December 2014 - skunkworks - Skunkworks Site

Build your tech from scratch or leverage other platforms? [aged]
by Mbugua Njihia 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

Competitive advantage in the technology space can be achieved in many ways. With many ventures having limited capital resources, the challenge to rollout of services quickly, efficiently and with minimal capital outlay remains. This often results in companies – startups or not, plugging into other more established platforms in a bid to drive adoption, numbers and reduce time to market - http://bit.ly/1rw5i0yv

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PS3 Region Codes
by Stephen Ebichondo 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

Hey Skunks, I got couple of Blu Ray Discs from Amazon, turns out they are region locked to Region 1 (the US), my PS3 on the other hand is Region 2 therefore due to the mismatch the discs cannot play. Has anyone come across this quagmire before and do i have to jail break the PS3 to watch said discs?

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Vacancy: Database Administrator
by George Matuthu 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

Morning Skunks, We are still looking to fill the vacant position for a Database Admin. If you know someone proficient in Microsoft SQL, send them this link. Below is the JD: Date: December 2014 Re: Database Administrator M-KOPA is a mobile technology company that uses mobile payments to offer consumer financing for energy products and services, targeted at off-grid users. The M-KOPA payment system uses mobile payments as a way to pay slowly for renewable energy for a range of applications such as solar lighting or mobile charging. M-KOPA is seeking a skilled and motivated Database Administrator to help manage M-KOPA's database servers and applications. The following video will help understand what M-KOPA is all about: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Wrzp29uqw> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Wrzp29uqw The following video demonstrates what it is like to work at M-KOPA: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5mf8pgll28> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5mf8pgll28 The Position Title: Database Administrator Location: Nairobi, Kenya Start Date: ASAP Reporting to: Head of Technology Responsibilities Include: * Contributing to the design and implementation of SQL Server installations and SQL Based applications both on-premises and cloud-hosted. * Continuous performance improvement through the analysis and possible modification of stored procedures, indexes, views, compression and other tuning activities. * Configuration and maintenance of SQL Server installations supporting the M-KOPA cloud platform and business services. Ensuring that the business's Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) can be met through the use of cloud services and high availability schemes. * Troubleshoot SQL Server operational issues as they occur, including after-hours and weekends * Configure SQL Server monitoring utilities to minimize false alarms * Maintaining operational documentation related to the company's database environment * Manage M-KOPA's Windows servers * Provide M-KOPA application support to end users * Build and deploy new Windows servers * Willingness to work shifts that may cover weekends and holidays Skills & Experience Required: * 3 years or more in a lead database administrator role for SQL Server * Hands-on experience of working with SQL Server 2012 and above * Experience working with Windows server and Active Directory in the context of SQL Server installation and operation. * Experience in Performance Tuning, Query Optimization, using Performance Monitor, SQL Profiler and other related monitoring and troubleshooting tools. * Experience in troubleshooting and resolving database issues such as database integrity, performance, blocking and deadlocking, replication amongst others. * Experience with backups, restores and recovery models. * Knowledge of High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) options for SQL Server. * Knowledge of indexes, index management, and statistics. * Ability to write and troubleshoot TSQL and design (stored procedures, functions, tables, views, triggers, indexes, constraints) * Ability to effectively communicate and work closely with M-KOPA staff to determine needs and assist with systems requirements. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills Desirable: * Experience in SQL Server 2014 and In-memory databases * Experience in the installation and configuration of Windows Server 2012 * Experience in building and maintaining applications using the .NET framework * Working in a web application development environment * Experience managing virtual servers using VMWare or HyperV platforms * Microsoft SQL DBA Certification will be considered a big plus * MCSE certification will be considered a plus * Knowledge in a scripting language like PowerShell will be a plus * Experience working with monitoring tools such as PRTG * Experience of SQL Server in a cloud-hosted environment and/or SQL Azure Contacts: To apply, please go to the Jobs section on the M-KOPA website <http://www.m-kopa.com/> and submit your application by September 30th 2014. Only candidates who can demonstrate sufficient competence will be shortlisted and contacted. Best Regards, __________________________________________________ George Matuthu

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PlayStation 4...
by Michael Bullut 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

Greetings Listers, Anyone know where I can get the above? My big brother is looking to buy it for his children. Warm regards, Michael Bullut. --- *Cell:* *+254 723 393 114.**Skype Name:* *Michael Bullut.* *Twitter:* * @Kipsang <http://twitter.com/Kipsang/>* *Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/ <http://www.kipsang.com/>* *E-mail:* *main(a)kipsang.com <main(a)kipsang.com>* *---*

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Last Call: Startup Weekend Nairobi (3rd Edition) Sponsored by Google Developers Launch
by Douglas Ogeto 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

