In other words, retaining key staff is crucial for the long term success of a business organization. Effective staff retention not only allows to maintain your existing employees but also to attract high potential employees to your organization. Further, it can improve productivity, thereby enhancing ROI (Return on Investment.)

Today, many of the business set ups in Asia have realized the importance of staff retention, and as a result, majority of the companies in the Asia Pacific region have taken innovative steps to retain their key employees.

For instance, as per the recent survey records, Indian workers enjoy the highest salary increases, as a part of the retention strategies adopted by many of the firms in the country. Likewise, employees working in Chinese and Indonesian companies are also benefited from innovative retention strategies. Hence, no exception in the case of people working in other Asian nations including Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and Malaysia. Mentioned below are some of the tips to retain your prized staff in Asia.

A lot number of options are now available to keep your valuable staff happily on board. As a first step to retain staff in Asia, it is advisable to hire the most successful candidate to fill the employment gap in your organization. The next step is to take care all of your staff as your invaluable client.

In other words, treat your employees as your partners and not as hired hands. Since it is quite expensive as well as chaotic to hire and train new employees, it is important that you treat them properly by compensating them fairly. Perhaps the most popular ways to retain Asian employees is to offer them competitive salary, which should be increased periodically. Apart from regular salary, the employees must be provided with beneficial packages. This in turn enables your staff to stay committed to your organizations.

However, money or salary increment is not alone staple for retaining staff in Asia. When any of your employees perform something unique, praise him with some kind of tangible items such as a watch or a fine dinner. If possible, admire him in front of his peers to let them know what unique he has done.

However, praising should not be embarrassing. It should be just to convey others what has set apart him from other employees. Similarly, on the successful completion of a team work or a tiresome project, don’t forget to honor each member of the team by saying ’well done’ or giving them a small gift in the form of a pen or corporate gift sets.

For successful retention of employees, it is also important that you give your employees a lot of freedom to express their ideas freely. Likewise, provide your employees with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Arranging innovative classes and conducting professional seminars would be helpful to promote the growth of employees.

Since the employees’ mental and physical fitness have great impact on a business’s success, it is vital from the part of business owners to encourage them for their good health as well as wellness of mind and body. For this, you can either engage a private Yoga instructor or gift them a gift certificate for a refreshing therapeutic massage. Further, an employee could grow in an organization only if he is provided a creative as well as challenging work environment.

In addition, as a part of employee retention, an effective operating system or a handbook consisting of policies and procedures of the organization is essential. This in turn allows employees to get an idea of the firm and effortlessly carry out a myriad of duties and responsibilities. Above all, a great way to retain staff is to conduct surveys to know the actual requirements of employees.

Nowadays, a plethora of specialist recruitment firms are in the scenario to render effective employee retention solutions to business organizations. These firms offer a range of services, from pre-recruitment procedures to recruitment and maintenance solutions.

Cruising along the Tahiti and its islands is really an unforgettable experience, with its perfect turquoise and crystal-like blue waters, enchanting tropical scenery, superb white sandy beaches, year-round salubrious climate, cooling breezes, and above all, the outstandingly welcoming French Polynesian natives.

In other words, no other options would be better than embarking on an ocean voyage to explore the romantic as well as unspoilt islets of the South Pacific. After a cruising along the Tahitian islands as well as some of the majestic destinations, it is obvious that you feel as if some of your dreams have been fulfilled.

Some of the much preferred destinations for shore excursions in the Tahitian islands are Tahiti, also referred to as the ’Queen of the Pacific;’ Bora Bora, a much favored destination among the honeymooners and newly weds; Moorea, a spectacular vacation spot noted for its deep bays and majestic beaches; Raiatea, endowed with lush scenery; Taha’a, with its green valleys and paradise-like sandy beaches; and Huahine, an isolated island bestowed with lush tropical vegetation and velvety green slopes.

Tahitian cruising is quite unique, and allows you to choose from a variety of ships and itineraries. Among which, perhaps the most popular cruise lines are Regent with its M/S Paul Gauguin and Princess along with Tahitian Princess. Regent Paul Gaugin, with facilities to accommodate 320 guests, offers a week long cruise, starting from the bustling capital city, Papeete in Tahiti.

