Archive of articles - September 2011, page 7
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Suppliers of IT products and solutions in Slovakia
The ranking of suppliers of IT products and suppliers in Slovakia according to added value in 2010
IT firms still feel effects of the crisis
IT COMPANIES in Slovakia are still feeling the sting of the economic crisis in their sales as well as prices. This has led them into new fields of business and to design solutions that are most attractive for consumers. The Slovak Spectator spoke with Martin Kubala, general director of HP Slovakia and Pavol Varga, the general director of Dell for Slovakia and Austria, Branislav Kohl, country marketing and communications manager and Tomáš Filip, IT and logistics director of Edenred Slovakia about their firms’ standing in the current market, customer needs, and their plans for the future. The Slovak Spectator (TSS): How would you assess the current situation in the IT sector in Slovakia? How has the financial and economic crisis affected the sector, based on your experiences? What are the biggest challenges which the IT sector is facing? Martin Kubala (MK): The financial crisis has also affected the IT sector in Slovakia. Even though we have managed to keep the position of leader in this sector over the last few years, we feel the impact of the decline in economic strength in the creation of prices for the products and services we have in our portfolio. On the national level HP occupies prominent positions in rankings of sales of products such as printers, personal computers and notebooks. We continue to be among the most successful players in the market for servers, occupying about 60 percent of it. In the sale of notebooks, HP ranks among the most-sold brands in the sector for corporate clients. HP is especially successful in the market for printers, where its share has reached 60 percent and is growing more quickly than the market.
Petranský will remain at ÚPN
THE GOVERNING coalition will not remove the current head of the Nation’s Memory Institute (ÚPN), Ivan Petranský, from his position. Petranský, who was originally nominated by the Slovak National Party (SNS), will lead the institution until February 2013, the Sme daily reported.
Statue of Maria Theresa returns to Bratislava
A STATUE of Empress Maria Theresa stood in what is now Ľudovít Štúr Square in Bratislava for more than 20 years before it was destroyed in 1921. But an initiative undertaken by Bratislavský okrášľovací spolok (the Bratislava Beautification Association) has brought a smaller replica of the original statue back to the square, only a few metres from where the original stood.
Could Slovakia be eurozone spoiler?
PRIME Minister Iveta Radičová should not link Slovakia’s ratification of changes in the eurozone bailout schemes to a confidence vote in her government, leading officials in the ruling coalition parties seem to agree. Yet, this shared position has not brought the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKÚ), Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) and Most-Híd parties any closer to an agreement that will garner enough votes in parliament for Slovakia to approve the changes to the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) or the creation of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).
Summit to discuss ICT topics
A MAJOR event for leaders of the information and telecommunication technologies (ICT) sector in Slovakia will be held on October 6 in Bratislava. In addition to representatives from the ICT community, the IT Summit will be addressed by officials from the Slovak government, ministries and parliament who will share their ideas about the topical themes of the summit, the IT Association of Slovakia (ITAS) said in a news release. The summit is co-organised by ITAS and the PC Revue and Infoware magazines. The programme will culminate with an IT Gala at which winners will be announced for the IT company, IT personality and IT project of the year for 2011.
Líška may be released on bail
IGOR Líška, one of the accused in the case of alleged corruption linked to the construction of a biathlon stadium in Osrblie, may be released from custody. The Specialised Criminal Court is ruling on his request to be freed, which was addressed to the court at the end of August, the SITA newswire reported.
Eset releases generation 5 software
ESET, a globally-known Slovak IT company, has released fifth-generation versions of its flagship security software products. The most recent release of the firms’ home-use products, Smart Security 5 and NOD32 Antivirus 5, offer more advanced threat-detection technology and multi-layered security features, the company wrote in its September 14 news release. Eset, a global leader in proactive protection against cyber-threats, has been pioneering security solutions against malware and other security threats since 1992.
