With an eye on changing ICT dynamics and the need to have an in-grown apps industry, the authority recently invited an Expressions of Interest (EOI) for which the last date of submission of response by interested parties was January 14.
In its EOI, the authority sought a number of services from its proposed CoE for its clients, SMEs, jobseekers, freelancers, researchers, private and government sectors, incubated companies under the ITA Sas programme and other national incubation programmes and educational institutions.
The core objectives of the CoE, according to the authority, will be training budding talents in ICT in managing and designing mobile applications as per best practices and accepted industry standards, and develop SMEs' competencies in using mobile apps in furthering their businesses.
The CoE will also play a major role in development of skills among various sectors as well utilising its infrastructure to develop innovative mobile applications for their respective spheres.
The centre will be also be responsible for working with various incubator programmes of the authority as well as other entities for business development purposes.
In addition, CoE will work on development of a framework and strategy for mobile applications services including consultancy and coaching, business development and development platforms for the growing in-country applications market.
Ali al Shidhani, assistant professor at the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, SQU, and co-founder of TechOneFive, a portal which conducted a very successful Best Omani App Contest last year and is in the process of conducting the second contest, said that the idea of setting CoE is excellent.
"However, its success depends on how well it is going to be executed. Its significance will multiply only if there is good cooperation with educational institutions as it is where exceptional budding talents in the field can be found."
He added that today, the mobile app market is a multi-million dollar one and is booming in the sultanate. But regretfully, Oman is currently not playing a role in its development. "Setting up of the CoE will boost development in the field and help capitalise on the burgeoning market."
On the current app contest, Shidhani said that over 50 apps have been received in two categories - individuals and institutions. "Entries in the individuals category are being evaluated by experts, while institutions' entries will be voted by the public," he said, adding that the contest has proved to be a catalyst for businesses and institutions to come up with an app of their own. The results will be announced in March.
---
Quelle/Source: Zawya, 11.02.2014
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