Attached with almost all high-end facilities, Regent Paul Gaugin provides its guests options to enjoy an array of activities, with its Fare Tahiti Gallery, displaying Polynesian art and artifacts, vibrant folkloric shows, and small boats as well as ships in order to navigate through narrow channels and shallow lagoons, where larger vessels cannot traverse.

On the other hand, the 594 feet long Tahitian Princess carries 670 passengers, and usually offers 10-day long cruise. Voyagers can choose from any of the three unique itineraries. Usually, the trip starts from Papeete, Tahiti, and includes calls at such destinations as Moorea, Bora Bora, and Raiatea. On board facilities cover more than 200 cabins with private balcony, four restaurants, poolside barbeque grill, beauty saloon, and duty free shops.

Both of these cruise lines are excellent for first-time cruisers. They provide a deep insight into the local Tahitian culture as well as authentic music and dance shows of the region. Additionally, these cruise ships traverse through almost all must-see Tahitian islands including Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Moorea, and offer superb facilities to enjoy a range of activities from waterskiing and fishing to snorkeling and kayaking.

Excellent options are also available in the form of boutique ships such as Bora Bora Cruises, operating two cruise yachts, each of them with capacity to carry 70 passengers. Another great option for Tahitian cruising is Archipels Cruises, departing from Bora Bora. Archipels Cruises offers yachts and comfy catamarans to explore the majestic beauty of the islands.

For adventurers, cruise lines such as Aranui 3, with capacity to hold 200 passengers, provide 16-day adventure trip, starting from Papeete and covering some incredible destinations in the Tuamotu and the Marquesas archipelagos. This cruise line allows you to discover the world’s uncharted regions in an in-depth manner. Further, cruising with the Aranui 3 enables you to experience the unspoilt scenery of remote islands and atolls.

In addition, many of the major cruise lines offers superb value packages for weddings, honeymoons, and to celebrate wedding anniversaries. However, it is recommended to make bookings in advance at least three months before.

Cruising through the Tahitian islands is not only a great way to explore the serenity of these islands but also a great alternative over staying in some high-end accommodations in the region. For instance, staying in the renowned water bungalows spread across the lagoons of Bora Bora as well as Moorea, it costs about $900 per night.

A lot number of tour operators and agents are now to provide you everything in order to make your Tahitian vacation unforgettable. Some of them even take care everything from arranging for a memorable time in both land and water to options to enjoy a variety of activities including sightseeing. Since many of them have their own websites, it enables you to make bookings easily online and that too within the comforts of your home.

Among the wedding destinations, probably the best would be the French Polynesian Islands in the South Pacific. Better known by the name of its main island, Tahiti, French Polynesia is truly an amazing destination to exchange your marriage vows.

French Polynesia is an archipelago consisting of 118 islands, which are categorized into five island groups, such as, Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Marquisas Islands, Gambier Islands, and Austral Islands. Each of the islands found here is unique, and is especially noted for its picturesque surroundings consisting of palm fringed beaches, sparkling blue lagoons, rich flora and fauna, and the breathtaking turquoise sea. In short, Tahiti and its island are among the most romantic destinations on the planet.

The biggest as well as the main island in the French Polynesia, Tahiti in the Society group of islands is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the South Pacific. With its lush world consisting of dazzling waterfalls, soaring mountains, amazing plateaus, and pools, Tahiti provides a perfect base for weddings and honeymoons.

Bora Bora is yet another popular destination for weddings in French Polynesia, which is bestowed with towering volcanic peaks, lush green vegetation, and beautiful lagoons filled with rare as well as colorful fish and corals. To enjoy an authentic Polynesian wedding ceremony, a best destination would be Moorea, which is home to the much famed Tiki Village Cultural Center, a favored spot to perform traditional Polynesian royal weddings.

The Tiki Village provides options for three types of wedding ceremonies including the Princess Wedding, the Royal Wedding, and the Royal Deluxe Wedding. The Princess Wedding is complete with an exotic Tahitian village, the service of the village chief as well as the High priest to conduct the wedding ceremony, local musicians and dancers, beautiful crowns and garlands made of exotic flowers, photos of the ceremony, and a marriage certificate made of Tapa.

