IE Singapore and Microsoft bring software vendors to Washington

Group's joint effort will help independent software vendors identify cloud computing opportunities for cost effective operations through a conference.

In their first joint effort, IE Singapore and Microsoft Singapore will bring 10 Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) from Singapore to the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) 2010 in Washington D.C. They will be part of a 25-company strong delegation representing Singapore from 11 to 15 July. This is the first time there will be a Singapore Pavilion at the conference and it is jointly supported by IE Singapore and Microsoft Singapore. A total of 62 attendees from the Singapore delegation are expected to be present at the event, making it one of the largest contingents present at this year’s WPC. The WPC is an annual gathering where the Microsoft Partner Community learns about Microsoft’s roadmap for the year, according to an IE Singapore announcement.

The group of Singapore ISVs who are taking part in this showcase are Gurusoft, Astoria Consulting, StarVision, Inspire-Tech, iqDynamics, Integral Solutions, aZaaS, Inchone, Protege Software and WebSynergies. This year, the conference will focus on Cloud Computing, which is considered to be the biggest change for the industry since the Internet. Key benefits of Cloud Computing include reductions in operational costs and most importantly, the freeing up of staff and management talent so they can be more effectively utilised elsewhere within the company. In this vein, Microsoft is also placing more focus on its cloud services and offerings by developing enterprise-ready cloud-based products with its partners.

All of the ISVs offer comprehensive solutions to a wide range of users and are noted in their industry for their services. For example, Gurusoft was named the Microsoft ISV of the Year in 2009 and Astoria Consulting received the Microsoft Innovation Award in 2008.

“Microsoft believes that a strong ecosystem of developers, start-ups and ISVs brings tremendous economic value to the national economy, our partners and customers. In fact, in Singapore for $1 Microsoft makes, our partners make $8. Sending these ISVs to WPC makes a powerful statement about the innovation and strength of Singapore’s IT industry,” said John Fernandes, Director, Developer and Platform Evangelism, Microsoft Singapore. “As members of the Microsoft Business Enablement Programme, we are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing them share their expertise and service excellence with a global audience.”

Mr. Yew Sung Pei, IE Singapore’s Assistant Chief Executive said, “IE Singapore sees a lot of benefit from partnerships to reach out to industry heavyweights and SMEs. This two pronged approach is part of IE Singapore’s initiative to leverage on MNCs’ international network to assist Singapore promising SMEs. We hope that such collaborations will provide the Singapore companies with suitable platforms and opportunities to export their solutions overseas.”