With Broadband due to be rolled out soon to nine more Orkney communities, two lets-get-connected initiatives are planned to help business and home computer users take full advantage of high speed Internet access.

By early September, 18 of the 23 telephone exchanges in the islands are expected to be Broadband enabled, with the rest providing the service by the end of the year.

To enable computer users - both private and commercial - to make best use to Broadband, Orkney Enterprise is bringing an award-winning road show to the county.

The MOLI (Mobile Online Learning Initiative) Bus is equipped with 10 computer stations and manned by Broadband experts.

The most advanced vehicle of its type in the UK, this luxury coach with a difference has been designed to take awareness-raising sessions to remote and rural communities across Scotland.

"It's a state-of-the-art e-learning centre," said Ruth Kirkpatrick, senior development manager at Orkney Enterprise. "It provides an exciting hands-on opportunity to discover how rapid access using Broadband can transform your use of the Internet."

A special workshop for businesses is also to be staged at Orkney College as part of the Orkney International Science Festival.

Hosted by Broadband and e-business consultant Maarten de Vries, the aim is to demonstrate how companies large and small can harness advances in technology to improve performance and profitability.

"With Broadband rapidly being rolled out across Orkney we felt this was the ideal time for both initiatives," said Ruth Kirkpatrick.

"The MOLI Bus will provide a good introduction to what Broadband can offer both home computer users and businesses.

"You can discover what Broadband is, how to get connected, the costs involved and the benefits it can provide."

Short training sessions will be on offer, covering everything from online security to experiencing e-commerce through Internet auction sites like eBay.

Meanwhile, the Science Festival event at Orkney College - called the e-Business Technology Transfer (e-BaTT) Workshop - will provide businesses with a more in depth opportunity to embrace Broadband.

"For many businesses, their Internet connection has been a bottle neck between them and the world," said Maarten de Vries.

"Broadband has opened that up allowing businesses to become more effective and efficient, tackle new markets and develop new products.

"It now becomes possible, for instance, for a small hotel to operate a fully functional online booking service, or for companies to benefit from the rapid development of e-procurement - with many public sector organisations electing to buy supplies electronically from businesses."

For firms looking to broaden their expertise still further, one-to-one clinics can be arranged with Maarten de Vries and local IT consultant Steven Heddle.

"Broadband will have a big impact on many of our lives," added Ruth Kirkpatrick.

"It's a vital tool for business - giving companies in Orkney the opportunity to compete on a level playing field with those in less remote locations.

"For home computer users the difference Broadband makes can be quite incredible, transforming the way you use the Internet for everything from shopping and banking to booking a holiday and sending family photos by email.

"The two initiatives will help all of us to join the Broadband revolution."

MOLI is due to visit Orkney College, Kirkwall, on Monday, September 5; Sanday School on Tuesday, September 6; Stronsay Community Centre on Wednesday, September 7; Pierowall School, Westray, on Thursday, September 8; and Stromness Pierhead on Saturday, September 10.

For further information contact Valerie Sinclair at Orkney Enterprise on 01856 888721. 

Details of the e-BaTT workshop are also available at www.hie.co.uk/e-batt or by phoning 0800 032 8080.