1. The nongoma living lab LLiSA 3rd annual conference Bethel Mutanga University of Zululand

2. Presentation outline Motivation / introduction The GUISET project The Nongoma LL Stakeholders Progress What’s next Challenges Sustainability

3. Motivation The Dept of Computer Science at the University of Zululand (UZ) proposed GUISET (Adigun et al, 2006) Grid Based Utility Infrastructure for SMME enabling Technologies GUISET is a Grid based utility infrastructure mainly for SMMEs in Nongoma. GUISET enables applications to be deployed as published services offered to subscribers Subscribers do not have to own the services they use No network infrastructure is in place to test GUISET idea We proposed a living lab to support this and other initiatives The Nongoma Living backbone Lab will be supported by a Wireless Mesh Network

4. The guiset project An architectural vision of low-cost technology and software service provision based on utility computing paradigm; Variable pricing of services rather than fixed Culture-adaptive (collaborative business model, and resource pooling for sharing) Integrates local communities into vibrant Mobile Business value network Leverages1)access to market info, 2)new business opportunities, 3)customerreachability etc The GUISET idea changed to a cloud-based infrastructure at a later stage

5. The guiset project SME ENABLERS Multi-modal Interfaces WAP application .NET Application Applet J2EE Client Request with QOS Response Middleware Layer UTILITY BROKER Enabling Information Bus for Dynamic Service selection RESOURCE REPOSITORY Grid Infrastructure Layer Low Level Resources Knowledge resources Services

6. Nongoma Living Lab The Nongoma district is one of the largest in the KwaZulu Natal province The LL will be supported by a Wireless Mesh Backbone The lab is brought to the people by allowing anytime-anywhere access Mesh routers will be strategically deployed to provide maximum coverage within the area. Internet gateways, printers etc will be installed at schools and other public institutions Mlokotwa High School Bhekuzulu High School Nzobo High School Chief Zulu primary school

7. Nongoma Living Lab

8. Nongoma community Arial view of Nongoma Community. Insert: A Nongoma woman with her arts and crafts products

9. Stakeholders Meraka Institute Wireless Africa Group Living Labs in Southern Africa (LiSSA). Industry partners Telkom Dynatech Huawei The Nongoma community KZN government

10. Objectives of the LL Educational computer literacy and technical training to both community and local schools. Development of new technology solutions through research Community Development To generate, distribute and apply ICT skills for use by SMMEs To enhance the use of ICT on community entrepreneurship. Enhancing existing business processes

11. progress ... Conducting training Matric graduates were trained in ICT skills Network planning and deployment Identify sites to install the mesh network infrastructure and construct computers centres Optimization of network performance Using of solar technology Automatic configuration, security etc QoS issues, Mobility support etc Conducting research on user needs, perceptions, level of computer skills and other social factors. Development of applications to cater for the identified needs E-commerce on demand platform Accounting and billing Use of mobile devices / cellphones

13. What’s next ... Network deployment Target date: Jan 2012 User training – phase II To start : August 2011 Network administration – Feb - 2012 Software development Currently going on.... Expected date of completion : April 2012

14. Challenges Human resources Development of sustainable management mechanisms for the Living Lab Supporting non-profit making entities like education Funding

15. Sustainability issues Publish subscriber concept will be employed Members have to be equipped with business and technical skills Must be run as a business enterprise Training programs offered by the University CISCO and Wireless Mesh Networks program Partially funded by Meraka institute Business skills program for small traders Business English Program

16. Thank You