New ‘UpCode’ technology launched

NYARUGENGE - The Rwanda Information and Technology Authority (RITA), in collaboration with Finland UpCode Company, has launched ‘UpCode’ technology. Upcode is a highly developed program that simply enables a mobile phone to act as an optical reader to scan any physical object, on any surface or on-screen by pointing at a two dimension barcode. It also enables mobile devices to interact with any electronic information and system with printed products and screens. Speaking at the launch at Milles Collins Hotel on Friday, the Executive Director of RITA, Nkubito Bakuramutsa said the new mobile device technology will offer easy access to information in various sectors of the economy. He pointed out that UpCode being interactive will help different beneficiaries including the police in its traffic operations. “UpCode will work as a security solution for tracking of counterfeits and for prevention of counterfeiting,” he said. Adding that; “the use of UpCode will provide a pipeline for integration of all businesses and forms of commerce, through print and screen media”. Professor Romain Murenzi, the Minister in charge of ICT in the President’s office, appreciated UpCode contribution to the technological advancement in Rwanda saying it will give mobile phone users multiple accesses to find location of objects, modifications and personalisation of objects and other data. He said that new digital technology will facilitate different government operations in providing up-to-date information.The launch makes Rwanda the second investment in Africa for UpCode after South Africa. Ends