>>Over 90percent of Administrative, Office Workers, Students Use Internet
The number of domestic Internet telecommunications service users surpassed 30 million, according to a survey by the Ministry of Information and Communication and the National Internet Development Agency of Korea.
The survey conducted in June about computerization status in the first half of 2004 said that as of June the population over six years old who uses Internet service more than once a month tallied 30.67 million, pushing the Internet usage ratio up by 2.7 percent to 68.2 percent over the end of last year.
After the commercial Internet service was launched here in 1994 for the first time in Asia, the user pool exceeded one million in 1997, 10 million in 1999 and 20 million in 2001. The figure surpassed the 30million landmark in 10 years of service.
By age category, those under 10 and in their 20s marked rapid expansion Internet use, with the usage ratio hovering over 95 percent, while people over 30 showed a steady rise, with the rate for those in their 30s standing at 86.4 percent and those in their 40s at 58.3 percent.
Notable is the faster growth in the usage ratio in the group of people over 30s who had showed lower rate use than those below 20s. The number of users in their 30s exceeded those in 20s for the first time, according to the survey.
Males had a usage rate of 74.4 percent, while the rate females recorded 62 percent. By occupation, students and professional administrative jobs indicated high rates of 96.6 percent and 94.4 percent. As for services, among sales persons, the rate jumped to 63.2 percent over last year, and more than half or 51.9 percent of homemakers had access to an Internet service.
By region, Ulsan led the other major cities with 78.3 percent, followed by Gwangju with 75.6 percent and Gyeonggi with 73.4 percent. On the other hand, South Choongchong and South Cholla areas posted relatively low rates.
Large cities and small/medium-sized cities marked 71.4 percent and 69.6 percent usage rates, respectively, while counties and lower administrative units showed far lower rates.
The poll also included computer and Internet-using behavior such as Internet shopping, the major indicators as to how computerization has evolved here.
More than half of the total computer users, 56.2 percent, use computers for more than 10 hours a week. The Internet service took the lion's share of 82 percent of the total computer using hours. Games followed with 41.5 percent and data management with 29.9 percent.
About 43 percent of the Internet users said they logged in Internet services for more than 10 hours a week. Data and information search accounted for 73.8 percent, followed by games for 54.1 percent and e-mails for 33.4 percent.
For this survey, surveyors visited 7,030 households nationwide throughout June. The reliability level of the survey is 95 percent and sampling error stands at 0.65 percent.
Among the Internet users, 45.3 percent undertook Internet shopping. By item, personal items such as clothing have been purchased most often by cybershopping, followed by books and electronic home appliances. Females outdid males in Internet shopping experiences and the group in their 20s and 30s were the most active buyers.
As for PC arcade use, 27.5 percent of Internet service users visited arcades 1.5 times a week on average for games, chatting and information gathering.
Of the Internet users, 45.2 percent subscribed to specialty cafes and community. Those in their 20s have led the Internet community activity, according to the survey.
For this survey, surveyors visited 7,030 households nationwide throughout June. The reliability level of the survey is 95 percent and sampling error stands at 0.65 percent.
Meanwhile, as the Internet service use is very high, the MIC plans to expand Internet environment continuously so that more subscribers might enjoy stable services. The ministry will also pursue its "Computer Education Plan" in order to narrow the "digital gap" by age and class.
by Shin Eun-ju, Reporter / ejshin@ittimes.co.
Posdata Courts the Chinese Internet Telephone market with a Developed Network-based VoIP Platform
>> Suppling, Developing The VOIP Platform
While China is moving to adopt the next-generation's Internet address system, IPv9 as an exclusive standard, Posdata (CEO, Kim Kwang-ho) signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Chinese wireless network company, Shanghai Common Chemical Laboratory to co-develop an IPv9 network-based platform.
The two have signed on a contract that commits them to co-develop VoIP, (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions.
The new network is combined with the Internet Address System (IPv9) and Number Domain (DDNS), and can be easily geared into the IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Compared to the IPv6, IP address can be secured and expanded with much higher efficiency with this new network, so prompting the Chinese government to adopt it as an exclusive technology standard.
