The Middle East’s first computing hotspot—giving the general public low-cost wireless Internet access—has opened in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Three leading brands—Toshiba, Intel and Al-Futtaim Group’s retail powerhouse, Plug-Ins—have come together to launch the facility that eliminates the need for cables, telephone lines and dial-up modems.
Visitors to the Cyber Café at Plug-Ins, Deira City Center, can make wireless Internet connection through a range of Toshiba Tecra S1 notebook computers based on Intel’s revolutionary mobile technology, Centrino. If they have their own wireless-enabled notebooks they can walk into Plug-Ins at any time and check their e-mail or surf the Internet free.
Until now, Middle East hotspots have been restricted to a few luxury hotels or specialist office buildings such as Internet City that provide the service for guests and tenants. Thousands of people use Plug-Ins’ Cyber Café every month and the new hotspot technology places the business firmly to the forefront of Information Technology (IT) services in the Gulf.
“Plug-Ins is known for its leadership position in the electronics industry in the Middle East,” said Shaun Sullivan, purchasing manager for Plug-Ins. “We have always led with the newest trends and technology and the introduction of this new initiative reconfirms this strategy.”
“Beyond the wireless technology at the Cyber Café, Toshiba Centrino notebooks at our hands-on computer department will also be wireless enabled, helping customers understand the unbelievable convenience and speed with this technology.” — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
