Wednesday, July 04, 2001
MISSION STATEMENT / INTRODUCTION
We wish to introduce Netcom Computer City (NCC) as a company which provides developed and advanced Information Technology (IT) products to organisations throughout Guyana. Our objective is to be a competent, reliable and efficient team of IT professionals who would deliver superior services and solutions at an internationally recognised level to our customers in a rapidly developing technical marketplace. NCC stresses the importance of being a pacesetter of the ever changing market in Guyana, while our vision extends to function as the IT HUB for the Caribbean and the entire South American region. Our geographic location gives us the unique advantage to establish a network that has the potential to contribute significantly to Guyana’s economic development and technological advancement.
In our efforts to establish this network, NCC has invested and ventured into sending representatives to Trade Shows and Training Events around the world. This initiated business relations with foreign vendors and manufacturers to promote and market their products using Guyana as the gateway to other foreign IT marketplaces - neighbouring countries. With this being our long-term plan NCC have since established itself as a Total Solution Provider demonstrating its expertise and professionalism in delivering complete IT solutions in our local industry.
One of our primary focuses is to provide students of the Guyana Technical Institute and the University of Guyana with part time employment. In providing this opportunity they are empowered to support their studies financially. The experience gained in their relevant fields of study is most beneficial and invaluable to their development. It cannot be overemphasised that these ‘inexperienced’ individuals (as are currently deemed in their respective field of study), would rarely be hired by other established companies and to contemplate part-time employment would be futile since this does not ideally support most companies goal-accomplishment policies.
NCC has executed a few new projects such as securing the authorised dealership for Synchronics CounterPoint® Point Of Sale Systems and an Internet Service Provider, amongst other products and services offered. At this time we are aiming to attain authorised dealerships and certified representation status with reputable companies worldwide. We are not only aspiring to provide local consultancies, but throughout the Caribbean and South America. These projections are by no means short term and would reveal their costs in exhausting hours of labour in research, training and development.
PURPOSE
At this time we are expanding to include representations for other established companies, as resellers and established authorised service centers in our locale.
This document introduces our company to you and describes our functions and aims.
Following is a description of the Departments and their role within NCC.
TECHNICAL STAFF
NCC is steered by professional and qualified personnel, notwithstanding the fact that we employ students from the University of Guyana during the summer holidays (work-study projects) and also young technicians from the Technical Institutes. We are supportive of the local educational institutions that Guyanese so proudly boast such as the Guyana Technical Institute and the University of Guyana. Young people benefit greatly from the hands-on and practical experiences that we offer, since in most cases this opportunity does not present itself at the respective institutions. We want to make a difference and assist our young people – this is the bottom line!
In our efforts to educate and keep abreast with changes in the IT market we have been investing in our representatives. They have attended trade shows and conferences around the world, from Comdex in Las Vegas (USA) to CeBit in Hanover (Germany). There were also smaller trade shows and training seminars hosted by Microsoft Technology within the Caribbean that we benefited from.
CLIENTELE
Below are the names of several distinguished and outstanding organisations that can be contacted to attest to our trustworthiness and high standard of service.
Organisations/Institutions Tele. (Country Code – 592) Address
AINLIM 226-8491 Lot 0 Ruimveldt Lapenitenence, G/Town
Aircraft Owners Association 222-6117 Ogle Airstrip Road, E.C.D.
Anral Investments limited 227-2702 30 Broad Street Charlestown
Aroiama Mining Company 225-7894 87 Carmicheal Street, G/Town
Ashmins Trading 225-8066 48 High Street W/ Rust , G/Town.
Austins Book Services 227-7395 190 Church Street Cummingsburg, G/Town
Auto Supplies Ltd 225-3860 30 Hadfield Steet Werk-en-rust, G/Town
Banks DIH Ltd 225-0918 Thirst Park, G/Town
Bish Medi Mart 226-9267 Barr Street Kitty, G/Town
Bish Super Stop 225-6160 99 First Street Alberttown, G/Town
Brazilian Embassy 225-7955 308 Church Street, G/Town
CARICOM 226-9281 Ave. of the Rpublic, G/Town
CCS (Guyana Ltd) 226-1066 Lot 0 Ruimveldt Lapenitenence, G/Town
Demerara Harbour Bridge 226-8032 Peter's Hall, E.B.D
European Union 226-4004 11 Sandal Place
Georgetown Public Hospital 225-3307 NEWMARKET STREET G/TOWN
Global Technology 225-3364 210 Camp St. NCbrg
Guyana Defence Force 225-8862 Camp Ayagana
GUYSONS 225-3460 15 Orchaid st. WRvdt.
