HA NOI — "ICT-Lightup the hope", the first information communications technology contest aimedat designing products for disabled people, has begun its final round, accordingto State-owned Viet Nam Post and Telecommunication Group (VNPT).

As many as 17 out of the54 projects submitted to the competition have been selected for the final round,said VNPT, the event's main sponsor. Winners will be selected based on theproduct's practicality and professionalism.

The contest, which will beconcluded with an awards ceremony next Wednesday, is co-organised by theNational IT Management Department, Viet Nam Co-ordination Department for theDisabled, Viet Nam Television (VTV), and the Viet Nam IT Association.

HCM CITY— Cisco Viet Namand CMC System Integration introduced new IT applications for use inuniversities in HCM City on April 11. The Connected Learning model is geared formobile and multi-cultural students. The software offers intelligent universitysolutions and electronic libraries.

Through Misoft, Vietnamesecustomers will be offered McAfee's latest network security products includinganti-virus, anti-spam and email virus and phishing protection and firewalls. Thesoftware will be updated frequently.

The company also providesnetwork solutions instruction, database protection and a secure internetgateway. Seventy per cent of Vietnamese organisations and companies are facingserious network security threats, especially state offices, banks, financialinstitutions and securities companies, industry experts say.

The US-based Apple Companyhas approved the store's design and technicians. Apple products in the store,including laptop and desktop computers, large LCD screens, Mp3 players and iPodswill be offered with one-year international guarantees.

During the shop's firstmonth of operation, customers will receive a free iPod with any Apple computerpurchased. The store is located at the iStore shop, 98 Nguyen Cong Tru, District1.

The machine — includinga colour printer, copier, scanner, fax and telephone — aims to be particularlyhelpful to Viet Nam's numerous small- and medium-sized businesses.

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