In order to promote Information Technology industry in Pakistan, MS (Microsoft) in coordination with Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) announced to launch 'Software Business Accelerator' programme here on Thursday. In this respect, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between MS and PSEB.
According to the MoU, Microsoft will consider the availability of world-class manpower in Pakistan and Conducive environment for Research and Development in IT.
The programme will provide a good opportunity to participating companies to grow and evolve by leveraging MS and its partners' expertise in quality software development, business management, business planning and financing, marketing collateral development, global alliances and international sales. PSEB Managing Director Yusuf Hussain and Microsoft General Manager Charles Nahas signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations.
According to Yusuf Hussain, the Ministry of Information Technology (MoIT) and PSEB had launched a Global 2000 partnership initiative, which seeks to bring more Global 2000 development and support centers to Pakistan, expand current operations and provide exposure to domestic IT companies.
"This initiative will help in job creation, human capital development and access by Pakistani IT companies to international markets", he said, adding this would increase the capacity building of IT industry of Pakistan. MS will develop the Developer Support Center in Pakistan provided that PSEB and Microsoft jointly develop to a self-sustaining model for such a center to operate in a commercially viable manner".
Charles Nahas said that Pakistan offers competitive global market for IT investment. Moreover, Microsoft will also offer Royalty Agreement Programme for participating companies to gain more leverage and advantage on selling Microsoft based technologies.
He confirmed, "Microsoft will make the facility of international and local telesales services available for enrolled IT companies to avail this value added service and receive leads for their products in markets that they consider are important for their applications". Similarly, MS will also make the online marketing tool available that helps in providing content and facilitates designing of marketing collateral.