HYDROMET 225-4247 18 Brickdam, G/Town
Guyana Revenue Authority 225-9414 Lamaha Street
Japarts 227-3444 38 Croal Strees
Keishars Ltd 225-8270 5 Camp 7 Hadfield Street
Kennav HDL 226-0019 309 East Street
Marian Academy 226-9044 Carifesta Avenue
Ministry of Agriculture 226-0393 Regent Rd Bourda
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs 226-1606 254 South Rd Bourda
NBS (New Building Society) 227-4444 1 Avenue of the Republic
NDDP 226-3020 22 UPPER HADFIELD STREET GT
NDI (National Democratic Institute) 225-3700 34 North Rd., Lacytown, G/Town
NDMA
(National Data Management Association) 222-4423 U.O.G., Turkeyen CAMPUS, G/Town
Nigel's Supermarket 226-6200 Robbb Street, G/Town
Omai Gold Mines 227-3810 176 D Middle Street, G/Town
Pan American Health Organization
/ World Health Organization 225-3000 Brickdam, G/Town
Organisations/Institutions Tele. (Country Code – 592) Address
Pat college 227-5423 273 Lamaha, G/Town
Police Headquarters (Finger Print Section) 226-2487 Eve-Leary, G/Town
RISAN's 226-1058 Main Street, G/Town
Salvation Army 225-4672 New Market and Thomas Street, G/Town
School of the Nations 226-5781 120 Parade Street, G/Town
Securicor 225-5773 Lot O Ruimveldt, G/Town
Seereeram Brothers Ltd. 624-9006 Garden of Eden, E.B.D.
Shamdas Kirpalani 225-8633 106 Regent Street, Georgetown
Transport & Harbours Dept. 226-7842 Battery Road Kingston
University of Guyana 222-5400 Turkeyen Campus, G/Town
University of Guyana Berbice Campus Tain Campus Berbice
FRAMEWORK
With our efforts to provide a ready supply of hardware and software, and retain a competent team of technicians, we would have inducted a large capital investment in stocks as well as the overhead expenses of retraining a trained and skilled team.
Below is a list and description of the services offered by NCC.
Networking - Structured Cabling/Fibre optic technology
There is an upsurge of interconnections between organisations to share resources and information throughout the country and this function extends worldwide. Organisations interconnect with each other at different rates depending on their application and cost-benefit analysis. We utilise mediums supporting various baud rates and bandwidths such as Ethernet (CAT5) and Fibre Optic technologies. Wireless applications are also a part and parcel of our solution, however the possibilities of this project are endless and yet to be explored. Relevant personnel are being trained to expand this industry with the determination of becoming a leader in the communication drive. NCC installs and support Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks throughout Guyana making use of the most recent and affordable technologies available in the world.
Service & Maintenance
Consumers of electricity in Guyana are plagued by unfortunate circumstances resulting from an inconsistent electrical supply – brownouts, blackouts, surges and spikes. This contributes much to the failure of computer related equipment. Apart from this, routine service and maintenance are needed in order to function optimally. NCC have trained and equipped itself with a team of technical personnel who have a wealth of experience and knowledge in electronics and their repairs. This complements our idea of being a Total Solution Provider! Our technicians have proved themselves capable of repairing all computer related and other semi-mechanical equipment, handling mainly personal computers, printers, uninterrupted power supplies, monitors, photocopiers, etc.
Some of our clients (via contract) guarantee that preventative maintenance be carried out within their organisations on a timely basis. These contracts are either on a strict call-in or routine basis. Equipment serviced are among computer accessories, notebooks, uninterrupted power supplies, stabilisers and surge protection apparatus, printers and scanners. The maintenance would normally take the form of physical cleaning of the system (vacuuming and dusting), tweaking, file maintenance and configuration, virus scans and definitions updates and, hard disk surface scan and defrag. These tasks ensure a working system and prolonged life span.
