June 24, 2010, Manila, Philippines –The Commission of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) and the National Computer Institute (NCI) of the National Computer Center (NCC) today announced the launch of the Innovative Technologies Laboratory (InnoTech Lab) in joint cooperation with Intel Microelectronic Philippines, RedFox Technologies Philippines and Microsoft Philippines. Formerly known as the Digital Media Arts Laboratory, the InnoTech Lab aims to provide the Filipino public with courses and seminars on technology proficiency through first-hand experience on the latest tools and best practices in IT.

"The launch of the InnoTech Lab is a timely occasion, particularly as it coincides with the celebration of ICT month," said CICT Secretary Ray Anthony Roxas Chua. "This facility will greatly assist us in fulfilling our mandate to promote the use of IT in government and develop ICT expertise among our constituents."

The new facility is equipped with 21 RedFox RDX V7 and V8 desktop computers powered by the all-new 2010 Intel® Core™ i3 processor. All PCs are Internet-enabled and run on the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system.

With the growing list of courses available at the InnoTech Lab, the Intel Core i3 processor provides the necessary headroom and processing power to offer an unparalleled computing experience to the lab students. This revolutionary new architecture allows for new levels of intelligent performance with the Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology, giving users the ability to multi-task without the wait. It also features advanced media and graphics features with built-in Intel® HD Graphics—all while being energy efficient.

"Redfox is proud to have partners like Microsoft, Intel and CICT that believes in the power of technology and the benefits it can bring to the Filipino people," said Andy Te, Redfox CEO. "The Redfox RDX computers, the space-saving computer systems being used by the InnoTech Lab, are but one of the many more solutions we will be making available for the different sectors of society. We at Redfox understand that information technology is not the privilege of few but rather, the right of all. With the InnoTech Lab’s launch, we are delighted to say that a modern and up-to-date Philippines is within reach. We are getting there."

The new InnoTech Lab will give its participants a richer learning and working environment, and provide the NCI with the capabilities to expand its training program in the near future. The NCI plans to offer more programs and modules such as Management Program on E-Governance (MPEG) and as a review center for government participants to the IS Auditing Certification exam (CISA).

The InnoTech Lab primarily caters to government executives and system developers who are looking for advanced courses in Application Development, eGovernment Management and Technology Solutions. Basic ICT literacy as well as PC Refurbishment and Troubleshooting are also offered to specialized groups like Barangay Health Workers, Elderly, Community Leaders, Out of School Youth, Women’s groups, micro-entrepreneurs and Persons with Disabilities.

"IT proficiency plays a big role in increasing the competitiveness of the country’s workforce and this lab is a great venue for learning," says Microsoft managing director John Bessey. "We in Microsoft are proud to be part of this initiative and we will continue to invest in programs that will help boost the development of the Philippine workforce."

The theme of this year's ICT Month is 'Get Online Philippines', in line with the CICT's thrust to establish a robust and reliable ICT infrastructure by harnessing the power of ICT to improve communications, education, business and government services.


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