Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
IT Export Areas
Because of the lack of skills, expertise, and funding to develop hardware and software products in Jordan, the country depends on imports from abroad, specifically from the US and Europe, to meet the Jordanian market's demand. However, some software companies have succeeded in developing high quality software that is exported to other countries in the Middle East like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab1
Emirates. Most2 of the exported software is
programmed in the3 Arabic language to meet the
needs of Arabic speaking computer users.
The following two tables give estimates on the value of exports from and imports into the Jordanian market for both hardware components and sofware products:
In Millions of Dollars for Hardware
YEAR
1994 1995 1996
Total market size 30 35 40 Total local
production 5 6 9
Total exports 3 4 6
Total imports 28 33 37
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
This is my costs1 This good2
In Millions of Dollars for Sofware
Year 1994 1995 1996
Total market size Total local production Total exports
5 Total imports
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
Table 2
American sofware and hardware systems are believed to make up 85% of the large accounts of academic institutions, banks, factories and
government agencies employing more than 50 individuals. US made hardware components and peripherals are well known in Jordan for their superior quality. On the other hand, those
components are priced 25% higher than Asian and European products sold in the country.
IT USAGE
IT usage in Jordan is rapidly increasing, especially in Amman and the surrounding areas. Jordanian schools and universities are now including
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
The major IT user in the country is the Jordanian government which utilizes IT in most of its
ministries and organizations. Furthermore, most major Jordanian companies are now moving to automation by installing computer systems in their establishments. Some of those systems are not fully utilized, however, because of the lack of skills and training.
The average individual finds it prohibitive to buy a computer for personal use because of the relatively high cost of buying a PC. Those who are fortunate enough to buy a system make up a very low
percentage of citizens in Jordan. Such high costs are thus, leading to a lower computer literacy rate among Jordanians.
Prices for Internet connectivity are also high compared to those in other similar countries. Furthermore, only Internet subscribers in Amman have the privilege to connect to the Internet at the cost of a local call. Subscribers in other cities like Aqaba or Irbid must pay the price of a national call on top of their subscription bill. This is another factor that leads to a lower percentage of people willing to connect to the Internet.
The Jordanian government along with local
computer companies host two computer shows per year to attract foreign companies to the Jordanian market as well as to offer Jordanian customers good quality products at relatively low prices. The Middle East Technology Show (METS) is
considered to be the biggest computer and IT show in the country. The show was last hosted in
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
the Internet and Online Connectivity its main theme for 1996.
The American Computer Show was hosted in Jordan for the fifth time in January of this year. This show is hosted in Amman once a year to promote American computer companies and their products to the Jordanian market.
Because of the increased demand and interest among Jordanians to discover the World Wide Web, some companies and individuals are starting to see opportunities for businesses to serve this market. The first Internet/Bookshop Cafe,
Books@Cafe, was opened in Amman a few months ago. This cafe offers a selection of books that could be read by customers inside the store as well as Internet section where customers can get online for around JD5 per hour (approx. $7.15).
There are some cultural attributes that hinder IT usage in Jordan. One of these factors is the resistance to change. Jordanian employees who have depended on manual systems in doing their everyday jobs are not willing to easily take on an automated system to replace the old one. The lack of expertise and training make the process of automation even harder because employees get frustrated when using complex technology that they were never exposed to before and when they face technical problems that they cannot solve and might not even find the technical support needed readily available in the workplace.
The Jordanian government as well as some
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
Since such censorship cannot be implemented and because the Internet can in no way be contained, some individuals are reluctant to connect to the Internet from their homes. This cultural factor is also one of the main reasons that Internet
connectivity in Jordan is still very low.
Government Policies
The Jordanian government is in the process of restructuring the telecommunication sector in the country. It has plans to modernize and expand its infrastructure and services and to open this
industry to competition.
The major goals to be achieved from present and future government plans are:
To increase network capacity from 335,000 lines to 615,000 lines in order to meet projected the
demand by 1998,
To provide a new foundation for this sector through restructuring programs and legal reforms,
To establish a sector policy division at the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication,
and to carry on with its strategy and a plan of action for the privatization of the TCC.
