manufacturing, construction,
pharmaceutical, realty, food, telecom, financial and public sectors is evident
in our more than 400 client installations nationwide. Its
clients include companies within the small and medium-size firms up to large organizations
belonging to the Philippine's top 1,000 corporations. Fleet Tracker TM Software
This software is designed by its developers for the management and maintenance
of vehicle and truck fleet transactions. It has a scheduling feature to remind
the fleet owner of the registration and renewal of licenses and monitors vehicles
due for preventive maintenance. An inventory module allows
the software to monitor inventory status of stocks parts and the availability
of replacement parts from a designated warehouse. It is even said to have a mini-accounting
module specifically designed to manage and monitor finances related to vehicle
operations. The Fleet Tracker TM Software also features a routing module called
"Trips Log" to be able to track and assign specific course or destinations
per vehicle. Corresponding information such as driver, conductor, and mechanic
assigned for a specific vehicle is available as a cross reference. The
list of other software features are as follows: Recording
of Registration and Insurance of Vehicle for tracking and updates.
Visual
representation of actual vehicle in four different views.
History tracking
of repairs, replacement and maintenance of parts.
Incident Monitoring for
daily operations.
Personnel Management for Payroll and Commission.
Inventory
Management for proper handling of spare and purchased parts.
Mini-Accounting
module to handle billings, purchase, expenses and payroll computation.
Trucking,
Routing, Trips and Transport operation for booking, monitoring and logging.
Cash Management for monitoring cash flow.
This
software is developed and marketed by a group of Filipino developers calling themselves
Gen-X Alternative Business Solutions, Incorporated. When
I met them about two weeks ago, I asked if they have made an assessment of similar
solutions available in the industry for this type of software. They responded
that they made their own research and are confident their solution will eventually
find acceptance among local transport operators. Trivia:
A personality well known to the ports and shipping sector was recently in town
for a business trip and is expected to again visit Manila in two weeks' time.
I am referring to Paul Finley who used to be Senior Vice President for Operations
of Asian Terminals, Incorporated during the 1990s. Paul is
currenly holding a very important position in Navis LLC with direct responsibility
over its Asia-Pacific operations. I will soon write an article about Paul and
Navis to be featured in a future column.
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SMART Link Mobile Satellite
Technology
THE 3rd Philippine Ports & Shipping
Conference held on 28-29 April at the Manila Peninsula included an exhibit of
tech-nology products and offerings in the field of cargo handling equipment and
port-related services. The leading port operators in the Port of Manila (ICTSI,
ATI, Harbour Centre) had their display exhibits and it was refreshing to see information
booths of Phividec Industrial Authority and Cagayan Economic Zone Authority but
otherwise the selection of technology products on display was limited.
However,
I did find an interesting product on which I am writing about in today's column
- SMART Link Satellite Services, which is offered by Smart Telecommunications.
Based on product brochures made available during the exhibit,
SMART Link is marketed as a satellite-based, prepaid telecommunication service
that provides incoming and outgoing telephone service to both residential subscribers
and businesses using the ACeS Satellite Network. It is intended to serve the needs
of people living in remote and isolated areas that are not served by landline
facilities or do not have cellular coverage.
SMART
Link uses the ACeS Satellite Technology. This means that SMART Link gets its signal
not from cellsites but from the ACeS Satellite orbiting over the Southeast Asian
Region. Hence, SMART Link can provide service even in areas where there are no
cellsites or cellular coverage.
Let us try to understand
the components of this entire system and what are its benefits for business and
personal users.
What Is The ACeS System?
The
ACeS system claims to use the most recent technological breakthrough to maximize
its communications capability. The whole network comprises five major parts: a
geosynchronous satellite, a Satellite Control Facility (SCF), a Network Control
Center (NCC), gateways that interconnect with terrestrial telecommunications networks
worldwide, and the ACeS subscriber's handset and terminals.
The
ACeS satellite (also known as Garuda 1) is considered one of the most powerful
satellite systems ever built for commercial use. Constructed by Lockheed Martin
of the US, it features two 12-meter antennas, on board digital processing and
up to 140 spot beams covering the whole of Asia. It is also capable of supporting
11,000 simultaneous telephone channels and up to two million subscribers. The
satellite reaches the stretch of Papua New Guinea to Pakistan, around Japan and
China, down to Indonesia.
The Satellite Control Facility
monitors and controls the satellite while the Network Control Center consists
of the hardware, software and facilities required in the management and control
of the ACeS telecommunication system resources. The SCF and NCC, located at the
ACeS facility in Batam Island, Indonesia, share a 15-meter parabolic antenna.
The ACeS gateways provide the primary interface between
the ACeS system and other terrestrial communication networks. The ACeS system
will initiate commercial service with three national gateways - in Indonesia,
in the Philippines, and in Thailand - and contract additional gateways for Taiwan
and India.
ACeS Philippine Cellular Satellite Corp. (ACeSPhil) manages
the ACeS gateway located in Subic Bay.
How Does One Use SMART Link?
The
versatile, dual-mode ACeS handset unit constitutes the subscriber's link to the
ACeS satellite technology. It allows phone users to easily and seamlessly switch
from GSM networks when available, or to directly link up to the satellite when
outside cellular coverage.
The commercially available
handsets and terminals right now are the ACeS R190 mobile satellite handphone,
ACeS FR-190G fixed land-user terminal, and SMART Link satellite payphone.
ACeS R190 is considered the world's smallest mobile satellite phone. It weighs
less than 200 grams, measures similar to contemporary GSM phones and is a dual
mode phone: ACeS Satellite and GSM 900. On the other hand, the FR-190G terminal
is equipped with a data port thereby enabling the subscriber to transfer data
or send fax in addition to making a regular voice call.
The
specific offering designed for shipping lines is the SMART Link satellite payphone.
It somehow looks like the public payphone found in malls and many public areas
throughout Metro Manila. But instead of coins, it is activated through the use
of a SMART Link SIM card. In order to make a call, the user will insert the SIM
card, wait until the phone display lights up and shows the ACeS logo, lift handset
and listen to a dial tone, and dial the desired number.
Among
the benefits shipowners will gain when installing these units onboard international
vessels is that the payphone can serve as back-up communication facility. The
unit can also be installed in areas accessible to both officers and crew, thus
promoting crew well-being and productivity onboard by providing everyone with
a facility to stay connected with their families back here in the Philippines.
Since SMART Link is available only through Smart Telecommuni-cations, those interested
in knowing more about its features and other uses may contact the nearest Smart
business centers.
It will be interesting to find out
to what extent has this technology product gained acceptance in the Philippine
maritime sector. You are now
viewing: ITinerary Archives :
2005 Q2
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