UnicodeIUC24
ProgramShowcaseRegistrationAccommodationTravelSponsors
Unicode StandardConference BoardConference CDLast ConferencePast ConferencesNext Conference
Abstract

Obliterating the Digital Divide

Edward Cherlin - Encore Technologies (S) Pte. Ltd.

Intended Audience: Managers, Software Engineers, Systems Analysts, Marketers, Font Designers, Graphic Designers, Site Coordinators Technical Writers, Testers, Web Administrators, Designers, Government, NGO, International
Session Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

The Simputer is a Linux handheld computer designed in India for poor and even illiterate people, with support for the languages of India, including text-to- speech and voice recognition. It will be extended to all writing systems in Unicode as soon as they become available in Free Software. In addition to its low-cost design, the Simputer is made to be shared using SmartCards for personal storage, thus reducing the cost per user much further. Numerous governments, international organizations, and NGOs are working on development projects using Simputers, including field trials in health, education, microbanking, and e- governance. It is possible now to talk about a plan to wipe out illiteracy and connect every remote village to the Global Village. The presentation will lay out costs, a timetable, and expected results.

Unicode
When the world wants to talk, it speaks Unicode

UnicodeIUC24
ProgramShowcaseRegistrationAccommodationTravelSponsors
Unicode StandardConference BoardConference CDLast ConferencePast ConferencesNext Conference
International Unicode Conferences are organized by Global Meeting Services, Inc., (GMS). GMS is pleased to be able to offer the International Unicode Conferences under an exclusive license granted by the Unicode Consortium. All responsibility for conference finances and operations is borne by GMS. The independent conference board serves solely at the pleasure of GMS and is composed of volunteers active in Unicode and in international software development. All inquiries regarding International Unicode Conferences should be addressed to info@global-conference.com.

Unicode and the Unicode logo are registered trademarks of Unicode, Inc. Used with permission.

30 May 2003, Webmaster