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| Tuesday, 02 November 2004 |
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Computer boom Computers, however powerful and fast they may be, cannot function without human intervention. They need specific instructions in the form of software to run programs. And one company, Microsoft, virtually dominates the computer software field. Its Windows operating system runs more than 90 per cent of computers worldwide, though rival Apple is catching up with its own Macintosh system. Despite the forward march of pretenders to the throne, Microsoft remains the undisputed king in the computer world. The largest computer software company in the world was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen at a time when personal computers were just coming on to the market. They were horrendously slow by today's standards, but Microsoft was nicely positioned to cash in on the computer boom. The software giant would not have come this far without its dedicated band of programmers and workers the world over. Human resources are the lifeblood of any company, big or small. Microsoft firmly believes in this adage. Microsoft, which now has a permanent presence in Sri Lanka, has expressed its commitment to train human resources in Sri Lanka which will allow them to enrich the country's software development skills and other talents while keeping room to embrace the latest Microsoft technology. It has already taken initiatives to train Microsoft professionals attached to Microsoft Sri Lanka in USA, Singapore and India. As a Microsoft spokesman has pointed out, Sri Lanka which was once isolated from the global Information and Communications Technology map is fast gaining world recognition. Microsoft has pledged to do its utmost to develop academic progress in Sri Lanka which will increase the ICT literacy rate in the long term. Microsoft deserves plaudits for its renewed commitment to train Sri Lankan software professionals. They will get an opportunity to interact with top Microsoft experts and enhance their knowledge on the latest developments in computer software and hardware. Other aspects such as work ethics, productivity and punctuality will also be part of the training. After all no company, in whatever enterprise, can prosper without the periodic training of its workforce. It is also heartening to note that Microsoft is sponsoring community-based technology and learning centres through its Unlimited Potential (UP) global program which provides technology skills for under-served young people and adults. This is another valuable lesson for all corporate entities. Serving the community should be an integral part of corporate culture. Microsoft's community learning centres program should also blend in perfectly with the Government's e-Lanka initiatives which envisage a greater penetration of computer knowledge in all areas of the country. Achieving that objective will be easier if Sri Lanka itself can manufacture computer software and hardware at affordable prices. It is in this context that we should appreciate the recent launch of a locally made notebook computer badged ICM. The assembly and introduction of a high quality notebook computer in Sri Lanka is a noteworthy achievement. The computer seems to be second to none in terms of specifications, as it includes the very latest software, hardware components and socketry. It is also much cheaper than the equivalent foreign models. Intel, the microchip manufacturer, must also be commended for its partnership with ICM. Local companies need such partnerships and technology transfer schemes to get ahead in a competitive business environment. In the long term, the notebook company would be able to explore export opportunities, depending on its success in the home market. The expansion of ventures of this nature will also generate many employment opportunities and even help prevent the exodus of IT professionals in search of greener pastures, if they are given the right incentives. The Government should grant concessions and incentives for local companies in the IT sector. Their innovations should be rewarded in an appropriate manner. Such recognition will propel them to greater heights. |
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Produced by Lake House |
