By Franck
on Tue 06 of Jan., 2009 13:18 PST
on Tue 06 of Jan., 2009 13:18 PST
Press Release: Avonsys makes an alpha release of the world's first ever Fiji
Ever wondered what it would be like to surf the net in the Fijian language? Or if internet terminologies were easier to understand?
This year, this and even more would be possible thanks to an ardent group of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) experts at Avonsys, an ICT company based out of Suva.
They are translating Mozilla Firefox interface which is currently an English language web browser into the Fijian language.
Funded by the Internet Society and its local chapter the Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC), the project aims to retain the technical meaning of the original English version and be understandable by the end users who speak Fijian.
New users of Mozilla Firefox will be able to use the localised version just as they would the default English web browser.
Today, Avonsys is making an alpha release of this project to get feedback from its users before the final version is launched later this year.
The team is made up of ICT Officers Navishkar Rao, Atama Seru and Rupeni Joji lead by Chief Technology Officer, Franck Martin.
Rao says that a Fijian translated version can be useful in Fijian language studies and can be a great introductory tool to web browsing, “especially for those that may not have a great grasp on English”.
He adds that those unable to understand English will be able to navigate their way around the worldwide web just as easily as any other English speaking individual.
“We've just torn down the language barrier, allowing Fijian speaking users the privilege of navigating the web.”
Seru who has been working on the project since its inception says this initiative will also help with the preservation of the Fijian culture and language.
“A language is a living thing. If it does not evolve and add new words, then it slowly disappears. This includes all the technical terms. People have trouble to express ideas and concepts in Fijian when it comes to technology. We hope to help by showing it is possible.”
Martin says that there are many users in Fiji and globally that would like to see a Fijian version of Firefox or any popular web browser, either to complement their web browsing or their curiosity in seeing if it's possible.
“Fiji Firefox, being a popular web browser and open source, makes it an ideal candidate for translation. With the recent influx of Fiji websites, such as Sotia Central, we're seeing many more local users logging on than before and what complements a Fijian website better than a Fijian localised browser?”
“We see many people emailing, blogging and chatting with friends in Fijian. I think they would like more tools in Fijian, we are opening the door to show it is possible.”
Today’s alpha release is to inform users about what’s available so that they can provide feedback before the final version is released in a few months.
This alpha release is available for free on the website www.avonsys.com/firefox-fj and is mainly targeted to early adopters and people that want to help Avonsys in correcting errors and improving the translation and for people that want to support the initiative.
For more information contact
Franck Martin
CTO, Avonsys
Tel: 9275233
franck@avonsys.com
About Avonsys
Avonsys is focused on providing specialist services necessary to ensure that today's businesses keep running. Our strengths lie in providing outsourcing solutions and services to the next generation of web-enabled businesses, and we understand what it takes to support critical ICT infrastructure to keep these businesses in business.
We have extensive expertise in open source, network systems, system integration (including open source and Microsoft products) and supporting 24x7 operations. Our software development team will ensure your applications function as they should, and that your development processes are on track. We employ industry best practices, including agile development methods, and pride ourselves in our ability to integrate seamlessly with our customer's team.
Our team of ICT professionals is customer-focused, has a strong computing background and is constantly exposed to the most advanced technologies and processes used by industry. Our internal training and briefing sessions ensure that we know what cutting edge technologies to work with, and how best to respond to and enhance our customers systems and processes.
Avonsys is based in Suva, Fiji.
