Databiz’s ‘Dhaka iATM Explorer’ wins prestigious mBillionth award

The Databiz Software Limited, one of the leading software houses in Bangladesh, has won the prestigious mBillionth award south asia 2012. The award, now in its third year, is given by the ‘Digital Empowerment Foundation’ in association with Vodaphone and is considered as the most sought-after award in mobile arena in the South Asian region. This award honors the most promising mobile initiatives in South Asia. In the words of Mr. Osama Manzur, founder and director of DEF and curator of mBillionth Award, ‘The mBillionth award is a means to scout best practices in South Asian region … a process to recognize unsung heroes and support their initiatives without any commercial entanglements.’ Databiz is one of only two Bangladeshi organizations to have received this award so far.

Databiz was awarded in the ‘m-Business & Commerce/Banking’ category for its innovative ‘Dhaka iATM Explorer’ solution. This application enables a user to find an ATM of any bank in Dhaka city. It comprises important, basic features: how to find the nearest Bank/Branch, locating an Automatic Teller Machine via a convenient, categorized search and the route to desired location. By writing the location name in the location search box, a user can view all the bank and ATM locations in that particular area. It is also a banking/financial point information application, provided free of cost, and can be used by any community. The application is mainly targeted at busy executives working in financial institutions. The solution has already had considerable impact on its users, making their day-to-day life much easier and more comfortable. With gradual increase in the number of iPhone users in Bangladesh, this iPhone-based service is likely to have a greater impact on the lives of the inhabitants of Dhaka in the coming days.

The award-giving ceremony was held on 21 July 2012 in New Delhi, India. Mr. Rashed Kamal, Chief Executive Officer of the Databiz Software Limited received the award on behalf of his company. In his speech, the Databiz CEO observed that, as the fastest growing IT platform, mobile devices hold great promises for the people of Bangladesh as well. He reasserted his company’s commitment to invest more in the future for the development of the mobile platform.

It may be noted that, a total of 253 projects/innovations were submitted for the award from the SAARC countries. Out of them, 21 innovations were awarded 10 categories, namely, m-News & Journalism, m-Infrastructure, m-Entertainment, m-Health, m-Environment, m-Inclusion, m-Governance, m-Business & Commerce/Banking, m-Travel & Tourism, m-Education & Learning, while two other entries received Jurors’ Distinction award.