Included in the Royal Wedding packages are arrival of bride and groom from the hotel in a canoe, carrying of the couples by the Polynesian warriors in a royal chair on completion of the marriage ceremony, a romantic cruise on a royal canoe accompanied by musicians, and honeymoon night on a royal floating house. When comes to the Royal Deluxe Wedding, it combines all of the above, apart from a choir of Tahitian people singing during the wedding ceremony and a fabulous Tahitian dance show.

Popular wedding destinations in French Polynesia also include Rangiroa - the second largest atoll in the world. Situated in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa boasts of stunning views comprising vast lagoon with stunning marine life. Qamea, Yasawa Islands, and Rarotonga, are the other great islands ideal for wedding functions, among many others are the sought after destinations for weddings.

No matter you have chosen which French Polynesian destination for your wedding, a traditional Polynesian ceremony is wonderful, unforgettable, and is considered a dream comes true. On the wedding day, the bride to be is treated like a princess, and the women of the village pamper her with aromatic flowers and Tahitian Monoi oils. Then dress her in Tahitian clothing. On the other hand, the groom is taken to a nearby beach to get tattooed. He is then dressed like a High Chief. After this, he returns the wedding spot. Mostly, the wedding ceremony is conducted in the Tahitian language, and there would be an interpreter to translate it to the couples. On the completion of the ceremony, champagne is served, which is followed by a wonderful Tahitian dance show.

However, weddings conducted in Tahiti are not legally recognized in the US. Hence, the United States residents interested in getting married here are recommended to have a legal ceremony in the US, and then come here to renew your marriage vows with a traditional Polynesian wedding ceremony. Further, there are certain requirements in order to get married in the Tahitian islands, such as at least one month of residency in French Polynesia prior to the marriage, birth certificates of both bride and groom, a copy of the notarized marriage contract, and celibacy certificate.

Many upscale resorts and hotels in French Polynesia offer superb packages for a memorable wedding. In most cases, the wedding packages are inclusive of assistance of a wedding planner to plan your wedding, traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony, a bottle of champagne, a sunset cruise, romantic dinner, and pictures of wedding ceremony taken by a professional photographer. These packages are also customized according to your specifications.

Tahiti and its island are considered a tropical paradise, and many honeymooners and lovers from across the world claim it as one of the most romantic destinations on the planet. Each of the Tahitian Islands boasts of a great number of scenic attractions, covering beautiful lagoons, extensive sparkling blue sea, incredible pearls, vanilla plantations, and isolated tranquil beaches.

Perhaps the most romantic among the Tahitian islands is Bora Bora, noted for its lush green areas, crystal clear water, exotic marine life, and traditional dances. It is regarded as a great venue to conduct weddings as well as to renew marriage vows and celebrate honeymoons. A specialty of this island is that many ancient Polynesian traditions are still firm here.

The largest of the French Polynesian Islands, Tahiti in Society Islands is another popular destination for a memorable Tahitian vacation. Tahiti offers a myriad of options for tourists visiting here. Apart from its awesome lagoons coupled with unique marine life, Tahiti has a good number of art galleries, museums, and botanical gardens. A walking tour through Pepeete, the capital of Tahiti would be a great experience. Above all, don’t miss to check out the unique collection of black pearls, which can be found only in Tahiti.

Also, a great destination in Tahiti is Huahine, an astounding place blessed with tropical rain forest, awe-inspiring lagoons, beautiful waterfalls, misty mountains, and stunning ocean views. No wonder why Huahine is often referred to as the ’Garden of Eden.’

For a memorable traditional style wedding, probably the best destination would be Moorea with its Tiki Cultural Village, offering three distinct packages for an unforgettable wedding, such as, the princess wedding, the royal wedding, and the royal deluxe wedding. Aforesaid are just few among many of the awe-inspiring island destinations in French Polynesia.

