Dotcoza: Online man now on-board

Dotcoza - the cyberpioneer who will be confined to an empty house for 3 months and required to survive by living only off the internet, has been located.

Dotcoza`s persona will not be revealed until the official launch on March 6 when he will move into the empty cyberhouse. All we know is that Dotcoza is a Capetonian and has successfully competed in the world debating championships after a glittering sports career which was cut short by injury. "My excitement is only matched by my trepidation", says Dotcoza. "This is uncharted territory where the old rules no longer apply, every day will be an adventure."

"We were gratified by the number of applications we received and conducted an enormous number of interviews - from pony tails and spikes to computer boffins, activists, and consultants - we had interest across the board. We are delighted with the person we have chosen", says Alan Quinn, Andersen Consulting senior manager. "He is both adventurous and intelligent and a true South African. "

The selection of Dotcoza was a rigorous process to find "right person for the job". This person had to be articulate, intelligent, business minded and able to cope with constant public exposure via webcams. He also had to be prepared to sever all ties with his conventional life and the outside world, for 3 months. "He had to be a very special person", adds Quinn. "As of 6 March he will give up his old life and become Dotcoza."

The Dotcoza project hopes to put South African e-commerce into the spotlight. This cyberpioneer will have to buy his clothes, furnish his empty house, manage his finances and feed his dog - via the internet. He will embark on his journey with nothing but the clothes on his back and a computer.

"The aim is to find real answers to what can and can`t be done online in this country" says Roy Andrews, senior e-commerce partner. "The world is changing - we want to know what this means for the man on the street. Dotcoza is pioneering a lifestyle which will affect us all over the next few years - this is the dress rehearsal which everyone can watch."

Dotcoza`s activities will be backed up by research teams who will explore the full spectrum of e-commerce in both its local and international dimensions - as they apply to the South African market. The business focus behind this groundbreaking human experience, is strong. "This project has a huge human interest angle, but at the end of the day it must also produce sound business benefits," comments Andrews.

The location of cyberhouse will not be made known to the public. However, after 6 March anyone can have access to Dotcoza via his website, www.Dotcoza.co.za, where they will be able to watch his every move via the webcams which will track him 24 hours a day.