Both plan to conclude the development of the platform by this year and make it available to Chinese wireless service providers. They also aim to enlarge their business scope to include related areas such as RFID, home networks and wireless internet. Jung Changhyun, Posdata wire sales director said, "VoIP phone is very likely to be the ext-generation telephone, even being preferred to the landlines that are used by only about 30 percent of all phone subscribers. Its potential will be heightened with the advent of BcN (Backbone Concentrator Nodes)."
ETRI Launches Mgt. Renovation Taskforce
>> Making Effort to Renew its Status as
Reliable Research Institute The Electronic and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) launched a 14-member management renovation taskforce on July 9.
The taskforce has been in place through the end of July and mapped out and implemented future management renovation measures after it singled out its business sectors in need of improvement, conducted case studies on them and analyzed their structural problems. At the same time, it proposed means of implementation of remedial measures for those sectors so analyzed.
Also, the taskforce has outlined ways to enhance the transparency and efficiency of its research and development processes and examined detailed practical measures for instituting a code of conduct among employees. It also drew up practical measures for other fields in order to change their management cultures across the board.
Taskforce head Kim Heung-Nam said that the members are comprised of veteran officials with years of experience behind them. The upshot is they have drafted a practical management renovation plan to heighten efficiency and transparency. "The ETRI aims to reaffirm its status as a reliable research institute and play a pivotal role in the nation's new IT growth engine project," he said.
3Com Korea Builds Network in Busan Youth Hostel
>> Supplies 'Switch 700R', 'SuperStack3
Switch 4400' 3Com Korea has supplied its LAN core switch, the 'Switch 7700R' and work group switch 'SuperStack3 Switch 4400' for installation in the Busan Youth Hostel.
The Hostel has a new building with three basements and eight upper floors that opened in July. 3Com's network devices are designed for applications with non-stoppage network systems for information centers, international conference rooms and business centers.
The Switch 7700R and SuperStack3 Switch 4400 can link the Busan Youth Hostel building into one network to provide a speedier and more stable network environment to hundreds of residents and staffers. Choi Ho-Won, president and CEO of 3Com Korea, said that winning a contract to supply to a prestigious project in the Busan construction market will enable the company to branch out into other regional markets, adding that by exploring such markets steadily, 3Com Korea has consolidated its footing in the enterprise network device market.
Governor Sohn added that the introduction of the Gyeonggi-net Mobile Service would provide more convenient procedures for civil affairs improve civil satisfaction and promote the efficiency of government administration.
SKT Consortium Named as Preferred Negotiator for Jeju Telematics Trial City Project
>> Plans to Build Infrastructure by Mid-Dec., Provide 6 Services ,to Invest 10 Bil. Won by 2006
SK Telecom-led consortium was named as the preferred negotiator for the Jeju Island Telematics Trial City Building Project, which is co-promoted by the Ministry of Information and Communication and Jeju provincial government.
The SKT consortium consists of a contents provider, Daum Communication, a telematics device developer, MobiDic, four SI and contents developers in Jeju and an SI supplier, SKC&C. After the MIC and Jeju Province undertook a technological evaluation, the SKT consortium was picked as the preferred negotiator.
In this regard, Im-Kyu Kwan, SK Telecom's solution division manager and managing director, evaluated that the winning of preferred negotiator status is due to a combination of core capability of top-notch companies in five areas such as network, SI and contents and the specialized consortium composed of regional firms that well reflected their provincial characteristics. Another element in the success of the SKT consortium is its experience and accumulated technology in the telematics business.
The SKT consortium plans to build infrastructures such as a system center, central control center, call center and an interactive center by the middle of December. It will initially provide six types of services at the building to be presented at the Global Telematics Forum 2004 to be held in Jeju in December and include travel/transportation information, Jeju culture/event information, life/leisure information, V-SHOP service, entertainment service and 'Safe Jeju' service.