With its lucid green lagoons and isolated tranquil beaches, Tahitian islands are truly a haven for water sports lover. For instance, if you are an adventurer, go for such activities as deep sea fishing or scuba diving, which allows you to swim along with beautiful as well as unique marine creatures such as dolphins, manta rays, and schools of baccarats. If you are looking for fun filled activities, then choose activities including canoeing, sailing, wind surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling. Again if you are looking for something unique, then go on for a ray or shark feeding expedition, where you can see hungry sharks and rays being hand-fed by an expert guide.

However, Tahitian islands not only provide opportunities for water activities but also for an array of land activities. Take a roadside tour, enjoy a picnic on a private motu, go on for a helicopter tour, visit interesting Marae temples, take a tour to arts and crafts villages, or just get pampered or indulged in a world-class spa treatment - choices are truly endless! Further, some better options are available for land adventurers in the form of 4X4 Safari tours, hiking, and climbing, all of which are a great way to discover the serenity of the region.

Located just a five-hour flight from Hawaii, Tahitian islands are frequented by tourists from across the globe year-round. Many people including celebrities have chosen this destination as a venue to conduct their weddings in a traditional style. Accommodation is simply superb in Tahiti, with more than 50 hotels providing over 5000 rooms. There are lodging choices to suit every preference and budget.

For well-heeled and luxury lovers, Tahitian hotels and resorts boast of a variety of accommodation options ranging from top-end suites and guest rooms to deluxe rooms with ocean views. All of these are replete with most sophisticated features. In addition, many of them come with one or more restaurants to serve you with scrumptious dishes, wines, and other beverages. Some upscale hotels offer great value packages such as honeymoon packages, wedding packages, and packages covering facilities to enjoy some of the interesting activities in the area.

Much favored accommodation choice among newly weds and honeymooners is over-water bungalows perched over serene lagoon water filled with tropical fish. Living in this traditional style thatched bungalows attached with high-end facilities is really a great experience. For beach lovers seeking privacy, a great option is beach bungalows, which are within close proximity to the finest beaches. Likewise, for those seeking privacy but at the same time looking for less expensive option, garden bungalows would be the most perfect choice.

No matter if all of the aforesaid accommodation options are not of your choice or budget, then you have better options available in the form of family pensions and private homes, staying in which is a charming way to explore the beauty as well as culture of Tahitian islands on a low budget. Mostly, these accommodation choices complete with almost everything that are required for an enjoyable Tahiti vacation.

In its 2007 antidumping report, the European Commission demonstrated the number of antidumping measures which were employed, and investigations and proceedings commenced during 2006. Of the latter, there was a clear rise to be noted in the number commenced that year. Furthermore, of the 36 new antidumping measures put into effect, 12 were aimed specifically at Chinese exports.

The sectors mainly targeted by these new and existing measures are the chemical, metal and electronic industries. However, at the same time, the European Commission reported to the WTO, stating that no new investigations were started in the first half of this year. This could be interpreted by Chinese and Hong Kong based companies that the EU’s antidumping activities have eased somewhat, however it is well known that the European Commission changes into a higher trade-defense-gear in the latter part of the year, especially in the current and upcoming months. This can also be deduced from the murmurs in Eurocrat offices, where officials seem to be gearing up for new confrontations with China over trade policies and trade defense.

It took the EU far longer, and perhaps too long, to fully grasp the impact of the rising dragon. The EU was still preoccupied with matters closer to home, namely the expansion of the bloc towards the East and the large influx of cheap(er) labor once the borders had been opened. Only now has it dawned on the EU that more effort needs to be put in the trade relations with China as there are several areas which are becoming ever more problematic for the various European economies. The most pressing issues are the enormous bilateral trade deficit between the EU and China, with China’s upper hand growing daily. This is combined with the fact that the Yuan still has been allowed to appreciate, which in combination with a rising Euro makes Chinese exports even cheaper.

The second group of problems concerns the lack of IPR enforcement by the Chinese government. While it is clear that European countries must switch to an entrepreneurial economy, with a very strong emphasis on innovation and knowledge production (rather than material production), as they cannot possibly compete on production costs with China, it is of crucial importance that the innovations that they produce are safeguarded.