Morning Skunks, Startup Weekend Nairobi <http://www.up.co/communities/kenya/nairobi-kenya/startup-weekend/4369> will take place on the 5th to the 7th of December at the Nairobi Garage <http://nairobigarage.com/>. It is sponsored by Google Developers Startup Launch (http://g.co/launch) & Nairobi Garage <http://nairobigarage.com/> Aspiring entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs with new business ideas and innovators are invited to attend. Mr. Joseph Mucheru, East Africa Lead at Google is the guest speaker. For more details about the mentors, judges and coaches, please go to: http://www.up.co/communities/kenya/nairobi-kenya/startup-weekend/4369#event… Doors open at 5pm, payments can be made at the door (Registration starts at 2pm) for those wanting to pitch their ideas and work all through Sunday. OPEN event for those coming to hear about Google Startup Launch Program and the Opportunity it presents. See you there!! -- Douglas Ogeto douglas.ogeto(a)gmail.com

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Integrating Mombasa and Nairobi Communities
by Ahmed Mohamed Maawy 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

Folks, So I have had this idea in mind to create a cross-pollination between the Nairobi and Mombasa Technology Communities. It is constructive in so many ways, as it allows techies to define a "regional" more than local agenda. I run 2 mailing lists, which are at the moment hyper Mombasa but I am willing to get people to join in. However, I think its also best to get ideas from skunks on this, because it may be equally beneficial for them to also join skunkworks Nairobi forums. Or whatever other ideas we have in mind. The 2 mailing lists are: 1. M-Power Community mailing list: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/mpower-comunity 2. SwahiliBox Community Mailing List: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/swahilibox-community For those of you not in the know SwahiliBox <http://swahilibox.co.ke/> is the upcoming technology hub in Mombasa that will be the equal of the iHub. It was recently also featured on CIO East Africa <http://cio.co.ke/blog/swahilibox-the-next-major-technology-hub-in-africa>. -- *Ahmed Maawy* Executive Director - M-Power (CBO) Shaper - Global Shapers Ambassador - Open Knowledge Director - Startup Grind Mombasa Software Developer - Volo Broadband (KE) +254 714 960 627 Skype: ultimateprogramer m-power.or.ke www.globalshapers.org <http://globalshapers.org/> www.okfn.org <http://okfn.org/> startupgrind.com www.volobroadband.com

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AD: Cheap Machines for sale (Monitors, PCs, UPS, Computer desks)
by Laban Mwangi 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

A cyber cafe in the CBD is spinning down and has ~40 machines for sale. These boxes are approximately ~3 years old. What's available: ~ 40 HP PCs ~ 40 HP monitors (LCD) ~ 20 UPS units ~ 40 computer desks (built with privacy in mind) Images: http://imgur.com/n28WGsc,uY83J2V,9ndsCnm#0 They are priced to go and so should be very affordable (5-10K KES depending on the configuration). For more details, please reply to me directly @ lmwangi(a)gmail.com

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PBX product
by Dennis Mureithi 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

I need to know the prices for these PBX products. Each has to have 3 external lines and 48 lines for internal communication between rooms. Kindly also send details of features for each product: 1. Panasonic KX TDA100 2. Panasonic TEM824 Kind regards -- * To follow the path: look to the master, follow the master, walk with the master, see through the master, become the master.* *- Zen Poem*

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OT: Lenovo Yoga 2 13, Core i5 4th Gen for Sale KSh. 90, 000
by Dennis Kioko 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

Hi all, I have the following for sale, new, in *opened box, * but unused for sale in the coming month (End of December or Beginning of January) for stated price. Note Lenovo does not cover the warranty locally (It's a US warranty), though will fix for you at your own cost or at a parts only cost dependent on centre. There's a black laptop for Ksh. 80,000, same specs. Contact me off list. *Mode Laptop/Tablet/Tent (folds back 360 degrees)*processor 4th Generation Intel Core i5-4210U Processor (1.70GHz 1600MHz 3MB)operating system Windows 8.1 64graphics Intel® HD Graphics 4400memory 4.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3L SDRAM 1600 MHzdisplay 13.3" Backlit Multitouch (1920x1080)hard drive 128GB SSDbattery 6 Cell 50 Watt Hour Lithium-Ion (6 hour battery life manufacturer rating)network card Intel 7260 b/g/n Wireless (2x2 BGN)bluetooth Bluetooth Version 4.0colour Orange Warranty *No warranty in Kenya, repairs at own cost at Lenovo Centres (US only Warranty)* Colour Black is available for Ksh. 80,000, same specs as above.

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Label printer
by geoffrey gitagia 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

Hi All i have been looking for a good high capacity label printer , something that can do 50 labels a day and not die after 6 months. any ideas? -- GG

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