Keeping abreast of technological developments, changes in regulations, software updates and bug fixes is almost a full-time job nowadays. This is made all the more difficult by having to differentiate which of these developments are essential and truly new, from those that are the product of clever marketing and public relations engineering.

In this edition of African Communications both the author of our Radar column, Arthur Goldstuck, and tech writer Brian Bakker, consider the much-hyped 4G technology. Is this really a brand new technology or just a ruse to get operators to upgrade their vast and very expensive infrastructure and subscribers to purchase the latest handset?

Gavin Barfield examines the issue of whether to buy or rent IT equipment. While some types of business machinery have traditionally been subject to rental agreements the trend has changed to include all manner of IT equipment, from desktop computers and printers to servers and even software in some cases.

We also look at cybersecurity and what the latest threats are, where they are coming from and what we can do to combat them … or at the very least, minimise the risk. And don’t be fooled into thinking that these threats are only aimed at individuals – big businesses are also victims of this scourge.

While not everyone will be familiar with the buzzwords bandied about in ICT circles, most people are aware of the popular catchphrases governments like to tout – the main among them being ‘service delivery’. Gavin Smith looks at the steps being taken by governments across Africa, but more particularly in South Africa, to improve service delivery by promoting the adoption of e-government technology and strategies. Smith presents some interesting models and considers their practicality and effectiveness in addressing this important issue on the continent.

Kim Gurney investigates the latest developments and trends in the field of managed telecoms – from systems designed to filter out personal calls to technology developed to ensure that calls are routed using the most cost-effective means possible.

When you mention Botswana to most Africans the first association made will be that of a country famed for its diamonds. But Botswana is more than a world-class diamond producer and has recently placed a lot of emphasis on developing its ICT infrastructure. This will help to connect those in the rural areas of the country with the urban areas and even the rest of the world, at the same time playing an invaluable role in education.

Information – access to it and the speed at which it travels – is a powerful resource for improving people’s lives, both on a micro and macro level. Although it’s been a slow process, the importance of ICT in Africa is finally being recognised. These are exciting times and there is much to look forward to and debate.

James Retief