However, lack of respect for IPR remains an endemic problem in China, and many cases can be named where Western companies see their technology copied without persecution. Neelie Kroes, the EU Commissioner for Competition, advised the Chinese government that the newly introduced anti-monopoly law must not be used for protectionist purposes, as several analysts fear that the law provides the legal ground for IPR theft. Moreover, it also keeps the door open for unequal treatment of foreign companies by the Chinese government.

Suggestions of the EU going to the WTO to take on China are being voiced, especially now that is has become clear that China does not respect the obligations it agreed to when it joined the WTO. And conversely, the WTO could serve as the EU’s big stick, to be kept behind the door when talking softly to China.

While cost saving has been the primary driver for the adoption of converged communications, the concept of unified communications - the ability to communicate in real-time from any location, to access any application using any device delivers the productivity gains many organizations have failed to see before.

A rapidly connecting real-time world creates challenges and opportunities that the chief executive needs to understand and embrace. Unified communications will fundamentally change the way in which organizations serve their clients.

Technology and the evolution of the virtual organization
Since the 1990s, the world has grown ’smaller’ as advances in communication technology have closed the geographical gap between people around the world. Telephony, fax, email, conferencing and now instant messaging enable 4/7 communication and impacting the way we look at interaction.

Technology has changed the way organizations communicate, resulting in fundamental changes to the way they structure their operations and business models. Structures have evolved from a top-down approach, through a horizontal model designed around processes, and on into a new ’adaptive era’, made possible by new communication technologies.

As organizations evolve towards a virtual model, so communication technologies have become even more important. Convergence results from standardization and it started in the early nineties with the emergence of the Internet Protocol (IP) as the de facto network protocol. Today, IP has brought man advantages to communications applications. Standards make it possible to consider using a single network (IP network) to carry all types of communications traffic; voice, data and video.

It manifests itself across the communications spectrum right down to devices. Executive PDAs and corporate CRM systems highlight the blurring of distinctions between phones and computers. Dual-mode handsets that use voice-over-wireless networks do the same for fixed and mobile telephone technologies. And the mobile device is getting more powerful by the day with multiple functions being performed on a single device which enables collaboration on a real-time basis.

The Presence phenomenon signifies a step change in the usage of new tools and technologies in the corporate sphere. Presence provides the means on integrating the numerous forms of communication into a single integrated environment associated with the individual, not the device (laptop, office phone, mobile phone, etc.). A fundamental shift occurs when we are no longer reliant on email addresses and telephone extensions for identifying people, but identify people and associate a mechanism with them base don their preference. Be that on their mobile phone when they travel or Instant Messaging because they are in a meeting.

Transforming business effectiveness
Business effectiveness increasingly depends on having communications tools and an infrastructure that can harness diverse talent, knowledge and skills across boundaries of time and space. Virtualization enables an organization to leverage ’connectedness’ to generate significant gains.

These business effectiveness gains play out in different ways across a range of business functions. We take a quick look at the implications for: maintenance of business services; offshore manufacturing; customer contact; and home working.

Maintenance of business services and continuity
Tragic events in recent history have highlighted the need for an effective business continuity plan. Arguably the most critical portion of this is the ability to maintain communications with customers, staff and suppliers. By deploying a robust, integrated communications and collaboration infrastructure organizations are able to maintain these communications and business activities. As these environments support communications from any location, organizations are able to divert staff to branch offices or have them work from home with no effect on how they communicate with customers, colleagues and suppliers.

Offshore manufacturing
Virtualization was pioneered by the aerospace industry back in the 1970s. Then it was all about coordinating teams around the world to build new aircraft. Today, many organizations design their products in one country and manufacturing them in low cost production centers like China and India. So there is a pressing need to connect teams across continents.

The new communications infrastructure enables individuals and organizations to work together more effectively. It delivers feature-rich, real-time communications using video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaborative applications that can be accessed at any time and from any location. And the fact that information is stored online in a common repository rather than in a team or individual’s file means that those with clearance can access this as and when required.

Customer contact
Voice portal solutions allow users to access online services using a telephone. The user might use his mobile phone to dial in and request information using voice or touchtone keys. The information is sent back using a special voice-producing programme on the website. Alternatively it could be provided as a visual display and/or email on a ’smartphone’.

