The JSE Securities Exchange South Africa (JSE) today unveiled its new `NASDAQ style` mutli-media information video screen. It will provide visitors to the JSE with the latest local and international stock prices, news, major currencies rates and other key financial indicators.
PQ Africa provided the hardware for the multi-media screen, while I-Net Bridge will provide the content. Aimed at providing visitors to the JSE with up to the minute information about the activities and events affecting international and local financial markets, the information screen will also bring back the essence of an exchange. "The wall will create a meeting place for investors, offering the excitement of financial market information previously captured by a trading floor," says Russell Loubser, CEO of the JSE.
"Transparency and accessibility of market information is of utmost importance to the JSE and this video wall represents another significant means of accessing this information," adds Loubser. "We envisage the JSE as a central information hub for the business and financial community."
The screen will display information on the latest JSE stocks, futures and bond prices, prices for dual listed companies on the JSE and London Stock Exchanges, live SENS announcements, other domestic news and key indices and stock prices of other major international exchanges. Price information and news will be provided with I-Net Bridge.
The draw and attraction to the JSE will further be enhanced by the new Cyber Caf'e located in the foyer of the JSE. The public will be able to access market and other financial information, as well as their personal portfolios online, on a subscribed basis.
"We are excited about assisting the JSE in becoming the financial information hub of South Africa and a visitor friendly place", says Anne Finlayson, managing director of I-Net Bridge. "Supplying up to the minute, relevant information is core to our business and we are pleased to be able to offer this service to the JSE.
"It also supports the vision of our parent company, Johnnic Communications, to provide access to technology to the broadest range of South Africans. People who do not normally have access to the Internet will now be able to get information online through the Cyber Caf'e."
Together with the information multi-media screen, the JSE also unveiled a William Kentridge tapestry, donated by PQ Africa. The tapestry, to be hung in the foyer of the JSE building forms part of the JSE`s commitment to support South African art, recognising the important parallels between business and art and to enhance the aesthetics of the building.
Adds Peter Watt, CEO of PQ Africa. "With the JSE opening up to the people of South Africa, it is only fitting to see the people of South Africa represented on the walls of the JSE. The tapestry from Kentridge is just the latest addition to the JSE`s vast art collection and the organisation`s commitment to the conservation of South African art should be commended."
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JSE Securities Exchange South Africa The JSE is currently ranked 15th in terms of market capitalisation in the world and has the potential to be a world-class regional stock exchange and the financial centre of Africa. This will however require major transformation, a process, which is now well underway at the JSE.
The JSE now has a clear vision of its strategic direction and the actions required to move successfully into the future. Our core focus is on becoming a cost efficient, service-driven organisation with world-class trading and settlement capabilities, incorporating the fundamental principles of transparency, market integrity, investor protection and efficient price discovery.
The main focal areas of the JSE is to:
- . Improve the trading and settlements platforms.
- . International recognition for our listing standards.
- . International recognition for market integrity and investor protection.
- . Integrate e-commerce into every facet of our business.
- . Transform the organisation into a service-oriented and customer-centric business.
- . Expand our product suite - particularly those that enhance liquidity.
- . Identify and use the best options for the services that we provide.
- . Adopt a form of organisation, which achieves the objectives of self-sufficiency, good governance and management efficiency.
PQ Africa
PQ Africa was formed as a result of the merger of Persetel Holdings Limited and Q Data. Comparex Holdings Limited has a 50% minus one share interest in PQ Africa. The black empowerment group NITAC (the National IT Acquisition Consortium), led by Real Africa Holdings Limited, holds a controlling interest of 50% plus one share in PQ Africa.
PQ Africa is the leading provider of competitive, innovative and flexible business solutions based on Information and Communications Technology ("ICT"). These comprehensive solutions include systems integration, consulting, package implementation, software development, outsourcing, hardware, software, peripherals, voice, video and data communication systems, customer relationship management solutions, and networking equipment and services. Internet solutions include the development and deployment of electronic commerce, electronic data interchange-based solutions and digital authentication.
I-Net Bridge
I-Net Bridge, part of the Johnnic e-Ventures stable, is the B2B e-Commerce arm of the Johnnic Group and has established itself as the online market place for business solutions. I-Net Bridge offers a comprehensive online service covering most disciplines of the e-commerce arena, from financial investment information to e-Trading.
I-Net Bridge`s effective shareholding is Johnnic Communications (JSE: JCM) -62.5%, Bridge Information Systems Inc. -25%, and Pearsons Plc -12.5% (through BDFM Publishers). I-Net Bridge was formed in 1990 as a financial information company concentrating on providing financial data and analysis to the professional investment community. In 1998 Bridge Information Systems took a 25% shareholding in I-Net Bridge, giving the company access to its global content and technology. The company has expanded its product offering into the corporate information and B2B markets providing a comprehensive online service covering most disciplines of the e-commerce arena, from financial investment information to e-Trading for all SA business.
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