– Oi.gy set to change the way people find business
Oi.gy, Guyana’s first ever mobile directory, was yesterday launched in the city, making it possible for internet-enabled cell phone users to almost immediately connect with businesses registered with the service, effectively putting a ‘yellow page style’ directory right at your fingertips.
And, the use of this service is for free.
So says Director Ajay Baksh, of Perception Public Relations, whose brain child the service is. Baksh told reporters witnessing the launch, that only businesses or other services registered to have their numbers placed in the directory will be required to pay a fee, and this is merely $22 per day or $8,000 for a year. With him at the launch at Herdmanston Lodge, Lamaha and Peter Rose Streets, was software developer, David Ramcharran.

Yesterday’s launch came after about three months of testing Ramcharran said, expressing confidence that it’s now ‘good to go’ and assuring there would be no glitches. “If your cellphone is not working, then that’s another matter, but certainly once you’ve a good working phone, then there’s no need to worry,” he assured, adding, “the service will be available 24/7 to anyone who has an internet-enabled phone.”

The Oi.gy service is a first for Guyana and the Caribbean, and according to the developers, it represents Guyanese innovation.
“Oi.gy features a ‘click to call’ technology right from your internet-enabled phone and changes your approach to finding almost any item or service in Guyana,” Baksh said, with an air of confidence.

And just what internet providers’ phones could be used? “Any type of phone – be it GT&T or DIGICEL, it doesn’t matter,” Baksh said.  “The Oi service at www.oi.gy puts the power of the phone book in your cell phone, free of charge, regardless of which network you are on. It is the power of search in your hands, on the go, and any time you need it.”

If, for example, you are visiting Berbice or Essequibo, and need a restaurant, hotel, or taxi-service, all you do, is you simply type in the key word and select the area you are in.  The results appear and you click to call.

The developers noted that, even though individuals are not restricted from registering their personal numbers in the directories, the service is targeting primarily businesses. Persons who have full time or part time businesses or services can enlist on the site. In addition to being listed on the cell phone site, businesses will also be listed on the internet-based version of the site which features a company profile and additional contact options.

Reporters were also given a demonstration of the use of the facility.