This new technology which takes convergence to a new level offers business enormous benefits. Self-service through voice portals cuts costs and streamlines processes, allowing customers to automatically access information and perform transactions that are captured by the providers’ database. This saves operator time and provides customers with a new channel for interacting with suppliers.

Home working
The virtualisation of the workspace means that it doesn’t matter where you are based. So people can continue to work on projects whatever their physical location, whether it is home, a satellite office or a hotel in another country. Using virtual private networks (VPN) employees can connect with the office and use any of the tools or directories remotely.

This has considerable benefits for organisations who wish to retain key staff. Many families today may have two people with careers and it could be that one person has to relocate. In the old days that could have meant a change of job for the other and the loss of their talents to the organisation. Virtualisation allows employees to relocate without having to change jobs, or conversely change jobs without relocating.

The interesting thing about VoIP is that in many ways the end user is driving the technology to the business world. Individual users have helped accelerate the VoIP revolution with the acceptance of Vonage and Skype in their homes as well as VoIP prepaid calling cards with reduced long distance rates. In the past, you may have considered deploying VoIP in your business as a way to drive down toll charges between offices, but you were hesitant due to poor voice quality in early deployment models. Today, as the business world continues to deploy robust VoIP networks, you may now be investigating your own options with renewed vigor.

In fact, both large and small enterprises are taking the plunge and making decisions about VoIP. According to research analyst Frost & Sullivan, "Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) will account for approximately 75% of world’s voice services by 007." This is staggering when considering that in 00 , worldwide total voice revenue was more than US $1 trillion. Why are so many companies jumping on the VoIP bandwagon? And, what did they consider when making the switch? This paper looks at VoIP with small-to-medium size 3 businesses in mind, and we’ll address some of these issues.

Where do we begin?
The first undertaking is to understand and agree with the strategy that converged networks will reduce toll charges, while making your network easier to manage because you are only managing one network rather than two separate ones. Ultimately, your company’s total cost of ownership (TCO) will be lowered, and you will benefit from a host of new and integrated applications that are available when you combine your voice and data networks. So if you agree that VoIP can provide you with a reduced TCO of your voice and data networks coupled with a flexible business communications system that is easier to administer moves, adds and changes, then let’s proceed to build the business case.

What’s the correct approach for my business?
Dimension Data recommends that you commence any discussion about VoIP by looking at your business communication requirements as well as by examining your existing voice and data networks to determine how "convergence-ready" you are. In other words, how prepared is your data network infrastructure to handle a mission-critical application like voice, and possibly video? Once you’ve gathered information from key personnel, identified your business communication requirements and looked at your future initiatives and existing systems, you’re ready to begin the process.

Is a gradual implementation best?
If you’re thinking about implementing a VoIP platform, "rip-and-replace" is not your only option. Once you make a decision to implement VoIP in your business, you can begin to incorporate a strategy in your network hardware purchases. For example, if you’re purchasing a new router, make sure it has voice and security features integrated rather than purchasing a conventional data-only router. If you proceed to purchase network hardware and upgrade existing equipment, you’ve begun the process of a gradual migration to VoIP, by laying the foundation for a converged network. If you buy an integrated services router, it can also function as a LAN switch and an IP-PBX when you’re ready to move to VoIP. It may add a few dollars to your router purchase, but it extends the life of the router by being "convergence-ready".

Also, look at the cost of support for your existing router. If you’ve depreciated your router or purchased it outright, remember to add in the cost of support. An old router that adds $7,500 in support charges each year isn’t free. If you’re purchasing a switch, make sure to invest in one that has Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports, which enables IP phones to be powered by an Ethernet cable when you migrate to IPT. This basic approach to upgrades and network equipment purchases, extends the value of the gear and positions you for the future. If you’re not ready for VoIP today, this approach will provide you with a gradual migration to a VoIP platform in the future.

How do I assess my IT environment?
Once you’ve made the commitment to buy "convergence-ready" network gear, begin your VoIP assessment. Understand your business drivers, assess your current infrastructure, perform "what if" scenarios so you analyze different options from every perspective - technical, business and financial. This approach will allow you to get the maximum value from your VoIP network when you’re ready. If possible, partner with a full-service IT solutions provider, like Dimension Data, who can help you recognize potential issues and recommend solutions that can enhance the platform.

