Message-ID: <Pine.3.88.9604202000.A6035-0100000@go> Date: Mon, 22 Apr 1996 01:04:01 -0500 From: Abubakr Alkhalifa <mailto:aalkhali@CIS.USOUTHAL.EDU> Subject: Re: Development and Grand Plans.. To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
Dear Wilbur, Dear Stephe, & Other List Members,Hi.
I apologize for the late reply, and hope it is "never too late".
On Tue, 9 Apr 1996, Wilbur Streett wrote:
> So if Abu would like to create a grand plan, get the big money interests
> and the Politicians involved, I think that it's a good idea, something
> needs to be done to keep them busy while the real work of implementing
> technology is done. Who knows, perhaps the government involvement and
> large financing will have some positive effect, certainly we should
> welcome them to the party, since they are going to get involved whether
> they are invited or not.
Yes, I would like to create a grand plan. However, my immediate targets are neither politicians nor big money interests. I plan to get them involved later, after the approach proves remarkable success. What I would like to start with is testing.
For more info about the testing process, I refer you to my DEVEL-L message dated 4 April, 1996 with the subject: Appropriate Software Proposal.
> On the other hand, I bet that with a few dedicated individuals, and a
> lot of old surplus equipment, a lot of technology can make it's way to
> Africa. Perhaps once the technology has found it's way to where it can
> be useful, funding and government involvement can make a difference, but
> until the cultural niche has been found, no amount of money or any grand
> plan is going to make much of a difference.
>
> Wilbur
> ---------------------------------------
> Putting a human face on technology. ;-)
> ---------------------------------------
I am ready to be one of those dedicated individuals. I am willing to devote my career for this and similar plan. I am looking for an organization to adopt this approach so we can start the testing process.
Any suggestions regarding an adopting body?
*************************************************************************
On Tue, 9 Apr 1996 mailto:Stephe_Dean@wvi.org wrote: >
> Thought: I am not convinced that Abu's plan is the right one. We
> don't need a software model. We need a continental communications
> strategy. We need a "political" approach that helps us to deliver
> services as soon as possible without becoming ransomed to other
> parties. (Apologies Abu if I have misread you.)
I agree that the software model is not as urgent as a communications strategy or a "political" approach. But, isn't it an effective tool for implementing these other ones, and its effectiveness and efficiency can be tested without competing with them on resources?
Information is a very important service that needs to be delivered asap, and information technology is a fast, efficient, and economic mean for delivery in most cases. I think all these models or approaches are complements rather than substitutes.
> Thought: Dr Lisse - judging by his address - has his own POP. I
> suspect he is not short of resources. Abu how would you go about
> resourcing anything? Not a POP necessarily, but some aspect of
> your IS infrastructure, in a way that fits in with your long term
> strategy.
>
> Stephe
In terms of POP, IS infrastructure, and other resources, I have nothing but my will, knowledge, and experience.
Nevertheless, I am determined on testing this approach, and at a minimal cost. I also refer you to the same message dated "4 April, 1996" for more info. about testing the "Appropriate Software Proposal".
As I have said earlier, resourcing comes at a later stage. The immediate goal is to test the approach, and I need to find an "adopting" organization to perform that.
When the plan passes the testing phase, funding becomes the major issue. At that time, big money interests as well as politicians may themselves become "eager" to get their "bite" in deploying the approach, when they "hear" and "see" its grand success.
Any suggestions for interested organization(s) ?
I really appreciate your keen interest and proactive responses.
Abu
-- _________________________________________________________________________Abubakr Alkhalifa "I.T. vs. Poverty" 612 Montclaire Way Graduate Student Mobile, AL 36609 School of Computer & Information Sciences USA University of South Alabama Tel/Fax: (334)660-0242 mailto:aalkhali@cis.usouthal. _________________________________________________________________________