Yesterday, Microsoft’s Development & Platform Evangelism (DPE) group, in partnership with Lane Systems Inc. (LSI), held a long-overdue educational event in Davao City for the benefit of local software developers. According to Rodney Jao, president of LSI, the last time that Microsoft held an official event in the city was almost two years ago.
The seminar, held at the Grand Men Seng Hotel from 1:30 to 4:30 PM, focused on developing business applications for Windows Mobile, presented by Jao, who is a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) for Device Applications Development. In attendance were representatives of corporate IT departments and independent software companies, as well as freelance programmers and students.
Judging by their positive reactions, participants of the seminar appreciated not only the expert delivery of the seminar’s content, but the content itself. Key points of Jao’s presentation were: new features of Microsoft’s development platforms, trends in mobile applications, the business aspect of developing and deploying mobile applications.
‘Mobile application’ refers to software programs built for portable devices such as mobile phones and other handheld gadgets. Jao also announced the availability of the new Internet Explorer Mobile 6, which is now ready for download.
Representing Microsoft Philippines were Ma. Angelica Radan, who heads product and audience marketing, and George Parrilla, who is a partner account manager based out of Cebu.
Radan announced that Davao City would be the venue of a Developer Days event early next year. “DevDays” is a uniquely Microsoft brand of getting IT professionals together in high-tech and interactive educational sessions, and where this software giant’s new and emerging technologies are unveiled. More details of this major undertaking will be announced here in the near future.
Another welcome development is Microsoft’s stance in supporting local companies through the provision of affordable business software. Yes, that’s right: affordable Microsoft products. These are not stripped-down versions of Microsoft Office or SequelServer or any such ploy. Radan explains that MS Philippines is offering their industry-strength development applications at ridiculously low rates in order to help startups grow their business.
Radan expounded further that the real objective is to help improve local economies by strengthening the IT industry, particularly the software development sector. By encouraging the development of local talent, she explained, this sector will be able to gainfully contribute to the strengthening of the Philippine economy. As can be seen in their educational thrusts, MS Philippines “is becoming very aggressive in evangelizing new technologies that can help the economy by developing technical skills,” Radan said.
This “local software economy initiative” is called BizSpark. For only US$100, SMITEs (small and medium IT enterprises) will be able to avail of licenses for Microsoft’s development tools, operating systems, even MS Office®. Eligible to apply for this offering are startup IT companies (i.e., less than 3 years in existence) with an operating capitalization of not more than Php1.5 million. Also, interested companies must be nominated and sponsored by a Microsoft network partner.
In Davao City, the Association of Solution Integrators in Davao (ASID) is in talks with MS Philippines to become the local network partner here. ASID shares Microsoft’s conviction in developing the local economy through information technology, and is committed to buttressing the software sector.
BizSpark will be launched on 11 December 2008. ASID will be entertaining applications to this initiative soon after. More details on this as we finalize arrangements with MS Philippines. Yours truly is the executive director of ASID, and will be making sure that Davao IT companies benefit from this program.
Speaking of marketing, here’s something that might be of interest: Ned and Ardy Roberto releases marketing business solutions book.
wow astig ang microsoft!