Staring to LINK stuff up

The Maktoob business news reports that slightly oddly named LINKdotNET has introduce the “revolutionary” (yes, it’s certain to overturn governments, change consciousness, etc. etc.) Microsoft Customer Relationship Management. The CRM module promises to allow the ministry of state for administrative development call center to field, track and resolve citizen complaints, questions and suggestions regarding services offered under the E-Government project.

Using CRM to assist in CRM … hmmm. Interesting, but is it “revolutionary,” really? Citizens now need only to call 19468 or check out www.egypt.gov.eg. This CRM module is planned for implementation in services provided by the ministry of Health and the ministry of social solidarity.

Believe it or not, the sitting president is also able to make the implementation a political issue. Dr. Ahmed Darwish, minister of state for administrative development was quoted as stating, “President Mubarak’s election program includes the widening of the communication base between the government and the citizens to guarantee better services, promoting transparency, and interacting with them. This is what the project is truly focusing on, and what the ministry is setting the base for…” Of course, Mubarak and co. are also ostensibly taking time to “discuss” Israel and Palestine with a certain Bush guy.

Back in business land, the project could be considered an early move in the big play in the CRM industry of the “Middle East and North Africa region” company PR promised less than two weeks ago.

LINKdotNET is a subsidiary of Orascom Telecom Holding Company, a large-scale integrated telecommunications services provider in the Middle East region. LINKdotNET has regional offices in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Islamabad, Pakistan. The company employs over 800. As firm PR would have it, “LINKdotNET is, in brief, the Region’s powerhouse that provides, maintains, develops and promotes internet solutions and services.”