For this purpose, MobiDic plans to supply 500 interactive devices for the trial service by December, while SKC&C, Daum Communication and Jeju companies will focus on system and contents development and SK Telecom will set up a CDMA 1X EVDO cable and build a wireless LAN.
SK Telecom plans to build a new wireless LAN service system accessible at 300 selected tourist attractions and parking lots in Jeju.
The SKT consortium plans to start full commercial service through 1,000 telematic devices from March 2005, and will add a mobile office service and M-Commerce function by July 2006. Various other services will be provided through links via DMB satellite service.
The consortium will give more than 5 million tourists visiting in Jeju each year the opportunity to experience state-of-the-art telematics services. Thus it will be able to contribute to invigorating the regional economy and promote the concept of Jeju as being "IT-friendly and capable."
Meanwhile, the MIC, Jeju Province and the SKT consortium will invest 10 billion won jointly through 2006 in the Jeju Telematics Trial City Building Project.
Proxim Builds Hyundai Mobis Wi-Fi Network
>> Supplies ORiNOCO Access Points
P roxim Corp., a supplier of Wi-Fi and broad-band wireless network devices, has built a Wi-Fi network for large enterprises at the 90 warehouses of Hyundai Mobis, a leading domestic auto-parts maker.
Hyundai Mobis said that through the network using 1,500 Proxim ORiNOCO access points, its employees can check inventories in real-time in a mobile environment, set up more systematical plans, and enjoy the benefits of other mobile data applications with Wi-Fi-supported PDA.
Kim Young Joon, Hyundai Mobis IT section chief, said that as the 90 domestic facilities use Wi-Fi-supporting mobile applications for warehouses, their productivity has improved notably. "Wi-Fi supporting device and Proxim's integrated Wi-Fi solution helps improve supply network's efficiency and excellent expandibility, security and data transmitting rates necessary for global business development," he added.
In the wake of this project, Hyundai Mobis plans to expand its enterprise Wi-Fi network and mobile applications to overseas branches and factories.
Domestic Wireless LAN Device Market Estimated at $82 Mil. This Year
>> Market Split Into Enterprise, Public Sectors in 2003
The wireless LAN market is estimated at $82.78 million this year, up 3.6 percent from last year, and it will see a gradual slowdown from next year, according to the Korea Wireless LAN Device Market Forecast and Analysis Report published by Korea IDC recently.
Falling demand from KT and other telecommunication carriers for hot-spot and home-use wireless LAN device volumes will hamper the steady market growth. The drastic reduction in wireless LAN card demand resulting from Intel's Centrino drive and access point price fall will combine to pull down the market, according to the report.
Last year, the market enjoyed a high 63.6-percent surge from $48.6 million in 2002 powered by device price decrease and active building of hot-spots for public wireless LAN projects for individual customers. However, a lower-than-expected number of subscribers, insufficient business models and overheated rivalry among companies makes the market picture very unclear, Korea IDC assessed.
In contrast, the enterprise wireless LAN market has smoothly replaced the wired LAN turf, brightening market prospects. In the domestic public wireless LAN device market, which started to take shape in 2003, domestic suppliers have captured most of the orders, mostly placed by KT, the largest domestic telecommunications carrier.
The market for hot-spot devices for public wireless LAN projects, such as access point, NIC and wireless LAN switches totaled $27.3 million in 2003, accounting for 34.1 percent of the entire market.
This compared with $45.74 million worth of devices supplied to enterprises including SOHO (small office, home office) in 2003. The amount represents 57.2 percent of the entire market.
Korea IDC said that the fall-off in hot-spot building device supplies and the boom in newly introduction of wireless LAN service by enterprises created a discrepancy between the two sectors. Relatively higher prices of enterprise devices compared to home-use devices and those in the retail market contributed to higher sales in the enterprise wireless LAN device sector.
Han In-Kyu, Korea IDC's senior researcher for communications industry, said that the domestic wireless LAN market would record a 5.2 percent retreat in sales a year on average after sales peaked at 95.2 billion won this year.
