Network supports IT industry.IT companies in the North are starting to see the benefits of networking their services to the outside world, says a regional IT project manager. NEOnet, a Timmins-based non-profit IT development group, has designed an online directory, called the technology solutions directory, that will allow all companies specializing in IT or communications to register their company's name and specialty at no cost. Information technology firms in north-eastern Ontario will no longer have to lose customers to southern Ontario with the unveiling of a new database allowing northerners to see for themselves what the North has to offer in the IT world. "If I'm a company needing Web site development services and I'm in Iroquois Falls, for example, I won't need a Timmins phone book to see what's available there," says Stephane Gallant, a project manager at NEOnet. The organization's regional focus extends from Temagami to Peawanuck and from Hearst to the Quebec-Ontario border. Gallant says there is a misperception mis·per·ceive tr.v. mis·per·ceived, mis·per·ceiv·ing, mis·per·ceives To perceive incorrectly; misunderstand. mis among northerners that information technology is not as advanced in the North. NEOnet sought to dispel this myth when it produced the directory. People all across the region, especially businesses, wanted to know which companies were involved in which areas of the industry; something a regular phone book cannot always accurately provide. The group also says they were being asked which companies they would recommend in particular IT fields. Answering the questions would violate NEOnet's strict non-preferential policy, Gallant says, so the idea for a central directory took shape. So far, NEOnet allows companies that specialize spe·cial·ize v. 1. To limit one's profession to a particular specialty or subject area for study, research, or treatment. 2. To adapt to a particular function or environment. in Web site development, telecommunications services In telecommunication, the term telecommunications service has the following meanings: 1. Any service provided by a telecommunication provider. 2. , computer sales, consulting, or any other technology provider to register online. Having such a directory will also allow outside companies and investors to see what Northern Ontario Northern Ontario is the part of the province of Ontario which lies north of Lake Huron (including Georgian Bay), the French River and Lake Nipissing. Northern Ontario has a land area of 802,000 km² (310,000 mi²) and constitutes 87% of the land area of Ontario, although it has to offer in terms of services (networking) Terms Of Service - (TOS) The rules laid down by an on-line service provider such as AOL that members must obey or risk being "TOS-sed" (disconnected). , as well as provide northern industry with a benchmark to see which areas are growing and which fields need more work. The directory will also help customers find IT services. So far, close to 50 companies in northeastern Ontario Northeastern Ontario is the region within the Canadian province of Ontario which lies north and east of Lakes Superior and Huron. Northeastern Ontario consists of Algoma District, Sudbury District, Cochrane District, Timiskaming District, Nipissing District, Manitoulin have added their name to the registry and Gallant says that it is being updated regularly. IT companies will be required to update information on a continuing basis. www.neonet.on.ca By JOSEPH QUESNEL Joseph Quesnel (15 November 1746 – 3 July 1809) was a French Canadian composer, poet, and playwright. Among his works were two operas, Colas et Colinette and Lucas et Cécile; the former is considered to be the first Canadian opera. Northern Ontario Business Northern Ontario Business is a Canadian magazine, which publishes monthly in Greater Sudbury, Ontario. The magazine covers business news and issues in Northern Ontario. |
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