Business Automation
The need for efficiency has been the major drive in automation of most businesses in Guyana and around the world. Point-of-Sale systems have provided businesses with the accuracy, time management and proper accountability of information they desperately require to operate successfully. Unfortunately with the lack of an anti-piracy law and a properly established body to monitor and educate people in Guyana, very often businesses are shortchanged ending up purchasing pirated software or a package that is not most suitable for their needs. We sell and support a well-designed and appropriate application for the needs of the point-of-sale market. Further, we have ventured into equipping ourselves with the know-how in order to support most of the other established point-of-sale software. Point-of-Sale systems provide a host of useful features to the business and most importantly it can prove useful in revenue collection.
CounterPoint Business Software from Synchronics is a bold leap forward in automated business technology. CounterPoint is a tightly integrated, 32-bit software application that provides point of sale, order processing, inventory management, purchasing, customer tracking, receivables, labeling, apparel, credit card processing, email, and countless other features for retail, wholesale, and mail order businesses. NCC is the authorised reseller of Synchronics Counter Point point of sale package. It is notable that through Point-Of-Sale systems it is by far the most natural way of assuring accountability in retail businesses, and while this software fully supports Value Added Tax (VAT) - should this system be introduced in Guyana - our customers would have been ready from beforehand.
Internet Service Provider
NCC solemnly affirms to the ideas and suggestions of the President of Guyana, His Excellency Barrat Jagdeo, as it relates to Internet Access by lowering prices on PCs and providing an opportunity for every PC owner to gain access the Internet.
Prior to depositing an installment at the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company we had received permission from the Office of the Prime Minister and the National Frequency Management Unit to operate as Internet Service Provider. This project has commenced and is in the testing stage. We intent to be online by September 2001.
Rental - Equipment & Conference Room
At our head office in Campbellville we boast a well furnished, air-conditioned and computer equipped room which is ideal for training, seminars and product demonstrations. Organisations are free to use this facility for their applications at a minimum cost. We do not try to maximise on profits in this regard, but to introduce and attract new and current customers to our extensive product line.
From time to time there are agencies that would require personal computers, laptop computers and printers for a short period of time to facilitate such events as training sessions or seminars; we provide a rental service of any computer related equipment for the period specified by such a company.
Software Development
This is one of the weaker departments at NCC. The market is not quite attractive and hence it is difficult to keep programmers without actual work. We have managed to put together a small Payroll Package to calculate correct percentages of income tax discounts from an employee’s payroll. This is ideal for Guyana since it was developed for this specific environment and is customised to incorporate exceptions (national holidays) which would be specific to Guyana alone. It prints out the National Insurance Scheme forms which saves time and accurately generates a history log and stores it electronically in an archive for later retrieval. This reduces the need to import software to achieve this task, saving revenue and keeping the wealth within the local economy. Further, in order to be more efficient, organisations would request of us to develop small application programs and modules to automate manual tasks and functions.
Training
NCC realises that education is vital for the growth of the IT industry within Guyana. We train at two levels. Firstly, our in-house staff receives constant and aggressive training at our local office which is carried out after work in the evenings. This aids in upgrading the level at which each individual functions and making these young people more marketable.
Secondly, persons from schools, businesses and other organisations who require customised training from time to time are facilitated at our local office in our computerised and fully equipped training labs. Customers also receive formal training along with the purchase of their Synchronics CounterPoint Point of Sale system. NCC is the authorised distributor and trained agent for the Synchronics CounterPoint Point of Sale package in Guyana.
SALES - Hardware
A ready supply of recent hardware and software on the market is a clear indication of how ‘up to speed’ our country is with regards to technology. A reputable supplier is important to customers; this gives them the assurance of warranty and an honest after-sales service. Availability of new equipment at competitive prices also dissuades importers from introducing used and substandard machines. With our quest to be the best in this market we have subscribed and become a Microsoft OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) system builder partner, and reseller of Ingram Micro, Tech Data and other international distributors. We have even ventured into locating manufacturers of various bulk products so as to import directly from the source to avoid inflated prices.