Domestic enterprises will continue to introduce wireless LAN to replace, supplement and expand their existing wired LAN networks. But the public sector which has led wireless LAN market growth will face a slump from 2006 due to a decrease in NIC demand resulting from Intel's Centrino chip strategy, slower subscription to the public wireless LAN service and lack of business models, he explained.
Sony Korea, Instructs on Camera use to models
>> Grant Digital Camera Cyber Shot DSC-F88
Sony Korea, an officially supporter of the 2004 Supermodel contest gave out Cyber Shot DSC-F88sx and related promotion products to 30 candidates who made the cut and had an instruction session. This event was leaded by Kim Beongmook trainer on Aug. 13.
After the session, 30 models invited the staff at the Sonly Style store located in the COEX to activate the camera. Also they had a chance to shoot a souvenir photo of the deputy CEdO of Sony Korea, Mr. Kazi.
Conferencing Firm Avaya Takes Over Conferencing Solution Provider Spectel for $103,000,000
>> Avaya Aims to Strengthen Conferencing-related technology
Avaya Korea Ltd., the Korean subsidiary of Avaya Inc. a leading global provider of business communications software, systems and services for businesses announced that it will takeover Spectel, a conferencing solution company for $103,000,000.
Avaya Korea Ltd will focus on providing expansive IP communication solutions through taking over Spectel. Irish-based audio and Webconferencing specialist Spectel provides conferencing solutions and service to corporates and wire service providers. Spectel has 200 employees worldwide.
By the takeover, Avaya expects to apply Spectel's conferencing technology to IP communication related products and to offer communication solutions.
Don Peterson, CEO and president of Avaya said "More and more corporations are using diverse IP telephony-based applications, and I hope we can contribute to a more efficient working environment and ultimately heightened competitiveness among our corporate clients." The acquisition will be completed in 60 days.
Nortel Networks Recognized as North America's No.1 IVR provider
>> Wins 2004 SSCSA Award from Frost and Sullivan
IVR (Interactive Voice Response) field, awarded by IT market-researcher, Frost and Sullivan.
According to the recent Frost and Sullivan report on North America's telephony-based voice technology and solution market, Nortel Networks won first place in the area of Enterprise IVR platform construction and voice technology.
Self-service Solution Portfolio is one of the featured items from Nortel Networks. The company continues to meet consumer demand by presenting renovated new products such as its "Voice Processing Series Information Server," which is used to automate call center functions. One of its brand-new releases is MPS (Media Processing Server), a self-service platform that provides much more strengthened voice recognition function.
Frost and Sullivan analyst Elka Papoka, said "Nortel Networks is developing and providing high-quality voice (enabled) solutions to a variety of vertical markets including corporations."
Five Corporations Including Microsoft Agree to Adopt Int'l Standard
>> WS-Addressing Submitted to W3C as the Int'l Standard
Five IT companies including Microsoft, IBM, SAP, Sun Microsystems, BEA submitted core Web service standard, WS-Addressing to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) for approval as an international standard.
WS-Addressing supports confirmation and exchange of Web service messages among several end points so that users in corporations or institutions may construct more reliable service application.
Following approval by W3C, the above five IT giants will now use WS-Addressing to create a strong base on which to improve their Web service technology.
Macromedia Provides Free Flash Update Program
>> More than 400 Code Examples Included
Macromedia Korea (www.macromedia.com /kr) has released its "Flash Update" so that developers are able to come up with applications more efficiently and hence elevate their productivity.
Anyone who uses "Flash MX 2004" or "Flash MX Professional 2004," may download this new update at ww.macromedia.com/go/updates_kr free of charge.
The main features of the flash update include faster buffering and compiling time, more than 400 code examples, additional component user guide and Bug fix guide.
Company CEO Lee Won-jin said "This update demonstrates that Macromedia is swift in responding to the need of the market. While these needs used to be reflected when developing nextlevel products, they can be separately fulfilled by swift responses like these," he continued. "Those who have experienced the updated version of the program claim to be completely satisfied."