Take small steps at first. Choose a pilot with a few users before rolling out your project throughout your organization. Or, start with a small office or Greenfield location, enabling you to roll those locations into the main sites when you migrate the remainder of the organization to VoIP. As you begin to enable your locations with VoIP, you also begin to build in redundancy and resiliency in your voice platform as individual sites can serve as disaster recovery sites for other locations within your organization.

VoIP platforms are becoming an integral component in the corporate telecommunications environment. A well-designed VoIP system can complement an existing TDM PBX environment and gradually replace it when the legacy equipment is no longer serviceable and doesn’t meet the company’s requirements. This hybrid environment benefits both the company and the users because a company can easily migrate to VoIP when the time is right, and users can gradually enjoy the features VoIP brings. By taking small steps, the end users will become familiar with VoIP and its benefits and the overall implementation will ultimately be much smoother.

Once a typical village known as Edo - the city became the political center of the country when Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the most powerful rulers, established his feudal government here during the 16th century. But, Tokyo got its present name when the emperor Meiji shifted his capital from Kyoto to Edo. A city of contrasts, Tokyo has now become one of the most popular destinations in the world, brimming with world-class attractions.

Tokyo has to its credit such a great number of attractions that it takes months to explore them all. One of the most popular among the city’s attractions is Imperial Palace, which is still the residence of the emperor of Japan. The palace is built on a huge amazing site, where still the remains of Edo Castle can be seen. Another worth-visiting attraction here is Diet Parliament, which was opened in 1936. Equally worth mentioning is Kabuki-za Theatre, which is perhaps the most popular in the country. Opened its door in 1889, the theatre conducts daily performances.

No visit to Tokyo would be complete without taking a tour to Akihabara, also known as Akihabara Electric Town or Akiba. This area boasts of an enormous collection of electronic shops. Also, a great attraction in the city is Tokyo Tower, a soaring structure that takes after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. A marine aquarium can also be seen here. Additionally, Tokyo is home to Tsukiji Central Wholesale Market, one of the largest fish market in the world.

Other not to miss destinations in Tokyo are Shinjuku, a business area of the city with one of the biggest amusement squares in the country; Asakusa, with attractions such as Sensoji Temple and the Kaminarimon gate; Roppongi, a trendy area regarded as the international area of the city; and Odaiba, a highly developed waterfront as well as island area in Tokyo bay.

Above all, while your stay in the city, don’t miss Tokyo Disneyland, an amusement park with highlights such as Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour, Fantillusion, Western River Railroad, The Mickey Mouse Review, and Meet the World.

Shrines and Temples - Each of the temples in the city is truly a sight to see. Most popular among the shrines in the area is Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. Located in Asakusa, the temple is a Buddhist shrine, with features such as the Kaminarimon or thunder gate and a five-storied pagoda. Nakamise, a shopping street with a history of several centuries, leads to the second gate of the temple, Hozomon.

Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife Shoken, is another popular temple in the city. Completed in 1920 and rebuilt after the Second World War, Meiji Shrine is home to various festivals and events.

A visit to such shrines as Sengakuji Temple, where 47 Ronin are buried; Yasukini Shrine, which commemorate Japan’s war dead; and Zojoji Temple - the main shrine of Buddhist Jado sect would be a great experience.

Museums - Tokyo has a great number of museums, which among many others, are the Tokyo National Museum - the oldest as well as the largest in the country; Mitsuo Aida Museum, with a rare collection of artifacts; Edo Tokyo Museum, where on display are artifacts related to the city’s history and culture; O Art Museum, a multi-purpose art museum; Mori Art Museum, showcasing contemporary Japanese art; Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum; Nezu Institute of Fine Art; the Bunkamura Museum of Fine Art; Science Museum of Tokyo, and Sompo Japan Museum of Art, housing works of Seiji Togo, a well-known Japanese artist.

