Of Mites and Bushels

 

Bevis England

bevis@telework.co.nz

What is a Mite?

• What is a telecentre?
• What is a MITE?
• What makes a Mite different?
• What are the advantages?
• How does a Mite hide a Bushel?
• So where do we start?

What is a telecentre?

• A place where telework happens.
• Telework is working from Afar: e.g. Rugby, telebanking, etc. We define the 'work'.
• Technology enabled not technology driven.
• Appropriate solutions.
• A strategic approach.
• Telecentres grow from a community's needs.

What is a MITE?

• A Modular, Interactive, Telecommunications Environment.
• A methodology, NOT a product.
• A "turn key" rural communications facility.
• Technology convergence at work.
• Two rooms in the global village.

History of the MITE

Developed originally as a 'one stop' facility for remote Aboriginal communities to serve educational, cultural and health needs.

Later applied to telecentres as the technological solution to regional and remote area IT & T requirements.

Prototype MITE now operating at the Exmouth Telecentre. 7 more WA telecentre MITEs funded. Next 3 units will be under construction by early 2001.

In 1999, the Exmouth MITE withstood the most severe cyclone in Australian recorded history! The MITE became a command post for the State Emergency Service and played a crucial role in the reconstruction of the town.

Definition of the MITE

Cleverly Integrated Telecottage - equipment and building designed in harmony around ergonomic needs of users.

Local Rural Communications Hub - can support other services such as local Internet, ATM, telemedical and various telephone and online business services.

MITE Design Philosophy:

• (A Methodology, Not A Product).
• Based on thorough needs analysis of IT & T requirements.
• Systems carefully chosen to meet these needs.
• A purpose-built transportable building is designed to accommodate users and equipment.

MITE Design Philosophy

• User-friendly master control system.
• Simplest possible operation.
• Quick changes between communications modes.
• Stand-alone operation anywhere on earth with satellite link and power generator.

MITE Design Philosophy

• All units within one application are standardised to one set of specifications.
• Distance diagnostics and remote repair capabilities.

Unique Features of the MITE

• Standardisation of equipment and structure enables more effective help desk services and operator training.
• Psychologically reduces the complexities of onboard systems to simple tools.
• Restores full range of human interaction: lecture, workshop, meeting and reference library facilities.
• Handles educational, training, telehealth, electronic commerce, telework, emergency and legal uses.

MITE Ownership

• Original concept and design: Imago Multimedia Centre Pty Ltd.
• Now marketed and managed by: e-span Solutions PTY LTD.
• (A joint venture with the Avanti Group).

Avanti activities

• What Avanti brings to the mite project?
• EON - Educational content and marketing agents throughout the Pacific Rim region. Needs MITEs as on-the-ground Learning Centres.
• 42Digital - technology to store, manage and deliver telecommunications services (including EON content) to MITEs via Pac Rim-wide satellite beam.

Other MITE applications:

• Cocos and Christmas Islands.
• Rapid Deployment.
• Tasmania.
• Telehealth.
• Mobile units.

Other MITE Interest From:

• New Zealand.
• India.
• Africa.
• Pacific Islands.
• Malaysia.
• Mine Sites.
• Middle East.

What makes a MITE different?

• Based on consultation.
• A methodology, not a product.
• Integrated and ergonomic.
• Transportable.
• Stand-alone operation.
• Standardisation.
• Remote diagnostics and repair.

What are the advantages?

• Ease of implementation.
• Ease of support.
• Responsive to community needs.
• Supports many ICT applications.
• But it could be expensive.

How does a MITE hide a bushel?

• Sustainable community development is a problem.
• Getting bandwidth is a problem.
• Tie it all together (a Bushel) and it can become sustainable.
• Buzzword: 'Demand Aggregation'.
• A MITE, or any telecentre makes it easier.

So where do we start?

• A strategic approach.
• Five(?)-year Vision.
• Many implications.
• Base points (Champion, Steering Committee, Trojan Horse).
• Preliminary discussion.
• A framework for development.
• Templates and guidance.
• Support and assistance.

Telework New Zealand

Bevis England,
Box 60-469, Titirangi,
Waitakere City,
Auckland.
Ph: +64-9-811 8024
http://www.telework.co.nz/