Countrywide Events
Western SLOVAKIA BratislavaDANCE: Loď – Divadlo v podpalubí / The Boat-Theatre Under the Deck in Bratislava continues its tradition of Flamenco evenings by Entre Los Gallos, this time bringing the internationally famous Stanislav Kohútek, aka Morenito de Triana, on guitar and vocals and Matúš Kohútek, aka El Gallito, dancing and playing piano and percussion. Tickets for the show, which takes place on September 19 at 19:00, can be bought through Ticketportal or directly on the boat. Tel: 0903/449-650; more information at www.adylod.sk. Bratislava THEATRE FOR CHILDREN: We are playing for you 2011 – The 11th International Presentation of Alternative and Puppet Theatres for Children brings a host of performances, such as the popular Slovak fairy tale ČIN – ČIN, performed by the PIKI Theatre from Pezinok. Starts: Sunday, September 25, 16:00; House of Art, SNP Square 12. Admission: €4. Tel: 02/5443-1308; www.bibiana.sk. Bratislava DISCO MUSIC: DJ Photek & Kryptic Minds – British drum’ n’bass and dubstep producer DJ Photek, who lives in LA, performs with the British duo Kryptic Minds, Fexomat and Slovak DJs Asebest, Teapot and The Global Optimistic. Starts: Saturday, September 24, 20:00; Majestic Music Club, Karpatská 2. Admission: €12 (in advance) - €15. More info: www.majestic.sk. Bratislava LIVE MUSIC: Od Piesne k Tangu / From a Song to a Tango - Mendelssohn /Piazzolla – Another evening within the Konvergencie festival merges the Romantic composer Felix Mendelssohn-Bertholdy and Astor Piazzolla's Argentinian Tango. Starts: Friday, September 23, 20:00, Design Factory, Bottova 2. Admission: €10. More info: www.eventim.sk. Bratislava VOLUNTEERING: Dni dobrovoľníctva / Days of Volunteering – This event enters its third year and during this, the Year of Volunteering, continues for two days. The organisers have prepared 139 events for the public in 61 cities and towns. Starts: September 23 and 24, various venues. Admission: free. Tel: 0800/103-104 (toll-free); www. dobrovolnictvo.sk (in Slovak only). Bratislava MARTIAL ARTS: Demonstration of Chinese and Japanese martial arts. Starts: Sat September 24, 19:00; DK Zrkadlový háj, Rovniankova 3. Tel. 02/6383-6764; www.kzp.sk. Bratislava CIVIC ACTION/LIVE MUSIC: The Lost City - Stratené mesto - The civic project aimed at reviving the air of old Slovak capital and opening discussions about its past, present time and future, starts with a concert of The Klezmatics (US) and Pressburger Klezmer Band (SK) on Sunday and continues with debates of municipal politicans, Israeli Ambassador to Slovakia Alexander Ben-Zvi, historians and architects on Monday. Starts: Sun Sept 25 - Mon Sept 26, 18:00; parking lot under Bratislava Castle near Nový most (Sun). Admission: free. More info: www.citylife.sk. Bratislava ANIMAL CHARITY: Nájdite sa! - Find Yourselves! - The project sheltered by Staré mesto/Old Town aims at finding new owners for dogs and cats form animal rescue shelters. It includes demonstrations of trained rescue dogs, guide dogs, musical performances, and much more. Starts: Sat Sept 24 10:00-16:00; Horáreň/Gamekeeper's Lodge in Horský park. Admission: voluntary. More info: 0911/090-759; www.horaren.sk. Bratislava EXHIBITION: Illustration Mode – An exhibition of the graduation works of students of book illustration and graphic art at the Academy of Fine Arts which shows that these genres need not be boring. Open: Tue, Thu 12:00- 19:00, other days 10:00-17:00 until October 2; Galéria Medium. Hviezdoslavovo Square 18. Admission: free. Tel: 02/ 5942-8570; www.vsvu.sk/galeria_medium. Bratislava PHOTO-EXHIBITION: Boris Németh - I’m Lovin It - Europe – The thesis work of a young Slovak photographer. Open: Tue-Sun 13:00-18:00 Until October 2; Central Eu-ropean House of Photography, Prepoštská 4. Admission: €2. Tel: 02/5441-8214; www. sedf.sk. Piešťany COMPETITION & SHOW: Victoria Regia 2011 – The...
Nuclear plants pass stress tests
NUCLEAR power plants in Slovakia have so far passed the stress tests that were ordered after the disaster at the Fukushima reactor in Japan. Slovakia’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ÚJD) delivered its interim national report on stress tests of the country’s nuclear power plants to the European Commission on September 14.
The 20th Divadelná Nitra
THE DIVADELNÁ Nitra theatre festival has grown – in the 20 years of its existence – from a small local show of theatre stagings and ensembles into a large international event. Over the years it has hosted 37 Slovak and 143 foreign theatres from 30 countries (28 European, including Slovakia, plus Israel and the USA).
IT organisations in Slovakia
ITAS – IT Association of Slovakia
Less illegal software in Slovakia
THE USE of illegal software in Slovakia has been declining for the last three years and in 2010 the piracy rate dropped by one percentage point, according to the Business Software Alliance (BSA).
Egypt's blind orchestra
IT HAS been said many times that art, especially that which does not require words, is the best bridge between cultures and also a rewarding article for export. This is also true of the Al-Nour Wal Amal (Light and Hope) Orchestra from Egypt. It is probably unique in the world, as it is comprised solely of blind women playing classical music: the conductor sets the rhythm just by snapping his fingers at the beginning of every piece.