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
This project will require a total investment of $832 million (1995 prices) between 1994 and 2008. 75% of this amount will be financed from donors and international financial institutions and the
remaining 25% from a variety of other sources. Jordan is in the process of implementing another project aimed at replacing the existing
telecommunications network and linking a new network to other fiber optic cable networks in the region. The F.L.A.G. network (Fiber-optic Link Around the Globe) which is privately owned and being installed by Dallah AlBarakah Group around the world is one of those networks. This is a six year project that will cost $1.067 billion and is expected to add 300,000 additional lines to the network.
Major goals to be achieved through this project: The replacement of existing analog exchanges with digital exchanges.
The replacement of existing digital exchanges at the end of their economic life.
The expansion of the basic telecommunications network through the provision of new network switches.
The installation of a regional fiber-optic transmission link from Amman to Tel Aviv.
it sTRENGTHS & wEAKNESSES
Jordan's telecommunications sector presents important opportunities for foreign direct
investment and joint ventures. Since the Jordanian government is committed to restructuring its
telecommunications sector as well as expanding and enhancing it existing infrastructure, it is
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
encourage them to invest in Jordan to improve this sector.
IT Strengths:
Existance of a highly educated work force. Existance of plans to enhance existing infrastructure.
High number of Jordanian student studying
abroad. specifically those majoring in IT areas will be a major strength to the country after their graduation.
Low labor costs
High demand on IT and a high interest in new technologies.
IT weaknesses:
Old vulnerable telecommunication infrastructure. Lack of IT expertise to develop and manufacture IT systems.
Lack of funding to support IT projects.
Low per capita income leading to minimal usage of IT.
High piracy rate.
Weak laws protecting intellectual property.
Lack of standards in sofware development areas. Insufficient Arabic sofware packages to support all areas of business.
Resistance to change from manual to automated systems.
The new law
provides a new institutional structure to oversee investment, including a Higher Council for
investment chaired by the Prime Minister. covers Jordanians and non-Jordanians.
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
provides tax exemptions for imported fixed assets and imported spare parts.
provides exemptions from income and social services taxes for a period of ten years from the date of production.
prohibits direct or indirect nationalization or confiscation of an investment project.
Government Policies
The Jordanian government is in the process of restructuring the telecommunication sector in the country. It has plans to modernize and expand its infrastructure and services and to open this
industry to competition.
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
To increase network capacity from 335,000 lines to 615,000 lines in order to meet projected the demand by 1998, To provide a new foundation for this sector through restructuring programs and legal reforms,
To establish a sector policy division at the Ministry of Post and
Telecommunication,
and to carry on with its strategy and a plan of action for the privatization of the TCC.
In order to increase the number of basic access lines and to enhance its services, the TCC has developed a 15 year plan for the development of a modern digital network. The initial stage for this network was approved in 1994 and is expected to double the network capacity by next year. The second stage, which will take place between 1998 and 2008, will continue the development and expansion of the digital telecommunications
infrastructure.
This project will require a total investment of $832 million (1995 prices) between 1994 and 2008. 75% of this amount will be financed from donors and
international financial institutions and the remaining 25% from a variety of other sources.
Jordan is in the process of
implementing another project aimed at replacing the existing
telecommunications network and linking a new network to other fiber optic cable networks in the region. Th F.L.A.G. network (Fiber-optic Link Around the Globe) which is privately owned and being installed by Dallah AlBarakah Group around the world is one of those networks. This is a six year project that will cost $1.067 billion and is expected to add 300,000 additional lines to the network. Major goals to be achieved through this project: The replacement of existing analog exchanges with digital exchanges. The replacement of existing digital exchanges at the end of their economic life.
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
telecommunications network through the provision of new network switches. The installation of a regional fiber-optic transmission link from Amman to Tel Aviv.
Computer Information Systems UOP
Computer Science UOP
Business Information System UOP
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
Department Students Teachers
CIS 500 20
CS 400 15
BIS 200 10
Formula ** Expression is faulty **
GOOD Student
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
Provides 9/22/20 a new institutional structure13:38:22 to oversee investment, including a Higher Council for investment chaired by the Prime Minister.
covers Jordanians and non-Jordanians.
eliminates any discriminations for Arab and non-Arab investors.
provides tax exemptions for imported fixed assets and imported spare parts.
provides exemptions from income 4/22/06 and social services taxes for a period of ten years from the date of production. prohibits direct or indirect nationalization or confiscation of an investment project.
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Petra University
(Private Accredited University )
Faculty of Information Technology
1. Software
i. System Software 2. Hardware
