by Oman Observer

Clinic for Comex 

One stand that is expected to be very popular at Comex 2000 this year is “The Clinic” it will feature a free advisory service both for private and business PC users. 

It is to be run by Tariq Hilal al Barwani, now Internet Manager of OHI Telecommunications.  In his new OHI post he has been working on a highly successful site offering IT advice, ohitariq.net, which is already receiving 1,000 visitors a day.  Comex will be acting as a roadshow for the site with Tariq on hand between 10.30 t0 12.30 in the morning and between 17.30 and 19.30 in the evening on each day of the exhibition from 24^th to 27^th April. 

In an interview with the Observer, he was asked how he would avoid favoring one brand against another if members of the public were asking him which computer to buy.

“The answer is configuration”  he said.  “I will ask potential buyers precisely what they want to use their computer for.  Instead of saying buy brand “X” or brand “Y” I will, after discussing their requirements and needs, give them the specification they need to make sure of, before making a purchase” 

Tariq is also offering to give advice at Comex to those, who have the ambition to set up their own site. 

“My job” he told the Observer “is to see that people make informed decisions before they commit themselves to any purchase”.

What then.  He was asked, would be the profit for him and for his firm OHI Telecom if there was no direct commercial sell?  “The object” He replied” is to widen the base of the IT community in Oman.  Putting Oman on the IT map will help everybody in the IT business in Oman”. 

At the clinic, Tariq will be accompanied by both a PC and projector so that he can discuss points with visitors and they surf the net together.