Parks and Gardens - For nature lovers, Tokyo has an astounding array of parks and gardens. Some of the most popular among them are:

- Rikugien, a beautiful landscape garden designed in Japanese style

- Hama Rikyu, one of the most attractive gardens in the area, which once served as the garden of a feudal lord’s residence during the Edo period

- Kyu Shiba Rikyu Onshi Teien, which is developed on the site which was earlier the residence of several feudal lords as well as government officials

- East Gardens, an amazing garden located within the compounds of the Imperial Palace

- Ueno Park, one of the largest public parks in the country, is home to many museums, such as the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum for Western Art

- Yoyogi Koen, a unique park designed in western style

Tokyo has some of the best shopping areas in the form of Ginza district, located in the heart of the city. Many stores designer items, jewelry, and apparels can be seen here. Among the largest department stores in the area are Hankyu, Seibu, Printemps, Matsuya, Wako and Mikimoto.

The island can be easily reached from Bali through an enjoyable boat ride or via a 30-minutes flight from Denpasar International Airport in Bali. Lombok is made up of three administrative regions: Central Lombok, West Lombok, and Eastern Lombok. Mataram, located to the west, is the administrative capital as well as the largest city in the island. Lombok’s other prominent two cities are Selong in the east and Praya in the center.

Dominated by the magnificent Mount Rinjani, perched about 3500 meters above sea level - Lombok has more than a dozen of incredible beaches, and is much favored for its beautiful landscapes comprising charming mountainsides, towering volcanoes, swaying palm trees, and stunning bamboo plantations. The island, with its incredible sandy beaches, becomes truly magical when twilight sets in. In deed, Lombok is truly a paradise, and no wonder why vacationers including honeymooners visit this amazing destination year-round.

Most popular among the attractions of Lombok is undoubtedly its beaches, of which perhaps the most prominent is Senggigi. A perfect spot to relax and unwind, Senggigi is an awesome beach resort area, boasting of an array of white sandy beaches as well as safe swimming areas. The central region of Senggigi has some excellent spots for enjoying surfing. The vivid reef seen here forms shelter for a variety of rare species of marine life. In addition, its elegantly shaped coral makes it an excellent spot for snorkeling. Senggigi also provides superb facilities for activities such as canoeing and boating.

Excellent beaches are also found in the Gili Islands, located off the north-west coast of Lombok. An archipelago of three stunning islands such as Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan, Gili’s each island features superb white sandy beaches, picturesque coral reefs, azure blue water, and multi-colored fish, all of them making it a great spot for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling. Gili Islands are much popular among the westerners as well as travelers looking for a secluded island experience.

Another unbelievable beach in the island is Kuta, situated on the south coast of the island. During the low tides, the beach becomes a shallow water pool with turquoise blue water, thereby making it a haven for swimming. Tanjung Aan and Gerupak are the other popular beaches in the area.

However, the attractions in Lombok are not just beaches, but beyond that. Many of the prime attractions in Lombok are centered around its capital city, Mataram, which is also the seat of administration of the island. Mataram has something for everyone. For instance, if you are an art and culture lover, then take a tour to the Mataram main square, where art exhibitions and puppet shows are organized. Sightseeing options are also aplenty in Mataram, and just few among them are Karang Bayan Traditional Village, Narmada Park, Mayura and Bale Kambang, and Mayura Water Palace.

A plenty of sightseeing options are also available in Lombok cities such as Cakranegara, which is regarded as the commercial center of the island and inhabited by Chinese and Balinese communities. The focal point of the city is the Paru Meru, the largest temple in Lombok. Many of the restaurants and outlets found here are owned by Chinese; hence this city is sometimes referred to as the Chinatown. Also, a popular city is Ampenan, a port town which is home to the only airport in Lombok. Not to miss attractions in the city are the Water Temple of Pura Segara on the northern shores of Ampenan and the Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat museum.

Lombok has a great number of hotels to cater to every taste and budget. For those who want to experience the tranquility of Lombok in luxury, then some excellent choices are available in the form of upscale hotels with rooms appointed with top-end amenities. Some hotels provide packages inclusive of sightseeing and facilities for enjoying a continuum of activities such as trekking, snorkeling, diving, golfing, and surfing. There are also hotels providing superb packages for conducting beach weddings in Lombok.