Progress:
a) First KnowNet-Grin Advisory Committee Meeting:
KnowNet-Grin advisory committee met on 25th & 26th August 2000. Key action points identified in the meeting include:
A standalone prototype for touch screen kiosk with multimedia/multilingual database is being tested. Other features such as audio / video online linkages in multilingual mode have to be developed and incorporated subsequently. For multilingual interactivity, several technological options have to be explored for enabling on-line cross-cultural exchange of ideas. Database development is being done keeping in mind the flexibility of module to incorporate 16 Indian languages. Auto convertibility (translation) options in various languages are being explored.
Kiosks to be established on the model of CKIPIC. Exploring / adding functions such as telephone booths at CKIPIC. Value may be added by linking with other utility networks such as NIC (National Information Center) network having online land record. CKIPIC’s revenue model may become sustainable in the long run if coupled with other services. Entrepreneurs to be encouraged to set up CKIPIC’s with loans provided through various agencies/institutions & government schemes.
Developing software specifications for KnowNet-Grin has been taken up through a project. A software development firm drishtee.com has been contracted for developing the SRS. Specifications for WAN structure, online database, services to be hosted, design of web interface, registry of innovations etc. are being developed. In terms of technological options the SRS would look into multiple model approach for connectivity:
Technology options & models:
Conventional terrestrial option:- Existing telecom network of copper line using dial up through modem.
Broadband option:- Using broadband optic fibre network of private connectivity provider (Reliance Industries Ltd.) with 8mbps of bandwidth and a network of kiosks.
Remote Access Technology Options:- Inaccessible sites are proposed to be linked utilizing remote access technologies such as VSAT using mobile kiosks. Wireless using GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), WMM (World Magnetic Model) frequencies}, and hybrid model (terrestrial line to local exchange) and then blending with DIAC "Direct Internet Access" technology of Tenet, IIT Chennai using DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) frequencies.
(*) Suggested models: Wireless model (Cellular mobile service, using GSM, WMM frequencies) with a RAS (Remote Access Sever) at service providers site, terrestrial model (conventional copper line using dial up) dialing to web server using unique IP, hybrid model (terrestrial line to local exchange and then blending with DIAC using DECT frequencies dialing to either a web server or RAS, Broadband model (broad band kiosks network connecting to web server with unique IP) and mobile kiosk using VSAT connecting to RAS.
Some of the Gandhian or Rural Vidyapeeths, in Gujarat which shall be acting as KnowNet-Grin node have been given Internet connection for unlimited access for one year. In first phase, five Vidyapeeths have been connected by dial up connection using modem. Lack of STD facility at some of the Institutions has not provided full time operationalization of the connectivity.
Reliance Industries is planning to operationalize about 5000 kiosks by January 2001 in Gujarat. The company has offered to share its network of kiosks. Acrossworld Communications Inc. Santa Clara, USA has offered to extend their support for database and web server along with technical help for networking. Local Mobile service provider Fascel Ltd. has offered to host the RAS. Further talks are underway for sharing their network and bandwidth. Shree Tele Network Ltd., a telecom service provider is using terrestrial and wireless technology (DIAC) for Internet connectivity. They have offered to share their bandwidth with the KnowNet-Grin in Gujarat. All these offer are yet to be formalized through appropriate MOUs.
Negotiations have been initiated for developing multi language fonts. Capability of
software developed jointly by Academy of Sanskrit Research, Malcote, Nr. Mysore
and Renovision Systems Ltd. Bangalore through "Sabdh Bodh Project" which is
reported to have 18-language transliteration capability with a very high accuracy, is
being looked into. Anuskara multi language utility developed by Prof. Rajiv Sangal
of IIIT Hyderabad has the capability of translating from five South Indian languages
into Hindi. Option of speech recognition technology for conversion of speech to
text is being explored in various Indian languages. Not much research work had
been done in this area, hence project has to look into other means to enhance
cross-cultural interactivity.
Workshop of Stakeholders in Project: The stakeholder workshop proposed for the month of September 2000 has been postponed to December 2000 or January 2001. The objective of the workshop is to bring all the such as stakeholders innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, scientific community, researchers etc., on a common platform to share their understanding with each other to increase the effectiveness of KnowNet-Grin. The workshop will provide a platform for simultaneous discussion among various stakeholders of the project to achieve better synergy.
Project Review: Project review reports are also available at SRISTI’s website, the url for same is http://sristi.org/knownetgrin.html. This will be continuously updated, as and when new activities are taken up in the project.