We have projected the image of a competent and qualified company to the local market. The trust and confidence of the local businesses must be won locally to trap our country’s wealth and make it grow. NCC’s main source of income is generated by the sale of hardware and software. However NCC is moving in the direction of diversifying its functions as a Total Solution Provider - Sales and Service Company – to strike a balance. Our inventory consists of a wide range of products from well established and recognised vendors and manufacturers.
Below is a list of the main products that we market.
Computers – Processors
Advance Micro Devices based
AMD Duron
AMD Thunderbird
AMD Athlon
Intel based
Celeron
Xeon
Pentium III/IV
Computers – Hard Disk Drives (IDE and SCSI) and Controllers
Maxtor, Seagate, Western Digital, Quantum
Technical Specifications:
Size: 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, 40GB
Speed: 4500rpm, 5400rpm, 7200rpm
SCSI: ULW, ULW2, Hot pluggable
Controllers: RAID 1-10, IDE, SCSI
Computers – Monitors
AOC, Hyundai, KDS
Size: 15”, 17”
Printers and Plotters
Hewlett Packard
LaserJet, DeskJet, Plotter
Okidata
Impact
EPSON
Impact, Thermal
STARR
Impact, Thermal
Computer Peripherals and Consumables
Input Devices
Keyboard, Scanner, Mouse, Digital Camera, Light Pen
Ink
Toner, Cartridge, Ribbon
Miscellaneous
CD ROMs, TV Card, Sound Card, Modem, DVD, Web Cam, Microphone
Point Of Sale Systems
Synchronics CounterPoint Software
Rear Pole Scanner
Receipt and Bar Code Printer
Handheld and counter scanner
Network
3Com, US Robotics, Cisco, Intel
Ethernet LAN Devices: Network Cards, Hubs, Switches, Router, Terminal Server
Patch Panel, Terminator, Media Converter, Media, Fibre Optic electronics
Research AND Development
IT is ever changing and we must keep abreast with the rest of the world if we are to coexist on this earth. New technologies emerge everyday resulting in new specialised products being released. We cannot turn a blind eye to these emerging solutions which distinctly strike the interest of most of us - both young and old – in regards to how these products can work for us at home and at the office. Everyone wants a comfortable and affordable life – this is a necessity. We at NCC make it our responsibly to bring new and affordable technologies to our Guyanese counterparts. Our people must stay in touch with the real world and experience all the new age electronic apparatus that we can use productively.
The Internet and World Wide Web is relatively new in Guyana and its effect on the local market and economy is still being realised. E-Commerce and online financial transactions (banking, etc.) are among the many opportunities that are awaiting Guyanese. Much research and development would have to be put in place before this can be a trusted and dependable technology. The rest of the world has already well on their way in that direction and NCC is committed to take the nation forward into this era.
FUTURE PROJECTIONS and PLANS FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Technological advancements have been so rapid over the last decade that it is sometimes impossible to keep up. Our projections would somewhat be guided by the pattern the more developed countries has adopted. It would also be influenced by the needs of our customers and clients to a larger extend since they are the ones who will use a particular solution. We have projected to develop every department as they function at this time bearing in mind that we would have to upgrade the level of our personnel.
Networking - Structured Cabling/Fibre Optic Technology
Fibre Optic and wireless technologies are our main focus at time for expansion. With the current bottlenecks within our country these technologies should provide practical solutions for our people.
Business Automation
With an influx of foreign investments into our economy the need for well-established accounting packages are on the rise. NCC has penetrated the Point of Sale market and is moving aggressively to secure franchises for the best accounting packages in the world such as Microsoft Real World Classic and Great Plains accounting. It should be noted that these packages are fully compatible with the Point of Sale software (Synchronics Counterpoint) that we are already authorised to sell and support. Hence equipping us to deliver and deploy a total solution to our customers.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
The opportunities for improvement are endless with the Internet business. NCC aims to provide a connection to the Internet in every home in Guyana through existing technologies. E-Commerce is a ripe industry waiting to be implemented here along with online services such as banking and stock exchange technologies.
