 Universities challenged by 21st century demands
by Prof. Barry Dwolatzky, Joburg Centre for Software Engineering at Wits
It is often said that in 20 years time, today's students will be doing jobs and using technologies that haven't yet been invented. How do we prepare the leaders, technologists and knowledge workers of tomorrow for the world they will be part of?... (more) |
 In conversation with Dr. Mamphela Ramphele
by Hans van de Groenendaal, EngineerIT
In June 2009, Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, former vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town and former MD of the World Bank was appointed by the Minister of Science and technology, Naledi Pandor, to chair the board of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)... (more) |
 Hey there! EE Publishers is using Twitter...
Twitter is a free service that lets you keep in touch with other twitterers and receive " The best from EE Publishers" through the exchange and sharing of quick, frequent short messages and links. Join today to start receiving our tweets on your desktop PC, notebook PC or mobile. |
MES or EMI - which one's for you, and how can you tell?
by Ugan Maistry, EOH Mining and Manufacturing
Manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise manufacturing intelligence (EMI) have been with us for some time but many people have unanswered questions as to what they actually do, what the difference is between them and what they have to offer specific industries. We intend to answer these key questions... ( more) |
Search and rescue robot - lessons from 9/11
by Hans van de Groenendaal, EngineerITg
Robots can be critical in search and rescue operations as they are able to reach concealed places and environments that are inaccessible to fire-fighters and rescue personnel. While robots were used during the 9/11 rescue operations, many limitations were exposed... ( more) |
|
Robotics takes the drudgery out of manufacturing
by Hans van de Groenendaal, EngineerIT
The fact that South Africa has a large pool of unemployed labour is often raised in discussions on whether robotics has a place in South African industry. It is argued that better use should be made of the available labour resources by providing sustained training programmes... ( more) |
Streaming video offers new opportunities for business
by Hans van de Groenendaal, EngineerIT
Streaming video has proved to be a powerful tool for businesses and organisations around the world, yet still has to find general acceptance in South Africa as a valuable addition to marketing, training and corporate promotion... (more) |
Business intelligence - just another buzzword?
by Martin Rennhackkamp, PBT Group
In ICT we are continually being bombarded by new buzzwords, often new words for the same services. It may be a good marketing ploy to keep rebranding but it may also cause confusion and build business resistance to what could be a useful tool to drive growth and profit... ( more) |
|
Data centres - when does being green become cost-effective?
by Hans van de Groenendaal, EngineerIT
Telkom recently launched its new Bellville data centre which has been described as revolutionary by the industry. My question is: "At what point does being green become cost-effective?"... ( more) |
|
Telecoms developments in Africa
compiled by Matthew White, Iona Press Services
- Rascom plans pan-African internet connectivity network
-
EASSy cable project gets US$70-million loan
-
Econet Burundi looks to solar handset to boost subscriber base
-
Cellcom Liberia gives shares to all employees
-
Kenya in market for more undersea cable access
-
Nigeria issues ultimatum on registration of SIM cards
-
Kigali aims be Africa's first WiBro city
-
Two SA operators eye Zimbabwe's Net*One
-
Tunisia's Hannibal "ensures Tunisia's digital independence"
-
Launch of seventh operator brings Smile to average Ugandan
-
Telecoms drives Tanzania's economic growth
|
|
Gadgets for geeks
We bring you the latest in gadgets:
- Visor mount speakerphone that can save you a fine
- Predict when lightning is near you
- Transfer videos to portable devices
|
|
RoHS - is it overkill?
by Hans van de Groenendaal, EngineerIT
Is the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) directive which emanated from the European Union (EU) overkill? Does electronic equipment containing lead present such a major threat when it is disposed off? What about lead acid batteries in just about every motor vehicle - do they not present a much greater pollution problem?... ( more) |
|
Part II: Developing tin-lead and lead-free solder pastes
by J Bath et al
Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the rate of head-in-pillow component soldering defects which interrupts the merger of the BGA/CSP component solder spheres with the molten solder paste during reflow. The issue has occurred across a broad segment of industries including consumer, telecoms and military. Part I of this article was published in EngineerIT November 2009... ( more) |
|
Application support for analytical instrumentation - is it happening?
by Hans van de Groenendaal, EngineerIT
Are test equipment suppliers providing enough application support for analytical instrumentation? Suppliers deal with many installations and constantly learn from their customers. A progressive supplier will share his learning experiences with all his customers whether by issuing regular applications notes or holding customer seminars... ( more) |
|
Arbitrary waveform generator applied to simulation
Information from Comtest
Generating complex real-world, mixed-signal waveforms may not be trivial. But it should be feasible, practical, and routine. Simulation, in the best of cases, is an exacting science. In other cases, such as when complex natural events or physical systems are involved, the outcome may be downright unpredictable... ( more) |
|
Space technology
Two new satellites for South Africa
SumbandilaSat commissioning on schedule
A fourth satellite for SA
Voyager solves interstellar mystery
The anatomy of the heliosphere
Space Agency appointment
... (more) |
|
Amateur radio: HAMNET ready to support World Cup soccer
Radio amateurs working with the SA Radio League's Emergency Communication Network HAMNET, have geared up to support the World Cup soccer event with alternative communication channels should conventional channels fail or become overloaded... ( more) |
Industry and institute news
| |
