40 YEARS -
By Maurice Gent -
maurice.gent@ omanobserver.om -
Oman’s reputation for research and innovation in IT continues to grow. It has been very much helped by the annual Comex exhibition over the last two decades, which continues to grow and grow. Comex was around before the formation of such important official bodies as the Information Technology Authority, which has intelligently given strong backing to Comex, and the two now work hand in hand as partners in promoting the many new developments that have developed in the IT field in recent years.
One of the abiding strengths of Comex is that it is for technological experts attempting to keep abreast of the increasing number of developments in the IT industry but also for ordinary members of the public searching for the latest devices that they and their family can afford.
The idea of having a professional section highlighting latest developments and bringing together all those, who have a major role in Oman’s IT community, has become increasingly important over the years.
But so has the increasing interest and involvement of the general public. The consumer also benefits greatly because many of those, who have just come to buy a new gadget to link to their computer, also visit the stands of the Information Technology Authority (ITA),
learning about the many new advances in IT technology
Some of our younger readers may find this hard to believe, but the Comex exhibition started in 1990. Well before many of those passing through its doors this year were born or even thought of. It has thus had a very important role in
helping to shape the progress of IT in the Sultanate of Oman. Comex has very much become part of the life of the nation. We have frequently reserved conference rooms at the Observer for special debates by those firms taking a prominent part in the Comex exhibition, and in terms of name recognition Comex deservedly ranks high.
Say to anybody in the business community and indeed to many members of the general public the word, “Comex”, and there will bean instant flash of recognition on the part of the other person engaged in your conversation.
Comex is taking place today, Thursday and Friday at its usual place, the Exhibition Centre near the Golden Tulip Hotel and Seeb Airport. So whatever your motives be, curiosity, a search for knowledge, or indeed a search for a bargain or a place to take the family at the weekend, you could well consider visiting what has become one of Oman’s longstanding events.
Everything in IT tends to change quickly, but Comex has changed quickly as well, linking with the major technological innovators in the Sultanate and linking closely as well with the official organisations in government, which promote the use of IT in the life of the nation.
Comex now very much links the commercial and political life of the nation giving a platform for the government to explain its advances in IT policy. And providing knowledge and buying opportunities for the ordinary consumer in its shoppers section. See you at Comex this weekend.
