PEOPLE WORLD WIDE RESORT TO TECHNOLOGY: Getting Their Work Done From Home Amid Covid—19.

 

Since the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus throughout the world, people from across the globe are utilizing technology, and technological services to get things done.

Technology “makes all sense,” when workers from both public and private sectors are asked to stay at home and work from there until the storm subsides, as a means of controlling the rapid spread of the virus.

For so long, people have been using technology to socialize and bind bonds, especially during this global pandemic, despite the challenges posed by the global bug.

Gambians are beginning to appreciate technology, and realize it’s importance in the lives and livelihoods of people, thanks to the virus.

Kairaba News Network had a remote interview with the Managing Director of Linktech Biran Sey and Omar Jarju a Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer for Linktech Company a Gambian-based technology solutions firm.

For the Managing Director of Linktech Company Biran Sey, the company started with the aim of helping companies, businesses and governmental departments to increase access to information, productivity, efficiency and sharing by creating online platforms and tech-Apps that Gambians could use to ease their transactions in real-time.

He believes that such services could reduce the manual workload and bustle at workplaces as it help safeguard access to vital information. He explained that his company is unique, because, they are client-oriented and they build long lasting solutions. They offer numerous ITC services to their customers.

Mr. Sey believes that in this unprecedented time, technology is considered to be the only valuable option for workers as well as students to get their work done in their respective companies, organizations and institutions.

He, however, noted that Gambians need more sensitization as far as technology is concerned.

“Even transportation, trade and businesses could utilize technology to run effectively, to digitize our economy.”

The pandemic came as a surprise to many people adding that no one ever thought that people will be working from their home in 2020, said, one Omar Jarju. He noted that, technology can be used by third world countries, like The Gambia, to advance development.

The Chief Technology Officer, believes that the tech infrastructure in The Gambia needs improvement to meet consumer needs.

To Mr. Jarju, government institutions are still lagging behind in terms of technology.

He added that, the world is now a “global village” thanks to technology. However, the government of The Gambia does not offer opportunities to Gambian tech businesses. “Our officials prefer giving contracts to non-Gambians solution tech companies than locally established IT solutions companies.”

He believes that internet facilities are poor, and providers must compromise with customers by providing cheaper, and faster internet services. He added that, with the threat of coronavirus in the world, people need to embrace technology and technological services to get things done at their own convenience.

“Now is the time to leverage on technology to fill the gaps since there are public departments without current and up-to-date information sharing platforms in The Gambia.”

He applauded the youth in the country for exploring, and making giant strides in the area of technology and service provisions. He explained that his company has approached some public institutions and departments but at the end of the day, government agencies always award contracts to foreigners rather than Gambians.

“We need the government of the Gambia to support local tech companies to help them grow just like other foreign companies.”

He shared with us the current technology platforms people could use in this trying times, such as, Microsoft Team, Slack, Zoom, and Chrome Remote Desktop etc.

He added that, all the above tech-Apps have interesting features such as video calls, text messaging, meet, Google classroom etc all of which could be done at the comfort of their homes.

Meanwhile, Linktech solutions was established in 2012 but registered in 2014 to offer professional ITC solutions to businesses such as start-up companies, both public and private sectors in the Gambia.

The company creates Web, Mobile and Desktop Applications for clients from across all ITC boundaries.

By: Mr Yero S Bah

For Kairaba News Network