Strife over state aid to Slovaks abroad
‘COUNTRY of emigrants’ is perhaps not an entirely misplaced epithet for Slovakia, given the fact that the number of Slovaks living abroad equals half of the population in their home country. That is why supporting efforts to preserve Slovak traditions, language, and culture among the communities of Slovaks living abroad is often regarded as a noble task. But a recent audit of the government body that distributes financial grants to Slovak communities abroad has revealed that noble aims have not always been matched by noble deeds.
eGovernment remains the biggest challenge
IN SLOVAKIA, the information and communications technologies sector has rather silently grown from a greenfield initiative into one of the main drivers of Slovakia’s economy – comparable to the automotive or electro-technical industries. Though it accomplished this without much direct support from the state, the sector now faces challenges that will require more follow-through from the government, such as in informatising public administration – a process known as eGovernment – developing better education programmes, and forging closer links between business and academia. The Slovak Spectator spoke with Juraj Sabaka, president of the IT Association of Slovakia (ITAS), about the challenges facing the information and communications technologies (ICT) sector in Slovakia, the impacts of the economic downturn, and about how IT experts are educated in schools here. The Slovak Spectator (TSS): What is the current standing of the ICT sector in Slovakia? Juraj Sabaka (JS): The ICT sector is one of the most important parts of Slovakia’s economy. In terms of creating added value, it is comparable to the automotive sector. Even though the automotive industry and the electro-technical industry receive more media coverage, the ICT sector generates a comparable level of added value, with only half the number of employees as those sectors.
PM survives confidence vote
IT TOOK an entire night, dozens of speakers including many cabinet ministers, and countless mutual accusations of corruption and incompetence, before parliament finally rejected the no-confidence motion which the opposition had filed against the prime minister. Iveta Radičová thus remains in her job, although the turbulent times for her government are still far from over.
Slovak IT students do well in NYC
TWO teams of Slovak IT students finished among the top competitors at Imagine Cup 2011, the world’s premier student technology competition held this year in New York City. They competed against more than 358,000 students from 183 countries who had submitted 13,000 projects, the SITA newswire reported in mid July. The theme of the competition was ‘Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems’.
Archaeology draws Harvard students
EACH AUGUST, the Archaeology Institute in Nitra organises a month-long Summer School of Archaeology that is based in this city as well as in surrounding field-excavation sites. This year the school welcomed a dozen archaeology students from Germany, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and the United States, as well as from Slovakia.
Grazing cattle in Nedelište
THIS interesting picture comes from the 1920s and is the work of famous photographer Karol Plicka. It portrays the primitive farmhouses that were the homes of people in the village of Nedelište in central Slovakia.
- The law changed. Our family papers were ready. Now my kids are Slovak citizens
- Slovakia loses another EV model to Spain as Stellantis chooses Zaragoza over Trnava
- Weekend: Celebration of fun comes to Malacky Photo
- Slovak female triathlete shatters barriers with historic win at Himalayan event
- Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
- Convicted of multiple murders, Slovakia’s mafia boss seeks release from prison
- News digest: Prosecutor seeks jail for NBS Governor Kažimír as his political support wanes
- No more photos or bank statements? Slovakia moves to ease residence process
- Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
- No more photos or bank statements? Slovakia moves to ease residence process
- Slovakia loses another EV model to Spain as Stellantis chooses Zaragoza over Trnava
- Slovak female triathlete shatters barriers with historic win at Himalayan event
- Weekend: Celebration of fun comes to Malacky Photo
- Convicted of multiple murders, Slovakia’s mafia boss seeks release from prison
- News digest: Prosecutor seeks jail for NBS Governor Kažimír as his political support wanes
- The law changed. Our family papers were ready. Now my kids are Slovak citizens
- Maria Theresa on the banks of Bratislava
- No more photos or bank statements? Slovakia moves to ease residence process
- Weekend: Celebration of fun comes to Malacky Photo
- 3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days
- Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
- Digital Jarvis is real now. He is coming for your to-do list
- Convicted of multiple murders, Slovakia’s mafia boss seeks release from prison
- The disinformation scene has become a tool of media capture
- Maria Theresa on the banks of Bratislava
- No more photos or bank statements? Slovakia moves to ease residence process
- A mayor resigns over €2.7 million fraud scandal at town hall
- He designed Gatwick. But this is his masterpiece
- Fico praises China and Vietnam as models, says liberal democracy has failed
- News digest: Violent gang in Bratislava is under arrest
- The Kremlin’s security agency has a Russian contractor in Slovakia - no one has noticed
- Weekend: Celebration of fun comes to Malacky Photo
- The law changed. Our family papers were ready. Now my kids are Slovak citizens
- News digest: Prosecutor seeks jail for NBS Governor Kažimír as his political support wanes
- Slovakia loses another EV model to Spain as Stellantis chooses Zaragoza over Trnava
- Slovak female triathlete shatters barriers with historic win at Himalayan event
- Weekend: Celebration of fun comes to Malacky Photo
- News digest: Fico’s bloc wants to save money by restricting electoral access
- Slovakia plans to restrict access to new medicines amid funding shortfall
- No more photos or bank statements? Slovakia moves to ease residence process More articles ›
