Work underway on Ageing and Vitality campus
Dec 24 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal
Millions of ‘digitally excluded’ people could get their first taste of IT and the internet thanks to technology developed in the North East, which was launched earlier this year.
The Broadband Computer Company (BCC), of Newcastle, has received the backing of a number of heavyweight technology players and raised £2.2m in new investment as it looks to bring computing to the IT illiterate.
According to independent research, 25% (12.2 million) of the UK’s adult population don’t own a home computer, while 18.7 million adults are either without a computer or admit to being confused by them.
BCC believes the problem stems from fear and confusion, rather than financial factors, as computers and their operating systems are built for people with prior IT knowledge.
The company has developed Alex – a system designed to be far easier to use than those on the market, allowing more over-55s to uncover the benefits of the internet.
It has already received interest from the US, Sweden, Germany and Austria and is working on a business-focused version of the software.
In recent years, the Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (Cels) in Newcastle has been working with Gary Moulton – from computer giant Microsoft – to highlight the region’s strength in research into ageing.
Mr Moulton, a product manager responsible for ensuring Microsoft’s products and services are safe, secure and easy to use, was so impressed with the work going on in Newcastle that he signed Microsoft up as a member of the Active Age programme. The consortium of organisations includes BT, Newcastle City Council, Broadband Capital and The Essentia Group.
It was originally established by Aberdeen-based BusinessLab to research key issues of an ageing society and develop solutions to improve competitiveness. Gary’s findings are included in a workshop called Developing and Designing ICT e-Inclusion Programmes for Older Persons.
They have been put forward to the United Nations Public Administration Network and will be used in a presentation to the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva in May.
Fingerprint recognition technology has become the security mode of choice for many UK businesses and institutions. However, according to Consett-based security specialist Biotecnix – which is run by Mia Chapman and Michael Largue – the technology can be flawed when used by older people.
The company has developed a security access system which recognises a person’s bloodflow and vein pattern, which it says is more reliable than fingerprint sensors when used by older people whose skin may be taut.
