The Hindu Business Line : Apple Computer plans to offer cluster-based tools in bio-informatics

HAVING pioneered the Apple Computer Training programme in the mid-80s, Apple Computer India (P) Ltd is in the process of launching a programme on learning and education in Asia, along with a Singapore team, its Managing Director, Mr Alok Sharma, said.

Inaugurating a National Seminar on Multimedia Technologies at the Dr Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology at Pollachi, Mr Sharma said the company offered solutions in higher education and would look at offering cluster-based solutions in bio-informatics.

To a query on Apple's cluster-based solution, he explained that the company created tools for educating both teachers and students. "Using technology is only a part of it," he said and added that this tool would enable to leverage the technology in accessing and providing information, besides helping teachers gain knowledge.

The APD (Apple Professional Development) programme aims to reorient the teachers' role, Mr Sharma said, and pointed out that other applications such as teacher training programme for management schools, engineering, research and education were available from the company's stable.

According to him, there would a great future for these solutions, particularly because the Government and industry had been expressing concern about the quality of manpower in the country.

"These solutions are not just learning about the computer, but in imparting better education," Mr Sharma said.

The Managing Director of CADGRAF Digitals (P) Ltd, Mr A. Elangovan, said Mac would be the easiest one to introduce, user-friendly, less costly and more productive.

"Mac operators produce 40 per cent more job than people working on other platform and obsolescence was less," he said.