Product Roadmap

We know that innovation and lateral thinking are often at odds with an orderly business plan. But there must always be some kind of Roadmap or set of Goals, even if only to inform us that the landscape has changed again, to shift the goalposts another 125cm to the left.

awareNet

1.   2010 - Attain a working network of several awareNet nodes - prove sustainability and usefulness.
   

2.    2010 - implement mobile access to awareNet.
   

Steps that we have completed:

1.   Requirements Engineering and Feasibility (2007-2008)
   For instance our white paper on innovative ICT4D.
   

2.   Prototype Construction (H1/2008)
   

3. Alpha Release (H2/2008+):  installation at the solar computer schools network at Nkwalini / Tafalehashi.
   

4. Beta Release (2009): during 2009, awareNet was installed on the Amazon EC2 service, for flexible service of the Internet in industrialised countries.  Simultaneously, access to more populous disadvantaged regions in peri-urban areas is under way.
   

ESTIMA

The ESTIMA project will optimise eKhaya ICT’s activities for 2010 in respect of digital eServices for the disadvantaged and for rural areas. In 2010, we will focus on product and software project management, professional services and business partnership aspects.

Business Roadmap

The business roadmap runs parallel to the technology / product roadmap and is as follows:

2007-2008

1.   Develop contact network in rural development field.
   

2.   Build standing and prove ability to deliver in local ICT field.
   

3.   Build funding / support network in developed nations to support the programme.
   

2008-2009

1. Use prototypes to sell idea as well as to improve technology.
   

2. Funding to get product management
   

3. Look for partners to bring the product to the market in a sustainable way.
   

2010

1. Introduction of innovative technologies into awareNet, tech funding.
   

2. Business plan for awareNet in conjunction with non-profit partners.