We plan to implement wireless and mobile devices to facilitate fast and efficient communication. Our goal is to make communication as cheap and affordable so our customers can be in touch with the rest of the world at their fingertips – literally.
Software Development
NCC is in the process of amassing a team of software developers that would be able to tailor specialised application for use in specific scenarios. Software Development can prove to be a major asset in the development of our IT sector. Presently North American countries are hiring programmers online to develop and compile application software. The advantage of this development is grand since programmers hired can work from their home country and transact their business online with their contractors. This is the way forward! This is presently the trend in the other third world countries as they provide this service at far lower rates to the established companies. An example of this would be the branch office Bill Gates built in India to employ locals to code for Microsoft products. Further, it would create a number of jobs for our local Computer Science graduates.
The development of software packages for a Guyanese Business specific environment would definitely reduce the need to import off-the-shelf application packages that harms our Country’s economy. Developing packages that are unique to us, we can further venture into marketing them in countries (Caribbean) that incorporate similar scenarios such as field sizes and taxation laws. On putting together a competent team of software developers we would venture into exhibiting our products to the outside world where software companies are constantly looking for programmers they can liaise with.
Training, Service & Maintenance
We intend to educate those who are not aware of the advantages of the implementation of IT and may be reluctant to the change or invest. This is crucial, as it is not our desire to have that prehistoric backward image of our country be reflected to the outside world. With the constant changes in the market we cannot afford to have enlightenment and training play a secondary role in the development of this sector. It is needless to say how important this sector is to our growth and development. Very often vendors of IT products are not aware of the products and capabilities they are promoting, we wish to change this, since this form of ignorance misleads the general public. We believe in the competitive spirit of business, but not at the price of compromising quality and service. Local tradeshows and conferences are amongst the tools that we intend to use to promote the products and technologies that we sell and expect to introduce. Strengthening our relations with our vendors would help us to host these events at international levels attracting visitors to our country.
NCC is in the process of securing authorised dealerships from reputable companies to act upon service warranties and repairs for customers’ equipment. These arrangements will enable us to obtain technical specifications and design-circuits from these companies, which would greatly aid in the repair process of equipment such as monitors and printers. Further, our technicians are constantly upgrading their knowledge and the level at which they operate, however we intend to hastily embark on a program to have them certified at international standards and by reputable companies. This will mean stronger business relations with other countries and recognition an international level.
SALES
We can serve as a gateway and a convenient location for Caribbean and Latin American market where means of transport to South American Countries can be cheaper and easier via the Guyana-Brazil road or railway. We are aware of the potential of Guyana being a technological gateway with its unique geographical location, harnessed with the potential of the IT human resources.
Warehouse
To accommodate the projected volume of sale for the local and international market a huge storage and assembly-line site would be required. Ideally this should be within the periphery of the city. A huge conference room is to be furnished, which will serve for the sole purpose of hosting foreign trade show s and seminars. This will serve as the main distribution center in the IT Hub for neighbouring countries. At this time the engineers are assiduously working on the initial proposal consisting of the ‘wire frame’ steel structured building layout for construction. In order to facilitate the influx of foreign customers our personnel are currently being tutored in foreign languages to handle support issues.
Internet Service Provider (NETCOM Online)
The ISP business is practically the most recent introduction in the Guyanese marketplace. The lack of funding had hampered our progress in spreading our winds in this area. However through conscientious planning and hard work we have managed to secure some funding for this project. We are currently setting up the physical infrastructure while constantly debating technicalities with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company. It is projected to initiate this service within one month.
One of our ready to go solutions include the implementation of CounterPoint Online (CPOnline) Software, customers can reach to the Internet (World Wide Web) and let the whole world shop at their store! CPOnline is a ready-to-use Web hosting and E-commerce service that allows you to publish your inventory information to an online store. Shoppers use a Web-based cart to place orders, which are transmitted electronically to their CounterPoint system for fulfillment. For this operation we are already authorised to sell this product.
CONCLUSION
It is our hope that this presentation serves as an informative document for you to learn of Netcom Computer City – what we do and what our goals are. We wish you would give us the support we need to continue with our existing services and aid us in building and developing the new projects we are to embark upon.
If there should be any other information that you may require please do not hesitate to make a request of us. Thank you. |
