UAE Ministry of Education to spend AED 79 million in increasing computer units and enhancing internet connection in state schools

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The UAE Ministry of Education has announced that it has allocated AED 79 million in 2009, for its initiative to increase the number of computer units and enhance internet connection within state-run schools, amidst reports that they are lagging behind private schools in terms of computer and internet access. In line with this, NETGEAR, a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking and storage products, has pledged its support to the Ministry’s intensifying efforts to upgrade IT education in government schools, and has committed to aid public schools in increasing their IT proficiency through its extensive range of networking solutions. The move follows NETGEAR’s earlier collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Education to implement its wireless network solution in 350 schools across the UAE, thereby helping schools to enhance teaching quality and learning effectiveness in a multimedia classroom setting.

Identified by the NETGEAR team of professionals as the ideal solution to address the educational institutions requirements, the ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point WG102 delivers secure, reliable, and high-performance wireless local area networks (WLANs). The powerful device is cost-effective, compact, simple to install, and provides industry standard access to corporate network resources, email and Internet. Furthermore, it has an integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE) support that expands installation options by eliminating the need to locate a power outlet; while its Wi-Fi compatibility and plenum-rated cables make it suitable to be placed above drop-down ceilings and under raised floors.

“We understand that accurate, complete and easily accessible data improves the effectiveness of higher education because it can be used to improve student learning as well as bolster overall school or institutional performance,” said Ahmad Zeidan, Channel Sales Manager, NETGEAR Middle East. “The launch of our new networking solutions, which we have meticulously designed to meet the safety requirements and the IT needs of the growing education sector, is in line with our goals to provide unparalleled support for the regional government’s education-centred initiatives. Due to our extensive investments in research and product development, we have been the preferred choice for the academic sector and are fully-equipped to supply the technology and services the sector needs in order to achieve their objectives and organisational goals, and thereby make a difference in students’ lives.”

Leveraging its renowned innovation and technology leadership, NETGEAR aims to provide a selection of networking products and solutions, which will enable greater access to educational material and services. Further, by leveraging potential partnerships with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in UAE and an existing comprehensive retail and distribution channel, NETGEAR is perfectly positioned to add value to the initiatives of the UAE Ministry of Education. The market leader has worked with over 50 ISPs worldwide and is gearing towards delivering the best-of-breed technology and solutions it has been reputed for.

“Our state-of-the-art networking solutions are a major proponent for equipping students with the skills required in their future venture into the private and public sectors. Due to limited budgets in the educational sector, NETGEAR's solution is backed by a lifetime warranty and 24/7 technical support, which ensures unhindered operation of the equipment and further gives end-customers greater return on investment. We have recently implemented the wireless networking solutions with the Ministry of Education, Qatar and other educational institutions in the Middle East, to best meet their teaching, learning, research and administrative needs. NETGEAR is committed to integrating technology into all levels of education and to helping prepare children for life in the 21st century,” concluded Zeidan.

The company offers affordable, easy-to-install security and software products, which merge reliability with high performance for the benefit of its end users. Specialising in delivering a wide selection of products grouped under Ethernet networking, broadband and wireless networking segments, which comprises of switches, adapters, wired and wireless routers and gateways, the company provides solutions that enable users to share internet access, peripherals, files, digital multimedia content and applications among multiple personal computers and other internet-enabled devices.