CAN Info-Tech 2007

This year’s much awaited CAN Info-tech commenced from Jan 9^th 2007. The country’s only IT show which is held annually at the BICC is aimed at showcasing some of the latest technological development as well as promoting Nepal’s IT sector internationally. The Computer Association of Nepal(CAN) has been organizing the event since 1995 and has seen significant growth since then, the number of people visiting this event has been increasing every year.

This year there were 120 national as well as international companies participating at the Can Info-tech in about 170 stalls. Many IT institutes, colleges and companies showcasing their latest products took part in this event. There was also an ICT conference being held with the purpose of mapping and describing the significance of Information and Communication Technology in Nepal.

But in recent years the event seems to be heading in the wrong direction. Instead of being an event to showcase new technologies to the people it is becoming a place for computer shops to sell their products and do business, and this year was no different. It was as if the computer shops of new road had moved to BICC. I was disappointed to see the same old stuff which was also there the year before. But on the positive side there were certain new innovative products and technologies which were quite interesting. The $100 laptop which is a part of the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) project (for more information see our article OLPC ,is it a distant dream?) was unveiled. There were big announcements by Nepal Telecom which is one of the Gold sponsors of the event. The big announcement was the starting of the new 3G service in the valley from falgun of this nepali calendar. The new 3G service provides services like Video calling, video streaming and high speed internet access. It is being introduced for the first time in South Asia. Another was the introduction of the CDMA PAMCIA card which allows laptop users to access the internet from any place.

The Can Info tech is an important event for the development of the IT sector in Nepal,
But it needs much improvement for it to succeed. I think the organizers of the event need to be aware of this fact. What do you think the CAN should do to improve the quality of the CAN Info Tech event? Pleases Comment.