Local and international IT providers team up to enable the first wireless campus in the Levant
Beirut, December 22, 2003 – Building on the success of its wireless technology and the strength of its educational initiatives in the Lebanese market, Intel announced last week that it has collaborated with SecurSoftware, Hiperdistand Crédit Libanais to set-up a wireless campus at ESIB Saint Joseph University (USJ), giving students and faculty the ability to have more flexibility to work, study and browse throughout [GRF1] the campus.
The initiative, announced at an event organized at ESIB under the patronage and attendance of Mr. Jean Louis Cordahi, Minister of Telecommunications, as well as senior officials from USJ, Intel, SecurSoftware, Hiperdist, Crédit Libanais and the education, IT and business communities, highlighted the key role information technology plays in strengthening the leading position of Lebanon's higher education institutions in the Middle East and the potential benefits that the Intel® CentrinoTMmobile technology could bring to users in the region, especially in the education sector, which is showing leadership in terms of the adoption of mobile computing. .
The new unwired campus at ESIB was designed to provide students with the possibility to securely connect to the internet from anywhere on campus, which allows for more flexibility and productivity, and gives students the urge to increasingly utilize modern communication [GRF2] technology, as they prepare to join the “real” world where often times[GRF3] technological skills are a must.
"With the new flexibility, extended battery life and light, eye-catching form factor that it provides, the Intel Centrino Mobile Technology is proving very popular in Lebanon, where people’s lifestyle calls for an increasing amount of mobility, be it in their studies or their work, but without compromise on performance," said Gilbert Lacroix, President, Intel Middle East & North Africa "We are confident that USJ students will benefit tremendously from this initiative, which provides them with new ways of exploring the web to conduct research, prepare papers, communicate with the world, or participate in online academic discussion forums wirelessly and at their convenience."
[GRF4] Commenting on the new initiative, Michel Kilzi, CEO, SecurSoftware, said: "Mobile computing opens brand new doors for all computer users and is certain to form the basis for the creation of new usage models. While mainly beneficial, wireless communication is typically associated with certain risks; therefore and to maintain a secure wireless network, applying security enhancements is a must. As a global solutions provider, SecurSoftware is committed to playing a role in advancing technological initiatives in Lebanon, especially among the youth, which is why we offered our services at no cost for this pilot project, as we believe that it is important for students to be exposed to the latest and greatest technologies as they prepare to compete in the global job market. We hope that this will be the first step towards the setup of securedWiFi campuses throughout Lebanon."
Alongside setting up the wireless campus, a discounted bundle promotion was launched to provide students with the opportunity to purchase a discounted A Hewlett Packard laptop with Intel Centrino mobile technology from Hiperdist, including the SecurLock* security application from SecurSoftware and one month free Internet connection from IDM, all thisfinanced by Crédit Libanais through consumers loans with low interest rates. Students will also get from Crédit Libanais in the package a free Diners U-Krd, credit card, free online and WAP banking to access their accounts anytime, anywhere![GRF5]
"Deploying Intel's wireless technology in our campus is set to help improve education by putting technology in the hands of students, enhancing learning and preparing them for a smoother transition to the workplace," commented Dr. Wajdi Najem, Dean of Engineering, University of Saint Joseph. "Students and faculty can now access information leisurely, which creates opportunities for new teaching methods, better collaboration, and increased productivity. I am confident that this technology will allow our students to graduate with a better education and valuable computing skills."
Dr. Najem thanked the entire team associated with this project and stressed on the fact that USJ relentlessly pursues the best opportunities for its students' academic quest, noting that a WiFi community on campus will certainly provide the students with the chance to excel in life."
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About Intel Corp
Intel, the world's largest chipmaker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
About SecurSoftware [GRF6]
Founded in 1999, SecurSoftware® soon developed a reputation as a leading global provider of information security applications for desktop, network and e-business. SecurSoftware® applications provide unmatched cryptography and authentication technologies resulting in award-winning products. Based on Microsoft* platforms SecurSoftware® utilizes the latest in smart card technology available in today’s market. SecurSoftware® products are easy to deploy and use. In addition, they are specifically designed to protect data on standalone PCs as well as large networks while enhancing the overall security of the system.
For more information please visit www.secursoftware.com .
About SAINT JOSEPH UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1875, Saint Joseph University is one of the oldest universities in the Middle East. Through its different faculties, the University has been, very soon, engaged in the IT domain, in order to initiate its students to the new technologies environment. The Faculty of Engineering at USJ has a long tradition of excellence in the education of engineers. With a very serious five years curricula, and the intensive use of new technologies capacities, it aims at positioning the new graduates for a leading role in Lebanon and the region.
For more information please visit: www.usj.edu.lb and www.fi.usj.edu.lb .
Intel, Intel Centrino and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others
News Release
CONTACT:
Dania El-Kadi
Intel Corporation
+971 50 5595868
dania.el-kadi@intel.com
Samer Renno
Renno and Associates
+961 3 267414
samer@rennoandassociates.com
© Press Release 2003
