BRIDEX venue for startups to test saleability of IT solutions

LOCAL information technology startup Rafiqun WDSI has struck a deal with the Ministry of Defence to let it provide its wireless networking solution for use during the Brunei International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BRIDEX) 2009 as part of the product's proof-of-concept phase, its operations manager said.

"We managed to convince them to let us run our wi-fi network during BRIDEX, seeing it is an important international event and not the usual domestic affair as is the case with other local exhibitions," said Haswandi Hj Sahari, Rafiqun's operations manager. "And they wanted us to prove to them that our system works. If they are happy with the system, we could go into further discussions," Haswandi said in an interview with The Brunei Times.

The operations manager said the startup will also be looking at acquiring military-related contracts during BRIDEX.

"We will be on the lookout for potential parties that can provide military-grade communication systems using satellites to collaborate with," said Haswandi.

"We have plans to integrate our existing Brumesh wireless networking solution with satellites as an uplink. It's one of the main reasons why we're here," he added.

Rafiqun is the manufacturer of Brumesh, a wi-fi networking hardware that requires minimum setup configuration and offers a complete end-to-end solution for high wireless coverage with low-cost deployment and maintenance.

It recently signed a deal with G4S to develop an enhanced version of the hardware to enable it to work with the security firm's existing CCTV cameras.

The company is amongst the iCentre incubatees making a presence during BRIDEX at the Brunei pavilion. The others are Alif Technologies, Infindo, John Harith Computers, Modasys and Expansys.

While Rafiqun is specifically looking for a defence-related partner to collaborate with, the other incubatees will be leveraging on BRIDEX's hype and attention to promote their products and services.

"It's very good (to get exposure at BRIDEX) because a lot of chief information officers from local government departments and ministries will definitely be attending. We're not exactly aiming at the big military contracts, but because there are going to be a lot of high-powered decision makers in Brunei it's good that we will be making a presence there," said Keeran Janin, founder and CEO of Expansys.

Expansys, along with fellow incubatee Modasys and Telbru, is responsible for MEXT-G, a mobile-centric service that aims to bring day-to-day services and information to anyone that owns a cellphone. MEXT-G's functions and features will be demonstrated to the public during the exhibition.

"We've got some examples on how we can integrate existing government departments' data system, and we're gonna add SMS power to that.

"We're also making mobile websites for government departments so the public can access them using their mobile phones," Keeran said.

John Harith Computers, the company responsible for BRIDEX's on-site registration process, will be showcasing its locally-renowned RFID tracking solutions.

John Lim, general manager of John Harith Computer, said he hopes to be able to demonstrate the company's offerings to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

Alif Technologies, meanwhile, will be demonstrating its GPS-powered tracking and geo-dispatching solution, which features an intelligent mapping system that allows security agencies, such as the Fire and Rescue Department to dispatch resources to any given site the quickest and most efficient way possible.

The Brunei Times