Dubai Internet City

Dubai Internet City (DIC) provides a strategic and cost effective platform for ICT companies targeting emerging markets in a vast region extending from the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent, and from Africa to Central Asia.
Launched in the year 2000, DIC now features a dynamic international community of ICT companies including global giants like Microsoft, Cisco Systems, IBM, HP, Dell, Siemens, Sun Microsystems, Computer Associates, PeopleSoft and Sony Ericsson. Many small and medium businesses (SMBs) and promising entrepreneurial ventures are also part of the community. The cluster comprises companies from a variety of sectors - Software Development, Business Services, Web Based and e-Commerce, Consultancy, Sales and Marketing and Back Office. 
DIC provides an environment that attracts all elements of the ICT value chain, and in addition, has developed several programmes that can be leveraged by the community to explore and expand channel development opportunities. Companies are privy to an advanced Metro Ethernet broadband infrastructure and a range of business-enabling services including government transactions. DIC also has the world’s largest commercial IP Telephony network.
DIC offers both 100 per cent tax exemption and 100 per cent business ownership.

Data Response

1)  the countries resources were directed at helping the people live, providing food and trying to provide the right living conditions. the money gets used in these areas instead of computer based things, e.g. the purchasing of IT equipment and teaching of skills.

2) the most pressing need is that of internet to allow easier communication to other countries so they can discuss trade etc. it would help expand their infrastructure and help open up more IT based jobs around the country.

3) the projects ahve not been the most successful in the world. this is becuase the technology that was being introduced was vastly out dated so the gap between africa and toehr countries is still as wide as before.

4)  they have failed as the projects are not their main interest at the moment. this is because nliving conditions and trying to provide food are bigger concerns for the country.

5) basic word processing, software skills, internet usage and communication.

6) Communication, data base skills and spreadsheet skills.

How great is the divide and is this changing.

page 43 and 44, make notes.

last para on 45, find current fugures

research to answer points at top of page 46

Homework

look at Blog

Digital Divide

use and impact of ICT differs from ocuntry to country. for example, in 2005 it was estimated that less than 1.8% of people in North Africa used the internet, compared in North America.

Activity 1
no monies
cheaper to use man labour rather than buy mechanical equipment

Task 2

description of how IT is affectign 5 different aspects of peoples lives, considering the benefits and drawbacks, drawn together to give a picture of life overall in the information age.

due, 10th December.

Legislations

Data Protection Act - set up to protect the privacy of individuals from organisations. Personal data - any data that relates to a living, identifiable individual.
Exemptions - National Security, Crime and Taxation and domestic purposes.
main aspects
1) personal data shall be processede fairly and lawfully
2) P.D shall be obtained only for one or more specified purposes.
3) P.D. shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to its intended purpose.
4) P.D. shall be accurate and kept up to date.
5) P.D. processed for any purpose shall not be kept for longer than necessary.
6) P.D. shall be processed in accordance with the rights if the data subject
7) Appropriate measure shall be taken to prevent unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or damage.
8) personal data shall not be transferred outside of the EU unless that country ensures adequate level of protection.

Data Subject
to access data stored about them.
to prevent processing that is likely to cause damage or distress
to prevent processing for the purpose of direct marketing.
to request a manual decision if they object to an automated one.
to be compensated if damage or distress is suffered by contravention of the act.
to rectify, block or erase incorrect data.



Computer Misuse Act (1990)
protects data by companies from Hackers
four main provisions.
1) unauthorised access to computer material
2) unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate further offences
3) unauthorised acts with intent to impair operation of a computer
4) making, supplying or obtaining articles for use in computer misuse offences.
Problems include - accidental intrude and proof of responsibility.


Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988)
this act makes it illegal to steal or create unauthorised copies of software. also covers manuals, books, cds and music.
Protects the interests of people who have created, written, invented something.


Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000)
nicknamed the "snoopers" charter introduced to address the concerns about the use and misuse of communication interception techniques.
the Act allows lawful interception.
the Act makes it a criminal offence to monitor communications without lawful authority.
Examples
in the interest of national security.
to prevent or detect crime.
to investigate or detect unauthorised use of telecommunication systems.


Freedom of Information Act (2000)
applies to all public authorities (including government, health service, schools and police)
allows anyone to make a request for information they think the authority might hold. (although a request does not mean you will recieve the information!)
 does not override any other Act (you wouldnt be able to access data protected under the data protection act)


Health and Safety at Work (1974)
this act aims to protect workers from harm in the workplace. it ensures that the employers provide a safe working environment, well maintained machinery and safety equipment if required.


Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
a very specific regulation relating to the use of computers in the work place.
covers areas including correct lighting, adjustable chair to provide correct posture, regular tests and eye tests (paid for by employer)