Applied Research
Often development challenges are problems that need to be resolved within a context filled with regulatory, cultural, and financial constraints in order to ensure long term sustainability. Often, particularly in the realm of ICTs where similar situations may have been addressed in OECD countries, the solution is simply too large, too complex, or too costly to "fit" in a development context.
Alexius' applied research capability fits at this crossroads: taking existing and proven technologies and integrating them to respond to the development challenge. All too often we have found in the field that the larger consulting firms seek to leverage solutions and a base of experience from client projects in Europe or the US, which simply do not take into account issues of scarce energy, harsh ambient conditions, language, or limited human capital. This is where a boutique firm like Alexius, one that specializes in ICTs in the development context, comes in.
Through clear definition of the problem, research, hypothesis development and testing, and extensive field work, Alexius is able to identify the best use of technology to positively affect and contribute to the development objectives of emerging markets, especially within rural communities. Alexius strives to implement the best fit technologies, when and if technology does address the need, to resolve a given situation.
Alexius' Applied Research and Solutions Development enables our projects to have more impact with diverse components, allowing our clients to use technology in a way they never thought possible.
Examples of Alexius' applied research capability are:
- Micro-Telco in a Box
- An integrated kit composed of basic telecommunication hardware and a set of Open Source applications and platforms.
- Open Source Integrated Back Office
- Alexius helps organizations with limited budgets set up Open Source applications and platforms in order to create reliable, sustainable service.
- PAK-IT
- The PAK-IT Project compiled a portable set of state-of-the-art technology in order to support demonstrations aimed at increasing the awareness and education of USAID development professionals, leading to more efficient interactions and business practices and thus more effective aid work.
